Defending State Champion Southern Lehigh Moves Up to Class 5A With Another Loaded Roster
Southern Lehigh reached the top of Pennsylvania high school football in 2025.
Now the Spartans will attempt to stay there while taking on an entirely new challenge.
Head coach Phil Sams guided Southern Lehigh to a 15-1 record, the District 11 Class 4A championship and the first PIAA football title in program history. The Spartans completed their remarkable postseason run with a 43-21 victory over Twin Valley in the Class 4A state championship game at Cumberland Valley High School.
Southern Lehigh defeated Bethlehem Catholic for the district title before surviving close state-playoff battles against Shamokin and Cardinal O’Hara. The Spartans then finished the job in Hershey by pulling away from Twin Valley on the state’s biggest stage.
The championship season placed Southern Lehigh among Pennsylvania’s elite programs.
The next test will be maintaining that standard after moving from Class 4A to Class 5A for the 2026 season.
The Spartans must replace several important contributors, including Sean Steckert, Jacoby Jacobs, Dariuz Lightner, Carter Giberson, Darius Roman, Luke Kawczenski and Samad Harriatt. However, they return one of the state’s most efficient quarterbacks, four veteran offensive linemen, an explosive receiver and an experienced defensive core.
Southern Lehigh will face bigger schools and deeper rosters in Class 5A, but it will not enter the season looking like a team beginning a rebuild.
The defending champions appear ready to reload.
Championship Season Established a New Standard
Southern Lehigh opened last season with victories over Quakertown and Blue Mountain before surviving a 21-20 test at Lehighton.
From there, the Spartans continued building momentum.
They defeated North Schuylkill, Pottsville, Jim Thorpe, Tamaqua, Bangor and Saucon Valley before suffering their only loss, a 36-28 setback against Northwestern Lehigh in the regular-season finale.
Southern Lehigh responded emphatically.
The Spartans defeated Bangor, 56-0, and Blue Mountain, 55-14, in the opening rounds of the District 11 playoffs. They then captured the district championship with a 49-28 victory over Bethlehem Catholic.
The state tournament brought three difficult opponents.
Southern Lehigh edged Shamokin, 30-27, in the quarterfinals and rallied past Cardinal O’Hara, 28-24, in the semifinals. The Spartans then scored 43 points against Twin Valley to claim the state championship.
That postseason experience should remain valuable as Southern Lehigh adjusts to its new classification.
This roster understands how to prepare for meaningful games, respond to adversity and execute under pressure.
Sams Returns to Direct Explosive Offense
Senior quarterback Colton Sams returns after producing one of the most impressive passing seasons in the state.
Sams completed 190 of 263 attempts for a remarkable 72 percent completion rate. He threw for 2,689 yards and 36 touchdowns while leading an offense that averaged more than 40 points per game.
His combination of accuracy, anticipation and command of the offense made him one of the primary reasons Southern Lehigh captured the state championship.
Sams rarely forced the football into dangerous situations. He consistently identified favorable matchups, distributed the ball efficiently and gave his receivers opportunities to create yards after the catch.
His return gives Southern Lehigh stability at the most important position on the field.
The Spartans must replace several productive offensive players, but an experienced quarterback can make that transition significantly easier.
Sams already understands the system and has played in championship environments. His leadership should help younger players become comfortable in expanded roles.
Young Returns as Top Receiving Threat
Senior Otto Young returns after catching 31 passes for 643 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Young averaged more than 20 yards per reception, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous big-play receivers in the Colonial League.
His speed and ability to stretch the field gave the Spartans a consistent vertical threat last season.
With several experienced players graduating, Young should receive an even larger role in the passing game.
Opponents will likely design coverages specifically to limit his explosive plays, but his presence should create opportunities for Southern Lehigh’s other receivers and tight ends.
Young can also contribute in the return game, where he performed well as the team’s punt returner.
The Spartans expect him to resume that responsibility and could also use him on kickoff returns.
New Receivers Must Complement Young
Southern Lehigh returns several players who contributed in smaller roles last season and will now be asked to take on more responsibility.
Senior Jack Fistner caught 10 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown.
Senior Seiler Hummel added three receptions for 26 yards and one score, while junior tight end Tanner Traub caught five passes for 59 yards and two touchdowns.
Those players will have opportunities to become more consistent targets.
Defenses will devote considerable attention to Young, making it important for Fistner, Hummel, Traub and other emerging receivers to win individual matchups.
The Spartans do not necessarily need one player to replace all of the lost production. A deeper rotation of reliable pass catchers could make the offense even more difficult to defend.
Veteran Offensive Line Provides Championship Foundation
Southern Lehigh’s greatest offensive strength may be its experienced line.
Senior Lucas Sutyak, senior Dylan Gretz, senior Gabe Bogart and senior Cody Wesner all return up front.
Sutyak, listed at 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds, provides size, strength and extensive varsity experience.
Gretz brings another powerful presence at 6-foot-2 and 265 pounds. Bogart and Wesner round out a senior group that understands the physical and mental demands of championship football.
Their experience should help Southern Lehigh replace departed skill players and maintain balance.
The Spartans want to remain effective in both the running and passing games. That begins with controlling the line of scrimmage, limiting negative plays and keeping Sams protected.
Moving to Class 5A will create more challenging matchups against larger and deeper defensive fronts.
Southern Lehigh’s veteran line gives it a chance to meet that challenge immediately.
Rebuilding the Running Game
The Spartans must replace key production in the backfield, but the experienced offensive line should ease that transition.
Senior H-back Jake Trembler returns after contributing as a blocker and short-yardage option. He carried twice for 12 yards and a touchdown while adding one reception for six yards.
Trembler’s value goes beyond his statistics.
His ability to block, align in different positions and contribute on special teams gives the offense flexibility.
Sophomore Declan Walsh also showed significant promise in limited action, rushing 18 times for 210 yards and two touchdowns.
Walsh’s average of more than 11 yards per carry demonstrated his explosive potential.
He could become a major part of the backfield rotation and provides the Spartans with another dynamic athlete capable of creating plays in space.
The running game may look different without last year’s senior contributors, but the combination of an experienced line, Trembler’s physicality and Walsh’s explosiveness gives Southern Lehigh several options.
Balance Remains Offensive Priority
Despite the championship and the returning talent, Southern Lehigh’s offensive priorities remain straightforward.
The Spartans want to run and throw effectively, limit penalties, protect the football and sustain drives.
“We need to be effective in the run and the pass game,” the coaching staff said. “We need to limit penalties and turnovers and move the chains. We have to replace some very good players, but we feel we have some very good players to be successful.”
With Sams at quarterback and four senior linemen returning, Southern Lehigh should be capable of adapting its offense to different opponents.
The Spartans can spread the field and attack through the air, but they also possess the size to play physical football.
That versatility should become especially valuable against unfamiliar Class 5A opponents.
Gretz and Sutyak Anchor Defensive Front
Southern Lehigh also returns two of its most productive defensive linemen.
Gretz recorded 47 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks last season.
His ability to penetrate the backfield and create negative plays made him one of the defense’s top disruptors.
Sutyak added 32 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery.
At 300 pounds, he commands considerable attention in the middle of the line. His strength allows him to occupy blockers, collapse the pocket and create opportunities for teammates.
Together, Gretz and Sutyak give Southern Lehigh a powerful interior combination.
Their experience will be essential as the Spartans face larger offensive lines in Class 5A.
Hoppel Adds Another Physical Edge Defender
Senior Noah Hoppel returns at defensive end after recording 30 tackles, four tackles for loss and one sack.
Hoppel provides toughness and consistency on the edge.
His responsibilities include setting the edge against the run, maintaining outside leverage and creating pressure on passing downs.
With Gretz and Sutyak drawing attention inside, Hoppel should receive opportunities to make plays from the perimeter.
Junior Tanner Traub also returns at defensive end after collecting 17 tackles, five tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.
Traub’s production in limited opportunities suggests he could become one of the defense’s breakout performers.
The Spartans have enough returning talent up front to remain physical despite the departure of several veteran contributors.
Fritts Provides Versatility at Rover
Junior Adam Fritts returns at rover after recording 55 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions and four pass breakups.
At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Fritts has the size to play near the line of scrimmage and the athleticism to contribute in coverage.
His versatility allows Southern Lehigh to disguise pressures and adjust to different offensive formations.
Fritts can support the run, cover receivers and create turnovers.
His continued development could make him one of the most complete defensive players in District 11.
Pavis Emerges as Secondary Leader
Junior free safety Jack Pavis is coming off an outstanding season.
Pavis led the returning group with 68 tackles while adding five interceptions and six pass breakups.
His production demonstrates his range, instincts and ability to find the football.
Pavis will be expected to become one of the primary leaders of the secondary.
His responsibilities include keeping the defense aligned, preventing explosive plays and helping younger defensive backs understand their assignments.
With five interceptions already on his résumé, opposing quarterbacks will need to remain aware of his position on every passing down.
Shook Brings Experience at Cornerback
Senior Layton Shook returns after recording 52 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception and five pass breakups.
Shook’s experience gives the Spartans an established cornerback capable of handling difficult coverage assignments.
His tackling production also shows his willingness to support the run and make plays in space.
With Pavis at safety and Shook at cornerback, Southern Lehigh returns an experienced foundation in the secondary.
The Spartans will need new contributors to emerge around them, but those veterans should help stabilize the transition.
Przyuski and Trembler Add Linebacker Depth
Senior Evan Przyuski recorded 35 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble last season.
He also led Southern Lehigh in special teams tackles.
His toughness and effort make him a valuable contributor in multiple phases.
Trembler added 15 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss from his linebacker position.
Both players will be expected to assume larger defensive roles after the graduation of several key starters.
Senior Seiler Hummel also returns after recording 17 tackles, one tackle for loss and one interception.
The linebacker group may need time to establish its rotation, but it contains several players with varsity experience.
Defense Wants to Create More Offensive Opportunities
Southern Lehigh’s defensive philosophy is built around limiting points, getting off the field and creating additional possessions for the offense.
“Our keys to defense remain the same,” the coaching staff said. “We need to keep the other team off the scoreboard and get off the field. We need to give the offense as many opportunities as possible.”
The Spartans have enough returning experience to maintain that standard.
The defensive line should remain a strength, while Pavis, Fritts and Shook give the secondary proven playmakers.
The primary concern will be replacing the leadership and production of the graduated starters.
If the new linebackers and defensive backs adjust quickly, Southern Lehigh should again field one of the most complete defenses in the area.
Tantaros Returns After Championship Comeback
Senior Vasilis Tantaros returns as Southern Lehigh’s top kicker and likely punter.
Tantaros was enjoying an excellent season before breaking his ankle while playing soccer.
He recovered in time to return for the state championship game, providing an emotional boost and important stability on the biggest stage.
His return gives the Spartans experience in an area that can decide close playoff games.
The coaching staff expects Tantaros to handle both kicking and punting duties.
His ability to produce touchbacks, pin opponents deep and convert scoring opportunities should remain an important part of Southern Lehigh’s field-position strategy.
Young and Przyuski Lead Special Teams
Young is expected to return punts again and may also handle kickoffs.
His speed and open-field ability give Southern Lehigh a chance to create explosive plays in the return game.
Przyuski returns after leading the team in special teams tackles.
His effort and physicality help set the standard for the coverage units.
The Spartans want to consistently force opponents to begin drives deep in their own territory while creating favorable field position for the offense.
That emphasis becomes even more important against Class 5A competition, where small advantages can decide games.
Players to Watch
Colton Sams, Sr., QB/FS: Completed 72 percent of his passes for 2,689 yards and 36 touchdowns while leading Southern Lehigh to a state championship.
Otto Young, Sr., WR/CB/Returner: Explosive receiver who caught 31 passes for 643 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Lucas Sutyak, Sr., OL/DL: Physical 300-pound two-way lineman who recorded 32 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss.
Dylan Gretz, Sr., OL/DL: Disruptive defensive lineman who totaled 47 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.
Jack Pavis, Jr., WR/FS: Ball-hawking safety who recorded 68 tackles, five interceptions and six pass breakups.
Adam Fritts, Jr., WR/Rover: Versatile defender who collected 55 tackles, three interceptions and four pass breakups.
Layton Shook, Sr., WR/CB: Experienced cornerback who recorded 52 tackles and five pass breakups.
Noah Hoppel, Sr., OL/DE: Physical edge defender expected to play a major role in the defensive front.
Tanner Traub, Jr., TE/DE: Emerging two-way player who recorded 3.5 sacks and caught two touchdown passes.
Jake Trembler, Sr., H-Back/LB: Tough, versatile contributor who can block, run, catch and play defense.
Declan Walsh, So., QB/CB: Explosive young athlete who rushed for 210 yards and two touchdowns on only 18 carries.
Evan Przyuski, Sr., TE/LB: Returning linebacker and special teams leader who recorded 35 tackles.
Vasilis Tantaros, Sr., K/P: Returning specialist who recovered from a broken ankle to kick in the state championship game.
My thoughts on Southern Lehigh
Southern Lehigh enters 2026 facing one of the most intriguing challenges in Pennsylvania.
The Spartans are defending state champions, but they will attempt to defend their reputation in a higher classification.
Moving from Class 4A to Class 5A means facing larger schools, deeper rosters and a new postseason path.
Southern Lehigh appears equipped to handle the transition.
Sams gives the Spartans one of the state’s most accomplished quarterbacks. Young returns as a proven big-play receiver, while Sutyak, Gretz, Bogart and Wesner provide championship experience along the offensive line.
The offense must replace several playmakers and develop a new backfield rotation, but Walsh, Trembler, Fistner, Traub and Hummel provide promising options.
Defensively, the Spartans return considerable strength up front and several productive defensive backs.
Gretz, Sutyak and Hoppel should keep the front physical, while Pavis, Fritts and Shook provide playmaking ability behind them.
The move to Class 5A may create a more difficult path through District 11 and the state playoffs, but Southern Lehigh has already proven it can win close games against high-level competition.
The championship run also gave the returning players invaluable experience.
They understand the work, discipline and composure required to play into December.
The classification has changed, and some of the names in the lineup will be different.
The expectations remain the same.
Southern Lehigh enters 2026 determined to show that its state championship was not the end of a remarkable run, but the beginning of a new standard for the program.
Head Coach: Phil Sams
Team Name: Southern Lehigh Spartans
District: 11
Class: 5A
League: Colonial League, Division 2
2025 Record: 15-1
8/22 Quakertown Community (6A) 7:00 pm W 35-14
8/29 Blue Mountain (4A) 7:00 pm W 28-0
9/05 @ Lehighton (4A) 7:00 pm W 21-20
9/12 @ North Schuylkill (3A) 7:00 pm W 34-14
9/19 Pottsville Area (4A) 7:00 pm W 35-17
9/26 @ Jim Thorpe Area (4A) 7:00 pm W 47-27
10/03 @ Tamaqua Area (3A) 7:00 pm W 49-6
10/10 Bangor (4A) 7:00 pm W 48-0
10/17 Saucon Valley (3A) 7:00 pm W 56-20
10/24 @ Northwestern Lehigh (3A) 7:00 pm L 28-36
10/30 Bangor (4A) 6:30 pm W 56-0 Dist. 11 Class 4A Quarterfinal
11/06 Blue Mountain (4A) 6:30 pm W 55-14 Dist. 11 Class 4A Semifinal
11/13 Bethlehem Catholic (4A) 6:35 pm W 49-28 Dist. 11 Class 4A Championship @ Catasauqua MS
11/21 Shamokin (4A) 7:00 pm W 30-27 at Blue Mountain Class 4A Quarterfinals
11/28 Cardinal O’Hara (4A) 7:00 pm W 28-24 at Whitehall Class 4A Semifinals
12/04 Twin Valley (4A) 7:00 pm W 43-21 at Cumberland Valley HS Class 4A Championship
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Pennridge (6A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 @ Quakertown Community (6A) 7:00 pm
9/04 Blue Mountain (4A) 7:00 pm
9/11 @ Jim Thorpe Area* (3A) 7:00 pm
9/18 Wilson Area* (3A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Lehighton* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Saucon Valley* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Bangor* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Notre Dame GP (3A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Northwestern Lehigh* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Salisbury (3A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters lost:
Sean Steckert
Jacoby Jacobs
Dariuz Lightner
Carter Giberson
Darius Roman
Luke Kawczenski
Samad Harriatt
Offensive Starters Returning:
SR. QB Colton Sams, 6’1” 180 LBS.
SR. OL Lucas Sutyak, 6’3 300 LBS.
SR. OL Dylan Gretz, 6’2” 265 LBS.
SR. WR Otto Young, 5’10” 170 LBS.
SR. OL Gabe Bogart, 6’ 245 LBS.
SR. OL Cody Wesner, 6’ 1” 230 LBS.
SR. H-BACK Jake Trembler, 5’10” 205 LBS.
Defensive Starters Returning:
SR. DL Dylan Gretz, 6’2” 265 LBS.
SR. DE Noah Hoppel, 5’11” 230 LBS.
SR. DL Lucas Sutyak, 6’3” 300 LBS.
JR. FS Jack Pavis, 6’ 175 LBS.
JR. ROVER Adam Fritts, 6’2” 190 LBS.
SR. CB Layton Shook, 5’9 175 LBS.
Special Team Starters Returning:
SR. K Vasilis Tantaros, 5’10” 175 LBS.
2026 Returning Player Stats:
SR. QB/FS: COLTON SAMS: 190-263 72% COMPLETION PERCENTAGE: 2,689 PASSING YARDS: 36 TOUCHDOWON PASSES
SR. WR/CB: OTTO YOUNG: 31 CATCHES FOR 643 YARDS AND 10 TOUCHDOWN CATCHES
SR. WR/FS: JACK FISTNER: 10 CATCHES FOR 118 YARDS AND 1TOUCHDOWN CATCH:
JR. TE/DE: TANNER TRAUB: 5 CATCHES FOR 59 YARDS AND 2 TOUCHDOWN CATCHES: 17 TACKLES, 3 5 SACKS, 5 TFL’S
SR.OL/DL: DYLAN GRETZ: 47 TACKLES 7.5 SACKS 12 TACKLES FOR LOSS:
SR. OL/DL: LUCAS SUTYAK: 32 TACKLES, 1.5 SACKS, 5.5 TACKLES FOR LOSS 1FUMBLE RECOVERY
SR. OL/DE: NOAH HOPPEL: 30 TACKLES, 1 SACK, 4 TACKLES FOR LOSS:
SR.WR/CB: LAYTON SHOOK: 52 TACKLES, 2.5 TACKLES FOR LOSS, 1 INT. 5 PASS BREAK UPS:
JR. WR/FS: JACK PAVIS: 68 TACKLES, 1.0 TFL, 5, INT. 6 PBU’S:
JR. WR/LB: ADAM FRITTS: 55 TACKLES, 4.5 TFL’S. 3 INT. 4 PBU’S:
SR. TE/LB: EVAN PRZYUSKI: 35 TACKLES, 1.5 TFL’S: 1 FORCED FUMBLE:
SR. H/LB: JAKE TREMBLER: 15 TACKLES: 1.5 TFL’S: 2 CARRIES FOR 12 YARDS: 1 TD: 1 CATCH FOR 6 YARDS:
SOPH. QB/CB: DECLAN. WALSH: 18 CARRIES FOR 210 YARDS AND 2 TD’S:
SR. WR/LB: SEILER HUMMEL: 3 CATCHES FOR 26 YARDS AND 1 TD: 17 TACKLES, 1 TFL, 1 INT.
2026 Offensive Outlook: Our keys to offense remain the same. We need to be effective in the run and the pass game. We need limit penalties and turnovers and move the chains. We have to replace some very good players, but we feel we have some very good players to be successful.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Our keys to defense remain the same. We need to keep the other team off the scoreboard and get off the field. We need to give the offense as many opportunities as possible. We also have to replace some very good players, but we feel we have some very good players to be successful.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Vasilis will be our top kicker and most likely our best punter. He was having a great year until he broke his ankle playing soccer. He returned to kick in the state championship game.
Otto young did a great job as our punt returner and we expect him to take on that role again and possibly do kick-off returns! Evan Przyuski led our team on special teams tackles and we expect him to have another great year on specials! Our keys to a successful year are pinning our opponents deep on kick-offs and to get good field position on all of our returns.