2026 Team Preview: The South Allegheny Gladiators
Tagged under: District 7, News, Team Previews
Cody Brady | August 21, 2026
The South Allegheny Gladiators
Head Coach: Brian Hanson
PIAA District 7
Class 2A
Allegheny Conference
2025 Season Record: 10-2
Key Starters Lost
Drew Cook,
Markus Hanson,
Bryce Guest,
Austin Schane
Returning Starters
Alijah Cook – QB, 6’1 190, 2028,
Mason Hanson OL/DL 6’3 295, 2028,
Peyton Aschmeller OL/DL 5’10 260 2027,
Derrick Pace 5’8 170 LB 2027,
Malakai Myers ATH,5’10 170, 2027,
Chance Cole CB 5’9 155, 2027,
Max Jeffcoat LB – 5’10, 205, 2027
Key Newcomers
Isa Russell-Akkoyun (OL/DL),
Max Croyts (OL/DL),
Nasir Roccman (SLOT/LB),
Marcel Boxley (H/LB),
Caleb Davis (WR/DB),
Tallie Stinson (OL/DL),
Mason Jobes (OL/DL)
Abel Cook (WR/DB)
Season Outlook
“This group of seniors has been part of a big turnaround in South Allegheny Football. Prior to their arrival South Allegheny averaged about 2.5 wins per season. This group of seniors has went 19-5 the past 2, They’re a tight knit group and from a physical perspective this is the strongest group I’ve coached at South Allegheny. With that being said we have a bunch of new faces getting their 1st chance to play meaningful football games at SA. We need to lean on the leadership of Alijah Cook, Peyton Aschmeller, Max Jeffcoat, and Chance Cole. Aschmeller, Jeffcoat, and Cole are going into their senior seasons as 3 and 4 year starters. Cook took over the helm at QB last year and turned in an excellent season in his 1st season playing HS football. Up front we need to continue to improve with Max Croyts and Mason Hanson anchoring the tackle positions. Defensively, we need to replace 3x All Conference pick – Austin Schane. Look for up and coming sophomore Marcel Boxley to fill his shoes with steady play at ILB. Derrick Pace and Max Jeffcoat combined for over 20 sacks and 40 TFL’s. Aschmeller is a key contributor along the DL utilizing his strength – 365lb bench and 500lb squat!!! Our out of conference schedule is very tough with the likes of Elizabeth Forward, Wash High, and Bishop Canevin. We feel this should prepare us well for our regular season games and making a deep run in the playoffs”. Brian Hanson
2026 Schedule
08-22
|
@ Southmoreland (0-0) |
– |
08-28
|
vs. Elizabeth-Forward (0-0) |
– |
09-04
|
@ Washington (0-0) |
– |
09-11
|
vs. Mount Pleasant (0-0) |
– |
09-18
|
vs. East Allegheny (0-0) |
– |
09-25
|
vs. Brownsville (0-0) |
– |
10-02
|
@ Bishop Canevin (0-0) |
– |
10-09
|
@ Charleroi (0-0) |
– |
10-16
|
@ Ligonier Valley (0-0) |
– |
10-23
|
vs. Apollo-Ridge (0-0) |
– |
10-30
|
@ Steel Valley (0-0) |
– |
