Lehighton Looks to Lean on Veteran Line Play as Indians Chase Another Playoff Berth
Lehighton enters the 2026 season with a familiar formula for success.
Win the battle at the line of scrimmage.
Head coach Tom McCarroll and the Indians return one of the most experienced offensive and defensive fronts in the Colonial-Schuylkill League, giving the program a strong foundation as it looks to build upon last season’s 5-6 record and another District 11 Class 4A playoff appearance.
The 2025 campaign featured several impressive performances, including shutout victories over Palmerton and Pottsville Area, along with league wins over Bangor, Tamaqua and Jim Thorpe. While the season ended with a playoff loss to Blue Mountain, Lehighton proved it could compete with many of the top programs in the Colonial-Schuylkill League.
The graduation of standout contributors Jayse Lawrence, Caden Meek, Blake Roberts, Austin Green, Makih Breiner, Hunter Kintz and Phillip Ebbert leaves important holes to fill, particularly at quarterback and in the skill positions.
However, the Indians return an experienced running back, nearly their entire offensive line and a veteran front seven defensively.
That combination should allow Lehighton to remain one of the league’s most physical teams.
Croizier Returns as Offensive Leader
Senior Lukas Croizier enters his final season as the centerpiece of the Indians’ offense.
The veteran running back returns after gaining valuable experience and will once again be counted on to carry a significant portion of the offensive workload.
McCarroll wants the offense to establish the running game every week, and Croizier is the player expected to make that happen.
His vision, toughness and experience should allow Lehighton to control the tempo of games while taking pressure off a new starting quarterback.
Croizier also provides leadership for an offense replacing several key playmakers.
The Indians know their success begins with establishing the ground game, and Croizier gives them a proven runner capable of leading that effort.
Veteran Offensive Line Could Be One of District 11’s Best
Few teams in District 11 return as much experience along the offensive line as Lehighton.
Senior Marc Macias, senior Jon Mayers, junior Dom Lawrence, junior Parker Rodgers, junior Chase Keller and junior Nick Blose all return after gaining valuable varsity experience.
Rodgers headlines the group at 6-foot-4 and 330 pounds, giving the Indians one of the biggest offensive linemen in the Colonial-Schuylkill League.
Keller (290 pounds), Macias (275), Blose (255) and Lawrence (245) provide tremendous size throughout the front.
That experience gives Lehighton a significant advantage entering the season.
The coaching staff believes controlling the line of scrimmage will determine the offense’s success.
With six experienced linemen returning, the Indians expect to consistently create running lanes while protecting their new quarterback.
The offensive line has the potential to become one of the team’s greatest strengths.
Quarterback Competition Headlines Camp
The biggest offensive question entering preseason camp is quarterback.
Replacing Jayse Lawrence will be one of the program’s most important objectives.
Whoever earns the starting job will have the luxury of playing behind an experienced offensive line and handing the football to Croizier.
That support should ease the transition.
The coaching staff is not asking the new quarterback to carry the offense.
Instead, Lehighton wants efficient decision-making, ball security and timely throws when opportunities arise.
If the quarterback protects possession and capitalizes on play-action opportunities, the offense should remain balanced.
Finding consistency at the position will be one of the defining storylines of the preseason.
Young Receivers Must Develop
Along with replacing the quarterback, Lehighton must identify new playmakers at wide receiver.
The coaching staff expects several young receivers to earn larger roles this season.
Junior Ty Nansteel returns at tight end and should become an important target in both the passing and running games.
At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Nansteel provides size, dependable hands and blocking ability.
The Indians are counting on their young receivers to mature quickly as the season progresses.
They do not need to replace every lost playmaker immediately.
Instead, they need consistency.
Making timely catches, blocking effectively on the perimeter and taking advantage of opportunities when defenses focus on Croizier will be critical.
If the receivers continue improving each week, the offense should become increasingly difficult to defend.
Offensive Identity Remains Physical
Lehighton’s offensive philosophy has not changed.
The Indians want to run the football.
They want to control the clock.
They want to dominate the line of scrimmage.
Everything begins with the offensive front.
If the line consistently creates movement, Croizier should find running room while the passing game benefits from favorable situations.
The quarterback and receiving corps simply need to make timely plays when called upon.
That formula has produced success for Lehighton over the years and remains the blueprint entering 2026.
Front Seven Returns Valuable Experience
The strength of the defense lies in the front seven.
Senior linebacker Preston DiGrazia returns after another productive season and provides leadership in the middle of the defense.
Junior Carl Lingham gives the Indians excellent size at linebacker at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds.
Up front, Rodgers, Macias, Zayden Martinez and Lucas Voorhees all return after gaining valuable varsity experience.
That group gives Lehighton considerable size and depth along the defensive line.
The coaching staff believes controlling the line of scrimmage will again be the key to defensive success.
If the front consistently wins at the point of attack, the linebackers will have opportunities to make plays throughout the game.
Limiting Big Plays Will Be Priority
Lehighton’s defensive goals are straightforward.
Control the line of scrimmage.
Make opponents earn every yard.
Eliminate explosive plays.
The Indians understand that giving up long touchdowns often changes games.
Instead, they want offenses to execute long, mistake-free drives.
The experienced front seven should help accomplish that objective.
However, Lehighton must replace several defensive backs and identify another varsity-ready linebacker.
Developing those positions quickly will determine how far the defense can progress.
If the younger players mature early, the Indians should once again field a competitive defense capable of keeping them in every game.
Croizier Anchors Secondary
Croizier’s value extends well beyond the offensive backfield.
The senior also returns as one of the leaders of the secondary.
His athleticism and experience provide stability to a defensive backfield replacing several contributors.
The coaching staff expects Croizier to help organize the younger defensive backs while limiting explosive plays.
His ability to contribute on both sides of the football makes him one of the most valuable players on the roster.
Lehighton will rely heavily on his leadership throughout the season.
Special Teams Enter New Era
Replacing both the kicker and punter presents another important challenge.
Both graduated following last season, leaving significant openings on special teams.
The Indians must identify dependable specialists capable of handling field goals, extra points and punting responsibilities.
Croizier returns as the primary punt and kickoff returner, giving Lehighton an experienced playmaker capable of creating favorable field position.
Finding consistency in the kicking game will be a major point of emphasis throughout preseason camp.
Special teams often determine close football games, and the Indians understand the importance of developing confidence in every phase.
Players to Watch
Lukas Croizier, Sr., RB/DB/Returner: Veteran playmaker expected to lead the offense while also contributing in the secondary and return game.
Parker Rodgers, Jr., OL/DL: Massive 6-foot-4, 330-pound lineman who anchors both sides of the line of scrimmage.
Marc Macias, Sr., OL/DL: Experienced senior leader returning to anchor the interior of both fronts.
Preston DiGrazia, Sr., LB: Veteran linebacker expected to lead the defense.
Carl Lingham, Jr., LB: Athletic 6-foot-3 linebacker with the potential to become one of the defense’s top playmakers.
Dom Lawrence, Jr., OL: Returning starter who adds experience and physicality to the offensive line.
Chase Keller, Jr., OL: Powerful returning lineman expected to play a key role in the running game.
Nick Blose, Jr., OL: Experienced interior lineman who helps give Lehighton one of District 11’s deepest offensive fronts.
Ty Nansteel, Jr., TE: Versatile tight end expected to become an important weapon in both the passing and running games.
My thoughts on Lehighton
Lehighton enters the 2026 season with one of the clearest identities in District 11.
The Indians will rely on their veteran offensive line, establish the running game behind Croizier and attempt to wear opponents down with physical football.
Replacing the quarterback and developing young receivers represent the biggest offensive challenges, but the experienced offensive front should provide plenty of support.
Defensively, the front seven returns considerable experience led by DiGrazia, Lingham, Rodgers and Macias.
The biggest questions come in the secondary and on special teams, where Lehighton must replace several key contributors.
If the Indians successfully develop a new quarterback, identify dependable receivers and find consistency in the kicking game, they have the talent to improve on last season’s 5-6 record and compete for another District 11 Class 4A playoff berth.
With one of the area’s most experienced lines and a commitment to winning the line of scrimmage, Lehighton has the pieces to become one of the Colonial-Schuylkill League’s toughest teams once again.
Head Coach: Tom McCarroll
Assistant Coaches:
Mike Lusch
Cory Hartsell
Tyler Cann
Simon Tkach
Antuan Dixon
Kyle Spotts
Justin Smith
Kris Rodgers
Michael Yeakel
Bryce Smith
Team Name: Lehighton Indians
District: 11
Class: 4A
League: Colonial-Schuylkill League, Division A
2025 Record: 5-6
8/22 Northern Lehigh (2A) 7:00 pm L 26-41
8/28 @ Bangor* (4A) 7:00 pm W 38-7
9/05 Southern Lehigh* (4A) 7:00 pm L 20-21
9/12 @ Palmerton Area (3A) 7:00 pm W 35-0
9/19 Northwestern Lehigh* (3A) 7:00 pm L 0-50
9/26 Pottsville Area* (4A) 7:00 pm W 35-0
10/03 @ Blue Mountain* (4A) 7:00 pm L 34-49
10/10 @ Tamaqua Area* (3A) 7:00 pm W 27-16
10/17 North Schuylkill* (3A) 7:00 pm L 14-36
10/24 @ Jim Thorpe Area* (4A) 7:00 pm W 40-20
10/30 @ Blue Mountain (4A) 6:30 pm L 7-42 Dist. 11 Class 4A Quarterfinal
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Pocono Mountain East (5A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 Tamaqua Area (3A) 7:00 pm
9/03 @ Pocono Mountain West (6A) 7:00 pm
9/10 @ Wilson Area* (3A) 6:30 pm
9/18 Saucon Valley* (4A) 7:00 pm
9/25 @ Southern Lehigh* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Bangor* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Northwestern Lehigh* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Jim Thorpe Area* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Palmerton Area (3A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Northern Lehigh (2A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Jayse Lawrence
Caden Meek
Blake Roberts
Austin Green
Makih Breiner
Hunter Kintz
Phillip Ebbert
Offensive Starters Returning:
Lukas Croizier, Sr, RB, 5-9, 165
Dom Lawrence, Jr, OL, 6-0, 245
Marc Macias, Sr, OL, 5-11, 275
Parker Rodgers, Jr, OL, 6-4, 330
Chase Keller, Jr, OL, 5-11, 290
Jon Mayers, Sr. OL, 6-1, 230
Nick Blose, Jr, OL, 5-10, 255
Ty Nansteel, Jr, TE, 6-2, 200
Defensive Starters Returning:
Lukas Croizier, Sr., DB
Preston DiGrazia, Sr., LB, 5-9, 185
Carl Lingham, Jr, LB, 6-3, 185
Parker Rodgers, Jr, DL
Marc Macias, Sr, DL
Zayden Martinez, Jr, DL, 5-10, 175
Lucas Voorhees, Jr, DL, 5-10, 205
Special Team Starters Returning:
Lukas Croizier, Sr, PR/KR
Key Newcomers:
Jack Lucykanish, Jr, QB/DB, 5-9, 160
Connor Loy, Jr, WR/DB, 5-9, 165
Cash White, Jr, WR/DB, 6-1, 185
Jose Rodriguez, Sr, RB/DB, 5-9, 155
Brock Atwood, So, QB/LB, 6-0, 175
Tommy Blair, Sr, WR/DB, 6-0, 170
Vinnie Hill, So, LB, 5-9, 155
Aiden McCarroll, So, WR/DB, 5-9, 150
Ryder Croizier, So, LB, 5-9, 150
Landen Steigerwalt, So, WR, 5-11, 155
Antoine Makoumbou, Fr, DL, 6-0, 300
2026 Offensive Outlook: Offensively, we return a number of linemen and our RB. We’ll look to establish the run game each week. Our biggest challenge will be finding our QB and having our young receivers round into form.
Our key to success will be to control the line of scrimmage and have our QB & receivers make timely plays when called upon.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Defensively, we return good experience within our front 7. We need to find another LB ready to play at the varsity level, along with multiple DBs. Controlling the LOS will be our priority and we need to minimize big plays, making teams work during each possession.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: We need to find a new kicker and punter since both have graduated.