Athens Returns Veteran Core Looking to Build on Nine-Win Season
Athens enters the 2026 season with plenty of experience, proven playmakers on both sides of the football and the belief that last year’s strong regular season can become the foundation for an even better finish.
The Wildcats went 9-2 in 2025, winning nine of their first 10 games before falling to Jersey Shore in the District 4 postseason. Along the way, Athens showcased one of the more productive offenses in the Northern Tier League, scoring 41 points or more in seven games.
Head coach Shawn Bradley now welcomes back a deep group of seniors and several younger players who already have varsity experience.
The Wildcats return veteran linemen, multiple offensive weapons, an experienced secondary and a proven specialist in Zach Fisher.
The biggest challenge will be turning all that returning experience into greater consistency against the top teams on the schedule.
Wildcats Put Together Strong 2025 Campaign
Athens opened last season with victories over South Williamsport, Northwest Area and Canton before suffering its first loss against Troy.
The Wildcats responded by winning six straight games, including victories over North Penn-Mansfield, Wellsboro, Towanda, Wyalusing, Muncy and Sayre.
Athens finished the regular season 9-1 before its year ended with a loss to Jersey Shore in the District 4 playoffs.
The success showed what the Wildcats are capable of offensively, but the losses also revealed areas that must improve.
Athens wants to become more physical, more disciplined and more consistent against the best teams on its schedule.
Experienced Offensive Line Provides Foundation
Senior Brady Flynn and senior Landon Layman give the Wildcats important experience up front.
Flynn returns at offensive guard after playing a major role last season, while Layman provides versatility at center and tackle.
Their experience should help stabilize the offensive front while younger players develop around them.
Athens wants to be tougher and more consistent offensively, and that improvement begins with controlling the line of scrimmage.
If the Wildcats can consistently create running lanes and protect the quarterback, they have enough skill talent to become explosive again.
Quarterback Position Features Experience and Youth
The Wildcats return two players capable of contributing at quarterback.
Senior Connor Davidson brings experience and versatility, while sophomore Shea Davidson is another talented option.
Connor Davidson can also contribute at running back and slot receiver, giving Athens flexibility depending on personnel and matchups.
Shea Davidson gained valuable varsity experience and also returns as the holder on special teams.
That competition and versatility should give the coaching staff several ways to structure the offense.
Cooke Brings Power to Backfield
Senior Brendan Cooke returns at running back and linebacker.
At 6-foot and 205 pounds, Cooke gives Athens a physical option in the backfield.
His size and experience should allow the Wildcats to remain committed to the running game while also creating opportunities off play-action.
Cooke will also be expected to provide leadership on defense.
Persun Adds Speed
Senior Lucas Persun gives Athens another proven runner.
At 5-foot-9 and 150 pounds, Persun provides a different style than Cooke.
His quickness and ability to make defenders miss give the Wildcats another weapon in space.
That combination of size and speed should help Athens keep defenses from keying on one specific runner.
Marmor and Rowe Strengthen Passing Game
Senior Gage Marmor returns in the slot, while junior Kade Rowe provides another experienced target at wide receiver.
The Wildcats also return senior tight end Dom Robbins, who adds size at 6-foot and 237 pounds.
That gives Athens a balanced group of pass catchers capable of working different areas of the field.
Marmor can create mismatches inside, Rowe adds athleticism on the perimeter and Robbins provides a physical target over the middle.
Robbins Adds Versatility at Tight End
Robbins is one of the most important two-way players on the roster.
Offensively, he gives the Wildcats a powerful tight end capable of contributing as both a blocker and receiver.
Defensively, he returns at defensive end.
His size and strength make him valuable at the point of attack on both sides of the football.
Offense Has Potential to Be Explosive
Athens believes the offense has the talent to remain dangerous.
“We have the potential to be an explosive offense if our kids continue to work hard,” Bradley said.
The Wildcats return experienced athletes at several key positions, but they also know graduation took away some major contributors.
The development of younger players will help determine how quickly the offense reaches its full potential.
The biggest priority will be becoming tougher and more consistent.
Athens proved last year that it could score in bunches. Now it wants to show it can sustain that production against the top programs in District 4.
Defense Returns Strong Veteran Core
Athens also brings back considerable experience defensively.
Flynn, Layman, Cooke, Robbins, Connor Davidson, Persun and Nolan Raupers all return after starting last season.
That gives the Wildcats veterans at every level.
The defense has athleticism and the ability to fly to the football, but the coaching staff wants the unit to eliminate the explosive plays that hurt against stronger opponents.
Flynn Leads Linebacker Group
Flynn returns at linebacker after also contributing on the offensive line.
At 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, he provides size and physicality in the middle of the defense.
His ability to take on blockers and finish tackles should help Athens improve against the run.
Cooke also returns at linebacker, giving the Wildcats another experienced and physical defender.
Together, they should help establish the tone.
Layman and Robbins Anchor Defensive Front
Layman returns at defensive tackle, while Robbins is back at defensive end.
Their experience gives Athens a solid foundation up front.
The Wildcats need the defensive line to control gaps, generate pressure and prevent opposing offenses from consistently reaching the second level.
If the front plays well, the linebackers and secondary should have more freedom to attack.
Secondary Has Experience
Connor Davidson returns at free safety and rover, while junior Nolan Raupers is back at strong safety.
Persun also returns in the secondary, along with sophomore Cy Yeager.
That experience gives Athens options on the back end.
The group has the athleticism to create turnovers, but the key will be playing with discipline and avoiding the breakdowns that lead to big plays.
Defensive Identity Will Be Built on Toughness
Bradley’s message for the defense is clear:
Discipline. Consistency. Toughness.
The Wildcats want to play fast and create havoc, but they also need to play under control.
“We need to be tougher and more disciplined to prevent the big plays that have plagued us against better teams,” Bradley said.
If the defense can combine its athleticism with better assignment discipline, it has the potential to become one of the strongest units in the Northern Tier League.
Fisher Gives Special Teams Major Stability
Senior Zach Fisher returns for his third season as the team’s kicker and punter.
His experience is extremely valuable.
Fisher has developed into a reliable weapon on extra points and field goals while also helping Athens win the field-position battle with his punting.
“Zach Fisher is now a three-year starter for us at kicker and punter,” Bradley said. “He is an invaluable asset with his XP/FG consistency and ability to put us in positive field position in many different ways.”
That stability gives the Wildcats a major advantage in close games.
Persun and Davidson Complete Reliable Operation
Persun returns as the long snapper, while Shea Davidson returns as the holder.
That continuity allows Athens to begin the season with an experienced specialist operation already in place.
In high school football, that can be a major advantage.
Reliable snapping, holding and kicking can turn stalled drives into points and consistently flip field position.
Tough Schedule Will Test Wildcats Early
Athens begins the regular season at Wyalusing before hosting Troy in Week 2.
That Troy game will be one of the biggest early tests after the Wildcats’ 51-35 loss last season.
The schedule also includes South Williamsport, Towanda, Wellsboro, North Penn-Mansfield, Canton and Muncy.
The Wildcats will have plenty of opportunities to prove they can compete with the top teams in District 4.
Players to Watch
Brady Flynn, Sr., OG/LB – Physical two-way veteran expected to lead both the offensive line and linebacker corps.
Landon Layman, Sr., C/OT/DT – Versatile lineman who provides experience on both sides of the ball.
Brendan Cooke, Sr., RB/LB – Physical two-way player who should be a major factor in the running game and defense.
Dom Robbins, Sr., TE/DE – Big, versatile senior who can impact both fronts.
Connor Davidson, Sr., QB/RB/SLOT/FS – Multi-position playmaker who gives the Wildcats flexibility on both sides.
Lucas Persun, Sr., RB/DB/LS – Speedy athlete who contributes in all three phases.
Gage Marmor, Sr., SLOT – Experienced skill player expected to help stretch defenses.
Kade Rowe, Jr., WR – Returning receiver with an opportunity for a larger offensive role.
Nolan Raupers, Jr., SS – Experienced defensive back who helps anchor the secondary.
Shea Davidson, So., QB/Holder – Young quarterback with varsity experience and special teams responsibility.
Zach Fisher, Sr., K/P – Three-year starter and one of the most dependable specialists on the roster.
My thoughts on Athens:
Athens enters 2026 with one of the more experienced rosters in the Northern Tier League.
The Wildcats return veteran linemen, multiple running backs, experienced receivers, two quarterback options and a strong group of defenders.
The offense has the potential to be explosive again, but the next step is becoming more physical and consistent against the strongest teams on the schedule.
Defensively, the talent is there.
The biggest challenge will be eliminating explosive plays, improving discipline and making sure all 11 players execute their assignments.
Special teams should be a strength with Fisher, Persun and Shea Davidson all returning.
After a nine-win season, expectations should remain high.
If Athens becomes tougher in the trenches, limits mistakes and turns its returning experience into greater consistency, the Wildcats have the pieces to challenge Troy in the Northern Tier League and make a deeper run in the District 4 Class 3A playoffs.
Head Coach: Shawn Bradley
Team Name: Athens Wildcats
District: 4
Class: 3A
League: Northern Tier League, Large School Division
2025 Record: 9-2
8/22 South Williamsport (2A) 7:00 pm W 47-27
8/29 @ Northwest Area (1A) 7:00 pm W 49-20
9/05 Canton Area* (1A) 7:00 pm W 56-22
9/12 Troy Area* (2A) 7:00 pm L 35-51
9/19 @ North Penn-Mansfield* (2A) 7:00 pm W 54-13
9/26 @ Wellsboro* (2A) 7:00 pm W 35-22
10/03 @ Towanda* (2A) 7:00 pm W 54-7
10/11 Wyalusing Area* (2A) 3:00 pm W 56-21
10/17 Muncy (1A) 7:00 pm W 41-14
10/24 @ Sayre (1A) 7:00 pm W 57-0
10/31 @ Jersey Shore (4A) 7:00 pm L 14-73 Dist. 4 Class 4A Semifinal
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff Result Game Notes
8/22 Waverly (NY) 11:00 am Scrimmage; with Bloomsburg
8/22 Bloomsburg (2A) 11:00 am Scrimmage; with Waverly (NY)
8/28 @ Wyalusing Area (2A) 7:00 pm
9/04 Troy Area* (2A) 7:00 pm
9/11 @ Cowanesque Valley* (3A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ South Williamsport (2A) 7:00 pm
9/24 Towanda* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Wellsboro* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/09 North Penn-Mansfield* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Canton Area (1A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Muncy (1A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Sayre (1A) 7:00 pm
Offensive Starters Returning:
Brady Flynn, SR, 6’1”, 225#, OG
Landon Layman, SR, 5’10”, 222#, C / OT
Brendan Cooke, SR, 6’0”, 205#, RB
Dom Robbins, SR, 6’0”, 237#, TE
Connor Davidson, SR, 5’9”, 185#, QB / RB / SLOT
Lucas Persun, SR, 5’9”, 150#, RB
Gage Marmor, SR, 5’9”, 173#, SLOT
Kade Rowe, JR, 5’11”, 182#, WR
Shea Davidson, SOPH, 5’7”, 149#, QB
Defensive Starters Returning:
Brady Flynn, SR, 6’1”, 225#, LB
Landon Layman, SR, 5’10”, 222#, DT
Brendan Cooke, SR, 6’0”, 205#, LB
Dom Robbins, SR, 6’0”, 237#, DE
Connor Davidson, SR, 5’9”, 185#, FS / ROVER
Lucas Persun, SR, 5’9”, 150#, C
Nolan Raupers, JR, 5’9”, 173#, SS
Cy Yeager, SOPH, 5’8″, 140#, C
Special Team Starters Returning:
Lucas Persun, SR, 5’9”, 150#, long snapper
Shea Davidson, SOPH, 5’7”, 149#, HOLDER
Zach Fisher, SR, 5’9”, 165#, P/K
Key Newcomers:
Trig Noel, SR, 6’1”, 275#, OT/DT
Jess Oldroyd, SR, 5’9”, 185#, DT
Brayden Westbrook, SR, 5’11”, 175#, C
Devin Maxfield, SOPH, 5’11”, 180#, RB/LB
Blake Bowman, SOPH, 5’8″, 204#, C
Brayden Judah, SOPH, 5’7″, 230#, G
Graham Steinfelt, SOPH, 5’7″, 164#, RB/LB
2026 Outlook:
Offense: We have the potential to be an explosive offense if our kids continue to work hard. We have some experienced athletes returning at key positions, but we also lost some very good football players to graduation. We are hoping some of our younger kids develop quickly and we can continue to improve offensively. Need to be tougher and more consistent in order to compete with Troy and the solid programs in D4 3A.
Defense: DISCIPLINE. CONSISTENCY. TOUGHNESS. Need to be tougher and more disciplined to prevent the big plays that have plagued us against better teams. That being said, this group does have the ability to fly to the football and create some havoc on the defensive side of the ball if they so choose. I am excited to see what the identity of our defense becomes.
Special Team: Zach Fisher is now a 3 year starter for us at kicker and punter. He is an invaluable asset with his XP/FG consistency and ability to put us in positive field position in many different ways. Lucas Persun (snapper) and Shea Davidson (holder) also give us very reliable assets in our special teams group.