Manheim Township Embraces Opportunity as New-Look Roster Takes Aim at Another District Run
Manheim Township enters the 2026 season with a much different roster but the same expectations.
The Blue Streaks are coming off a 10-2 campaign in which they captured the Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 1 championship and advanced to the District 3 Class 6A semifinals. They won nine consecutive games after an early loss to Central York, including a 20-14 victory over Wilson West Lawn that secured another section title.
Head coach Mark Evans must now replace an extensive list of graduated starters, including Taylor Veilleux, Marcos Fernandez, Jack Kenneff, Simon Dumser, Daryus Dixon, Allan Feliciano, Riley Rontal, Malakai Minguez, Zach Bomberger, Luke Wagner, Brady McCracken, Rowan Ocker, Garrett Kurtz, Will Milazzo and Jake Ruch.
That turnover creates uncertainty at several positions, but it also creates opportunity.
Manheim Township has strong participation numbers, quality depth throughout the program and a group of younger players eager to establish their own identity.
The Blue Streaks may lack the varsity experience of previous seasons, but they do not lack talent or motivation.
“Our strengths are opportunity and the desire to be good,” the coaching staff said. “We have great numbers out for football and lots of depth.”
The primary concern will be how quickly the new starters adjust while learning on the job.
Blue Streaks Built Another Championship Season
Manheim Township opened the 2025 season with a defensive 7-0 victory over Cumberland Valley before falling to Central York, 36-28.
The Blue Streaks responded with victories over William Penn and Plymouth-Whitemarsh before beginning league play with a 35-13 win at Hempfield.
They continued rolling through Section 1, defeating J.P. McCaskey, Cedar Crest, Reading and Penn Manor before closing the regular season with the hard-fought win at Wilson.
Manheim Township then defeated Hempfield, 49-7, in the District 3 quarterfinals before its season ended with a semifinal loss to Harrisburg.
The returning players experienced another championship run and understand the preparation required to compete deep into November.
The challenge is turning that experience from supporting roles into production as starters.
Quarterback Competition Will Shape Offense
One of the most important questions entering preseason camp is at quarterback.
The Blue Streaks must replace an experienced starter while installing new players across the offense.
Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Andy Paine will oversee a competition that could continue through the preseason.
The new quarterback will be surrounded by several promising skill-position players and an offensive line with returning varsity contributors.
The priority will be managing the offense, limiting turnovers and allowing the playmakers around him to work.
Manheim Township may not ask the quarterback to carry the team immediately. A balanced rushing attack and solid protection could help the new signal-caller grow into the position as the season progresses.
Myers Returns After Productive Season
Senior running back PJ Myers gives the offense a proven starting point.
Myers rushed 106 times for 704 yards and nine touchdowns last season, averaging more than 6.6 yards per carry.
His production came while sharing opportunities in a talented backfield, and he should receive an expanded role in 2026.
Myers brings vision, quickness and enough power to finish runs. He has already shown that he can produce against varsity competition and will be expected to help establish the offensive identity.
A dependable rushing attack will be especially important while the new quarterback and receivers adjust to larger roles.
Lauano Adds Physicality and Versatility
Dehvyn Lauano returns as a two-way running back and linebacker.
Most of his returning statistics came on defense, where he recorded 60 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
His toughness and physicality should also translate into an important offensive role.
Lauano gives the Blue Streaks another option in the backfield and could complement Myers with a more physical running style.
The combination should allow Manheim Township to rotate backs and keep fresh legs on the field.
Receiving Corps Offers Athleticism
The Blue Streaks return several receivers capable of stepping into larger roles.
Chase Fletcher is the most experienced after catching 37 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns last season.
His production gives the new quarterback a proven target who understands the offense and has already contributed in meaningful games.
Nate Fletcher, Aiden Zulick and Landon Crane also return as receiving options.
The group brings athleticism, but it must develop consistency.
Manheim Township needs receivers who can create separation, make contested catches and block in the running game.
Chase Fletcher will likely begin the year as the leading target, but the offense will become more dangerous if several receivers emerge.
Offensive Line Must Develop Chemistry
The offensive line returns Max Kolbrenner, Ben Cardona, Harrison Roache and Kolton Kemp as key contributors.
Kolbrenner gained significant experience on defense and will be expected to become one of the leaders in the trenches.
Cardona, Roache and Kemp also saw varsity action and now have opportunities to take on larger roles.
The unit must replace several graduated starters and quickly develop communication.
That is especially important with a new quarterback and an offense expected to lean on the running game early.
The Blue Streaks have depth, but they need that depth to become dependable varsity production.
Offense Will Rely on Balance and Growth
Manheim Township’s offense may not begin the season with the experience of last year’s group, but it has enough talent to improve quickly.
Myers provides a proven runner, Lauano adds physicality and the receiving corps includes several athletic options.
The key will be developing the quarterback and offensive line.
If those positions stabilize, the Blue Streaks should be able to create a balanced attack that becomes more effective as the season progresses.
The early schedule will not allow much time for adjustment, with Cumberland Valley, Neshaminy, Central York and Wilson West Lawn among the first major tests.
Defense Replaces Significant Production
The defense also faces a major transition after graduating several experienced starters.
The Blue Streaks will introduce new players at all three levels, making communication and assignment discipline especially important.
Defensive coordinator Mark McCracken has depth to work with, but many of those players will be learning under Friday night conditions.
The defense must improve through experience without allowing early mistakes to become lasting habits.
Lauano Leads Linebacker Group
Lauano enters the season as one of the most productive returning defenders.
His 60 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks show his ability to make plays around the line of scrimmage.
He will be expected to become one of the leaders of the defense and help organize a young linebacker corps.
Lauano’s ability to play downhill, pressure quarterbacks and tackle in space should make him one of Manheim Township’s most important two-way players.
Kolbrenner Provides Another Defensive Leader
Kolbrenner recorded 37 tackles and three tackles for loss last season.
His experience at linebacker gives the defense another returning player who understands the system.
Kolbrenner will also contribute along the offensive line, making conditioning and durability important.
Together, he and Lauano give the Blue Streaks a reliable foundation at linebacker.
Defensive Line Has Size and Potential
Cardona, Roache and Kemp are expected to contribute heavily along the defensive line.
Cardona recorded six tackles in limited action, while Kemp had five tackles and two tackles for loss.
Those numbers should increase significantly as both players move into expanded roles.
The defensive front must control gaps and prevent blockers from reaching the linebackers.
Manheim Township has the size and depth to develop a productive rotation, but the group must prove itself against experienced offensive lines.
Fletcher Brothers Strengthen Secondary
Nate and Chase Fletcher both return in the defensive backfield.
Nate Fletcher recorded 19 tackles and one tackle for loss, while Chase Fletcher finished with 31 tackles in addition to his offensive production.
Their varsity experience gives the secondary two dependable players around whom the coaching staff can build.
The Blue Streaks must replace several graduated defensive backs, making communication and leadership from the Fletchers especially important.
Young Defense Must Learn Quickly
The coaching staff’s biggest concern is the overall lack of experience.
That issue will be especially visible on defense, where one missed assignment can result in a touchdown.
Manheim Township’s depth should allow several players to compete for roles, but the unit must settle on dependable combinations.
The Blue Streaks will emphasize tackling, communication and limiting explosive plays.
If the younger defenders improve throughout the season, the defense could become much stronger by the start of the postseason.
Crispeno Gives Special Teams Stability
Rowan Crispeno returns as the kicker and punter.
His experience gives Manheim Township stability during a season featuring transition at many other positions.
Reliable kicking and punting can help a young team by controlling field position and turning drives into points.
Thomas Stamp also returns as the long snapper, providing continuity in the operation.
That experience should make special teams one of the more settled areas of the team.
Players to Watch
PJ Myers, Sr., RB: Returning offensive leader who rushed for 704 yards and nine touchdowns.
Dehvyn Lauano, Sr., RB/LB: Physical two-way standout who recorded 60 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
Chase Fletcher, Sr., WR/DB: Proven receiver who caught 37 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns while adding 31 tackles.
Nate Fletcher, Sr., WR/DB: Returning defensive back expected to become a leader in the secondary.
Max Kolbrenner, Sr., OL/LB: Experienced two-way player who finished with 37 tackles and three tackles for loss.
Aiden Zulick, Sr., WR/LB: Athletic returning contributor with an opportunity to earn a larger role.
Landon Crane, Sr., WR: Returning receiver competing for an expanded position in the passing game.
Ben Cardona, OL/DL: Young lineman expected to become a major contributor in the trenches.
Harrison Roache, OL/DL: Returning lineman who will help establish depth on both fronts.
Kolton Kemp, OL/DL: Emerging defensive lineman who recorded two tackles for loss in limited action.
Rowan Crispeno, K/P: Returning specialist who provides stability in the kicking and punting games.
Thomas Stamp, LS: Experienced long snapper who gives the special teams unit continuity.
My thoughts on Manheim Township
Manheim Township enters 2026 with more questions than it has faced in recent seasons, but also with a deep and motivated roster.
The Blue Streaks must replace a large senior class, identify a new quarterback and develop inexperienced starters on both sides of the football.
That process could include early growing pains.
However, the program’s participation numbers and depth provide reasons for optimism.
Myers gives the offense a productive running back, Lauano provides two-way toughness and Chase Fletcher leads a promising receiving corps. The offensive line has several players ready to step into larger roles.
Defensively, Lauano and Kolbrenner provide experience at linebacker, while the Fletcher brothers bring stability to the secondary.
The new starters must learn quickly, especially against a demanding early schedule.
The Blue Streaks may not begin the season as a finished product, but they have the talent and desire to improve significantly throughout the fall.
If the offensive line develops, the new quarterback plays efficiently and the young defense grows around its returning leaders, Manheim Township should remain a contender in Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 1 and District 3 Class 6A.
The 2026 season will feature plenty of new faces, but the opportunity to continue the program’s championship standard remains.
Head Coach: Mark Evans
Assistant Coaches:
Tyler Cottle WR
Jeff Illig RB/Run game Coordinator
Scott Yoder Def. Back
Andy Paine QB/OC
Mark McCracken LB/DC
Matt Bransby DB/Special Teams
Adrian Krall WR/DB
Julian Williams DL
Larry Lewis OL
Cade Clancy LB
Team Name: Manheim Township Blue Streaks
District: 3
Class: 6A
League: Lancaster-Lebanon League, Section 1
2025 Record: 10-2
8/22 Cumberland Valley (6A) 7:00 pm W 7-0
8/29 @ Central York (6A) 7:00 pm L 28-36
9/05 William Penn (3) (6A) 7:00 pm W 43-34
9/12 Plymouth-Whitemarsh (6A) 7:00 pm W 37-31
9/19 @ Hempfield (3)* (6A) 7:00 pm W 35-13
9/26 @ J.P. McCaskey* (6A) 7:00 pm W 56-21
10/03 Cedar Crest* (6A) 7:00 pm W 42-13
10/10 Reading* (6A) 7:00 pm W 63-0
10/17 @ Penn Manor* (6A) 7:00 pm W 34-13
10/24 @ Wilson West Lawn* (6A) 7:00 pm W 20-14
11/07 Hempfield (3) (6A) 7:00 pm W 49-7 Dist. 3 Class 6A Quarterfinal
11/15 @ Harrisburg (6A) 1:00 pm L 7-34 Dist. 3 Class 6A Semifinal
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Manheim Central (5A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 @ Cumberland Valley (6A) 7:00 pm
9/04 Neshaminy (6A) 7:00 pm
9/11 @ Central York (6A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Wilson West Lawn* (6A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Cedar Crest* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ William Penn (3) (6A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Penn Manor* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ J.P. McCaskey* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Reading* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Hempfield (3)* (6A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters lost:
Taylor Veilleux
Marcos Fernandez
Jack Kenneff
Simon Dumser
Daryus Dixon
Allan Feliciano
Riley Rontal
Malakai Minguez
Zach Bomberger
Luke Wagner
Brady Mcccracken
Rowan Ocker
Garrett Kurtz
Will Milazzo
Jake Ruch
Key Players Returning:
Dehvyn Lauano RB/LB
Rowan Crispeno K/P
Thomas Stamp LS
Nate Fletcher DB/WR
Chase Fletcher WR/DB
Aiden Zulick WR/LB
Landon Crane WR
PJ Myers RB
Max Kolbrenner OL/LB
Ben Cardona OL/DL
Harrison Roache OL/DL
Kolton Kemp OL/DL
Key Newcomers:
Dane Byler QB-11
Brett Kirchoff LB-12
Chase Mcmillan WR-11
Jezi Gross WR/DB-12
Jaiden Simmons WR-12
Riley Whalen RB-12
Jackson Lefever RB/LB-11
Tim Johnson WR/DB-11
Jackson Brown LB-12
Mina Boshra OL/DL-12
AJ Luciani OL/DL-12
Max Titter OL-11
Trey Tomlinso OL-12
Seth Hensinger WR/DB-12
Jonathan Kemper WR/DB-11
Colin Baldwin WR/DB-11
Aiden Patterson TE/DE 11
Leandre Robinson WR/DB-11
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Dehvyn Lauano RB/LB
60 total tackles, 2.5 sacks and 8 TFL
Rowan Crispeno K/P
Nate Fletcher DB/WR
19 total tackles and 1 TFL
Chase Fletcher WR/DB
Caught 37 passes for 274 yards and 3 TDs and 31 total tackles
Aiden Zulick WR/LB
6 total tackles
PJ Myers RB
Rushed for 704 yards on 106 carries and 9 TDs
Max Kolbrenner OL/LB
37 total tackles and 3 TFL
Ben Cardona OL/DL
6 total tackles
Kolton Kemp OL/DL
5 total tackles and 2 TFL
2026 Outlook:
Strengths: Opportunity and desire to be good. Great numbers out for football, lots of depth.
Concerns: Lack of experience and we will have some on the job learning.