PHAC Preview 2024
Tagged under: Conference Previews, District 4, News
Dave Fegley | August 22, 2024
Football Ready In Central PA
There are plenty of storylines heading into the 2024 high school football season in the Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference.Between the 19 teams, they are all excited to get the helmets on and go to work on Friday nights. Will the Tigers of Southern Columbia be able to keep their historic PIAA Championship streak alive? Is this the year that Danville can make it to Week 16? How will Jersey Shore bounce back after a tragic season? Can the Defenders and Green Dragons win playoff games again? Is the Coal Bucket going to remain in Tornado Territory for yet another year?
The answers to those questions aren’t far away as the clashes on the gridiron begin on Friday. With division realignments, some teams in the PHAC will have schedules that look a lot different from the past cycle.
Here is a look at the predicted players of the year for the PHAC, most competitive game each week and division champions.
Offense: Madden Patrick (Danville)
The senior quarterback is looking to help the Ironmen reach their first ever state championship game. With some teams from last year moving up from 3A to 4A in the PIAA, the path might not be quite as difficult. Last season, Patrick broke Danville’s single-season records in passing yards and touchdowns. He threw for 3,289 yards and 49 TDs and has a lot of skill players returing to throw to.
“He really understands the game. He makes good decisions and is very smart when he is making his throws. Yes, we graduated a great receiver from last year in Aaron Johnson who set a state record for touchdown catches in a season (28), but we have a lot of guys back that we have confidence in,” said Danville coach Carl Majer. “Madden is the closest thing I have seen since Ron Powlus played at Berwick. He is that talented. We are excited to see how he has elevated his game to an even higher level in his final year in our program.”
Defense: Dominic Fetterolf (Southern Columbia)
When is comes to defense in the Tigers’ system, there have been a lot of legends that have come before Fetterolf. However, the SCA senior has an opportunity in his final year wearing the black and gold uniform to set a new program record for career tackles. Fetterolf enters his senior campaign with 433 tackles, needing just 42 more to break Michigan State Cal Haladay’s record at Southern. Fetterolf could also join a trio of Tigers in Haladay, Julian Fleming, and Gaige Garcia as the fourth ever player in Pennsylvania to be named to the all-state team four times.
“Dom is a tough player. He makes the right read and is able to find the football. He is explosive and gets in on a lot of tackles. He suffered an ACL tear in the state title game his freshman season, but has obviously the past two years shown that it doesn’t impact his play,” Southern Columbia coach Jim Roth said. “Having him next to Garrett Garcia earlier in his career made a heck of a duo at inside-linebacker. Now, we are looking at Dom to be a leader on defense as we have a lot of first-year starters this season on that side of the ball.”
Games of the Week:
Week 1: Central Columbia @ Midd-West
Week 2: Milton @ Montoursville
Week 3: Selinsgrove @ Jersey Shore
Week 4: Southern Columbia @ Mount Carmel
Week 5: Lewisburg @ Warrior Run
Week 6: Shikellamy @ Central Mountain
Week 7: Mount Carmel @ Danville
Week 8: Warrior Run @ Hughesville
Week 9: Montoursville @ Lewisburg
Week 10: Bloomsburg @ Central Columbia
Predicted Division Winners:
Division 1: Jersey Shore
Division 2: Danville
Division 3: Loyalsock
Division 1:
Central Mountain
Head Coach: Travis Thompson
Last Season: 3-8
The Wildcats are going to be very young this year. Coach Thompson is hoping the off season work his players put in translates to success.
Coach Thompson says: We are going to have a lot of new names on the field after losing 25 Srs, however, competition has been intense all summer and we will have plenty of kids ready to step up and continue to establish a winning culture at Central Mountain. Defensively we will rely on our battle tested LB core to stop the run and put pressure on opposing offenses, while offensively moving Cooper Bottorf from OG to FB will help establish a powerful running game, looking to punish defensive interiors.
Returning Players: Cooper Bottorf FB/LB, 6’1″, 235, 12 – Hunter Hoy QB/DB, 6’2″, 170, 12 – Jake Weaver RB/LB, 5’8, 185, 12 – Kole Corman RB/LB, 6’1″ 180, 10 – Kai Fravel RB/LB 5’11, 195, 10
Key Newcomers: Ricky Rohrbach WR/DB – Alex Coakley OL/DL – Khye Kissel QB/DB – Isaiah Maldonado WR/DB – Devon Rhodes OL/DL – Evan Hardy OL/DL – Gavin Heverly WR/DB – Jacob Nyman RB/LB – Todd Caris OL/DL
Jersey Shore
Head Coach: Tom Gravish
Last Season: 10-1-1
It was a tough, emotional season for the Bulldogs. This year they look to continue their amazing run.
Gravish says: We look to be as balanced as possible on offense. Offensively we need to be in great down and distance situations. Defensively, we need to put our opponents in unmanageable down & distance situations and create turnovers. On Special Team, our goal is to make as many splash plays as possible.
Returning Players: Elijah Jordan QB. 6′ 190 SR Bo Sechrist RB. 5’10” 185. JR Brodie Herr RB 5″10″. 205 SR Evan Snyder WR 6′ 170. SR Luke Thompson. TE 6’1″. 205. JR Slate Sechrist OL 6′ 225 SR Owen Van Druff OL 6’1″ 255. sr Zach Myers OL. 6’1″ 235. SR Kaden Walker. OL 6′. 225. SR Mason Larson. C 5’10” 240 JR Elijah Jordan SAF. 6′ 190 SR Bo Sechrist LB. 5’10” 185. JR Brodie Herr LB 5″10″. 205 SR Evan Snyder CB 6′ 170. SR Luke Thompson. DE 6’1″. 205. JR Slate Sechrist DT 6′ 225 SR Kaden Walker DT 6′ 225 SR Talyn Mauck. SAF 5″10″. 175. SR Brodie Herr K/P 5″10″. 205 SR
Newcomers: Blake Oglesby OL/DL. 6′. 225. SR Brayden Swales OL/DL 6’3″. 275. JR Aiden Palmeter. OL/DL. 6′. 205. SR Luke Ryan. WR/CB 6’1″. 180. JR Carson Watkins WR/CB 6’2″ 170. JR Zeke Sechrist RB/LB. 5″10″ 180. SOPH Talyn Lope OL/DT 5″10″. 210 JR Dubbs Bloom. OL/DL. 6’6′. 300. JR Paul Hale. WR/CB 6′. 180. SR Trent Severino. WR/DE. 6′ 190 SR Nolan Pauling QB/SAF. 5″9″. 170. FR
Shamokin
Head Coach: Marc Persing
Last Season: 5-6
The Indians look to improve on last years 5-6 record. Look for Chase Pensyl to lead the way at WR and a veteran line to pave the way.
2024 Schedule
Shikellamy
Head Coach: Jim Keiser
Last Season: 2-9
This is another young team that looks to improve. WR/DB Thomas Pollock is a stud and will help lead the team. Sophmore Brody Rebuck threw for over 1800 yards and the Brave return a good portion of their line.
2024 Schedule
Selinsgrove
Head Coach: Matt Wenrich
Last Season: 13-1-1
Woof. The Seals lost a ton of production to graduation but that doesn’t mean they won’t be competitive. Losing RB Tucker Teats, QB Mark Pastore, WR Caleb Hicks and TE Roy Sassaman is a tough blow. Rocco Amato will only be a sophomore at qb. They do return FB Ethan Miller and receiver Gavin Bastian but this team has a lot to do to match up with last years success.
Williamsport
Head Coach: Mike Pearson
Last Season: 5-6
The Millionaires left the Wyoming Valley Conference for the PHAC. This is their first year in the conference.
Coach Pearson says: Coming off an Eastern Conference Championship in 2022 and then to qualify to compete in the PIAA playoffs down in the Lehigh Valley for the 2023 season, we have be working hard as a program to fight our way forward while playing an excellent schedule with great opponents. In 2024, we will have an opportunity to face excellent competition again with high hopes of taking another step forward in our progress. We will be thrilled if we earn the opportunity to return to the PIAA playoffs again in 2024.
Returning Players: Kahyear Whaley RB 5’10” 185 2025, Jayden Ransom TE/LB 5’10” 190 2025, Elijah Way QB 5’11 200 2025, Lucas Naughton LB 5’09” 190 2026, Kyreek Bradshaw WR 6’2″ 170 2025, Aiden Everett FS/WR 6’0″ 170 2025, Dallas Brockway OL 6’1″ 225 2025, Jason Love-Ritchey NG, 5’10 235 2026, Kaleb Way OL/LB 6’0 210 2026, Brady Neenan OL/DE 6’0 210 2026, Kai Payton TE/DE, 6’1″ 210 2026
Newcomers: Zion Hughes QB 6’1″ 178 2027, Trey Damschroder WR/CB 6’0 170 2027, Jamel Baily TB, 6’1″ 227 2025, Parker Johnson K/P 6’2″ 200 2025
Division 2:
Central Columbia
Head Coach: EJ Smith
Last Season: 1-9
Interview done by Davin Ridall (PFN Intern)
What are your expectations for the team this season?
I am excited about his year’s team. We are replacing a few seniors that were big contributors last year. I believe that our offensive line will be good as well as our running backs. Defensively, we have a bunch of returning of starters. I believe we will be led by a good group of lineman and linebackers. On Special Teams, we have both our kicker and punter returning along with return man Aidan Huntington. We are excited to build on a successful year on special teams.
What do you think are the biggest question marks for the team this year?
Our biggest question mark going into this season on offense is our Quarterback and Receivers. Parker Day will be our new starting QB, and we have a committee of receivers that will try to replace Eli Book who graduated. On defense the biggest question mark is in our secondary. We are replacing 3 seniors that were very good for us last year.
When your team is on offense, what are the keys to success?
The keys to success for us on offense is our offensive line. We have several players returning that started or played last season. Another key to us is understanding our new offense and limiting mental mistakes. We would like to stay ahead of the chains this season.
When your team is on defense, what are the keys to success?
The keys to us have success on defense is getting helmets to the football. Our defense will relay on a very good defensive line along with athletic linebackers. Our goal is to attack offenses and get them out of rhythm.
Key Starters Lost:– Eli Book (WR/DB/Returner)- Aiden Hidlay (OL/DL)- Clayton Ackerman (OL/DL)- Jaxon Hoffman (WR/DB)- Alex Hosler (WR/DB/Snapper)- Martin Oyar (OL/DL)
What players should we keep an eye on this year?– Aidan Huntington- Gaje Gombert- Kole Hummer- Barron Oyar- Ty Regan- Alex Ziesloft- Parker Day
Danville
Head Coach: Carl Majer
Last Season: 12-2
Last season was another great year for the Ironmen, but they fell just short to Wyomissing. This year they return nearly their entire team. They only big loss, and it’s a big one, is All State receiver Aaron Johnson. Madden Patrick is an All-State quarterback with the talent to lead this team deep into the playoffs once again. Defensively the Ironmen will look to leader Bo Sheptock.
Coach Majer team goal: To win every game we play in. If we win every game we play, we’ll be state champions.
Returning Players: Bo Sheptock, RB/S, 5’11”, 195, 2025 Cole Duffy, WR/DB, 5’9″, 160, 2025 Landon Kehoe, RB/LB, 6’1.5″, 219, 2026 Carter Raup, WR/DB, 6’2″, 170, 2026 Wyatt Shultz, DB, 5’11”, 185, 2025 Madden Patrick, QB, 6’1″, 185, 2025 Garrett Hoffman, K/P, DE, 5’11”, 190, 2025 Cameron Kiersch, WR/RB/LB, 6’1″, 220, 2025 Carter Coombe, DL, 6’2″, 205, 2025 Caleb Fowler, OL/DE, 6’3″220, 2025 Jack Maloyed, OL/DL, 5’11”, 230, 2025 Lincoln Diehl, OL, DL, 5’11”, 218, 2025 Chase Miller, OL/DE, 6’1″, 220, 2025
Key Newcomers: Sam Hummer C/OL Kole Harvey WR/DB
Mifflinburg
Head Coach: Cody Botts (new)
Last Season: 5-6
Coach Botts says: OFFENSE: The key to our offensive success this year hinges on our ability to consistently establish the run game. While we have a ton of confidence in Chad’s ability to air it out and make plays downfield, our primary focus is on playing within our offensive system and being efficient on the ground.
DEFENSE: This season, our defensive success will rely heavily on aggression and strict gap discipline. Each player must commit to doing their 1/11th, focusing solely on their role and playing within the defensive system. Also, need to improve on tackling and our pursuit/flow to the ball.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Our success on special teams this year will hinge on mastering the field position game. We understand the role field position plays in both our offensive and defensive success. Also, we need to improve our kicking placement on kickoffs.
Players lost: Troy Dressler, Kyler Troup, and Sean Grodotzke
Returning Players: OFFENSE: Jr. G Xzavier Croll Jr. QB Chad Martin Jr. WR Landen Murray Sr. RB Ben Reitz Jr. WR Jackson Griffith Jr. RB Kaiden Kmett Jr. C Jack Whittaker Jr. G Mason Schneck Jr. OT Chace Aikey Jr. OT Nathan Criswell
DEFENSE Jr. DE Xzavier Croll Jr. LB Chad Martin Jr. CB Jackson Griffith Jr. CB James Donlin Jr. S Landen Murray Jr. NG Nathan Criswell Jr. DE Mason Schenck Jr. LB Kaiden Kmett Sr. OLB Ben Reitz Sr. LB Brian Reeder So. S Landen Moser
Newcomers:Fr. RB/Slot Seth Hartman Fr. DL and OL Landon Tucker Sr. WR/RB and DB Ian Stoltzfus So. TE and DE Luke Brubaker
Milton
Head Coach: Matt Wilson (new)
Last Year: 9-2
To match last years production, the Panthers of Milton will first have to replace Peyton Rearick and Cale Bastian. They were pretty much most of Miltons offense. They have two young players that could do so in Chris Doyle and Izayah Minium. Heyden Patterson will lead the Milton defense from his end spot. The line on both side needs a little rebuilding but should be fine.
Montoursville
Head Coach: Joe Hanna
Last Season: 3-7
Coach Hanna says: 2024 Offensive Outlook: We return a number of starters on the offensive side of the ball, including our QB Jimmy Mussina and our leading rusher from last season, Christian Banks. We are also returning a number of starters on the offensive line, including seniors Landon Morehart and Nicco DeSanto. We have a number of new players competing for playing time at the receiver spots and on the offensive line as well. Offensively for us to be successful we need to be physical at at the line of scrimmage and be balanced on offense with the ability to create chunk plays on the offensive side of the ball. 2024 Defensive Outlook: The defensive group has a number of starters returning this season as well as a number of newcomers looking to make an impact defensively for us. Our defensive line has a lot of depth and a great mix of returners and newcomers. Our linebacking core includes two of our leading tacklers returning in Owen Kleinman and Christian Banks. Our secondary has been working hard in the offseason improving on our communication and coverage skills and we return a number of players who logged a lot of varsity snaps last year. We need to play fast and physical on defense and be disciplined in our assignments to be successful on the defensive side of the ball. 2024 Special Teams Outlook: We lost our kicker and punter from last year so we need to replace those guys. Gavin Hawley and Shaw Simpson will be competing for the kicking duties and a number of guys will be competing to take over the punting duties.
Offensive Starters Returning: Jimmy Mussina, QB, 5-11, 160, 2025 Todd Crawford, WR, 6-0, 160, 2025 Landon Morehart, OG, 5-10, 260, 2025 Nicco DeSanto, C, 5-8, 230, 2025 Christian Banks, RB, 5-9, 205, 2026 Kingston Fisher, OT, 6-2, 210, 2026 Noah Rakestraw, OT, 5-11, 230, 2026
Defensive Starters Returning: Owen Kleinman, LB, 5-11,190, 2025 Michael Reeder, DB, 5-8, 155, 2025 Kameron Smith, DT, 5-9,185, 2025 Christian Banks, LB, 5-9, 205, 2026 Kane Moore, DB, 5-9, 160, 2026 Ethan Bloom, DT, 6-0, 240, 2026 Hayden Harvey, DB/LB, 5-7, 170, 2027 Special Team Starters Returning: Nicco DeSanto, LS, 5-8, 230, 2025 Jimmy Mussina, Holder, 5-11, 160, 2025
Key Newcomers: Kacen Engel WR/DB Noah Kemmerer RB/LB Andrew Trueman WR/DB Gavin Hawley K Grady Foster TE/DL Jonah Heddings TE/DL Chase Jones RB/LB Hunter Shaffer OL/DL Carlos Tira WR/DB Gabe Vanderwall OL/DL Alex Felver RB/LB James Williams WR/DB
Mount Carmel
Head Coach: John Darrah
Last Season: 9-3
The Red Tornados’ lose a few key pieces from last year. Gone are Xavier Diaz (WR), Cole Spears (QB), Jacob Schultz (TE/OLB), Maddox LaMas (OL) and Ryan Weidner (DL). Having Luke Blessing back is a huge plus. He’ll help ease the pain for new QB Gavin Marselek. He’s got the hype. Now we get to see if he lives up to it. MCA moves from 2A to 3A this year.
The Red Tornados are seeking win number 900 in program history. Will they get it? They’ll have to work for it Friday as they face powerhouse North Schuylkill.
Coach Darrah says: MCA will return a number of seniors including all-state running back Luke Blessing & all-state OL Noah Shimko. Defensively they return Max Karycki, an all-state selection on the DL & Ben Miller who had over 100 tackles at LB.
Returning Players: Luke Blessing, RB, 5’11, 200, 2025, Al Bailey, TE, 5’10”, 2025, Chase Balichik, WR/FS, 6’1”, 175, 2025, Noah Shimko, OL/DL, 6’6”, Jagr Delaney, OL, 6’4”, 260, 2025, Logan Herb, OL, 6’4, 260, 2026, Seth Spears, OL, 5’10”, 230, 2026, Andrew Lukoskie, CB, 5’9”, 165, 2025, Jaylen Delaney, CB, 5’9”, 165, 2027, Michael Kimsal, DB, 5’9”, 170, 2026, Ben Miller, LB, 5’8, 165, 2025, Matthew Balichik, OLB, 6’1”, 195, 2025, Max Karycki, DL, 6’, 225, 2027, Bobby Schoppy, K, 6’1”, 180
Key Newcomers: Gavin Marshalek, QB, Keegan Brown, LB, Jason Klokis, LB, Jabari Kines, DL, Gavin Demko, OL, Jerry Shegansoki, OL, Cooper Karycki, RB, 5’8”, 160, 2027, Tait Adams, WR, 6’4”, 170, 2025, Jon Morgante, DB, 5’10”, 170, 2025
Southern Columbia
Head Coach: Jim Roth
Last Season: 15-1 2A State Champions
Jim Roth continues to find ways to win titles. They’ve won 8 of the last 9 Class 2A title games. Will this be the year someone catches them? It hasn’t happened since 2016 when Steel Valley thumped a very young Tiger team. Even with many key losses, Roth will have the Tigers playing for a chance at 8 in a row. They DO return four linemen, and that’s a big plus for any team. Oh yeah, and there’s another Garcia to run the ball.
Coach Roth says: OFFENSE – Offensively we must replace all the skill positions (except TE). Likely candidates are: quarterback- Anthony Martino or Ayden Hockenbroch; running backs- Brayden Andrews, Joey Williams, Nate Gallagher, Grady Garcia, Brady Arnold; wide receivers- Travis Wegrzynowicz, Blaise Kissinger, Keagan Diehl. 5 starters return- 4 linemen, guards Jude Bremigen and Brayton Lunger, tackles Dylan Stine and John Quinton. Also, CJ Swank-Dworchak and Jace Malakoski rotated at tight end.
DEFENSE – We must replace 8 starters. Dom Fetterolf (3 times all-state) will be our main leader at inside linebacker. Ethan Makowski (DE) and Nate Gallagher (OB) are the other 2 returning starters. Players expected to assume key roles are: linemen- Jaden Carter, Adam Barnes, Braylin Smith, Chase Williams; linebackers- Joey Yankoski, Talon Piatt, Brady Arnold, Anthony Martino; secondary- Travis Wegrzynowicz, Blaise Kissinger, Brecken Reamer, Kaden Zachman, Caius Morrow.
Returning Players: Ethan Makowski – (Jr) ILB, 6’-230: 51 Tackles, 4 QB Sacks Dominic Fetterolf – (Sr) ILB, 6’1”-220: 136 Tackles, 2 QB Sacks Nate Gallagher – (Jr) OLB/RB, 6’2”-190: 26 Tackles Jude Bremigen – (Sr) OG, 5’10”-210 Dylan Stine – (Sr) OT, 5’11”-275 Brayton Lunger – (Sr) OG, 5’8”-250 John Quinton – (Jr) OT, 6’2”-230 Jace Malakoski – (So) TE, 6’3”-215 CJ Swank-Dworchak – (Sr) TE, 5’9”-185
Key Newcomers: Travis Wegrzynowicz – (Sr) WR/DB, 5’11”-165 Blaise Kissinger – (So) WR/DB, 5’11”-160 Brecken Reamer – (Sr) WR/DB, 5’11”-195 Joey Yankoski – (Sr) LB, 5’11”-207 Talon Piatt – (Jr) LB/RB, 5’6”-180 Brady Arnold – (Jr) LB/RB, 5’10”-160 Anthony Martino – (Jr) QB/LB, 6’3”-170 Ayden Hockenbroch – (So) QB, 5’10”-175 Jaden Carter – (So) DT, 6’3”-295 Braylin Smith – (Fr) OC/DT, 6’-245 Chase Williams – (So) DE/WR, 6’3”-195 Adam Barnes – (Sr) DT, 6’-225 Joey Williams – (So) RB, 5’8”-170 Brayden Andrews – (Jr) RB, 5’8”- 160 Ty Ruckle – (So) OC/DT, 6’-230
Division 3:
Bloomsburg
Head Coach: Mike Kogut
Last Season: 2-8
Bloomsburg made some coaching changes they hope will make a difference in 2024.
Coach Kogut says: Our schedule is very challenging, opening with Danville and adding Loyalsock & Southern Columbia as well . Qualifying for District IV AA playoffs will also be a challenge with Loyalsock & South Williamsport joining an already loaded AA group . We made some solid additions to our Coaching Staff on both levels. The addition of Steve Weigle as Defensive Coordinator has been outstanding. His experience and knowledge has made an immediate impact on our program. The coaching staff feels that this group is tight-knit and hard working. They are committed on improving last year’s record. Our mental approach is key this year. We need to be able to always stay focused. We need to properly deal with adversity when it comes. Our players also need to play within themselves and be confident in themselves and their teammates. We lost 6 players to graduation while 9 others decided that they did not want to play this year. This will certainly affect our depth (33 players on roster)
Returning Players: Dominick Rosini WR DB 12 -Logan Traugh OL DL 12 – Ryan Shuman OL DL 12 – Thomas Klingerman OL DL 12 – Justin Pegg P K 12 – Wyatt Brosious QB DB 11 – Jack Katulis WR OLB 11 – Krue Wheadon WR DB 11 – Nathan Kope OL DL 11 – Hunter Collett OL ILB 11 – Gabe Dube TE OLB 11 – Shane Frey QB/TE DB 10 – Bryce Moore OL DL 10
Key Newcomers: Cristian Cruz WR DB Josh McCracken OL DL Cole Davis RB OLB Justus McHale OL DL Michael Derr WR ILB Luke Moskovich WR DB Talon Heverling OL ILB Dillyn Reibsome WR DB Brady Horan WR DB Dawson Robbins-Crane OL DL Logan Hrinda WR DB Colton Roberts OL DL Zach Leiby WR DB Ryan Scherer WR OLB Jackson Lunger TE OLB Blake Zeisloft RB DL
Hughesville
Head Coach: Howard Rainey
Last Season: 3-8
The Spartans have a nice battalion of players returning. They’ll need to break in a new qb but they return five offensive linemen with experience as well as Luke Stutzman at running back. Look for Hughesville to make some noise.
Coach Rainey says: Looking for a great season. We feel we can be a team that is competitive in District playoffs .
Returning Players: Russell Dewire, O-line D-Line, 6’1”, 252 : SR- Brenden Fisher, linebacker and Slot Receiver, 5’7”, 190: SR- Connor Knight, corner and Wide Receiver, 6’, 152. SR- Jackson Lunger, O-line and D-line, 6’1”, 270 , SR- Hayden Maneval, Corner and Wide Receiver 5’SO”, 148, SR- Keagan Smith, Kicker, 5’7”, 160, SR- Luke Stutzman, linebacker and Running Back, 6’1”, 180, SR- Jace Grey Tight End, 5’JR-”, 180, SR- Cameron Walker, O-line and D-line, 6’4”, 252, JR- Hunter Whipple, Center, 5’JR-”, 265, JR- Conner Tallman, O-line, 6’2”, 279 SO- Connor Andstadt, D-Back and Receiver, 6’1”, 170, SO
Key Newcomers; Blake Davis, Quarterback Dawson Lieberman, Receiver Jed Abernatha, Running Back D- End Chase Fowler , Linebacker and Running Back Carson Stackhouse, D-Back and Receiver Jerry Barton, D-End and O-line Mike Fuller, Linebacker and Running Back
Lewisburg
Head Coach: Eric Wicks
Last Season: 6-6
The Dragons finished strong last season. Senior signal caller Derek Asche is gone but the Green Dragons return plenty. Jeremiah Davis is a stud at running back and Sean Field will see carries as well. Jaylen Walker will lead a young receiving corp.
Loyalsock
Head Coach: Justin Van Fleet
Last Season: 9-4
The Lancers are likely the team that wins the “we lost the most” award as far as players go. Tyler Gee QB, Ethan French OL, Jaylen Andrews WR, Jamaire Harden WR, Logan Bastian LB and Will Burdett FS have been a key to the recent success at Loyalsock. They’ve got some work to do but Van Fleet is confident he can put the pieces together.
Coach Van Fleet says: We are looking forward to a strong season. It will take a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication, but we believe in one another and feel confident heading into 2024.
Returning Players: OL DL Jeremiah Johnson 6-2 275 2026 – OL DL Isaiah West 6-1 220 2025 – OL LB Landon Beighey 6-3 220 2026 – OL DL Hakeem McClain 5-11 275 2025 – OL DL Wyatt Emerick 5-11 220 2027 – QB WR DB Danny Dowell 6’0 175 2026 – WR DB Jalil Coates 6’1 175 2026 – RB LB Dolan Harman 6’0 215 2026 – RB LB Kayden Keefer 5’9 180 2026 – LB RB Blake Philips 5’10 210 2026 – LB TE Deryk Kulp 6’0 205 2025 – WR DB Anthony Lewis 6’0 175 2025 – TE RB SS Preston Gross 6’1 205 2025
Key Newcomers: TJ King, OL DL Chase Wright WR, DB Lajon Dizard WR, DB
Midd-West
Head Coach: Jeff Janovich
Last Season: 0-10
Not since 2019 have the Mustangs won more than one game. Could this be a breakout year for Midd-West?
Coach Janovich says:
2024 Offensive Outlook: We will make our opponents defend the entire field. Creating a very balanced offense. We will strive to score quickly or have sustainable drives by having shorter late down conversions. Our players are looking to make their own mark on our young program. It all starts up front with a cohesive offensive line and then out to skill players who are smart and eager to make good things happen anywhere we line up. Protecting the football, working FOR each other and have a no quit attitude. We have a lot of young guys who are eager that we expect to make an impact.
2024 Defensive Outlook: On the defensive side of the ball, its simple. The defense will set the tone of the team, we will play fast, free and smart football. We look to keep everything in front of us and play sound, fundamental defense and not give up those highlight plays. To make every offense work for every yard. Forcing the offense to make mistakes and cause turnovers is an absolute must.
2024 Special Teams Outlook: We look to pin people deep and make them work a longer field on every drive. For us special teams is an opportunity to create a spark, and we intend to do just that. Use special teams to provide that energy and that spark within each and every game to help us compete.
Returning Players: Sr QB DE Jasher Wolf Sr OL Ethan DunkelbergeR – Jr RBDB Kyle Shupp – Jr OL Joe Gabel – Jr WR Brady Janovich – Jr LB Samuel Jordan – Jr LB James Devine
Key Newcomers: Sr WR/DB Kaden Peters – Jr RB/LB Landon Hartman – So QB/LB Mason Fultz – So OL Graydon Van Horn – So OL Jared Devine – So RB Noah Kratzer
Warrior Run
Head Coach: Derrick Zechman
Last Season: 6-6
The Defenders were stronger than that 6-6 record last year. Three of their six losses were by a td or less. This year they will be tough again with 8 players returning on both sides of the ball, including Colby Lebarron at RB.
Coach Zechman says: We are excited to be returning 8 starters on offense and 8 starters on defense. We look to build from last season and the momentum we finished the 2nd half of the season with. We won a playoff game and eventually lost in the district semifinals. Team will be led by a strong senior class that has a lot of experience. Look forward to competing in heartland 3 division and competing for Heartland 3 championship.
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