New Era Begins at Danville as Shawn Sheptock Looks to Rebuild Ironmen Identity
Change defines the start of the 2026 season at Danville.
After finishing 4-7 a year ago, the Ironmen begin a new chapter under first-year head coach Shawn Sheptock, who inherits a program eager to return to the upper half of the PA Heartland Athletic Conference Division II.
Although last season ended with a District 4 Class 3A semifinal appearance, Danville never found the consistency it was searching for, finishing below .500 while facing one of the toughest schedules in the region. The Ironmen picked up victories over Central Columbia, Milton, Shikellamy and Selinsgrove, showing flashes of their potential, but struggled to maintain momentum against the conference’s elite teams.
Now, Sheptock and his coaching staff are focused less on last year’s record and more on establishing the next phase of Danville football.
“2025 was a disappointing year for the Ironmen,” the coaching staff said. “We lost a lot of key seniors from the team. We are in the process of establishing a new identity this season.”
That identity has been built throughout the offseason with competition, accountability and an emphasis on developing every position.
The challenge will now be translating that work into Friday night success.
Rebuilding the Offense
The offense enters the season with several important positions to replace after the graduation of key contributors including Kole Harvey, Carter Raup, Landon Kehoe, Luke Plisiewicz and Ethan Hackett.
Replacing that production won’t come from one player.
Instead, Danville expects competition throughout the roster to identify the players ready to assume larger roles.
“Our current team has been very competitive in finding the right pieces to fill those roles,” the coaching staff said.
That competition should continue throughout preseason camp.
The Ironmen return experienced wide receivers Mason Kingery and Anthony Westley, giving the offense two dependable veterans on the outside.
Both receivers understand the varsity game and should become important targets regardless of who ultimately takes over at quarterback.
Their leadership will also be valuable for younger skill-position players earning expanded opportunities.
Veteran Offensive Line Provides Stability
One of the biggest strengths of the offense is the returning experience up front.
Jude Strony, Sam Hummer, Aiden George and Tommy Trelease all return after starting last season, giving Danville a solid foundation in the trenches.
The Ironmen believe success starts with physical play, and the offensive line will be responsible for establishing that identity.
With multiple returning starters, the group already understands the blocking schemes and should provide valuable leadership for the offense.
Protecting a new quarterback and creating running lanes will be priorities early in the season.
If this unit develops into one of the stronger offensive lines in the conference, it will make replacing last year’s offensive production much easier.
Finding New Playmakers
The offense will need several new contributors to emerge.
While returning receivers provide experience, additional players must step into larger offensive roles.
Developing depth at the skill positions remains one of the program’s biggest objectives.
Whether through the running game or the passing attack, Danville wants to find athletes capable of creating explosive plays and extending drives.
The Ironmen do not need individual stars to replace every graduated senior.
They need multiple players willing to embrace bigger responsibilities.
That process has already begun throughout the offseason.
Building a New Defensive Identity
The defense also enters the season after graduating several major contributors.
However, unlike previous years, many younger players gained meaningful varsity experience during the 2025 campaign.
The coaching staff believes that experience will pay dividends this fall.
“Many seniors were big contributors to the defense last season,” the staff said. “A lot of younger players were able to get valuable experience throughout the season last year. We are hoping they can develop into key pieces for the 2026 defense.”
That growth will determine how quickly the defense can establish itself.
Girardi Leads Veteran Linebackers
Senior linebacker Braxtyn Girardi returns as one of the emotional leaders of the defense.
Girardi brings experience, toughness and versatility while also contributing on special teams as one of Danville’s return specialists.
His leadership becomes even more valuable with several defensive veterans having graduated.
The Ironmen will look to Girardi to help organize the defense, communicate assignments and establish the physical style the coaching staff wants to play.
He has the experience to become one of the cornerstones of Sheptock’s first defense.
Experience Returns Up Front
Senior Sam Hummer and Aiden George return along the defensive line after serving as two-way starters last season.
Their experience gives Danville continuity in the trenches while helping younger linemen develop.
Defensive end Ben Koser also returns after gaining valuable varsity experience.
Together, the trio provides a veteran nucleus capable of leading a defensive front that must replace several graduated contributors.
Controlling the line of scrimmage will be critical in a conference filled with physical rushing attacks.
If Hummer, George and Koser consistently win at the point of attack, the Ironmen defense should improve significantly.
Secondary Returns Key Pieces
The defensive backfield also returns experienced starters in Jagger Simpson and Ben Nye.
Both players gained valuable varsity experience last season and will be expected to take on larger leadership roles.
With younger players expected to compete throughout the secondary, Simpson and Nye provide stability while helping organize the defensive backfield.
Communication and limiting explosive plays will be major priorities.
The returning experience should help the defense play with greater confidence and consistency.
Special Teams Return Proven Contributors
Danville also brings back important pieces on special teams.
Kayvion Seabrook and Girardi return as the team’s primary return specialists, giving the Ironmen experience and athleticism in the return game.
George also returns as the long snapper, providing continuity in the kicking operation.
Winning the field-position battle is often overlooked, but those returning specialists should help Danville create opportunities throughout the season.
Leadership Will Define the Season
The biggest challenge facing the Ironmen extends beyond replacing statistics.
It is creating a new culture under a first-year head coach.
Sheptock has emphasized developing an identity throughout the offseason.
That identity will be tested immediately in one of the state’s most competitive small-school conferences.
The PA Heartland Athletic Conference Division II features several established programs capable of contending for district championships.
Danville understands that consistent improvement—not immediate perfection—is the objective.
The Ironmen believe their offseason work has positioned them to compete every week.
Players to Watch
Braxtyn Girardi, Sr., LB/Returner: Veteran linebacker expected to lead the defense while contributing on special teams.
Mason Kingery, Sr., WR: Returning receiver who should become one of the offense’s primary playmakers.
Anthony Westley, Sr., WR: Experienced target expected to provide leadership for the passing game.
Sam Hummer, Sr., OL/DT: Two-way starter who anchors both the offensive and defensive lines.
Aiden George, Sr., OL/DL/LS: Versatile veteran who contributes on offense, defense and special teams.
Jude Strony, Sr., OL: Returning offensive lineman expected to help establish Danville’s physical identity.
Tommy Trelease, Sr., OL: Experienced starter who provides stability up front.
Ben Koser, Sr., DE: Returning defensive end expected to become a leader on the defensive front.
Jagger Simpson, Sr., DB: Veteran defensive back who brings valuable varsity experience.
Ben Nye, Sr., DB: Returning starter expected to help lead the secondary.
Kayvion Seabrook, Sr., Return Specialist: Dynamic return man capable of changing field position with explosive plays.
My thoughts on Danville
The 2026 season represents more than a new schedule for Danville—it marks the beginning of a new era.
Sheptock inherits a program with experienced linemen, veteran receivers and several returning defensive starters, but also one searching for a new identity after graduating key contributors.
The Ironmen believe competition throughout the offseason has helped identify players ready for expanded roles.
Now those players must prove themselves against one of the toughest conference schedules in Pennsylvania.
If Danville’s experienced offensive line provides stability, the defense continues developing its younger contributors and the team’s leadership embraces the standards established by the new coaching staff, the Ironmen have the opportunity to take meaningful steps forward in 2026.
The record may not define the season as much as the foundation being built.
If that foundation is established this fall, Danville could once again become a consistent contender in the PA Heartland Athletic Conference and District 4 Class 3A in the years ahead.
Head Coach: Shawn Sheptock
Assistant Coaches:
John McDanel
Kevin Seabrook
Castan Kiersch
Jake Esenwein
Declan Aikens
Andrew Blockus
Jason Raynes
Brian Klock
Chase Tobias
Team Name: Danville Ironmen
District: 4
Class: 3A
League: PA Heartland Athletic Conference, Division II
2025 Record: 4-7
8/22 Bloomsburg (2A) 7:00 pm L 10-30
8/29 Mifflinburg* (3A) 7:00 pm L 14-42
9/05 @ Montoursville* (3A) 7:00 pm L 21-33
9/12 @ Central Columbia* (3A) 7:00 pm W 43-7
9/19 Milton Area* (3A) 7:00 pm W 28-17
9/26 @ Southern Columbia* (2A) 7:00 pm L 21-41
10/03 @ Mount Carmel Area* (3A) 7:00 pm L 13-61
10/10 Loyalsock Township (2A) 7:00 pm L 20-34
10/17 Shikellamy (4A) 7:00 pm W 26-21
10/24 @ Selinsgrove (4A) 7:00 pm W 21-12
10/31 @ Mifflinburg (3A) 7:00 pm L 14-56 Dist. 4 Class 3A Semifinal
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 North Schuylkill (4A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 Lewisburg (3A) 7:00 pm
9/04 Shamokin (4A) 7:00 pm
9/11 @ Central Columbia* (3A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Milton Area* (4A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Mount Carmel Area* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Montoursville* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Southern Columbia* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/16 Selinsgrove (4A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Bloomsburg (2A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Shikellamy (4A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters lost:
Kole Harvey
Carter Raup
Landon Kehoe
Luke Plisiewicz
Ethan Hackett
Offensive Starters Returning:
Mason Kingery (WR)
Anthony Westley (WR)
Jude Strony (OL)
Sam Hummer (OL)
Aiden George (OL)
Tommy Trelease (OL)
Defensive Starters Returning:
Braxtyn Girardi (LB)
Ben Koser (DE)
Jagger Simpson (DB)
Ben Nye (DB)
Sam Hummer (DT)
Aiden George (DL)
Special Team Starters Returning:
Kayvion Seabrook (returner)
Braxtyn Girardi (returner)
Aiden George (LS)
Key Newcomers:
Aidon Bingamon (LB/RB)
Lucas Peterson (OL/DL)
Connor Reedy (OL/DL)
Jack Rarig (RB/LB)
Kayvion Seabrook (WR/DB)
Landon Bennett (DB/WR)
Ben Hildebrand (OL/DL)
Rylan Kiersch (LB/RB)
Ayden Ritter (DL)
Mason Smith (TE/DE)
Nick Watts (OL/DL)
Drake Hur (WR/LB)
Maxx Kitka (LB/RB)
Macon Patrick (QB/DB)
Jake Litwin (QB/DB)
Will Anderson (DL)
2026 Outlook: 2025 was a disappointing year for the Ironmen. We lost a lot of key seniors from the team. We are in the process of establishing a new identity this season. The PHAC is a very competitive conference with a lot of talented teams. Our team has worked hard in the offseason in developing an identity for the 2026 season. We have many players who are expected to contribute to the team this season.
Offense: We are hoping to replace a lot of talented seniors who graduated. Key contributors have graduated. Our current team has been very competitive in finding the right pieces to fill those roles.
Defense: Many seniors were big contributors to the defense last season. A lot of younger players were able to get valuable experience throughout the season last year. We are hoping they can develop into key pieces for the 2026 defense.
Special Teams: We return our return specialists and long snapper from last year’s team.