2025 PFN Team Preview: The Pope John Paul II Golden Panthers

Tagged under: District 1, News, pfn, Team Previews

Willie McGonigle | August 11, 2025

The Pope John Paul II Golden Panthers
Head Coach: Darrell Scott
Class 4A
2024 Season Record: 12-2
PIAA District 1

Season Outlook: 
“2025 PJP Defense
Our defense, much like our offense, faces the challenge of replacing key contributors lost to graduation. The departure of All-League, All-Area, and All-State Defensive Ends Makel Parker and Anthony Borzillo will significantly impact our front line. Additionally, Chase Frantz’s absence in the trenches leaves a notable gap.
The Defensive Line positions will see open competition during camp. Seniors Jackson Snyder and Jayden Vigilante bring the most experience and playing time from 2024. Junior Cooper Fanaro, returning from injury that kept him out in 2024, aims to compete for a defensive line position. Sophomores Julian Betts, Griffin Kaczerski, and Nate Seasholtz are poised to step up to the varsity level. Departing starters from the linebacker core include seniors Denny Owen, Kiernan Myers, and Ryan Lamson. Senior All-League and All-Area linebacker Sean McNally returns with extensive experience and will partner with senior Joey DiGiacomo on the inside. Juniors Cole Ateek and Chase Landis, along with sophomore Armand Smith, will compete for the outside linebacker positions.
In the secondary, the loss of three-time All-League and All-Area safety Braden Reed is significant. However, returning All-League and All-Area senior DBs Zahaid Edwards-Boone (also All-State) and Dylan Skarbek bring leadership and experience. Senior Brandon DeAngelo and Junior defensive back Eric Green, both with varsity secondary experience, will compete for the cornerback positions. We will maintain a 3-4 core defense but plan to incorporate multiple fronts and coverages
2025 PJP Special Teams
A significant transition for our program comes with the graduation of All-League and All Area kicker Sam Simmonic, and All-League punter Braden Reed. Junior Noah Nymark is diligently preparing to assume responsibilities for Kickoff, PAT, Field Goal, and punting duties. Senior Sean McNally will manage long- snapping duties. During camp, sophomores TJ Dozier and Connor Sidebotham will compete for the role of holder for PAT/FG.
Graduating kick and punt returner Braden Reed leaves a void. Seniors Dylan Skarbek and Brandon DeAngelo, along with sophomore Nico DiGiacomo, will be pivotal in handling kick and punt return duties
2025 PJP Offense
Our 2025 offense boasts a returning core of starters from last year’s team. However, we face significant departures across all position groups due to graduation. The primary focus this preseason will be replacing key offensive linemen Anthony Borzillo, Chase Frantz, and Makel Parker. The Class of 2025 seniors at PJP had a
remarkable career, losing only one PAC game in three years and two in four years. Over three years at the varsity level, they secured two PAC and two District 1 Championships, with just five losses. They were exceptional leaders, and their absence will be felt.
Seniors Jackson Snyder, Nate Stroup, and junior Dan Tammaro will compete for the two guard positions on offense. Sophomores Julian Betts, Griffin Kaczerski, and Nate Seasholtz will work to fill roles at tackle and center on the offensive line.
The departure of PAC Frontier MVP, Mercury Player of the Year, three-time All-State WR, Big 33 WR Selection, and Villanova commit Braden Reed leaves the largest gap in the backfield. Another significant loss to our skill positions is the versatile TE/WR combination of Denny Owens and wide receiver Bradey Bass. Senior All-League, All-Area, and All-State receiver Brandon DeAngelo aims to take a leadership role in the receiving corps, known for his explosive plays in 2024. He will be joined by seniors Zahaid Edward-Boone and Joey DiGiacomo. Senior Sean McNally, following an excellent off-season, will handle Tight End duties. Junior Eric Green will compete for WR positions.
In the backfield, Senior All-League and All-Area running back Dylan Skarbek returns as an outstanding all- around player who excels in running, blocking, and receiving. Sophomore Kassidy Jackson has shown exceptional promise in the off-season and aims to contribute in the backfield in 2025. Sophomore Nico DiGiacomo is striving to secure the slot receiver position alongside Brandon DeAngelo. Junior QB Kayden Witter and Sophomore TJ Dozier will compete for the QB role during summer camp, marking a crucial period for our offensive positions. Our offense will be versatile, utilizing a wide variety of backfields and formations to maximize our current roster’s strengths” Darrell Scott

Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews