Inside District 10: 2026 1A-3A Football Season Preview
Tagged under: Conference Previews, District 10, News, pfn
Shane Lux | August 27, 2026
AAA
Conneaut Eagles
Head Coach: Josh Blood
Key Players Returning
Wyatt Luke, Mason Stone, Chance Meader, Aidan Ford, Nick Vennare
Outlook – Conneaut will build on a successful 2025 season in which the Eagles went 7-4. They return their entire backfield: Chance Meader, Aidan Ford, and Wyatt Luke. The trio combined to rush for 1,852 yards and 18 touchdowns a season ago. Meader led the way with 869 yards, Ford added 687, while Luke chipped in with 296 yards. Mason Stone returns at quarterback after passing for 770 yards and nine scores.
Corry Beavers
Head Coach: Jeff Goodwill
Key Players Returning
Lamech Albers, Jack Vanchieri, Landon Nickerson, Carson Braswell
Outlook – Jack Vanchieri will take over the offense full-time in 2026 to lead the Beavers. He passed for 745 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Both of his top receivers, Blake Cook and Keaton Frisina, were lost to graduation. Frisina also led the team with 14 touchdowns. Connor Sterling, who caught 17 passes for 254 yards last season as a sophomore, is the top returning wideout. Deion Canady returns to the backfield after rushing for 270 yards and two touchdowns.
Fairview Tigers
Head Coach: Mark Sobeleski
Key Players Returning
Javis Nesbitt, Caden Oldach, Joey O’Reilly
Outlook – Fairview will look to improve on their 3-7 record from last season. The Tigers return backs Caden Oldach and Joey O’Reilly. Oldach led the team with 635 yards and three touchdowns, while O’Reilly ran for 418 yards and a team-high nine touchdowns. They’ll need to replace quarterbacks Carlo Cimino and Jeremiah Bennett.
Fort LeBoeuf Bison
Head Coach: Justin Blose
Key Returning Players
Carson Stolz, Aiden Struchen, Xavier Blose, Dominic Walters, Ethen Horn, Kaden Milner, Owen Dwyer
Outlook – The defending Region 5 champions will look to repeat in 2026, and the Bison have the team to not only repeat as region champions, but to contend for their first District 10 title since 1990. The Bison bring back an experienced offensive line and a dual-threat quarterback, Dominic Walters, to lead the way. Walters passed for 1,1107 yards and 11 touchdowns while rushing for 904 yards and eight scores as a junior. Fort LeBoeuf will need to replace the nearly 1,500 rushing yards Skyler Sadowski gave them.
Grove City Eagles
Head Coach: Sam Mowrey
Key Players Returning
Levi Toth, Gavin Purdy, Jordan Gamble, Jimmy Cooper, Tanner Mong, Heath Hohman
Outlook – Grove City will almost certainly improve on their 5-5 record and early playoff exit from 2025. The only question is, how much? The Eagles saw freshman Heath Hohman at quarterback and running back Gavin Purdy emerge as offensive leaders a season ago. What will their sophomore campaigns bring? Hohman passed for 1,144 yards and 11 touchdowns, while Purdy ran for a team-high 714 yards and 14 touchdowns. Grove City brings back a soild offensive line and leading receiver Levi Toth.
Hickory Hornets
Head Coach: Bill Dungee
Key Players Returning
Kelvin Morrison, Christian Dungee, Dante Evans, Jadon Phillips, Bryson Applegarth, Logan Bromley, Jaxon Schneider, Jakiah King, Logan Byerly
Outlook – There’s no doubt that the goals of Hickory have remained the same. The Hornets are aiming for a region, district, and state title in 2026. Their skill position players are as good as they come. Tailback Kelvin Morrison, a Virginia Tech recruit, leads the way as one of Pennsylvania’s top football recruits. As a junior, he rushed for 1,640 yards and 19 touchdowns in ten games. Kent State recruit Jadon Phillips, who played in only four games due to injury in 2025, caught 15 passes for 227 yards and two touchdowns. Dante Evans, who will play tight end and defensive line, is one of the state’s most sought-after juniors, with multiple D1 offers. Quarterback Christian Dungee returns after passing for 1,084 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also rushing for 880 yards and nine scores. So the only issue? What do the Hornets do with their offensive line after graduating nearly everyone? Only time will tell.
North East Grape Pickers
Head Coach: Chris Grychowski
Key Players Returning
Bryson Galloway, Liam Jones, Colton Owens, Ethen Ringer, Josh Banaag, Colton Wittman
Outlook – North East is coming off their most successful season in a decade. What will the Grape Pickers do for an encore? They bring back a soild offensive core led by quarterback Bryson Galloway, who passed for 1,447 yards and 21 touchdowns, while also leading the team in rushing with 820 yards and eight scores. Ethen Ringer added 666 yards and a team-high nine touchdowns. The Grape Pickers will need to replace Region 5 player of the year Carter Crozier, who had 60 receptions for 660 yards, team-highs in sacks with six, interceptions with five, and scored 19 total touchdowns.
Sharon Tigers
Head Coach: Jason McElhaney
Key Players Returning
Logan Perks, A’anavyon Brown, Gha’fir Lampkins, Jazya Hueston, Marius Best, Cyliem Smith
Outlook – Sharon enters 2026 as the defending District 10 champions. However, the Tigers will need to replace much of their talent to defend the crown. They will need to replace 7 All-Region 4 players from last season, including player of the year Terrian White, who rushed for 1,569 yards and 24 touchdowns. Sharon returns Gha’fir Lampkins, who split time at quarterback last season, passing for 563 yards and 12 touchdowns, while adding three rushing scores. Lampkins also earned all-region honors as a defensive back. Other key returning starters are Logan Perks, Marius Best, and Cyliem Smith.
Slippery Rock Rockets
Head Coach: Steve Monteleone
Key Returning Players
Zach Lasko, Logan Schlobohm, Jonathan Petras
Outlook – After a few seasons, Slippery Rock will look to improve on last season’s 4-6 mark under first-year head coach Steve Monteleone. To do so, the Rockets will need to replace nearly all of their skill-position players from last season. Kole Scott, Owen Long, and Doug Popovec combined to rush for 1,606 yards and 21 touchdowns, while Popovec added 813 passing yards and three touchdowns.
Titusville Rockets
Head Coach: Mike Reynolds
Top returning players:
Offense – Jerrin Vroman OL, Tanner Clifford OL, Coy Campbell OL, Adam Reynolds W, Dalton
Knapp TE, Jaydin Oneil RB, Alex Hartshorne Slot
Defense – Jerrin Vroman LB, Coy Campbell DL, Dalton Knapp LB, Adam Reynolds OLB, Alex
Hartshorne OLB, Jaydin Oneil S, Tanner Clifford DL, Charlie Ackerman DB
Top Newcomers’
Hunter Martin QB/QB 10th
Chad Roddy OL/DL 10th
Outlook – Titusville will look to improve from their 1-9 season a year ago. The Rockets return Jaydin O’Neil to the backfield after he rushed for a team-high 1,218 yards and ten touchdowns. Jerrin Vroman and Adam Reynolds each return after leading the team in tackles with 67 and 62, respectively.
AA
Eisenhower Knights
Head Coach: Jim Penley
Key Players Returning
Nolan Gesing, Joe Gigliotti, Bryce Coleson, Oliver Boozer, Jacob Stuart
Outlook
Farrell Steelers
Head Coach: Anthony Pegues
Key Players Returning
Aaron Pegues, Omario Boatwright, Dorean Cain, Jason Marshall, Jadon King-Vincent, Devontay Gillespie, Timmy Jackson
Outlook
Girard Yellowjackets
Head Coach: Mark Brooks
Key Returning Players
Aidan Arnold, Ryan St. Julien, River Rogers, Jaxon Gromley, Zakk Severance
Outlook
Greenville Trojans
Head Coach: Michael Menold
Key Starters Lost
Returning Starters
Justin Schell WR/DB 5’11 175 2027
Cael Thurber QB/DB 5’9 175 2027
Kyle McGirr RB/LB 5’9 165 2027
Swayze Walker RB/LB 5’7 175 2028
Keith Covert WR/DB 6’1 175 2027
Hunter Cox TE/DE 6’3 225 2027
Brayden Straw TE/LB 6’0 195 2028
Blaine Swartz OL/DL 5’10 205 2027
Ryan Hollowell OL/DL 6’2 275 2028
Cameron Reimold OL/DL 6’3 250 2027
Jaden Schuver OL/DL 6’4 315 2027
Key Newcomers
Landon Porter RB/DB 5’10 175
Hunter Emrich RB/LB 5’8 170
Colton Godfrey RB/LB 5’9 175
Zack Brown OL/DL 5’8 185
Tavaine Williams WR/DB 5’7 150
Outlook – Greenville brings back a ton of talent in 2026, but also moves back up to 2A after winning the Class A District 10 title a year ago. Justin Schell, Cael Thurber, Kaysom Mataria, and Keith Covert will lead the way for the Trojans. Schell caught 54 passes for 1,023 yards and 15 touchdowns. Covert caught 25 balls for 330 yards and four scores, while Matarias ran for 816 yards and ten touchdowns. Thurber passed for nearly 1,800 yards on Greenville’s semifinal squad a year ago, while adding over 300 rushing yards and 31 total touchdowns. Now that they’re AA, can they challenge Farrell for District 10 gold?
Iroquois Braves
Head Coach: Manny Johnson
Key Players Returning
Noah Olowinski WR/LB 6’0 190 2028
Zaid Abu-Zebiba Ol/DL 6’2 250 2027
Jy’Sere Wayne WR/DB 2027
Outlook – The Braves are looking to have a solid season after losing several key members from the 2025 season. Chase Cocolin will lead the offense after playing QB as a freshman (senior QB was injured during the first game of the season). He’s looking to connect with returning receivers Jy’Sere Wayne and Noah Olowinski. The defense will be led by Cam Cadden (LB), Ryan Riker (DB), and Carter Kuhn (DL). Overall, the Braves are fairly young but eager to begin their 2026 campaign.
Mercer Mustangs
Head Coach: Jeff Lockard
Key Players Returning
Cody Osborn, Preston Michael, Noah Miller-Frye
Outlook
Northwestern Wildcats
Head Coach: Ben Fennell
Key Players Returning
Trenton Runser, Joe Holdsworth
Outlook
Seneca Bobcats
Head Coach: Jack Corey
Key Players Returning
Donavon Huzinec, Nick Olson, Brayden Bernsley, Zach Moats
Outlook
Seneca will look to build off of another successful season that saw them go 6-5 and earn a playoff spot. The Bobcats will be led by quarterback Rylan Harwood, who ran for a team high of 934 yards and 16 touchdowns, while also passing for 553 yards and six scores. Zach Moats returns to the backfield, despite missing three games last season. He ran for 512 yards in four scores as a sophomore.
Sharpsville Blue Devils
Head Coach: Paul Piccirilli
Key Players Returning
Geno Currie, Caleb Koncar, Jordan White, Finn Leary, Brady Gerlach, Lincoln Breit
Outlook
Union City Bears
Head Coach: Mike Wydro
Key Players Returning:
Dallas Triscuit, Hunter Michael, Matt Eliason, Danny Smith, Garrett Miller, Kane Gregor, Hunter Price
Coach Comments
Outlook
A
Cambridge Springs Blue Devils
Head Coach: Nate Liberty
Key Players Returning
Jon Daly, Matthew Ross, Robert Smith, Kayden McFarren
Coach Comments
The Blue Devils enter 2026 after an 8-4 campaign in 2025. However, to maintain another solid season, they will have to replace two 1000 yard rushers, Brett Kania and Brandon Hoover, who ran for over 1300 and 1400 yards, respectively, and combined for 31 rushing touchdowns, with Kania leading the way with 17, despite missing two games with injury—one of the leaders. Players returning to the Blue Devils this season will be John Daly, who had 176 yards rushing and three scores, while also leading the team in tackles with 124. Kaydin McFarren also returns after leading the team with five sacks this season and 81 tackles.
Cochranton Cardinals
Head Coach: John Svirbly
Key Players Returning
Justice Walker, Gabe Carter, Noah Carroll, Parker Schmitt, Brayden Williams, C.J Shorts, Austin Boozer
Outlook
Cochranton will look to build off of a 4-5 season a year ago that saw them start 3-0. The Cardinals return Noah Carroll, who, as a freshman last year, completed 95 of 174 passes for over 1300 yards and 15 touchdowns. While his older brother, Walker, a West Virginia baseball recruit, has graduated, the Cardinals bring back a solid core. A solid returning core includes skill position players Justice Walkers and CJ Shorts, and leading rusher Brayden Williams, who ran for over 400 yards as a sophomore. And a team-high six touchdowns, says Cochranton, will look to return to the postseason.
Lakeview Sailors
Head Coach: Blake Reddick
Key Players Returning
Remington Marsh, Karson Mathieson, Michael Strohl
Outlook
Maplewood Tigers
Head Coach: Robert Finkbeiner
Key Starters Lost
Deegan Moyer, OL/DL
Maximus Merchant, OL/DL
Dakota Crum, RB/LB
Maddox Lentz, TE/LB
Garrett Brucker, WR/DB
Hayden Onukiavage, RB/LB
Returning Starters
Sr., QB, Kyle Jordan, 6’3, 215
Sr., RB, LeeRoy Wolfgang, 5’8, 155
Sr., RB, Chase MacQuarrie, 5’11, 220
Sr., WR, Nolan Dunkle, 6’0, 155
Sr., OL, Grant Crosley, 6’4, 310
Sr., OL, Jerad Lane, 6’0, 248
Jr., WR, Gavin Reynolds, 5’10, 165
So., RB, Mason Potosky, 5’7, 170
So., WR, Nathan Leonhart, 5’7, 170
So., OL, Broden Gibbs, 5’9, 290
Key Newcomers
Sr., Maddox Kight, OL/DL
So., Nicholas Foster, WR/DB
Fr., Blake Barickman, WR/DB
Fr., Aiden Marvin, RB/DL
Fr., Henry Shaw, OL/DL
Fr., Jaksyn Schroat, OL/DL
Coach Comments
We expect a lot from our senior class. It is a large group of guys who play lots of football. Kyle Jordan leads us for the 4th consecutive season, and we are anchored by a big offensive line, led by Grant Crosley and Jerad Lane. Chase MacQuarrie is expected to punish defenders with his strong lead blocking. Colton Smith returns from injury and is expected to make an impact. At the skill positions, we benefit from continued growth from LeeRoy Wolfgang, Nolan Dunkle, Gavin Reynolds, Jordan Sampson, Mason Potosky, Nathan Leonhart, and Ty Neely.
Mercyhurst Prep Lakers
Head Coach: Jeff Root
Returning Starters
OFFENSIVE Adaris Bridgett WR 5’11” 175 2027 Ty Mimms WR 5’10” 145 2027 JT Jones WR 5’9″ 165 2027 Eyon Sparks-Ellman Slot 5’10” 185 2027 Vinnie Feliciano RB 5’10” 185 2027 Everet Cotterill QB 6’2″ 175 2027 Tyler Quinn FB 6’2″ 245 2028 JJ Rowan C 6’1″ 255 2029 Zech Rupp G 6′ 210 2028 Joey Jordan T 6’3″ 285 2028 DEFENSIVE Adaris Bridgett DB 5’11” 175 2027 Vinnie Feliciano S 5’10” 185 2027 JT Jones DB 5’9″ 165 2027 Eyon Sparks-Ellman OLB 5’10” 185 2027 Nick Vennare MLB 6’2 225 2027 Zech Rupp ILB 6′ 210 2028 Ryan Gaeta ILB 5’10 175 2029 Tyler Quinn DE 6’2″ 245 2028 Joey Jordan N 6’3″ 285 2028 JJ Rowan DE 6’1″ 255 2029
Key Newcomers
Broderick Howard OT/DT, Chase Paskorz WR / LB, Daniel Beiger WR / LB, Chris Toran WR / DB, AJ Horton RB / S, Jadis Duke DB / WR
Coach Comments
We need the OL to step up. We will start 2 new young players with limited experience this season. They need to come together quickly, as those young men up front are the heart and soul of this team. To succeed, they need to gel quickly, as we have Vinnie Feliciano, a 2-time All-State RB, returning, plus multiple skill players who can touch the ball. The second position that needs to step up is our defense. We played sound defense last season, and with 10 returning starters, we expect an elite defensive group. We need to play physical, disciplined football. We need to do a good job on 1st down and in those 3rd-and-long situations, and we must play well enough to create 3-and-outs. With 8 defensive starters, we have the experience to build a strong defense. The 3rd position that needs to step up is in our kicking game. We once again lost an all-region kicker, so replacing him is no easy task; however, we have good, young athletes, and we are excited to watch them continue to compete during camp.
Reynolds Raiders
Head Coach: Josh Mull
Key Players Returning
Connor Belback, Aiden Reese, Brady Nehlen, Jacob Rust
Outlook – After starting 6-0 last year, Reynolds dropped their last five games. Heading into 2026, the Raiders must replace a ton of talent to remain a playoff team. Reynolds graduates leading rusher Gabriel Minjarez, who ran for 1,090 yards and 16 touchdowns. Parker Nay added 704 rushing yards and six touchdowns, while also catching 27 passes for 587 yards and five touchdowns. Quarterback Xavier Zachrich accounted for over 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Saegertown Panthers
Head Coach: James Wolfgang
Key Players Returning
Milan Harrison, Riley Wilkinson, Matthew Shartle, Blake Burchill
Outlook – Saegertown will need to replace nearly 2,000 offensive yards and 19 total touchdowns that William Shaffer gave them a season ago. Both Blake Burchill and Aaron Shartle ran for over 200 yards, and each scored five rushing touchdowns a season ago. Milan Harrison and Riley Wilkinson each received Region 2 honors a season ago.
Wilmington Greyhounds
Head Coach: Brandon Phillian
Returning Letter Winners
Liam Crowley,
Jaron Lohrenz,
Jude Beatty,
Cael Kettering,
Cam Kettering,
Rowan Miller,
Chase Mitcheltree,
Jack Bruckner
Coach Comments
We graduated an outstanding senior class that played a major role in our success, but we are
excited to have the foundation return to our program. Chase Mitcheltree returns as one of the top players in our region, and we have a talented group of returners in Rowan Miller, Cam Kettering, Cael Kettering, Jaron Lohrenz, and Jude Beatty. We also have several younger players who gained valuable varsity experience last season and are ready to take on larger roles. Our offseason has been productive, particularly in the weight room, where our players have embraced the work required to compete at a high level. We expect to be a physical, disciplined football team that continues to improve throughout the season. League Prediction: Farrell enters the season as the favorite in our region. Beyond that, we expect the region to
be very competitive. We have developed strong local rivalries with the teams in our region, and these programs know one another very well. We anticipate many competitive and exciting region battles throughout the season.
