Susquehanna Township Reloads Around Veteran Core After Breakthrough 12-Win Season
Susquehanna Township enters the 2026 season facing significant turnover, but the expectations surrounding the program remain unchanged.
The Indians are coming off a 12-1 campaign in which they captured the Mid-Penn Conference Colonial Division title, reached the District 3 Class 4A championship game and advanced to the PIAA quarterfinals. Their only loss came against Twin Valley after a season filled with dominant victories and one of the strongest senior classes in recent program history.
Head coach Joseph Headen, now entering his 23rd season, must replace several standout players who moved on to the college level. That group includes quarterback Torin Evans, linemen Yendor Mack and Jay Riley, running backs Rakhi Seville and Xavier Rivera, receivers Jarrett Kern and Zikhere Leaks, and defensive standouts Quincy Smith, Josh Nengite and George Idan.
Three members of that class were selected to the Big 33, while Evans earned PennLive Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Replacing that level of production and leadership will be difficult, but Susquehanna Township has established a tradition of reloading rather than rebuilding.
The Indians return size in the trenches, athleticism at the skill positions and several seniors ready to become the next leaders of the program.
Championship Season Raised the Standard
Susquehanna Township dominated much of its 2025 schedule.
The Indians opened with a 42-14 victory over South Western before rolling through Mid-Penn Colonial Division play. They defeated Greencastle-Antrim, Boiling Springs and West Perry by a combined score of 172-13 and later shut out Middletown, 21-0.
Township also earned victories over Steelton-Highspire, East Pennsboro, Big Spring, Trinity and Milton Hershey before entering the District 3 playoffs undefeated.
The Indians defeated ELCO, 50-13, in the quarterfinals and survived a dramatic 37-35 semifinal against Wyomissing.
Their season ended with a 41-21 loss to Twin Valley in the state quarterfinals, but the run established Susquehanna Township as one of the top Class 4A programs in District 3.
The challenge in 2026 will be maintaining that standard with a younger and less experienced roster.
New Quarterback Begins New Offensive Era
Replacing Evans will be the most important storyline entering preseason camp.
The Kutztown University recruit provided production, leadership and experience at the game’s most important position.
The new quarterback will inherit an offense that lost several major playmakers, meaning early consistency may be difficult to find.
Susquehanna Township does not need the next starter to immediately duplicate Evans’ production. The Indians need him to manage the offense, protect the football and distribute it to an athletic group of returning skill players.
The difficult opening schedule will test that development immediately.
West York, Twin Valley and Hollidaysburg all present playoff-caliber competition, giving the new quarterback little time to adjust.
Brown Brings Size and Athleticism
Senior Jasani Brown is one of the most intriguing returning athletes.
At 6-foot-4 and 196 pounds, Brown gives the Indians size and versatility at the skill positions.
He can create matchup problems as a receiver, contribute in the running game and provide value in multiple formations.
With several established playmakers graduating, Brown has an opportunity to become one of the focal points of the offense.
His combination of length, athleticism and senior experience should make him a valuable target for the new quarterback.
Malette and Kent Yother Add Speed
Senior Steph Malette and senior Idress Kent Yother return as two-way defensive backs and receivers.
Both are listed at 5-foot-8 and 150 pounds, but their speed and quickness give the Indians playmaking potential in space.
They will be asked to take on larger roles in the passing game while also helping lead a rebuilt secondary.
Susquehanna Township lost experienced receivers Kern and Leaks, making the development of Malette and Kent Yother especially important.
If both become dependable targets, the new quarterback will have multiple options on the perimeter.
Simmons Provides Two-Way Toughness
Senior Elijah Simmons returns as a linebacker and running back.
At 5-foot-11 and 178 pounds, Simmons brings toughness and versatility to both sides of the football.
The Indians must replace the production of Seville and Rivera in the backfield, and Simmons could become one of the players asked to absorb additional carries.
His defensive experience and physical style should translate well to the running game.
Simmons will also be counted on to provide leadership for a defense replacing several college-bound standouts.
Offensive Line Must Rebuild Around Returning Size
Susquehanna Township graduated two high-level linemen in Mack and Riley, but the returning group still features considerable size.
Junior Gaige Lavier returns at center and defensive tackle at 6-foot-2 and 285 pounds.
Senior Jabril Dennis returns at guard at 6-foot-1 and 260 pounds.
Senior Qua Meir Kelly provides another massive presence at nose tackle, checking in at 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds.
Senior Amare Johnson adds physicality as a defensive end and H-back.
The offensive line must develop chemistry quickly.
The Indians will be introducing new starters and replacing elite production, but the returning size gives the coaching staff a strong foundation.
The line’s ability to control the point of attack will determine how quickly the new quarterback and skill players become comfortable.
Offense May Lean on Physicality Early
Susquehanna Township’s offense could look different from last season.
Without Evans and several established playmakers, the Indians may rely more heavily on the run game and their offensive line early in the year.
That approach would help shorten games, protect the new quarterback and allow the offense to develop gradually.
The challenge will be sustaining drives against strong nonconference opponents.
West York, Twin Valley and Hollidaysburg will all test the offensive line and force the new skill players to execute under pressure.
Defensive Front Retains Important Pieces
The defense lost several impact players, but the returning front provides reasons for optimism.
Kelly, Lavier and Johnson give the Indians size and experience along the defensive line.
Kelly can command double teams in the middle, while Lavier brings strength and mobility at defensive tackle.
Johnson provides another physical edge presence.
The front must help replace the production of Smith and Nengite while protecting younger linebackers.
If the defensive line controls the line of scrimmage, the Indians will have a chance to remain aggressive despite introducing new starters.
Simmons Expected to Lead Linebackers
Simmons will be one of the primary leaders of the linebacker group.
The Indians must replace Temple recruit Josh Nengite, leaving a major opening in the middle of the defense.
Simmons’ experience and physicality make him a natural candidate to take on additional responsibility.
He will be expected to communicate assignments, fit the run and help younger defenders adjust.
The linebackers must play disciplined football, especially against teams capable of creating explosive plays.
Secondary Turns to Malette, Brown and Kent Yother
The defensive backfield will rely on returning athletes Malette, Brown and Kent Yother.
Their versatility gives the Indians options in coverage.
Brown’s size can help against bigger receivers, while Malette and Kent Yother provide speed and quickness.
The secondary lost experienced players, so communication will be essential.
The Indians must limit explosive plays and create turnovers to help an offense that may need time to develop.
Tradition Provides Stability
Susquehanna Township’s greatest advantage may be the culture Headen has established over more than two decades.
The Indians have reached the PIAA Class 4A playoffs in each of the three seasons since moving into the classification and are pursuing a fourth consecutive appearance.
The returning players understand the expectations.
They have practiced and competed alongside college-bound athletes and experienced what championship preparation looks like.
Now they must become the players responsible for carrying that standard forward.
Difficult Opening Stretch Will Reveal Progress
The 2026 schedule begins with three major tests.
Susquehanna Township opens at West York before traveling to Twin Valley and hosting Hollidaysburg.
All three teams are expected to contend for postseason spots in their respective classifications.
That opening stretch could expose inexperience, but it could also accelerate the team’s development.
Playing strong opponents early will force the Indians to improve quickly and reveal which players are ready for larger roles.
The experience should benefit them once Mid-Penn Colonial Division play begins.
Players to Watch
Jasani Brown, Sr., ATH: Versatile 6-foot-4 playmaker expected to become one of the offense’s primary weapons.
Elijah Simmons, Sr., RB/LB: Physical two-way senior who should provide production and leadership.
Steph Malette, Sr., WR/DB: Athletic two-way player expected to take on a larger role in the passing game and secondary.
Idress Kent Yother, Sr., WR/DB: Speedy senior who brings experience and versatility.
Gaige Lavier, Jr., C/DT: Powerful two-way lineman expected to anchor both fronts.
Jabril Dennis, Sr., G: Returning interior lineman who provides experience and physicality.
Qua Meir Kelly, Sr., NT: Massive defensive lineman capable of controlling the middle.
Amare Johnson, Sr., DE/H: Versatile senior who can contribute as an edge defender and offensive blocker.
My thoughts on Susquehanna Township
Susquehanna Township enters 2026 with fewer proven stars but the same championship expectations.
The Indians must replace a historic senior class, including several college recruits and three Big 33 selections. The losses are significant at quarterback, running back, receiver, offensive line and throughout the defense.
However, the program is not starting over.
Brown, Simmons, Malette and Kent Yother give the offense athletic playmakers. Lavier, Dennis, Kelly and Johnson provide size and experience in the trenches.
The biggest questions are at quarterback and across a defense replacing several impact players.
The demanding opening schedule will test the Indians immediately, but it may also help prepare them for another Mid-Penn Colonial Division title chase.
If the new quarterback develops, the offensive line controls the trenches and the returning seniors emerge as dependable leaders, Susquehanna Township has the talent and tradition to contend for a fourth consecutive PIAA Class 4A playoff appearance.
The roster has changed considerably.
The standard has not.
Head Coach: Joseph Headen
Assistant Coaches:
Team Name: Susquehanna Township Indians
District: 3
Class: 4A
League: Mid-Penn Conference, Colonial Division
2025 Record: 12-1
8/22 @ South Western (5A) 5:00 pm W 42-14 at Smalls Field
8/29 Greencastle-Antrim* (4A) 7:00 pm W 62-6
9/05 @ Boiling Springs* (4A) 7:00 pm W 55-0
9/12 West Perry* (4A) 7:00 pm W 55-7
9/18 Steelton-Highspire (2A) 7:00 pm W 35-20
9/26 @ Middletown Area* (4A) 7:00 pm W 21-0
10/03 East Pennsboro* (4A) 7:00 pm W 28-21
10/10 @ Big Spring* (3A) 7:00 pm W 42-13
10/17 Trinity* (3A) 7:00 pm W 24-14
10/25 @ Milton Hershey* (4A) 1:30 pm W 49-16
11/07 ELCO (4A) 7:00 pm W 50-13 Dist. 3 Class 4A Quarterfinal
11/14 Wyomissing Area (4A) 7:00 pm W 37-35 Dist. 3 Class 4A Semifinal
11/21 Twin Valley (4A) 7:00 pm L 21-41 at ELCO Class 4A Quarterfinals
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Steelton-Highspire (1A) 4:00 pm Scrimmage
8/28 @ West York (4A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ Twin Valley (5A) 7:00 pm
9/11 Hollidaysburg (5A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Greencastle-Antrim* (4A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Milton Hershey* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Trinity* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/09 East Pennsboro* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/17 @ Middletown Area* (4A) 2:00 pm
10/23 West Perry* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Boiling Springs* (4A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters lost:
QB Torin Evans (Kutztown University)
Lineman Yendor Mack (West Virginia University) and Jay Riley (California of PA)
RB Rakhi Seville (Indiana University of PA) and Xavier Rivera.
WR Jarrett Kern (Shippensburg Univ), Zikhere Leaks (Iowa Central)
DL Quincy Smith (Iowa Central), Josh Nengite LB (Temple) George Idan (Albright)
Offensive/Defense Returning Players:
Lineman
Jr Gaige Lavier C/DT 6’2 285
Sr Amare Johnson DE/H 215
Sr Jabril Dennis G 6’1 260
Sr Qua Meir Kelly NT 6’3 320
Skill players
Sr Steph Malette DB/WR 5’8 150
Sr Jasani Brown Ath 6’4 196
Sr Elijah Simmons LB/RB 5’11 178
Sr Idress Kent Yother DB/WR 5’8 150
Key Newcomers:
Kevin Thomas DE
Alano Muniz-Ramsey WR
Rick Brown LB
Nasire Lovell DB
Titus Brown LB
Raymond Sweatt WR/DB
Cael Feidt QB
Damir Arp Athlete
Jachai Grannison DB
Edyn Johnson DB
2026 Outlook: The 2026 version of Susquehanna Township will do its best to continue to improve upon the growing tradition of Susquehanna Township football. Several key players moved on to the collegian ranks from last year’s team, including three Big 33 selections and the PennLive offensive player of the year.
This season will provide an opportunity for rising upperclassman to be deliverers for Coach Joe Headen who is entering his 23rd year as the Head Coach for Township. Susquehanna Township will open the season with three very formidable PA H.S. football opponents: West York, Twin Valley and Hollidaysburg. All potential state playoff teams in their respective classes for the upcoming season. Challenges like this can payoff as the reigning Mid Penn Colonial division champs look to make a 4th straight appearance in PIAA 4A playoffs since moving to that classification 4 years ago.