Solanco Returns Veteran Offensive Line as Golden Mules Aim for Another Championship Run
Solanco enters the 2026 season with high expectations after one of the strongest campaigns in program history.
The Golden Mules finished 11-2 in 2025, won nine consecutive games during the regular season and advanced to the District 3 Class 5A semifinals before falling to Bishop McDevitt. Along the way, Solanco defeated Warwick twice, rolled past New Oxford in the postseason and established itself as one of the most physical teams in the Lancaster-Lebanon League.
Now, head coach Tony Cox and his staff face the challenge of replacing a large and productive senior class.
The Golden Mules lost several key contributors, including Johnny Garcia, Kris Burgos-Wise, Anderson Miller, Gabe Forren, Vincent Henry, Bryce Cox, Evan Kurtz and Frank Lucarino. Those departures remove important production from the backfield, secondary and defensive front.
However, Solanco returns its quarterback, an accomplished offensive line and several proven defensive playmakers.
That returning experience gives the Golden Mules a strong foundation as they prepare to contend again in Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3 and District 3 Class 5A.
The identity remains unchanged.
Play with physicality.
Compete on every snap.
Establish the run.
Protect the football.
Sensenig Returns to Lead the Offense
Senior quarterback Chase Sensenig returns after producing a strong season as both a passer and runner.
Sensenig completed 30 of 57 passes for 725 yards while also rushing 114 times for 617 yards. He accounted for 24 total touchdowns and became one of the most important pieces of Solanco’s offense.
His dual-threat ability gives the Golden Mules multiple ways to attack opposing defenses.
Sensenig can hurt teams with designed runs, option concepts and timely throws over the top. His ability to make the correct read in the running game is especially important in an offense built around physicality and ball control.
With a full season of experience behind him, Sensenig should have an even stronger command of the offense in 2026.
The coaching staff will count on him to protect the football, make efficient decisions and provide leadership for a team replacing several veteran backs and receivers.
Offensive Line Could Be One of District 3’s Best
The greatest strength of the offense is the returning offensive line.
Solanco brings back all five starters from a unit that helped power one of the most productive rushing attacks in the district.
Senior AJ Haag returns at left tackle after earning Honorable Mention recognition in Section 3.
Senior Desmond Ferguson is back at left guard after also receiving Honorable Mention honors.
Senior Evan Bennethum returns at center after earning Honorable Mention recognition.
Senior Noah Gote is back at right guard after being named to the Section 3 Second Team.
Senior Tyler Kreider anchors the group at right tackle after earning First Team All-Section honors.
That level of continuity is rare.
The group already understands Solanco’s blocking schemes, communicates well and has experience performing in high-pressure games.
The Golden Mules want to establish the run each week, and this veteran offensive front gives them every opportunity to do so.
If the line remains healthy, it could become one of the most dominant units in Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3.
Bard Ready for Larger Role in Backfield
Senior Wesley Bard returns at running back and should become one of the central figures in the offense.
Although much of his statistical production came on defense last season, Bard has the physical ability and experience to handle a larger offensive workload.
Solanco must replace several backs, including Garcia, Burgos-Wise, Miller and Henry.
That production will likely be shared among multiple players, but Bard is expected to become one of the primary options.
His toughness, vision and ability to contribute in every phase make him a natural fit for Solanco’s physical running style.
The coaching staff will look for additional backs to emerge throughout camp, but Bard gives the offense an experienced player around whom to build.
Hines Could Add Physicality at Fullback
Senior Kali Hines is another player capable of making a significant offensive impact.
Hines returns as one of the top linebackers in the league, but he is also listed at fullback and could become an important piece of the rushing attack.
His physical style fits the identity Solanco wants to establish.
Whether serving as a lead blocker, short-yardage runner or occasional receiving option, Hines has the strength and versatility to help replace the production lost from last season’s backfield.
The combination of Bard, Hines and Sensenig should give the Golden Mules a powerful rushing foundation.
Passing Game Must Identify New Targets
The largest offensive question comes at wide receiver.
Solanco graduated Eric Koch, Schneider Lenhart and Colin Toaltoan, leaving several openings on the perimeter.
The new receivers will need to develop quickly and build chemistry with Sensenig.
The Golden Mules do not need to become a pass-heavy offense.
They need receivers who can block, stretch the field and make timely catches when defenses commit extra defenders to stopping the run.
Sensenig showed last season that he can produce efficiently through the air.
If the new receivers capitalize on play-action opportunities, Solanco should remain difficult to defend.
Ball Security Remains Essential
The offensive goals are straightforward.
Establish the run.
Control the clock.
Avoid turnovers.
Solanco’s style is built around forcing opponents to defend a physical rushing attack for four quarters.
When the offense protects the football, it can control possession and wear down defenses.
The veteran offensive line should allow the Golden Mules to remain patient.
Sensenig does not need to force throws.
The backs do not need to search for a big play on every carry.
Consistent execution will be more important than offensive complexity.
Defense Faces Significant Rebuild
While the offense returns substantial experience, the defense must replace several key contributors.
Solanco graduated Bryce Cox, Evan Kurtz and Frank Lucarino from the defensive front. The Golden Mules also lost several experienced defensive backs and linebackers.
Those departures leave major openings.
However, the returning group includes several proven players capable of setting the tone.
The coaching staff wants the defense to fly around the field, create turnovers and play with energy.
That style requires confidence and communication from the younger players stepping into larger roles.
Hines Anchors Linebacker Corps
Hines returns after recording 90 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and three fumble recoveries.
His production makes him the centerpiece of the defense.
Hines has the instincts to diagnose plays quickly and the physicality to finish tackles in the box.
He also showed excellent awareness in creating turnovers.
The Golden Mules will rely on his leadership as several new starters adjust to varsity competition.
Hines must help organize the front seven, communicate assignments and ensure the defense maintains its energy.
His ability to lead by example will be critical.
Bard Leads the Secondary
Bard returns after an outstanding defensive season.
He recorded 96 tackles, four tackles for loss, four interceptions and nine pass breakups.
Those numbers demonstrate his range, tackling ability and awareness in coverage.
Bard gives Solanco a proven safety capable of supporting the run and making plays on the football.
With several defensive backs graduating, his experience becomes even more important.
The younger players in the secondary will benefit from having a veteran communicator behind them.
Bard’s ability to eliminate explosive plays could become one of the keys to the defense’s success.
Returning Linemen Provide Foundation Up Front
The defensive line must replace several productive starters, but Solanco returns Gote, Ferguson and junior Kannon Lilly.
Gote and Ferguson bring valuable experience from both sides of the line of scrimmage.
Their strength and familiarity with the system should help stabilize the interior.
Lilly returns at defensive end after recording 25 tackles, one sack and three quarterback hurries.
His role should expand considerably in 2026.
The front does not need to replace every graduated player individually.
It needs to play with discipline, occupy blockers and allow Hines and the other linebackers to pursue the football.
If the defensive line develops quickly, the Golden Mules should remain strong against the run.
Turnovers Can Change the Defense
Solanco wants to create more takeaways.
Hines and Bard combined for six interceptions and three fumble recoveries last season, showing the returning defense has proven playmakers.
The coaching staff wants the entire unit to attack the football.
That means pressuring quarterbacks, stripping runners and breaking aggressively on passes.
Turnovers can shorten the field for the offense and help a developing defense gain confidence.
If the Golden Mules consistently create extra possessions, they will be difficult to beat.
Brown Gives Special Teams Major Advantage
Senior Tristan Brown returns as one of the most reliable specialists in the region.
Brown converted 70 of 76 extra-point attempts and made his only field-goal attempt, a 35-yarder.
He also handled 91 kickoffs, producing 57 touchbacks.
That ability to control field position is a significant advantage.
Brown’s touchbacks prevent dangerous returns and force opponents to begin drives deep in their own territory.
His experience also gives Solanco confidence in close games.
With both the kicking and punting duties returning, the Golden Mules should once again have one of the stronger special teams units in Section 3.
Players to Watch
Chase Sensenig, Sr., QB: Dual-threat quarterback who produced 725 passing yards, 617 rushing yards and 24 total touchdowns.
Kali Hines, Sr., FB/LB: Defensive leader who recorded 90 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and three fumble recoveries.
Wesley Bard, Sr., RB/S: Versatile two-way standout who finished with 96 tackles, four interceptions and nine pass breakups.
Tyler Kreider, Sr., OL/DL: First Team All-Section offensive lineman and anchor of the veteran front.
Noah Gote, Sr., OL/DL: Second Team All-Section lineman expected to play a major role on both sides of the football.
AJ Haag, Sr., OL/LB: Honorable Mention All-Section tackle who provides experience and physicality.
Desmond Ferguson, Sr., OL/DL: Returning two-way lineman and Honorable Mention All-Section selection.
Evan Bennethum, Sr., C/DL: Experienced center who helps lead one of the area’s strongest returning offensive lines.
Tristan Brown, Sr., K/P: Proven specialist who converted 70 extra points and recorded 57 touchbacks.
Kannon Lilly, Jr., DE/OL: Returning defensive end expected to take on a larger role after recording 25 tackles.
My thoughts on Solanco
Solanco enters 2026 with the talent and experience necessary to remain one of the top teams in District 3 Class 5A.
The Golden Mules must replace several outstanding players from last season’s 11-win team, especially at running back, receiver and throughout the defense.
However, few teams return a more accomplished offensive line.
With Sensenig at quarterback, Bard and Hines in the backfield and all five offensive linemen returning, Solanco should once again possess a powerful and disciplined rushing attack.
Defensively, Hines and Bard provide elite production and leadership, while Gote, Ferguson and Lilly give the front a solid foundation.
The younger defenders must grow quickly, but they will be surrounded by proven veterans.
Brown’s return also gives the Golden Mules a major advantage on special teams.
Solanco’s formula remains simple and effective.
Play with physicality.
Compete on every snap.
Establish the run.
Protect the football.
Create turnovers.
If the Golden Mules consistently execute those principles, they have every opportunity to contend for another Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3 title and make another deep run in the District 3 Class 5A playoffs.
Head Coach: Tony Cox
Assistant Coaches:
Defensive coordinator/linebackers = Mike Buffington
Runningbacks = Justin Zellman
Receivers = Mike Brooks
Offensive line = Joe Pittman/Averex Grant/Connor Sprout
Offensive staff = Jed King
Defensive line =Joe Teklits/Joseph Gote
Secondary = Brandon Brooks/Michael Brown
Special teams = Michael Brown
Team Name: Solanco Golden Mules
District: 3
Class: 5A
League: Lancaster-Lebanon League, Section 3
2025 Record: 11-2
8/22 @ Lampeter-Strasburg (4A) 7:00 pm L 44-45
8/29 Octorara Area (4A) 7:00 pm W 49-14
9/05 @ Penn Manor (6A) 7:00 pm W 42-14
9/12 Warwick* (5A) 7:00 pm W 35-7
9/20 Eastern York (4A) 7:00 pm W 49-7
9/26 Conrad Weiser* (5A) 7:00 pm W 62-20
10/03 @ Manheim Central* (5A) 7:00 pm W 42-6
10/10 Cocalico* (5A) 7:00 pm W 38-7
10/17 @ Fleetwood* (5A) 7:00 pm W 49-13
10/24 @ Garden Spot* (5A) 7:00 pm W 28-21
11/07 Warwick (5A) 7:00 pm W 56-24 Dist. 3 Class 5A Quarterfinal
11/14 @ New Oxford (5A) 7:00 pm W 43-12 Dist. 3 Class 5A Semifinal
11/21 @ Bishop McDevitt (5A) 7:00 pm L 20-38 at Warwick Class 5A Quarterfinals
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Lancaster Catholic (2A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 Lampeter-Strasburg (4A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ Dallastown (6A) 7:00 pm
9/11 Penn Manor (6A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Muhlenberg (6A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Cocalico* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Warwick* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Twin Valley* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Garden Spot* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Manheim Central* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Fleetwood* (4A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters lost:
Johnny Garcia (FB)
Kris Burgos-Wise (RB/DB)
Anderson Miller (RB/DB)
Gabe Forren (DB/RB)
Eric Koch (WR)
Vincent Henry (LB/RB)
Schneider Lenhart (DB/WR)
Colin Toaltoan (WR)
Isaiah Wright (DB)
Bryce Cox (DE)
Evan Kurtz (DE)
Frank Lucarino (DT)
Offensive Starters Returning:
Chase Sensenig (QB)
Wesley Bard (RB)
AJ Haag (LT)
Desmond Ferguson (LG)
Evan Bennethum (C)
Noah Gote (RG)
Tyler Kreider (RT)
Defensive Starters Returning:
Kali Hines (LB)
Wesley Bard (S)
Kannon Lilly (DE)
Noah Gote (DT)
Desmond Ferguson (DT)
Special Team Starters Returning:
Tristan Brown (K/P)
Key Newcomers:
Trevor Prange (RB/DB)
Travis Prange (WR/DB)
EJ Torres (RB/WR/DB)
Aaron Hollandsworth (WR/DL)
Aaron Nelson (WR/DB)
Kyle Townsend (WR/DB)
Mckinley Jean (RB/DB)
Jackson Eckardt (RB/DB)
Brock Harris (FB/LB)
Chase Plastino (FB/LB)
Joash Spangler (DE/FB)
Stanley Lenhart (DL/OL)
Chase Fuller (DL)
Delton King (DL)
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Chase Sensenig (QB) 30/57 725 passing yards/ 114 carries for 617 yards/ 24 total touchdowns
Kali Hines (FB/LB) 90 tackles (9.5 TFL) 2 INTs, 3 fumble recoveries
Wesley Bard (RB/DB) 96 tackles (4 TFL) 4 INTs, 9 passes deflected
AJ Haag (OL/LB) *2025 honorable mention for OL for section 3*
Desmond Ferguson (OL/DL) *2025 honorable mention for OL for section 3*
Evan Bennethum (OL/DL) *2025 honorable mention for C for section 3*
Noah Gote (OL/DL) *2025 second-team OL for section 3*
Tyler Kreider (OL/DL) *2025 first-team OL for section 3*
Tristan Brown (K/RB/DB) 70/76 on PATs/ 1 for 1 on FGs (35 yarder)/91 total kickoffs (57 touchbacks)
Kannon Lilly (DE/OL) 25 total tackles, 1 sack, 3 hurries
2026 Outlook: Play with physicality and compete every play.
Offense: Establish the run and do not turn the ball over.
Defense: Fly around the field, force turnovers, and play with energy.