Veteran Core Looks to Keep Palisades Among District 11 Class 2A Contenders
Palisades put together another successful season in 2025, winning seven games, earning a berth in the District 11 Class 2A playoffs and coming within a single point of advancing after an unforgettable 29-28 overtime loss to Northern Lehigh in the quarterfinals.
While that heartbreaking finish has fueled the offseason, the Pirates know they must replace a talented senior class that played a major role in last year’s success. Graduates Silas Day, Jack Trickel, Chase Smith, Max Woerner, Ashton Fitzgerald, Rowan Tharp and Mason Schultz leave behind valuable production and leadership.
Head coach Bobby Smith believes the next group is ready to carry the torch.
Palisades returns experienced players on both sides of the football, particularly in the trenches, where the Pirates have traditionally built their success. The coaching staff has kept the offseason message simple: master the fundamentals, play fast and let physical football dictate the outcome.
That philosophy has long defined Palisades football.
Rather than overcomplicating the game, the Pirates want to execute the basics at a high level, win the battle at the line of scrimmage and play with relentless effort every Friday night.
With another challenging Colonial League Division 1 schedule awaiting, that identity will once again be put to the test.
Replacing Offensive Production
The Pirates enter the season with one of the biggest questions facing any successful program—replacing experienced playmakers.
Several of last year’s offensive leaders have graduated, meaning new faces will have the opportunity to emerge in key skill positions.
While there may be new names handling the football, Palisades believes the supporting cast around them provides an excellent foundation.
The coaching staff isn’t looking for one player to replace all of the departed production.
Instead, the Pirates expect multiple players to assume larger roles while continuing to emphasize a balanced, physical offensive attack.
Developing chemistry during preseason camp will be one of the team’s biggest priorities.
The sooner the new offensive pieces become comfortable together, the quicker Palisades can return to the efficient football it displayed throughout much of last season.
Cook Headlines the Receiving Corps
Senior Lincoln Cook returns as one of the offense’s top playmakers.
Cook brings valuable varsity experience at wide receiver and understands what it takes to compete in the Colonial League.
As one of the few returning skill-position starters, he is expected to become a leader both on and off the field.
His ability to stretch defenses vertically and create explosive plays gives the Pirates an important weapon in the passing game.
Cook’s experience should also provide stability for a new quarterback or any younger offensive contributors stepping into larger roles.
The coaching staff will look to move him around the formation to create favorable matchups while relying on his leadership throughout the season.
Tight End Position Adds Versatility
Senior Carter Kilherner returns at tight end after gaining valuable varsity experience.
Kilherner’s versatility makes him one of the most important players on the roster.
As a blocker, he helps establish the physical running game that has become a trademark of Palisades football.
As a receiver, he gives the offense another dependable target capable of moving the chains on critical downs.
The combination of Cook and Kilherner provides the Pirates with experienced receiving options despite the graduation of several offensive leaders.
Their ability to create balance will be important as Palisades develops its new offensive identity.
Veteran Offensive Line Sets the Tone
As has been the case for many successful Palisades teams, the offensive line could become the strength of the offense.
Senior Will Kapp returns at center to anchor the unit.
The center often serves as the quarterback of the offensive line, making protection calls, identifying defensive fronts and ensuring communication remains consistent before every snap.
Kapp’s experience gives the Pirates confidence in that leadership role.
Senior Matt Casterline returns at guard, bringing another experienced presence to the interior.
Senior Vince Amato returns at tackle after earning valuable varsity experience last season.
Together, the veteran trio provides continuity up front while helping younger linemen develop throughout camp.
The coaching staff has emphasized keeping the offensive philosophy simple.
Execute the fundamentals.
Win individual matchups.
Play physical football.
If the offensive line accomplishes those goals, the Pirates should once again establish an effective rushing attack while creating opportunities through play-action passing.
Riddle Brings Toughness to the Backfield
Senior Solomon Riddle returns after contributing as the team’s fullback.
Riddle embodies the physical style Palisades wants to play.
Whether leading through the hole as a blocker or carrying the football in short-yardage situations, his willingness to embrace contact helps establish the offense’s identity.
His experience also provides valuable leadership for younger skill-position players adjusting to larger varsity roles.
The Pirates have traditionally relied upon physical runners and disciplined blocking to control the tempo of games.
Riddle’s presence helps continue that tradition.
Simplicity Remains the Offensive Philosophy
The coaching staff’s offensive outlook is refreshingly straightforward.
“Get the basics down and play ball.”
That message reflects the identity of the program.
Rather than focusing on complicated schemes or flashy formations, Palisades wants disciplined execution.
Winning first down.
Avoiding penalties.
Protecting the football.
Blocking with physicality.
Those fundamentals often determine success more than any playbook.
The Pirates believe that if they consistently execute the basics, the offense will naturally create scoring opportunities.
Defense Built Around Physical Football
Defensively, the philosophy is equally clear.
Play downhill.
Play fast.
That aggressive approach has been a hallmark of Palisades football under Bobby Smith.
The Pirates want defenders attacking the football rather than reacting.
Speed, physicality and discipline must work together.
The coaching staff believes hesitation creates big plays for opponents.
Playing downhill allows defenders to dictate the action while forcing offenses into uncomfortable situations.
Returning six experienced defensive starters gives Palisades an excellent foundation for maintaining that identity.
Experienced Front Seven Returns
The Pirates return significant experience throughout the front seven.
Kilherner contributes as both a linebacker and defensive end, giving the defense versatility along the edge.
Kapp anchors the defensive line, while Casterline provides experience at linebacker and along the defensive front.
Amato returns on the defensive line, bringing additional size and toughness to the trenches.
Riddle also returns at linebacker after gaining valuable varsity experience.
That collection of experienced defenders gives Palisades a strong nucleus capable of controlling the line of scrimmage.
The front seven’s ability to stop the run will be especially important against the physical rushing attacks found throughout the Colonial League.
Cook Leads the Secondary
Cook also returns as the leader of the defensive backfield.
His athleticism and experience make him one of the defense’s most dependable playmakers.
The secondary will be responsible for limiting explosive passing plays while providing strong run support against balanced offenses.
Communication remains one of the biggest priorities.
With experienced leaders returning throughout the defense, the Pirates expect improved organization and confidence from the opening week of the season.
Playing Fast Creates Opportunities
One of the recurring themes throughout the offseason has been speed.
The coaching staff wants every defender attacking the football with confidence.
Fast football is not simply about running speed.
It involves recognizing offensive formations quickly, communicating adjustments and reacting without hesitation.
When defenders trust their assignments, they naturally play faster.
That approach can also lead to more takeaways.
Aggressive defenses often force hurried decisions, creating opportunities for interceptions, fumbles and tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
Palisades hopes that mentality becomes one of its defining characteristics throughout the season.
Special Teams Will Focus on Fundamentals
Although specific specialists were not highlighted entering the season, Palisades understands the importance of consistent special teams.
Winning the hidden yardage battle often determines close games, especially in the competitive Colonial League.
Solid kickoff coverage, dependable punting and mistake-free execution on extra points can provide the difference between winning and losing.
The Pirates will expect the same disciplined approach on special teams that they emphasize on offense and defense.
Players to Watch
Lincoln Cook, Sr., WR/DB: Veteran playmaker expected to lead both the receiving corps and secondary while providing leadership throughout the roster.
Carter Kilherner, Sr., TE/LB-DE: Versatile two-way starter who contributes as both a physical blocker and a key defensive playmaker.
Will Kapp, Sr., C/DL: Experienced center who anchors the offensive line while also leading the defensive front.
Matt Casterline, Sr., OG/LB-DL: Physical lineman expected to play a major role on both sides of the football.
Vince Amato, Sr., OT/DL: Veteran tackle who provides size and toughness in the trenches.
Solomon Riddle, Sr., FB/LB: Hard-nosed fullback and linebacker who embodies the physical identity of the Pirates.
My thoughts on Palisades
Palisades once again appears built around the formula that has made the program consistently competitive: experienced linemen, physical football and disciplined execution.
Replacing seven key seniors is never easy, particularly after a seven-win season that ended just one point shy of advancing in the District 11 Class 2A playoffs. However, the Pirates return an experienced nucleus in Cook, Kilherner, Kapp, Casterline, Amato and Riddle that gives the coaching staff proven leadership at nearly every level of the roster.
Offensively, success will depend on how quickly new playmakers emerge around the veteran line. Cook provides a proven receiving threat, Kilherner offers versatility at tight end and the experienced offensive front should allow Palisades to establish its traditional physical running game. If the Pirates execute the fundamentals and protect the football, they have the pieces to remain productive despite graduating several offensive stars.
Defensively, the outlook is equally encouraging. Returning six starters gives the Pirates a solid foundation, particularly in the front seven, where Kapp, Casterline, Amato, Kilherner and Riddle provide experience and toughness. The coaching staff’s emphasis on playing downhill and fast fits the strengths of this group and should allow the defense to continue setting the tone.
The Colonial League Division 1 schedule will once again provide weekly challenges, but Palisades has developed a reputation for competing with discipline, toughness and consistency. If the Pirates quickly develop new offensive contributors while maintaining their physical identity on defense, they have the talent and leadership necessary to contend for another District 11 Class 2A playoff berth and challenge for one of the league’s top spots in 2026.
Head Coach: Bobby Smith
Assistant Coaches:
Tom Brader
Anthony Carty
Danny Yashinski
Ethan Brader
Zack Shoemaker
Bob Shoemaker
Delany Hillferty
Nate Carr
Team Name: Palisades Pirates
District: 11
Class: 2A
League: Colonial League, Division 1
2025 Record: 7-3
8/22 @ Bristol (2A) 7:00 pm W 21-15
8/29 @ Saucon Valley (3A) 7:00 pm W 17-0
9/05 @ Catasauqua (2A) 7:00 pm W 42-14
9/12 Northern Lehigh (2A) 7:00 pm W 28-14
9/20 @ Pen Argyl (2A) 1:30 pm L 21-38
9/26 @ Blue Mountain (4A) 7:00 pm L 21-42
10/03 Palmerton Area (3A) 7:00 pm W 41-6
10/10 @ Notre Dame GP (3A) 7:00 pm L 22-34 at Lafayette College
10/17 Wilson Area (4A) 7:00 pm W 56-0
10/24 Salisbury (3A) 7:00 pm W 56-27
11/01 @ Northern Lehigh (2A) 6:00 pm L 28-29 OT – Dist. 11 Class 2A Quarterfinal
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 New Hope Solebury (2A) 6:00 pm Scrimmage
8/28 Bristol (2A) 7:00 pm
9/04 Wilson Area (3A) 7:00 pm
9/11 @ Palmerton Area* (3A) 7:00 pm
9/18 Northern Lehigh* (2A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Bangor (4A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Notre Dame GP* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Salisbury* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Catasauqua* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Pen Argyl* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Saucon Valley (4A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters lost:
Silas Day
Jack Trickel
Chase Smith
Max Woerner
Ashton Fitzgerald
Rowan Tharp
Mason Schultz
Offensive Starters Returning:
Lincoln Cook-WR
Carter Kilherner-TE
Will Kapp-C
Matt Casterline-OG
Vince Amato-OT
Solomon Riddle-FB
Defensive Starters Returning:
Lincoln Cook-DB
Carter Kilherner-LB/DE
Will Kapp-DL
Matt Casterline-LB/DL
Vince Amato-DL
Solomon Riddle-LB
Key Newcomers:
Chase McGroarty-OL/DL
Grayson Winsor-QB/RB/DB
Sebastian LaRosa-QB/DB
Everett clark-DB
Dillon Clark-DB
Ethan Hunter-FB/LB
Hunter Hammer-DE/OL
Wesley Erk-WR/DB
Oli Mutterperl-RB/DB
Logan Davis-OL/DL
Jeremy Miller-RB/WR/DB
2026 Outlook:
Offense: Get the basics down and play ball.
Defense: Get the basics and play downhill and fast