2026 Team Preview: The Palmyra Cougars

Tagged under: District 3, News, Team Previews

Cody Brady | August 7, 2026

The Palmyra Cougars

Head Coach: Chris Pavone

PIAA District 3

Class 4a

Mid Penn Conference (Keystone Division)

2025 Season Record: 3-7

Key Starters Lost

Travis McDannell (RB) Brayden Hoover (TE) Braxtin Risser (WR) Talon Speck (WR) Nate Holt (WR/DL) Riley Litzenberger (FB) Peter Diguardia (DB) Jake Schelhorn (LB)

Returning Starters

O Returning:
Roman Russek (Sr. QB, 6-2, 200)
Aaron Villafane (Sr. RB, 5-8, 190)
Alex Csongradi (Sr. RB, 5-9, 170)
Jaxin Robinson (So. Athlete, 6-1, 160)
Mason Kyper (So. WR, 5-10, 145)
Braeden Basehore (Sr. OL, 5-10, 220)
Jackson Kipp (Sr. OL, 5-9, 230)
Ryan Craig (Jr. OL, 6-0, 255)
Chris Kleinfelter (Jr. OL, 6-1, 230)
Jackson Smith (Jr. OL, 6-4, 260)
Anthony Pinko (Jr. TE, 6-0, 200)
D Returning:
Braeden Basehore (Sr. DL, 5-10, 220)
Greg Stoak (Jr. DL, 5-9, 330)
Kyler Sparks (Jr. DL, 5-8, 180)
Jackson Kipp (Sr. DL, 5-9, 230)
Ryan Craig (Jr. DL, 6-0, 255)
Jackson Smith (Jr. DL, 6-4, 260)
Chris Kleinfelter (Jr. DL, 6-1, 230)
Noah Krupko (Jr. OL/DL, 6-0, 220)
Garrison John (So. OL/DL, 6-0, 260)
Anthony Pinko (Jr. LB, 6-0, 200)
Cadin Smith (Jr. LB, 5-7, 160)
Aaron Villafane (Sr. LB, 5-8, 190)
Sid Harrison (Jr. DB, 5-8, 145)
Wyatt Fogleman (Sr. DB, 5-9, 150)
Mason Kyper (So. DB, 5-10, 145)
Louis Loew (Jr. DB, 5-8, 140)
Jaxin Robinson (So. DB, 6-1, 160)
ST Returning:
Brenden Crout (Sr. Kicker, 5-6, 125)
Anthony Pinko (Jr. Punter, 6-0, 200)
Alex Csongradi (Sr. Returner, 5-9, 170)
Ryan Craig (Jr. Long Snapper, 6-0, 255)

Key Newcomers

Geno Doone (Sr. TE/LB, 5-10, 210)
Adam McKelvey (Sr. FB/LB, 5-9. 185)
Josh Tshudy (Sr. TE/DL, 6-5, 230)
Joey White (Sr. WR/DB, 5-11, 180)
Tyler Craig (So. OL/DL, 6-1, 225)
Brayden Buffington (So. WR/DB, 6-2, 170)
Owen Kupstas (So. TE/LB, 5-10, 215)
Coda Jones (Fr. FB/LB, 5-11, 170)

Season Outlook

Heading into 2026, we return a strong core of experienced players across all three phases of the game. Offensively, we bring back all five starting offensive linemen, an experienced quarterback with more than 15 varsity starts, and a talented group of skill players, while several new contributors are ready to step into expanded roles. Defensively, we return experienced players at every level and are excited about the development of young athletes who will make an immediate impact. On special teams, we have a solid foundation of experienced contributors in both the kicking and return game. As a team, our identity will continue to be built on playing fast, physical, and aggressive football. Our focus is on executing our assignments, protecting the football, limiting explosive plays, winning the field position battle, and creating game-changing moments through takeaways, special teams, and explosive plays. With a combination of experienced leadership and emerging talent, we expect to compete at a high level in all three phases throughout the 2026 season. Chris Pavone, Head Coach

palmyra by PAFootball Newsdotcom

2026 Schedule and team news page

	08-22 10:00 am	vs. Northern Lebanon (0-0)	Scrimmage	–
	08-22 10:00 am	vs. Annville-Cleona (0-0)	Scrimmage	–
	08-28 7:00 pm	vs. Garden Spot (0-0)		–
	09-04 7:00 pm	@ Red Land (0-0)	Division Game / League Game	–
	09-11 7:00 pm	vs. Mifflin County (0-0)	Division Game / League Game	–
	09-18 7:00 pm	@ Hershey (0-0)	Division Game / League Game	–
	09-25 7:00 pm	vs. Waynesboro (0-0)	Division Game / League Game	–
	10-02 7:00 pm	vs. Northern York (0-0)	Division Game / League Game	–
	10-09 7:00 pm	@ Mechanicsburg (0-0)	Division Game / League Game	–
	10-16 7:00 pm	vs. Lower Dauphin (0-0)	Division Game / League Game	–
	10-23 7:00 pm	@ Gettysburg (0-0)	Division Game / League Game	–
	10-30 7:00 pm	@ Shippensburg (0-0)	Division Game / League Game	–

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