Williamsport Returns Experienced Core With Eyes on Another Championship Run
Williamsport’s 2025 season featured impressive victories, difficult midseason lessons and another opportunity to play for a District 2/4 Class 6A championship.
The Millionaires opened the year with three consecutive victories, defeated Wilkes-Barre late in the regular season and beat Scranton 43-16 in the subregional semifinals before falling to Wilkes-Barre in the championship game.
The final record was 6-6, but Williamsport showed it could compete with quality opponents and respond when its season was on the line.
Head coach Kevin Brown now enters the 2026 season with an experienced roster and only one key starter, Giovanni White, listed among the major graduation losses.
That continuity could become one of Williamsport’s greatest advantages.
The Millionaires return dual-threat quarterback Tevin Williams, leading receiver Trey Damschroder, versatile playmaker Zion Hughes and three experienced offensive linemen. Defensively, Williamsport brings back proven players at every level, including Anthony Manely at linebacker and several two-way standouts in the secondary.
The formula for improvement is straightforward.
Protect the football on offense.
Tackle consistently and create turnovers on defense.
Play sound, mistake-free football on special teams.
If the Millionaires accomplish those goals, they should have an opportunity to improve on last year’s record and contend for another District 2/4 Class 6A championship.
Williams Returns as Dual-Threat Quarterback
Junior Tevin Williams returns as the centerpiece of the offense after producing more than 1,400 passing yards and over 700 rushing yards last season.
Those numbers demonstrate his ability to affect games in multiple ways.
At 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds, Williams has the size to see the field from the pocket and the athleticism to create when protection breaks down.
His rushing ability forces defenses to account for an additional runner on every play.
That creates opportunities for the running backs and can open passing lanes when linebackers become focused on containing the quarterback.
Williams gained valuable experience during an up-and-down 2025 season.
He helped lead the Millionaires to victories over Wyoming Valley West, Hazleton, Central Mountain, Selinsgrove, Wilkes-Barre and Scranton.
The next step in his development is consistency.
Williamsport’s offensive outlook centers on limiting turnovers, and that responsibility begins with the quarterback.
Williams does not need to eliminate his aggressive style, but he must recognize when to take a chance and when to protect possession.
If he continues developing as a passer while maintaining his threat as a runner, Williams could become one of the most productive quarterbacks in District 4.
Ball Security Becomes Offensive Priority
Williamsport’s offensive goal can be summarized in one sentence: do not turn the ball over.
The Millionaires showed last season that they can score points.
They produced 42 against Central Mountain, 40 against Jersey Shore and 43 against Scranton.
However, sustaining success against the strongest opponents requires consistency and possession.
Turnovers can quickly change the direction of a game, especially against teams with explosive offenses.
Williamsport must avoid giving opponents short fields and additional scoring opportunities.
That means improved decision-making from Williams, dependable exchanges in the running game and stronger ball security from every skill player.
The offensive line must also help by limiting pressure and keeping the offense out of desperate situations.
When Williamsport protects the football, its returning talent gives the offense the ability to move consistently and create explosive plays.
Damschroder Leads Receiving Corps
Senior Trey Damschroder returns as Williamsport’s top receiving threat after catching 29 passes for more than 500 yards last season.
At 6-foot and 185 pounds, Damschroder brings experience, athleticism and the ability to produce after the catch.
His chemistry with Williams should become one of the offense’s greatest strengths.
Damschroder can stretch the field vertically, work across the middle and create favorable matchups from different alignments.
His return gives Williams a trusted target as the quarterback continues developing.
The Millionaires will also need other receivers to emerge around him.
Defenses will enter the season aware of Damschroder’s production and may attempt to limit his opportunities with additional coverage.
If the supporting receivers consistently win their matchups, Williamsport will be able to distribute the football more effectively.
Damschroder’s leadership will also be important.
As one of the team’s most experienced two-way players, he will be expected to help set the standard in practice and on Friday nights.
Hughes Provides Offensive Versatility
Senior Zion Hughes returns as one of Williamsport’s most versatile athletes.
At 6-foot and 185 pounds, Hughes can contribute in several roles and gives the coaching staff flexibility when designing the offense.
He can line up in the backfield, work as a receiver or be used in formations designed to create mismatches.
That versatility becomes especially valuable alongside a dual-threat quarterback.
Defenses already must account for Williams as both a passer and runner. Adding Hughes in multiple positions can further complicate assignments.
Williamsport should look for ways to get Hughes the ball in space and allow his athleticism to take over.
His value will not always be measured by traditional statistics.
Motion, alignment changes and decoy responsibilities can help create opportunities for Damschroder and other playmakers.
Hughes also returns in the secondary, making him one of the roster’s most important two-way contributors.
Experienced Offensive Line Establishes Foundation
Senior Cordoza Minor, senior Jaxson Thompson and senior Owen Newcomer return to anchor the offensive line.
That experience should become one of Williamsport’s greatest assets.
Minor brings excellent size at 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds.
Thompson adds another strong presence at 6-foot-1 and 250 pounds, while Newcomer returns at 5-foot-10 and 235 pounds.
Together, the three seniors provide size, continuity and leadership.
The line must protect Williams while also creating rushing lanes for the quarterback and running backs.
Because Williams is such a dangerous runner, disciplined blocking can turn broken plays into significant gains.
The line must also help reduce turnovers by preventing immediate pressure and avoiding negative plays.
Williamsport’s returning experience up front should allow the offense to operate with greater consistency.
The remaining line positions will feature competition, but the veteran core gives the Millionaires a strong starting point.
Running Game Can Become Major Strength
Williams already gives Williamsport a proven rushing threat, but the Millionaires will need additional production from their running backs.
A balanced ground game will reduce the physical burden on the quarterback and make the offense more difficult to predict.
The experienced offensive line should help establish that balance.
Hughes may also contribute in the rushing attack, depending on how the coaching staff chooses to use him.
Williamsport can use option concepts, quarterback runs and traditional handoffs to force defenses to defend the entire field.
The key will be avoiding overreliance on Williams.
The quarterback’s legs are a valuable weapon, but the Millionaires need other runners to consistently produce.
If the running backs emerge and the offensive line controls the point of attack, Williamsport should be able to sustain drives and create more favorable passing opportunities.
Minor Anchors Defensive Front
Minor also returns as a leader on the defensive line.
His size and two-way experience make him one of Williamsport’s most important players.
The defensive front must improve after the Millionaires allowed several opponents to produce big scoring totals during the middle of last season.
Williamsport surrendered 67 points to Jersey Shore, 63 to Berwick and 69 to Hollidaysburg.
Preventing similar performances begins at the line of scrimmage.
Minor must help control gaps, occupy blockers and disrupt plays before they develop.
Junior Makai Williams, a 5-foot-9, 210-pound defensive lineman, also returns and should play an expanded role.
The Millionaires need the front to become more consistent against the run and create pressure on passing downs.
If Minor and Williams can set the tone, the linebackers and secondary should have more opportunities to make plays.
Manely Leads Linebacking Corps
Senior Anthony Manely returns at linebacker and is expected to become one of the defense’s primary leaders.
At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Manely possesses the size and physicality needed to play in the middle of the defense.
His responsibilities will include stopping the run, helping organize the front and making sure younger defenders are aligned correctly.
Williamsport’s defensive outlook emphasizes tackling and creating turnovers.
Manely will play a central role in both areas.
The Millionaires must improve their ability to finish plays and prevent short gains from becoming explosive ones.
That requires proper pursuit angles, strong fundamentals and multiple defenders arriving at the football.
Manely’s experience should help the defense become more disciplined.
He also has the ability to create pressure and force mistakes when used as a blitzer.
If Manely develops into an all-conference-level leader, the entire defense should benefit.
Experienced Secondary Returns
Williamsport returns considerable experience in the secondary.
Damschroder, Tevin Williams and Hughes are all back after contributing on both sides of the football.
That athleticism gives the Millionaires several defensive backs capable of matching up with talented receivers.
Damschroder brings senior leadership and experience.
Williams provides excellent length at 6-foot-3, while Hughes adds strength and versatility.
The secondary will be asked to limit explosive plays, communicate effectively and create more turnovers.
Those priorities are closely connected.
When defensive backs maintain proper positioning, quarterbacks are often forced to hold the football or attempt more difficult throws.
That gives the pass rush additional time and creates interception opportunities.
Williamsport’s returning secondary should become one of its strongest defensive units.
The challenge will be balancing offensive and defensive workloads for several two-way players.
Depth must develop so the Millionaires can keep their top athletes fresh late in games.
Tackling Must Improve
Williamsport’s defensive outlook begins with tackling.
The Millionaires cannot allow missed tackles to become long touchdowns.
That was a major issue during the most difficult portion of last season.
Sound tackling requires more than physical strength.
Defenders must take proper angles, maintain leverage and arrive under control.
The first defender must slow the ball carrier, while teammates pursue and finish the play.
Improved tackling would help Williamsport in every area.
It would reduce explosive plays, improve third-down defense and create more opportunities for turnovers.
The coaching staff has experienced returning players at all three levels, giving the unit a foundation from which to improve.
The key will be executing the fundamentals every week, regardless of the opponent.
Turnovers Could Change Games
Creating turnovers is another major defensive emphasis.
Williamsport’s offense has enough playmakers to take advantage of short fields.
The defense must give that unit additional opportunities.
Pressure from Minor and the defensive line can force rushed throws.
Manely and the linebackers can attack the football when making tackles.
The experienced secondary must capitalize when passes are thrown into coverage.
Turnovers often determine close games.
Williamsport’s 29-23 victory over Selinsgrove and 28-21 win against Wilkes-Barre were decided by one possession.
One additional takeaway can make the difference in those situations.
The Millionaires must become more aggressive around the football without sacrificing assignment discipline.
Damschroder Gives Return Game Experience
Damschroder returns as Williamsport’s primary kick returner.
His athleticism and open-field ability make him a natural fit for the role.
A strong return game can provide the offense with favorable field position and immediate momentum.
Damschroder’s experience should help the unit remain consistent.
The blockers around him must execute their assignments and avoid penalties that erase productive returns.
Williamsport may also evaluate other return options to reduce Damschroder’s workload.
Developing depth would give the Millionaires greater flexibility while protecting one of their top two-way players.
Sound Special Teams Is the Goal
Williamsport’s special teams outlook is simple: be sound.
The Millionaires do not need to create a spectacular play on every opportunity.
They need clean snaps, secure catches, disciplined coverage and dependable tackling.
Mistakes on special teams can quickly change field position and momentum.
Williamsport must avoid penalties, missed assignments and turnovers.
The kicking and punting competitions will be important throughout camp.
Consistent specialists can help the Millionaires control field position and finish drives with points.
Damschroder gives the return game a proven veteran, but the entire unit must perform with discipline.
In a season likely to include several close games, sound special teams could become the difference between winning and losing.
Players to Watch
Tevin Williams, Jr., QB/DB: Dual-threat quarterback who produced more than 1,400 passing yards and 700 rushing yards last season. He will lead the offense and contribute in the secondary.
Trey Damschroder, Sr., WR/DB/KR: Leading returning receiver with more than 500 yards on 29 catches and a key contributor on defense and special teams.
Zion Hughes, Sr., ATH/DB: Versatile two-way athlete capable of contributing as a runner, receiver and defensive back.
Cordoza Minor, Sr., OL/DL: Experienced 6-foot-4 lineman who will anchor both sides of the line of scrimmage.
Anthony Manely, Sr., LB: Physical linebacker expected to lead the defense and help improve Williamsport’s tackling.
Jaxson Thompson, Sr., OL: Veteran offensive lineman who provides size and stability up front.
Owen Newcomer, Sr., OL: Returning senior lineman expected to help establish a consistent rushing attack.
Makai Williams, Jr., DL: Strong interior defender poised for a larger role along the defensive front.
My thoughts on Williamsport
Williamsport enters the 2026 season with enough returning talent to become a serious contender in the PA Heartland Athletic Conference and the District 2/4 Class 6A subregional.
The Millionaires return their starting quarterback, leading receiver, several versatile skill players and three experienced offensive linemen.
That continuity should allow the offense to build on last season’s most productive performances.
Williams gives Williamsport a dynamic dual-threat presence, while Damschroder and Hughes provide experienced weapons.
The key will be protecting the football.
If the Millionaires limit turnovers, their combination of athleticism and experience should make them difficult to defend.
Defensively, Williamsport returns talent at every level.
Minor and Makai Williams lead the front, Manely anchors the linebackers and the secondary features several experienced two-way athletes.
The defense must tackle better, eliminate explosive plays and create more turnovers.
Those improvements are essential after a 2025 season that included both impressive defensive efforts and several difficult performances.
Special teams must remain disciplined and provide consistent field position.
Williamsport proved last season that it could respond late in the year, defeating Wilkes-Barre and Scranton to reach the district championship game.
With most of its core returning, the Millionaires have an opportunity to build on that experience.
If Williamsport protects the football, becomes more physical defensively and plays sound special teams, the Millionaires should improve on their 6-6 record and position themselves for another championship opportunity.
Head Coach: Kevin Brown
Assistant Coaches:
Keith McCabe
Dave Becker
Mike Thompson
Jerry Girardi
Jaquille Drummond
Tony Seagraves
Tanner Chilen
Sebastian Robinson
Team Name: Williamsport Millionaires
District: 4
Class: 6A
League: PA Heartland Athletic Conference, Division I
2025 Record: 6-6
8/22 @ Wyoming Valley West (5A) 7:00 pm W 31-20
8/29 Hazleton Area (6A) 7:00 pm W 28-7
9/05 Central Mountain* (4A) 7:00 pm W 42-0
9/12 @ Shikellamy* (4A) 7:00 pm L 14-35
9/19 @ Selinsgrove* (4A) 7:00 pm W 29-23
9/26 Jersey Shore* (4A) 7:00 pm L 40-67
10/03 Shamokin* (4A) 7:00 pm L 7-42 Homecoming
10/10 @ Berwick Area (3A) 7:00 pm L 19-63
10/17 Hollidaysburg (5A) 7:00 pm L 6-69 Senior Night
10/24 @ Wilkes-Barre (6A) 7:00 pm W 28-21
10/31 Scranton (6A) 7:00 pm W 43-16 District 2/4 Class 6A Subregional
11/07 @ Wilkes-Barre (6A) 7:00 pm L 14-42 Dist. 2/4 Class 6A Championship
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ East Stroudsburg North (4A) 12:00 pm Scrimmage
8/28 @ Wyoming Valley West (6A) 7:00 pm
9/04 Hazleton Area (6A) 7:00 pm
9/11 @ Central Mountain* (4A) 7:00 pm
9/18 Shikellamy* (4A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Selinsgrove* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Jersey Shore* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Shamokin* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Berwick Area (4A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Hollidaysburg (5A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Wilkes-Barre (6A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Giovanni White
Offensive Starters Returning:
Cordoza Minor OL 6-4 245 – Sr
Trey Damschroder WR 6-0 185 Sr
Tevin Williams QB 6-3 180 Jr
Zion Hughes Ath 6-0 185 Sr
Jaxson Thompson OL 6-1 250 Sr
Owen Newcomer OL 5-10 235 Sr
Defensive Starters Returning:
Cordoza Minor DL 6-4 245 – Sr
Trey Damschroder DB6-0 185 Sr
Tevin Williams DB 6-3 180 Jr
Zion Hughes DB 6-0 185 Sr
Makai Williams DL 5-9 210 Jr
Anthony Manely LB 6-2 225 Sr
Special Team Starters Returning:
Trey Damschroder KR
Key Newcomers:
Jaylen Lilly 5-9 170 DB / WR
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Tevin Williams had 700 + rushing as the QB & 1400 + passing
Trey Damschroder 29 catches 500 +
2026 Offensive Outlook: Don’t turn the ball over
2026 Defensive Outlook: Tackle & make turnovers happen
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Be sound