Leigh Bonczewski Named Head Football Coach at Northwest Area

Tagged under: District 4, New Coaches, News, pfn

Brian Ptashinski | April 27, 2023

After Nearly 30 years as an Assistant Coach, Bonczewski Lands a Head Coaching Position.

SHICKSHINNY- The Northwest Area School District named long time assistant coach Leigh Bonczewski as the Rangers new head football coach. He is replacing Carl Major, who left the program to accept a head coaching job for the Danville Ironmen.

Bonczewski has spent the last eleven years as the the offensive/defensive line coach for the Rangers. As a matter of fact, it’s the only position he has ever coached in his long career as this will be his first opportunity to be in charge of a program.

He has been and assistant several time at his alma mater Greater Nanticoke Area as well as Crestwood. He played under Bill Goodman at Nanticoke and seved on his staff as well with Bill Jones and Len Butczynski. Prior to Major’s departure he was on Lon Hazlet staff at Northwest.

In an interview with Bonczewski Thursday night, he stated he wasn’t looking to be a head coach,that he was comfortable being an assistant, but when job opened up he decided to apply as these incoming seven seniors were going through their third coach in four years. “I have known and been around these kids since the started playing youth football at age six with my son, I love this program and this team to not keep what we’ve built here to someone outside the program.”

“The biggest challenge is getting kids out. I am looking to get 30 kids out this season that is my goal. We have all our coaches back Vito Malcari, Will Miller, Paul Hufford, Steven Nestorick and we will have Matt Zlotek as a volunteer assistant, who coached under George Curry at WVW.” He stated.

The plan is to go double sessions of practice with flexible workouts. “We are going to lock the doors and look deep into ourselves to find a way each week to get just a bit better as season progresses. “We are going from 8am till 8pm. We are going to implement different concepts both on offense and defense.” Bonczewski said.

Last season the Rangers finished at .500 and lost in the playoffs. Their goal is to win a league title and then a district championship every year. Playing in District 4 is a tough district, as Muncy, Towanda, Canton, Cowenesque Valley South Williamsport among others is a daunting schedule, especially with travel which can be up to 3 hour trips at times.

“The atmosphere’s at these places we go to are amazing, the stands are packed and these fans know their football. “They live and breathe for these games. It’s exciting and I am looking forward to the challenge.”

“I appreciate all the messages I have received from friends, former classmates at Nanticoke and the Northwest Ranger family on social media. The output of support has been overwhelming.”

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