Mount Carmel Area Brings Back Talented Core Looking to Take Next Step in 2026
Mount Carmel Area experienced plenty of ups and downs during the 2025 season, but by the end of the year, the Red Tornadoes showed exactly how dangerous they could be.
Now, with a strong group of experienced playmakers returning, head coach John Darrah and the Red Tornadoes enter 2026 looking to turn last season’s late momentum into a deeper postseason run.
Mount Carmel finished 5-6 in 2025, winning five of its final eight regular-season games before suffering a heartbreaking 43-42 loss at Montoursville in the District 4 Class 3A semifinals.
The Red Tornadoes must replace several important starters, including quarterback Gavin Marshalek and offensive linemen Elijah Rempel, Jerry Sheganoski, Logan Herb and Seth Spears. Michael Kimsal, Jabari Kines and Lucas Carpenter are other significant losses.
But Mount Carmel returns considerable talent at the skill positions and throughout its defense.
Jaylen Delaney, Jason Klokis, Max Karycki, Aidan Brokenshire, Cooper Karycki and Josh Blessing headline an experienced group that gives the Red Tornadoes reason for optimism.
Strong Finish Provided Momentum
Mount Carmel’s 2025 record doesn’t completely tell the story.
The Red Tornadoes opened against a difficult schedule, falling to North Schuylkill, Mifflinburg, Southern Columbia and Montoursville during the first five weeks.
But the season began to turn with a 41-13 victory over Hughesville.
Mount Carmel followed with a 61-13 win over Danville, defeated Central Mountain 35-13 and rolled past Milton Area 48-25.
The Red Tornadoes nearly knocked off Shamokin in a 26-21 loss before taking Montoursville to the wire in the district semifinals.
That playoff game ended 43-42, leaving Mount Carmel just one point away from advancing.
The experience gained during that stretch should be valuable for a team returning numerous contributors.
Spears Gets Opportunity at Quarterback
With Marshalek graduating, sophomore James Spears is among the key returning players expected to help lead the next version of Mount Carmel’s offense.
At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, Spears gives the Red Tornadoes a young athlete who can contribute at quarterback and defensive back.
His development will be one of the biggest storylines of the season.
The good news is that the new quarterback will be surrounded by proven skill-position talent.
Mount Carmel returns several players who have already shown they can produce explosive plays at the varsity level.
Delaney Headlines Explosive Skill Group
Senior Jaylen Delaney returns after putting together a tremendous 2025 season.
Delaney rushed 104 times for 850 net yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging 8.2 yards per carry. He also caught 21 passes for 403 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 19.1 yards per reception.
His impact extended to special teams, where he returned nine punts for 174 yards and two touchdowns.
Delaney finished with 110 total points, becoming the 31st player in Mount Carmel Area history to score at least 100 points in a season.
His combination of speed and versatility gives Mount Carmel a player capable of changing a game from several different positions.
Whether he’s running the football, catching passes or returning punts, Delaney will be one of the players opposing defenses must account for on every snap.
Cooper Karycki Adds Another Big-Play Threat
Senior Cooper Karycki gives the Red Tornadoes another explosive option.
Karycki rushed for 452 net yards and five touchdowns on just 46 carries, averaging an impressive 9.8 yards per attempt.
He added 58 receiving yards and was dangerous in the kickoff return game, averaging 24.8 yards on 12 returns with a long of 90 yards.
Karycki also intercepted three passes defensively, returning them for 48 yards and a touchdown.
With Delaney and Karycki both returning, Mount Carmel has multiple players capable of creating explosive plays.
Klokis Brings Power to Backfield
Junior Jason Klokis provides a different dimension.
Klokis rushed for 196 net yards and four touchdowns on limited carries last season while averaging 6.7 yards per attempt.
At 5-foot-10 and 205 pounds, he gives Mount Carmel a physical running option to complement its speed.
His biggest impact last season came defensively, but his production with the football suggests he could handle a larger offensive workload in 2026.
Sophomore Mickey Higgins, another 200-pound running back and linebacker, provides additional depth.
That combination gives Mount Carmel size, power and speed in the backfield.
Brokenshire Could Become Bigger Receiving Weapon
Junior Aidan Brokenshire returns at tight end after catching 11 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns.
His 18.6 yards per reception demonstrates his ability to create significant gains from the tight end position.
At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Brokenshire provides Spears with a big target who already has varsity experience.
Junior Chance Swatski also returns at tight end and outside linebacker, giving Mount Carmel additional size on the perimeter.
Senior Max Karycki is another weapon at tight end after catching five passes for 85 yards and three touchdowns last season.
That gives the Red Tornadoes several big-bodied receiving options to complement Delaney and Lance Glenney on the outside.
Offensive Line Must Be Rebuilt
The biggest question offensively will be up front.
Mount Carmel lost Rempel, Sheganoski, Herb and Spears from last year’s offensive line.
Replacing that much size and experience will not happen overnight.
Sophomore Dominick Lentini, senior Josh Blessing and Max Karycki are among the returning players who can provide experience and physicality around the line of scrimmage.
How quickly the rebuilt offensive front develops could determine the ceiling of the entire offense.
The Red Tornadoes have plenty of proven skill talent. Giving those playmakers room to operate will be the key.
Defense Returns Several Proven Tacklers
Mount Carmel has significant production returning on defense.
Max Karycki, Klokis, Brokenshire and Blessing combined for more than 290 tackles last season.
That gives the Red Tornadoes an experienced core around which to build.
While replacing Kines, Sheganoski, Carpenter and Kimsal will be challenging, the returning defensive production provides an excellent starting point.
Max Karycki Anchors Defensive Front
Max Karycki was one of Mount Carmel’s most productive defenders last season.
He recorded 94 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, two sacks, 11 quarterback hurries, one pass defended and one blocked kick.
At 6-foot-1 and 250 pounds, Karycki can be disruptive around the line of scrimmage.
His ability to create penetration and pressure the quarterback makes him a key piece of the defensive front.
He also provides leadership and versatility after contributing at tight end and punter.
Klokis Leads Linebacking Corps
Klokis finished with 91 tackles, including 35 solo stops, while recording 11 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
He also contributed a pass defended and a quarterback hurry.
Those numbers make him one of Mount Carmel’s most important returning defenders.
Klokis has shown the ability to find the football and make plays behind the line of scrimmage.
With several defensive starters graduating, his experience at linebacker will become even more valuable.
Brokenshire Provides Edge Pressure
Brokenshire gives the Red Tornadoes another proven front-seven defender.
He finished fourth on the team with 63 tackles, including 11 tackles for loss.
Brokenshire added three sacks, four quarterback hurries and a pass defended.
His combination of size and athleticism allows him to create pressure from outside linebacker while also contributing in coverage.
Alongside Klokis, he gives Mount Carmel a pair of productive junior defenders to build around.
Blessing Brings Experience at Linebacker
Senior Josh Blessing returns after recording 50 total tackles and nine tackles for loss.
He also registered a half-sack, two quarterback hurries and a pass defended.
Blessing’s experience will be important as Mount Carmel looks to develop its new starters.
Between Blessing, Klokis and Brokenshire, the Red Tornadoes have a strong nucleus at linebacker.
Secondary Has Playmakers
Mount Carmel also returns experience on the back end.
Delaney, Cooper Karycki, Spears and Glenney give the Red Tornadoes several options in the secondary.
Cooper Karycki showed excellent ball skills last season with three interceptions, including a pick-six.
Delaney contributed an interception and three pass breakups while also blocking two kicks.
The challenge will be replacing Carpenter and Kimsal while developing the younger defensive backs.
Miller Gives Mount Carmel Major Special Teams Weapon
Senior Josh Miller could be one of the most valuable returning specialists in District 4.
Miller kicked off 60 times for 3,141 yards last season, averaging 52.4 yards per kickoff. Opponents had an average starting position around their own 22-yard line, and Miller produced 13 touchbacks.
His 52.4-yard kickoff average ranks second in Mount Carmel Area history behind Mike Diminick’s 52.9-yard mark.
Miller also converted 33 of 43 extra points, with four attempts blocked, and made two of three field goals.
His successful field goals came from 32 and 30 yards.
That type of consistency can provide a major advantage in field position and close games.
Karycki Returns at Punter
Max Karycki gives Mount Carmel another proven special teams option.
He punted 24 times for 935 yards last season, averaging 40.0 yards per punt with a long of 55.
Combined with Miller’s kicking ability and the return skills of Delaney and Cooper Karycki, Mount Carmel’s special teams could become one of the team’s biggest strengths.
Delaney already has demonstrated game-changing ability as a punt returner, while Cooper Karycki provides another dangerous option on kickoffs.
Players to Watch
Jaylen Delaney, Sr., WR/RB/DB – Produced 1,253 yards from scrimmage, 16 offensive touchdowns and two punt-return touchdowns while scoring 110 points.
Max Karycki, Sr., TE/DL/P – Recorded 94 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, two sacks and 11 quarterback hurries while averaging 40 yards per punt.
Jason Klokis, Jr., RB/LB – Finished with 91 tackles and 11 tackles for loss while averaging 6.7 yards per carry and scoring four rushing touchdowns.
Aidan Brokenshire, Jr., TE/OLB – Recorded 63 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and three sacks while catching three touchdown passes.
Cooper Karycki, Sr., RB/DB – Averaged 9.8 yards per rushing attempt and intercepted three passes, including one returned for a touchdown.
Josh Blessing, Sr., OL/LB – Experienced two-way player who finished with 50 tackles and nine tackles for loss.
James Spears, So., QB/DB – Young quarterback whose development could be one of the biggest factors in Mount Carmel’s offensive success.
Josh Miller, Sr., K – Experienced specialist who produced 13 touchbacks and converted two field goals last season.
2026 Schedule
Mount Carmel will be tested immediately.
Following an August 22 scrimmage at Warrior Run, the Red Tornadoes open against Schuylkill Haven before traveling to Pottsville.
Heartland competition includes Milton Area, Danville, Southern Columbia, Montoursville and Central Columbia.
The Red Tornadoes will also face North Schuylkill, Central Mountain and Shamokin.
Several games stand out, but the October stretch could be particularly important. Mount Carmel hosts defending Class 2A state champion Southern Columbia on October 2 before traveling to Montoursville on October 9.
The Montoursville game will provide the Red Tornadoes with an opportunity to return to the site of last season’s heartbreaking 43-42 district semifinal loss.
My thoughts on Mount Carmel Area
Mount Carmel Area has plenty of reasons for optimism entering 2026.
The Red Tornadoes must rebuild much of the offensive line and replace their starting quarterback, but they return an impressive collection of playmakers.
Delaney is coming off a 110-point season. Cooper Karycki averaged nearly 10 yards per carry. Klokis gives the offense a powerful option in the backfield, while Brokenshire and Max Karycki provide proven production at tight end.
Defensively, the experience returning in the front seven could become the foundation of the team. Max Karycki, Klokis, Brokenshire and Blessing have already proven they can produce at the varsity level.
Special teams should also be a strength with Miller kicking, Max Karycki punting and Delaney and Cooper Karycki available in the return game.
The biggest questions will be quarterback development and the rebuilt offensive line.
If those areas come together, Mount Carmel has enough experience, physicality and explosive talent to improve significantly on last year’s 5-6 record.
After finishing one point short of reaching the District 4 Class 3A championship game last season, the Red Tornadoes enter 2026 with a talented returning core capable of taking the next step.
Head Coach: John Darrah
Assistant Coaches:
Robert Veach, Sr.
Jordan Marlow
Mike Gilger
Mike Higgins
Brendan Boris
Brent Runge
Rob Varano
Bill Joraskie
Maddox Reed
JRH Coaches
Tim Wargo
Mark Burns
John Ayres
Equipment Managers
Allen Klinger
Eric Schlegel
Statistician
Jose Gonzalo
Team Doctor
Dr. Jeffery Greco
Team Trainer
Dr. Tom Swaldi
Athletic Director
Cassandra Niglio
Team Name: Mount Carmel Area Red Tornadoes
District: 4
Class: 3A
League: PA Heartland Athletic Conference, Division II
2025 Record: 5-6
8/22 North Schuylkill (3A) 7:00 pm L 20-62
8/29 @ Central Columbia* (3A) 7:00 pm W 48-0
9/05 Mifflinburg* (3A) 7:00 pm L 20-48
9/12 @ Southern Columbia* (2A) 7:00 pm L 16-49
9/19 Montoursville* (3A) 7:00 pm L 0-27
9/26 @ Hughesville (2A) 7:00 pm W 41-13
10/03 Danville* (3A) 7:00 pm W 61-13
10/10 @ Central Mountain (4A) 7:00 pm W 35-13
10/17 Milton Area* (3A) 7:00 pm W 48-25
10/24 @ Shamokin (4A) 7:00 pm L 21-26
10/31 @ Montoursville (3A) 7:00 pm L 42-43 Dist. 4 Class 3A Semifinal
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Warrior Run (2A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 Schuylkill Haven (2A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ Pottsville Area (4A) 7:00 pm
9/11 Milton Area* (4A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ North Schuylkill (4A) 7:00 pm
9/25 @ Danville* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Southern Columbia* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Montoursville* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/16 Central Columbia* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Central Mountain (4A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Shamokin (4A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters lost:
Elijah Rempel (OL)
Gavin Marshalek (QB)
Jabari Kines (DL)
Jerry Sheganoski (OL/DL)
Logan Herb (OL)
Lucas Carpenter (DB)
Michael Kimsal (RB/DB)
Seth Spears (OL)
Starters Returning:
Aidan Brokenshire, TE/OLB, 6’3″, 205, JR
Chance Swatski, TE/OLB, 6’1″, 210, JR
Cooper Karycki RB/DB, 5’9″, 170, SR
Dominick Lentini, OL/DL, 5’10”, 250, SO
James Spears, QB/DB, 6’1, 195, SO
Jason Klokis, RB/LB 5’10”, 205, JR
Jaylen Delaney, WR/DB, 5’10”, 185, SR
Josh Blessing, OL/LB 5’10”, 200, SR
Lance Glenney, WR/DB, 5’9″, 165, SO
Max Karycki, TE/DL, 6’1″, 250, SR
Mickey Higgins, RB/LB, 5’11”, 200, SO
Josh Miller, K, 5’11”, 195, SR
Key Newcomers:
Azaziel Lilly, OL/DL, 6’3″, 240, SR
Christian Bibbus, OL/DL, 5’10”, 200, SO
Gabriel Higgins, QB/OLB, 5’10”, 165, FR
Jaxon Boblick, WR/DB, 5’10”, 185, JR
Jaxon Parker, WR/DB, 5’10”, 165, SO
Logan Shuder, WR/DB, 5’10”, 170, SR
Preston Pultynovich, FB/LB, 5’10”, 185, SO
Sam Robert, OL/DL, 5’11”, 270, SO
Zander Lukoskie, QB/DB, 6′, 175, SO
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Josh Blessing
19 solo and 31 assisted for 50 total tackles – 9 for loss
½ QB sack for 1 yard lost
1 pass defended
2 QB hurries
Josh Miller
Kicked off 60 times for 3141 yards – 52.4-yard average – 848 yards returned
Giving opponents and average starting position of the 22-yard line
13 Touchbacks
Made 33 of 43 PATs (4 of them were blocked)
Made 2 of 3 field goals – 32 and 30 yards
Contributed 1 assisted tackle
NOTE: His 52.4-yard average on kickoffs is second only to Mike Diminick’s 52.9
Jason Klokis
35 solo and 56 assisted for 91 total tackles -11 for loss
1.5 QB Sacks for 8 yards lost
1 passes defended and 1 QB Hurry
19 rushes for 197 – 1 = 196 yards – 6.7-yard average – 4 TDs
Made 2 of 2 receptions for 21 yards – 10.5-yard average
1 KO return for 0 yards
Cooper Karycki
Rushed 46 times for 463 – 11 = 452 yards – 9.8-yard average 5 TDs
Made 1 of 1 2 pt conversion rushing and 1 of 1 2 pt conversions receiving
Caught 4 of 10 passes for 58 yards – 14.5-yard average
Returned 12 kickoffs for 298 yards – 24.8-yard average with long of 90
9 solo and 7 assisted tackles for 16 total tackles
3 interceptions returned 48 yards and 1 TD
1 defended pass and 1 tackle for loss
46 Points
Aidan Brokenshire
29 solo and 34 assisted for 63 total tackles (4th on team) – 11 for loss
3 QB Sacks for 31 yards lost
1 pass defended
4 QB hurries
11 receptions on 24 attempts for 205 yards – 18.6-yard average – 3 TDs
8 Kickoff returns for 116 yards – 14.5-yard average
Jaylen Delaney
Ran 104 times for 892 – 42 =850 yards – 8.2-yard average – 12 TDs
Converted 1 of 1 2 pt conversion run
Caught 21 of 41 balls for 403 yards – 19.1-yard average – 4 TDs
9 punt returns for 174 yards – 19.3-yard average 2 TD
Completed 0 of 1 pass
3 passes defended with 1 interception returned 0 yards
14 solo and 15 assisted for 29 tackles – 1 for loss
3 passes defended and 1 tackle for loss and 2 blocked kicks
TOTAL POINTS 110 – Became the 31st player at MCA to score 100 points in a season
Max Karycki
Punted 24 times for 935 yards – 40.0-yard average – long of 55 – 238 yards returned
Ran 3 times for 8 minus 1= 7 yards- 2.3-yard average
Caught 5 of 7 passes for 85 yards – 17.0 yd average 3 TDs
45 solo and 49 assisted for 94 total tackles – 13 for loss ,
2 QB Sacks for 8 yards lost
1 pass defended and 1 blocked kick
11 QB Hurries