2026 Team Preview: The Pope John Paul II Golden Panthers
Tagged under: District 1, News, pfn, Team Previews
Willie McGonigle | August 16, 2026
The Pope John Paul II Golden Panthers
Head Coach: Darrell Scott
PIAA District 1
Conference: Pioneer Athletic Conference Liberty Division
2025 Season Record: 10-2
| Key Starters lost |
| Dylan Skarbek, Sean McNally, Brandon DeAngelo, Zahaid Edwards-Boone |
| Returning starters (name, Position, HT, WT, Class Year |
| Taurus Dozier, QB, 5’11” 185, ’28 Cole Ateek,MLB, 6’1″ 190, ’27 Eric Green, DB, 6’2″ 175 ’27 Griffin Kaczerski, DL/OL, 6’2″ 250, ’28 Julian Betts, DL/OL 6’3″ 220, ’28 Dan Tammaro OL, 6’2″ 220, ’27 |
| Key Newcomers name, position* |
| Conner Sidebotham DB/Rec, Kassidy Jackson, RB/DB, Nico DiGiacomo, DB/Rec., Chase Landis OLB, Jacob Palmer OL, Nate Seasholtz OL, Armand Smith RB/OLB |
Season Outlook
“This year’s Pope John Paul II football team is being built on three core principles: accountability, becoming one, and attention to detail. Those values have been the foundation of our offseason and will define who we are throughout the season.
Although we finished 10-2 last year, our team was extremely young. That experience gave many of our returning players valuable opportunities to compete at a high level, but experience alone does not guarantee success. This year’s team must continue to mature, grow together, and embrace the standards that have helped build our program.
The emphasis on accountability means every player is responsible not only for himself but also for his teammates. We expect our players to hold one another to a high standard in the classroom, the weight room, on the practice field, and on Friday nights. Becoming one is about building trust, putting the team first, and understanding that success comes from everyone working together toward a common goal. Attention to detail is what separates good teams from great teams. We believe that consistently doing the little things right will put us in position to compete at the highest level.
We graduated several key players who played a major role in our recent success and helped establish the winning culture at Pope John Paul II. Their leadership, experience, and production will certainly be missed. As we move into this season, it will be critical for our returning players to step into larger leadership roles while our new starters embrace the opportunity to make their own impact.
This team has worked extremely hard throughout the offseason and has embraced the challenges that come with higher expectations. We understand that every season presents new obstacles, but we are confident in the character, work ethic, and commitment of this group. If we continue to hold each other accountable, play as one, and focus on the details every day, we believe we will put ourselves in a position to accomplish the goals we have set for the 2026 season and continue the tradition of excellence at Pope John Paul II.”
Darrell Scott
08-22
|
@ Archbishop Carroll (0-0) |
– |
08-28
|
vs. Lansdale Catholic (0-0) |
– |
09-04
|
vs. Neumann-Goretti (0-0) |
– |
09-10
|
vs. West Chester Rustin (0-0) |
– |
09-18
|
@ Bishop Shanahan (0-0) |
– |
09-25
|
vs. Owen J Roberts (0-0) |
– |
10-02
|
vs. Boyertown (0-0) |
– |
10-09
|
@ Methacton (0-0) |
– |
10-16
|
@ Spring-Ford (0-0) |
– |
10-23
|
vs. Perkiomen Valley (0-0) |
– |
10-30
|
vs. TBA (0-0) |
– |
Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews
