Parkland Reloads With Championship Aspirations Behind Veteran Core
For more than a decade, Parkland has established itself as one of Pennsylvania’s model programs.
Winning has become the expectation.
Under head coach Tim Moncman, now entering his 11th season with a remarkable 97-26 record at Parkland and a 197-72 career mark overall, the Trojans have consistently competed for league and district championships while producing some of the premier talent in the state.
Last season was no exception.
Parkland finished 12-1, dominated the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Skyline Division, captured another District 11 Class 6A playoff berth and reached the district championship game before falling to eventual champion Easton 42-17.
Along the way, the Trojans defeated Freedom, Northampton, Nazareth twice, Emmaus, Central Catholic and Stroudsburg while averaging more than 37 points per game.
Graduation claimed several outstanding contributors, including Nassim Adams, Matthew Dorsey, James Tyler, Jeremie Jean Baptiste, Domenic Martrich, Julian Diaz, Jason Brader, Liam Spang and Juan Bermudez Delgado.
Those are significant losses.
Fortunately for Parkland, perhaps its biggest stars are back.
Villanova commit T.J. Lawrence returns after another spectacular season, quarterback Finn Coen is back for his second year as the starter, Blake Nassry headlines the receiving corps and secondary, and the offensive line welcomes back multiple experienced veterans.
Defensively, Michael Car, Lawrence, Jaren Sanchez and Jackson Geroulo give the Trojans experienced leadership at every level.
Parkland enters 2026 with familiar expectations.
Anything short of competing for an EPC championship and another District 11 Class 6A title would be considered disappointing.
Lawrence Headlines One of Pennsylvania’s Best Offenses
Everything begins with senior T.J. Lawrence.
The Villanova commit is one of the most accomplished players in Pennsylvania and returns after rushing for 1,127 yards and 26 touchdowns while adding 237 receiving yards and three touchdown receptions.
His impact extends far beyond the offensive statistics.
Lawrence is the centerpiece of Parkland’s offense.
He possesses the vision to find running lanes, the patience to let blocks develop and the explosiveness to turn routine plays into long touchdowns.
Whether running between the tackles or catching passes out of the backfield, Lawrence creates matchup problems every week.
The Trojans also value his leadership.
With several younger skill players stepping into expanded roles, Lawrence provides the experience and confidence that comes with competing deep into the postseason.
Opposing defenses will build their game plans around stopping him.
Few have been successful.
Coen Returns for Second Season
Senior Finn Coen returns after an outstanding first season as Parkland’s starting quarterback.
Coen threw for 1,471 yards and 20 touchdowns while adding 292 rushing yards.
Now entering his second year as the starter, the expectation is continued growth.
Quarterbacks often make their biggest jump between their first and second full seasons, and Parkland expects Coen to take command of an offense loaded with returning talent.
His chemistry with Lawrence and Blake Nassry already gives the Trojans one of District 11’s most dangerous offensive combinations.
Coen has shown the ability to throw accurately from the pocket while also extending plays with his legs.
His mobility prevents defenses from focusing exclusively on Lawrence.
The coaching staff also plans to utilize multiple personnel groupings and tempos, giving Coen opportunities to attack defenses in different ways.
His decision-making and efficiency will be critical as Parkland pursues another championship.
Nassry Returns as Premier Playmaker
Senior Blake Nassry enters the season as one of the EPC’s premier two-way athletes.
Offensively, he caught passes for 449 yards and nine touchdowns, becoming Coen’s favorite target throughout the season.
Nassry combines reliable hands with outstanding route-running and an ability to make contested catches.
He consistently creates separation and excels in the red zone.
His production forces defenses to respect the passing game, creating additional opportunities for Lawrence on the ground.
Parkland also expects new skill players to emerge at slot receiver and running back.
That added depth should prevent defenses from concentrating exclusively on Lawrence and Nassry.
The Trojans believe they have the athleticism to create explosive plays from multiple formations.
Nassry’s leadership and experience will help accelerate the development of those younger contributors.
Versatility Creates Offensive Challenges
One of Parkland’s greatest strengths is offensive flexibility.
The Trojans plan to utilize multiple personnel groupings and vary their tempo throughout games.
That versatility allows the coaching staff to attack opponents differently each week.
Lawrence can line up as a traditional running back or receiver.
Coen is capable of making plays both inside and outside the pocket.
Nassry stretches the field vertically, while senior Aidan Johnston and senior fullback Jaren Sanchez provide additional weapons.
The coaching staff also expects contributions from several newcomers in the slot positions and backfield.
Those fresh faces should keep the offense dynamic while preventing key veterans from carrying an excessive workload.
Few teams in District 11 possess Parkland’s offensive depth.
The challenge will be developing chemistry with the newer skill players early in the season.
Veteran Offensive Line Anchors Attack
Championship offenses begin at the line of scrimmage.
Parkland returns one of the area’s most experienced offensive fronts.
Senior tackle Myles Lysek returns after earning All-League honors and anchors the unit.
Senior guard Benjamin Moll joins him, while Lyan Dume Mirabal and Jason Brubacher are expected to assume larger roles.
Lysek provides size, athleticism and leadership.
His ability to protect Coen’s blind side and create running lanes for Lawrence will be critical.
The offensive line’s experience should allow Parkland to continue controlling games physically.
The Trojans want to establish the running game while providing Coen enough time to attack through the air.
That balance has become one of the defining characteristics of Moncman’s teams.
If the offensive front performs to expectations, Parkland’s offense could once again rank among the state’s most productive.
Lawrence Leads Defensive Identity
Lawrence’s impact extends to the defensive side of the football.
The senior linebacker recorded 59 tackles, six tackles for loss, an interception and a fumble recovery last season.
His physical style sets the tone for the defense.
Lawrence diagnoses plays quickly and consistently arrives at the football.
He also provides leadership for a unit replacing several experienced defenders.
Few players influence both sides of the football the way Lawrence does.
His presence allows the coaching staff to play aggressively, knowing they have an experienced leader in the middle of the defense.
Car Headlines Defensive Front
Senior defensive end Michael Car returns after one of the area’s most productive seasons.
Car recorded 48 tackles, six sacks, 11 tackles for loss, an interception and a fumble recovery.
His ability to pressure quarterbacks changes games.
Car forces offenses to account for him on every snap.
He consistently disrupts running plays while creating negative plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Parkland will rely on him to lead a defensive front replacing several graduated linemen.
His leadership should also help younger players develop quickly.
If Car continues producing at last season’s level, the Trojans’ defense will remain difficult to block.
Experienced Secondary Returns Ball Hawks
Nassry headlines a secondary that returns several experienced contributors.
Defensively, Nassry finished with 40 tackles, six interceptions and a fumble recovery, making him one of the EPC’s premier defensive backs.
Senior Jackson Geroulo also returns, providing additional experience and leadership.
The coaching staff expects newcomers Colby Hoffman, Nolan Wampler, Aidan Johnston, Henry Weikel, Justin Barnes and Anderson Horn to compete for significant roles.
That combination of veteran leadership and emerging talent gives Parkland confidence entering the season.
The Trojans have consistently excelled at forcing quarterbacks into mistakes.
Nassry’s instincts and ball skills make him especially dangerous when passes are thrown into coverage.
If the new defensive backs develop quickly, Parkland’s secondary should again rank among the conference’s best.
Defensive Depth Continues Tradition
One of the reasons Parkland consistently competes for championships is its depth.
Graduation rarely forces complete rebuilding.
Instead, younger players step into larger roles after developing within the program.
That philosophy continues this season.
Alongside returning leaders Lawrence, Car, Sanchez, Nassry and Geroulo, several newcomers are expected to make immediate contributions.
The Trojans believe they have enough athleticism and versatility to continue playing fast and physical defense.
Communication and discipline remain priorities.
Parkland’s defense has traditionally limited explosive plays while forcing offenses to sustain lengthy drives.
That formula has produced championship-caliber football for years.
Giroudon Headlines Strong Special Teams
Senior Andrea Giroudon returns as Parkland’s kicker and punter after splitting time between football and soccer last fall.
This season, he will focus exclusively on football.
That decision could provide another boost for the Trojans’ special teams.
A dependable kicker becomes especially valuable during postseason football, where field position and close games often determine championships.
Giroudon’s continued development should give Parkland confidence in every kicking situation.
Thomason Remains Home Run Threat
Senior Naquan Thomason returns as one of the EPC’s most dangerous return specialists.
Whether fielding kickoffs or punts, Thomason possesses the speed and vision to change momentum instantly.
Special teams often become the hidden difference between evenly matched opponents.
A long return can flip field position or create immediate scoring opportunities.
Parkland’s combination of Giroudon’s dependable kicking and Thomason’s explosiveness gives the Trojans advantages in both phases.
The coaching staff expects special teams to continue serving as a winning edge.
Players to Watch
T.J. Lawrence, Sr., RB/LB (Villanova commit): One of Pennsylvania’s elite players after rushing for 1,127 yards and 26 touchdowns while starring defensively.
Finn Coen, Sr., QB: Second-year starting quarterback who passed for 1,471 yards and 20 touchdowns while adding nearly 300 rushing yards.
Blake Nassry, Sr., WR/DB: Dynamic two-way standout with 449 receiving yards, nine touchdown catches and six interceptions.
Michael Car, Sr., DE: Productive pass rusher who recorded 48 tackles, six sacks and 11 tackles for loss.
Myles Lysek, Sr., OT: All-League offensive tackle who anchors one of District 11’s strongest offensive lines.
Jaren Sanchez, Sr., FB/OLB: Veteran two-way contributor expected to lead both the offense and defense.
Benjamin Moll, Sr., OG: Experienced interior lineman providing leadership and physicality.
Jackson Geroulo, Sr., DB: Returning starter expected to help anchor the secondary.
Andrea Giroudon, Sr., K/P: Veteran specialist who will focus exclusively on football this fall.
Naquan Thomason, Sr., KR/PR: Explosive return specialist capable of changing games with one touch.
My thoughts on Parkland
Parkland once again possesses the talent necessary to compete for championships.
The Trojans return one of Pennsylvania’s premier players in Lawrence, an experienced quarterback in Coen, a standout two-way performer in Nassry and veteran leadership throughout the roster.
The offensive line returns multiple experienced starters, while the defense welcomes proven playmakers at every level.
Replacing several graduated starters will require younger players to develop quickly, but that has become a hallmark of the Parkland program.
The addition of talented newcomers at the skill positions and throughout the defense should keep the roster balanced and deep.
Special teams remain another strength with Giroudon’s reliable kicking and Thomason’s game-breaking return ability.
Moncman’s teams have consistently played disciplined, physical football while improving throughout the season.
There is little reason to expect anything different in 2026.
If the offensive line continues to dominate, Lawrence remains healthy, Coen takes another step forward and the new defensive contributors mature quickly, Parkland should once again find itself in the hunt for the EPC Skyline Division title, another District 11 Class 6A championship and a deep run into the PIAA postseason.
Head Coach: Tim Moncman (11th Season). 97-26 at Parkland (197-72 Overall)
Assistant Coaches:
Chris Kinane
Mike Facchiano
Bob Ruisch
Eric Dauberman
Barry Michael
Doug Joseph
Josh Dieter
Adam Piston
Chris Avila
Zack Bradley
Jarey Elder
Mike Billera
Cody Hall
J.T. Siggins
Erik Steiner
Dave Lucia
Jordan Lewis
Matt Castro
Team Name: Parkland Trojans
District: 11
Class: 6A
League: EPC – Skyline Division
2025 Record: 12-1
8/22 @ George Washington (6A) 7:00 pm W 19-6
8/29 Bethlehem Freedom (6A) 7:00 pm W 18-7
9/05 Northampton (6A) 7:00 pm W 38-27
9/11 Pleasant Valley (5A) 7:00 pm W 58-13 Youth Night
9/19 @ Nazareth Area (6A) 7:00 pm W 42-6
9/25 William Allen* (6A) 7:00 pm W 45-0
10/03 @ Louis E. Dieruff* (6A) 7:00 pm W 49-0
10/10 Allentown Central Catholic* (4A) 7:00 pm W 37-7
10/16 @ Whitehall* (5A) 7:00 pm W 53-7
10/24 Emmaus* (6A) 7:00 pm W 34-13
10/31 Stroudsburg (6A) 7:00 pm W 49-14 Dist. 11 Class 6A Quarterfinal
11/07 Nazareth Area (6A) 7:00 pm W 35-14 Dist. 11 Class 6A Semifinal
11/14 @ Easton Area (6A) 7:00 pm L 17-42 Dist. 11 Class 6A Championship @ BASD Stadium
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Souderton Area (6A) 10:00 am Scrimmage; with Bethlehem Catholic
8/28 @ Phillipsburg (NJ) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ Bethlehem Freedom (6A) 7:00 pm
9/11 @ Easton Area (6A) 7:00 pm
9/17 Stroudsburg (6A) 7:00 pm
9/25 @ Northampton (6A) 7:00 pm
10/01 William Allen* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Louis E. Dieruff* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/17 @ Allentown Central Catholic* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Whitehall* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Emmaus* (6A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters lost:
WR/CB Nassim Adams
OG/DT Matthew Dorsey
OT James Tyler
CB Jeremie Jean Baptiste
TE/DE Domenic Martrich
NG Julian Diaz
WR Jason Brader
OLB Liam Spang
OC Juan Bermudez Delgado
Offensive Starters Returning:
Sr. RB #1 T.J. Lawrence
Sr. QB #6 Finn Coen
Sr. WR #8 Blake Nassry
Sr. WR #7 Aidan Johnston
Sr. FB #4 Jaren Sanchez
Sr. OT #55 Myles Lysek
Sr. OG #70 Benjamin Moll
Defensive Starters Returning:
Sr. MLB #1 T.J. Lawrence
Sr. DE #2 Michael Car
Sr. OLB #4 Jaren Sanchez
Sr. DB #8 Blake Nassry
Sr. DB #3 Jackson Geroulo
Special Team Starters Returning:
Sr. K/P #25 Andrea Giroudon
Sr. KR/PR #5 Naquan Thomason
Key Newcomers:
Jr WR/DB #14 Justin Barnes
Sr. WR/DB #12 Anderson Horn
Jr. WR/DB #22 Henry Weikel
Jr. DE #9 Colby Hoffman
Jr. OLB #24 Nolan Wampler
Sr. FB/LB #20 Carter Christensen
Jr. OC/DE #57 Jason Brubacher
Jr. OL/DL #50 Lyan Dume-Mirabal
So. OL/DL #54 Benjamin Clark
So. OL/DL #53 Nate Carter
2026 Returning Player Stats:
#1 T.J. Lawrence: 1,127 Rush. Yards, 26 Rush. TDs, 237 Rec. Yards, 3 Rec. TDs, 59 Tackles, 6 TFL, 1 INT., 1 Fumble Rec.
#6 Finn Coen: 1,471 Pass. Yards, 20 Pass TDs, 292 Rush. Yards
#8 Blake Nassry: 449 Rec. Yards, 9 Rec. TDs, 40 Tackles, 1 TFL, 6 INTs, 1 Fumble Recovery
#2 Michael Car: 48 Tackles, 6 Sacks, 11 TFLs, 1 INT., 1 Fumble Recovery
2026 Outlook:
Offense: Offense led by returning starters T.J. Lawrence (Villanova Commit), Second Year Starter Finn Coen, and Blake Nassry will be joined by new skill talent at both the slot positions and running back group. Offensive line is anchored by returning All League OT Myles Lysek with Benjamin Moll, Lyan Dume Mirabal, and Jason Brubacher. Will look to utilize multiple personnel groups and tempos.
Defense: Defense led by Lawrence, Nassry, Sanchez, Car, and Geroulo joined by key newcomers Colby Hoffman, Nolan Wampler, Aidan Johnston, Henry Weikel, Justin Barnes, and Anderson Horn.
Special Team: Special Teams is led by Sr. K/P Andrea Giroudon, who will exclusively play football in the fall (was also rostered with soccer team in 2025). Naquan Thomason also returns as a weapon on both kick and punt return.