Experienced Line, Talented Defense Give Upper Dauphin High Expectations in 2026
Upper Dauphin Area enters the 2026 season with momentum, experience and one of the most talented groups of linemen in the Mid-Penn Conference Capital Division.
Head coach Kent Smeltz’s Trojans finished 5-6 in 2025, but their season featured a dramatic turnaround. After losing their first five games, Upper Dauphin won five of its final six contests, including a 42-20 victory over Holy Cross in the Eastern Conference Class A/2A game.
With four experienced offensive linemen, a returning quarterback and a deep defensive front led by two players holding FBS offers, the Trojans believe last season’s strong finish can carry into 2026.
Veteran Offensive Line Sets the Foundation
Upper Dauphin’s offense will be built around a large and experienced offensive line.
Senior tackles Karson Engle and Ayden Winstead give the Trojans excellent size on the edges. Engle is listed at 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds, while Winstead stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 280 pounds.
Senior guard Carson Rummel, at 6-foot-2 and 255 pounds, and senior center and guard John Kerwin also return.
That group should give Upper Dauphin the ability to establish a physical running game and provide protection for returning quarterback Landon Osenga.
The Trojans must replace Lachlan McGilvray, Braiden McCartney and Wyatt Troutman, but the experience returning up front should make the transition easier.
Osenga Returns at Quarterback
Senior Landon Osenga returns to lead the offense after gaining valuable experience in 2025.
The coaching staff wants to continue expanding the playbook around Osenga’s abilities. His experience and leadership should help the Trojans become more consistent, especially after the offense showed significant improvement during the second half of last season.
Upper Dauphin scored at least 35 points in five of its final six victories, including 55 against Camp Hill and 42 against Holy Cross.
Osenga will have several experienced skill players around him, led by senior Isaac Jackson.
Jackson can contribute as a receiver, runner and return specialist. His versatility gives the coaching staff the ability to move him around the formation and create favorable matchups.
Savage Gives Trojans a Major Weapon at Tight End
Senior tight end Eoghan Savage will be one of the most important players in Upper Dauphin’s offense.
At 6-foot-4 and 252 pounds, Savage provides a combination of size, strength and athletic ability. He can contribute as an in-line blocker, provide protection on passing plays and create matchup problems as a receiver.
His return gives Osenga a reliable target in the middle of the field and helps strengthen an already physical offensive front.
Junior Hunter Grassmyer also returns after gaining experience at tailback and fullback. At 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, Grassmyer gives the Trojans a physical option in the running game.
Junior Chris McClain is expected to handle a significant number of carries and could be positioned for a breakout statistical season.
The Trojans believe their combination of size up front and athleticism at the skill positions can produce a balanced and productive offense.
Defensive Line Could Be Among District 3’s Best
Upper Dauphin’s greatest strength may be its defensive front.
Engle and Savage both hold FBS scholarship offers and give the Trojans two impact players capable of controlling the line of scrimmage.
They will be joined by Rummel and Winstead, creating a defensive front with excellent size, experience and depth.
The Trojans expect the group to be difficult to run against while also generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With several linemen capable of commanding double teams, the linebackers should have opportunities to make plays in open space.
Upper Dauphin’s defensive goals for the season are built around depth, health and tenacity.
Grassmyer Leads Experienced Linebackers
Grassmyer will anchor a linebacker unit that wants to establish a physical identity against the run.
He will be joined by juniors Haden Mutschler and Gauge Downs, both listed at approximately 190 pounds.
The development of that group will be important because Upper Dauphin must replace Carter Dreibelbis and Wyatt Troutman, two experienced players from last season’s defense.
Playing behind such a talented defensive line should allow the linebackers to pursue the football aggressively and make plays from sideline to sideline.
Veteran Secondary Provides Stability
Upper Dauphin also returns significant experience in the secondary.
Osenga and Jackson are back at defensive back, while McClain returns at safety. Junior Brody Wertz provides another experienced option in the defensive backfield.
The Trojans believe their returning secondary can improve communication, limit explosive plays and create turnovers.
Jackson’s athleticism and experience should make him one of the unit’s leaders. Osenga’s understanding of opposing passing games from his quarterback experience can also benefit the defense.
With experienced players returning at every level, Upper Dauphin has the potential to field a balanced and disruptive defensive unit.
Questions Remain on Special Teams
Jackson returns after contributing as a punt returner, kickoff returner and punter.
However, Upper Dauphin must identify several new specialists before the season begins. The Trojans are searching for a kicker, punter and long snapper as summer workouts progress.
Finding dependable players in those roles will be important, particularly in close games where field position and kicking consistency can determine the outcome.
Jackson’s return ability gives the Trojans a proven weapon capable of creating explosive plays and giving the offense favorable starting position.
Players to Watch
Karson Engle, Sr., OT/DL: Massive two-way lineman with an FBS offer who will anchor both the offensive and defensive fronts.
Eoghan Savage, Sr., TE/DL: An FBS prospect with the size and athletic ability to become an impact player on both sides of the football.
Landon Osenga, Sr., QB/DB: Returning quarterback expected to take another step forward while also leading the secondary.
Isaac Jackson, Sr., WR/RB/DB/KR: Versatile athlete who can impact the game on offense, defense and special teams.
Hunter Grassmyer, Jr., RB/LB: Physical two-way player who will help lead the rushing attack and linebacker unit.
Chris McClain, Jr., RB/DB: Expected to handle a major workload in the running game while contributing in the secondary.
Ayden Winstead, Sr., OT/DL: Experienced 280-pound lineman who gives the Trojans size and strength on both sides.
Carson Rummel, Sr., OG/DL: Veteran interior lineman who will play a key role in Upper Dauphin’s physical style.
My thoughts on Upper Dauphin
Upper Dauphin enters 2026 with the potential to build on the impressive finish to last season.
The Trojans return an experienced quarterback, several productive skill players and a veteran offensive line capable of controlling the line of scrimmage. Defensively, the combination of Engle and Savage gives Upper Dauphin two high-level prospects around whom the entire unit can be built.
The biggest concerns will be replacing several graduated contributors, developing depth and identifying dependable players on special teams.
Health will also be critical because many of Upper Dauphin’s top players are expected to contribute on both sides of the football.
If the Trojans remain healthy, develop younger depth and find consistent special teams play, they should be capable of improving on last year’s 5-6 record and competing near the top of the Mid-Penn Capital Division.
After closing 2025 with five victories in six games, Upper Dauphin enters the new season with confidence and legitimate postseason expectations.
Head Coach: Kent Smeltz
Assistant Coaches:
Tim Savage
Mike Gunkle
Tom Hain
Landon Mace
Will Kerr
Team Name: Upper Dauphin Area Trojans
2025 Record: 5-6
8/22 @ Williams Valley (2A) 7:00 pm L 0-54
8/29 Halifax* (2A) 7:00 pm L 0-39
9/05 @ West Perry (4A) 7:00 pm L 14-49
9/11 @ Steelton-Highspire* (2A) 7:00 pm L 7-48 at Landis Field
9/19 Line Mountain* (1A) 7:00 pm L 20-33 Tiger Night
9/26 @ James Buchanan* (3A) 7:00 pm W 35-26
10/04 Camp Hill* (2A) 6:00 pm W 55-12
10/10 @ Susquenita* (3A) 7:00 pm W 38-7
10/17 Newport* (2A) 7:00 pm W 35-14 Homecoming
10/24 Juniata* (4A) 7:00 pm L 7-14 Senior Night
10/31 Holy Cross (1A) 7:00 pm W 42-20 Eastern Conference Class A/2A
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Marian Catholic (1A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 Williams Valley (1A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ Delone Catholic (1A) 7:00 pm
9/11 @ Tri-Valley (1A) 7:00 pm
9/18 Line Mountain* (1A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Halifax* (1A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Camp Hill* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Juniata* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/16 Susquenita* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Newport* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Steelton-Highspire* (1A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Carter Dreibelbis RB LB
Lachlan McGilvray OL/DL
Braiden McCartney OL/DL
Alfonso Santiago TE/QB/DB
Wyatt Troutman OL/LB
Offensive Starters Returning:
Karson Engle SR OT 6-5 305
Carson Rummel SR OG 6’2″ 255
Ayden Winstead SR OT 6’2″ 280
John Kerwin SR C/OG 5’10” 185
Eoghan Savage SR TE/F 6’4″ 252
Landon Osenga SR QB 5’10” 175
Issac Jackson SR WR/RB 6’0″ 185
Hunter Grassmyer JR TB/F 6’1″ 215
Defensive Starters Returning:
Karson Engle DL
Carson Rummel DL
Ayden Winstead DL
Eoghan Savage DL
Landon Osenga DB
Issac Jackson DB
Hunter Grassmyer LB
Chris McClain JR DB/S 5’10” 175
Brody Wertz Jr DB 5’11” 190
Haden Mutschler JR LB 5’10” 190
Gauge Downs JR LB 5’11” 190
Special Team Starters Returning:
Issac Jackson PR/KR. Punter
Key Newcomers:
Chris McClain RB
Brody Wertz WR
John Kerwin C/ DL
Liam Gordon SR 5’9″ 215 OL/DL
Drake Deibert Soph 5’10” WR/DB
2026 Offensive Outlook: Offense will be built around a very experienced interior line and with return of Eoghan Savage at Tight End. Skill set is a nice group of guys led by Issac Jackson. Continue to expand on Osenga abilities at QB and McClain carrying a workmans load of carries key to a great statistical season.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Very deep and talented Defensive line with 2 guys holding FBS offers in Savage and Engle. Grassmyer will anchor a linebacker crew looking to be tough against the run. In the secondary all kinds of returning players. Led by Jackson Osenga and McClain. Depth Health and Tenacity the 2026 goal for the Trojan Defense
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Need to find punter kicker long snapper as summer progresses.