Experienced Dallas Core Ready to Build on Late-Season Surge
Dallas enters the 2026 season with momentum, an experienced quarterback and a defense returning playmakers at every level.
The Mountaineers finished 6-6 last season, but their final record does not fully illustrate the progress they made during the second half of the year. Dallas opened 1-5 against a demanding schedule before winning five consecutive games and advancing to the District 2 championship game.
The Mountaineers earned regular-season victories over Wyoming Valley West, Crestwood, Hazleton Area and Lake-Lehman before shutting out Valley View, 17-0, in the district semifinals. Their season ended with a 38-6 loss to North Pocono in the championship game.
Head coach Rich Mannello must replace several important graduates, including Jake Bryk, Logan Geskey, Sam Kelley, Alex Seymour, Colton Van Orden and Nico Wilk. However, Dallas returns seven offensive starters, nine defensive starters and its primary kicking specialists.
Junior quarterback Talan Geskey is back after accounting for nearly 1,800 yards of offense, while senior Hunter Pitcavage returns after suffering a season-ending injury during the third week of 2025. The defense features productive veterans such as Brady McCann, Owen Oldt, Tyce Mason and Trevor Slavinski.
Dallas will compete in District 2 Class 4A and the Wyoming Valley Conference, Division 2. If the Mountaineers successfully develop their depth along the defensive front and continue getting strong production from special teams, they should be positioned for another postseason run.
Geskey Returns as a Dual-Threat Quarterback
Junior Talan Geskey returns for his second season directing the Dallas offense.
Geskey completed 75 of 156 passes for 1,197 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. He also carried the football 131 times for 589 yards and four scores.
His ability to contribute as both a passer and runner gives Dallas flexibility in its offensive approach.
At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Geskey possesses the size to operate from the pocket while also being strong enough to handle designed runs and scramble for additional yardage.
The experience he gained during the Mountaineers’ late-season winning streak should be especially valuable. Dallas became more efficient as the season progressed, protecting the football and relying on its defense and special teams to control field position.
Geskey will now be expected to take greater command of the offense before the snap, improve his completion percentage and distribute the football among an experienced group of playmakers.
The coaching staff’s immediate goal is to cross-train players throughout the offense. That versatility should allow Dallas to adjust to injuries, create different formations and identify its best combination of players.
Pitcavage Returns After Early Injury
Senior Hunter Pitcavage could provide one of the biggest boosts on the roster.
Pitcavage was limited to three games last season after suffering a season-ending injury in Week Three. Despite the shortened season, he recorded 29 tackles, two sacks and four tackles for loss.
He returns as a starting linebacker and running back.
At 5-foot-11 and 201 pounds, Pitcavage gives Dallas a physical ball carrier capable of running between the tackles and finishing through contact. His return should provide balance to an offense that leaned heavily on Geskey’s running ability last season.
Pitcavage’s toughness and athleticism are also evident outside football. He is a District 2 champion and state qualifier in the javelin and also competes in wrestling.
Dallas will likely monitor his workload because of his importance on both sides of the football, but his presence gives the Mountaineers another proven senior leader.
Saracinaj Adds Experience in the Backfield
Sophomore Marc Saracinaj returns after receiving significant varsity work as a freshman.
Saracinaj carried the football 110 times for 463 yards and four touchdowns last season.
That experience should make him an important part of the 2026 running game. With Pitcavage returning from injury, Dallas has the ability to rotate backs with different running styles while reducing the burden on Geskey.
Saracinaj has already shown he can handle varsity carries and contribute over the course of a full season. His continued physical development could make him one of the team’s most improved offensive players.
A productive backfield combination of Pitcavage, Saracinaj and Geskey would allow Dallas to remain committed to the run while creating favorable opportunities in the passing game.
Mason Headlines Receiving Group
Junior Tyce Mason returns as one of Dallas’ most accomplished all-around playmakers.
Mason caught 17 passes for 218 yards and three touchdowns last season. He also earned first-team all-star recognition from both the Citizens’ Voice and Times Leader.
At 5-foot-8 and 163 pounds, Mason relies on speed, quickness and instincts rather than size. He can line up at split end, contribute on designed touches and create explosive plays in the return game.
Mason averaged 23 yards per kickoff return and produced a long return of 95 yards.
His familiarity with Geskey should help the passing game maintain continuity. Dallas will look for additional receivers to emerge around him following the graduation of several experienced players.
The return of junior Grant Gauntlett at tight end also gives Geskey a large target in the middle of the field.
Gauntlett Makes Move to Tight End
Gauntlett will transition from offensive tackle to tight end in 2026.
At 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds, he provides the size to remain an effective blocker while giving Dallas another potential option in the passing game.
His experience along the offensive line should make him valuable in multiple formations. The Mountaineers can use him as an attached tight end, an extra blocker or a short-yardage receiving target.
The move fits the program’s emphasis on cross-training.
Gauntlett also returns at outside linebacker, making him another important two-way contributor. His ability to handle several responsibilities should help Dallas adjust its personnel without making wholesale substitutions.
Klinetob and Langdon Lead Offensive Line
Junior Drew Klinetob and junior Cole Langdon return as experienced offensive linemen.
Klinetob is listed at 5-foot-10 and 227 pounds and has the versatility to play all five offensive line positions. That flexibility should be especially valuable as Dallas works to identify its strongest combination up front.
Langdon is a 6-foot, 223-pound two-year starter who also contributes along the defensive line and serves as the long snapper.
The Mountaineers must replace several important linemen, but the return of Klinetob and Langdon gives the unit two experienced building blocks.
The offensive line’s performance will be critical to Dallas’ success. The Mountaineers want to establish the running game, protect Geskey and limit negative plays.
Cross-training will help develop depth, but the unit must also create continuity. Offensive line play depends heavily on communication, trust and the ability to adjust to defensive movement.
If Dallas establishes a dependable rotation, the offense should have the physicality needed to compete with the strongest teams on its schedule.
Offense Seeks Greater Versatility
Dallas’ offensive goal is not simply to replace its departed starters. The Mountaineers want to become more versatile throughout the entire unit.
Cross-training players at multiple positions will allow the coaching staff to create different personnel packages and prepare for injuries.
It could also make the offense more difficult to defend.
Gauntlett’s move to tight end provides one example. Klinetob can play anywhere along the offensive line, while Pitcavage, Saracinaj, Geskey and Mason all provide different ways to move the football.
The Mountaineers must improve their consistency after being held to seven points or fewer in four games last season. However, they also showed significant potential by scoring at least 35 points four times.
The key will be producing more efficiently against top opponents.
McCann Leads Experienced Defense
Senior safety Brady McCann returns after an outstanding junior season.
McCann finished second on the team with 101 tackles. He also recorded two sacks, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
His production earned him honorable mention recognition on the 2025 NPF All-Star team for the Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1.
At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, McCann combines the size to support the run with the athleticism to cover in the secondary.
His versatility allows Dallas to use him in several roles. He can play deep coverage, move into the box or pressure the quarterback.
McCann’s leadership will be particularly important as the Mountaineers develop new rotations along the defensive front.
Experienced Linebackers Return
Dallas returns significant experience at linebacker.
Pitcavage is back after missing most of last season, while senior Jim Youngblood, junior Owen Oldt and Gauntlett all return after contributing in 2025.
Youngblood recorded 44 tackles, one sack and three tackles for loss.
Oldt produced 65 tackles, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He also qualified for the state meet in the javelin as a sophomore.
That group gives Dallas proven production and athleticism in the middle of the defense.
The linebackers must play an important role while the defensive line rotation develops. They will be responsible for fitting the run, communicating adjustments and preventing short gains from becoming explosive plays.
Pitcavage’s return should make the unit deeper and more physical.
Secondary Could Be a Major Strength
Dallas returns several accomplished defensive backs.
Senior Bobby Gallagher recorded 29 tackles and two interceptions last season. McCann returns at safety, while Mason and junior Trevor Slavinski are also back.
Mason finished with 30 tackles and six interceptions. Two of his interceptions ended games, demonstrating his ability to perform in pressure situations.
Slavinski recorded 30 tackles, four interceptions and one fumble recovery.
That returning production gives Dallas a secondary capable of creating turnovers and limiting explosive passes.
The Mountaineers intercepted several key throws during their late-season run, and the experience on the back end should allow them to play aggressively.
Communication will remain essential. The defensive backs must work with the linebackers to disguise coverages and prevent breakdowns against spread offenses.
If the defensive front generates pressure, Dallas’ ball-hawking secondary could produce even more takeaways.
Defensive Line Depth Must Develop
The primary defensive concern is establishing playable depth up front.
Langdon returns as an experienced defensive lineman, but Dallas must transition its available depth from promising preseason options into dependable game-night contributors.
That process will begin during the program’s testing combine and continue throughout training camp.
The Mountaineers need enough depth to keep the defensive front fresh for four quarters. A reliable rotation becomes especially important against physical opponents that want to control possession with the running game.
Young linemen must prove they can maintain gap discipline, handle double teams and generate pressure.
Dallas does not need every defensive lineman to become a dominant individual player. It needs several dependable contributors capable of executing their assignments.
How quickly that rotation develops will help determine the defense’s overall ceiling.
Defense Built on Experience and Takeaways
Dallas’ defense became the driving force behind its late-season success.
The Mountaineers allowed just 26 total points during a five-game winning streak, posting shutouts against Crestwood and Valley View while holding Hazleton Area and Lake-Lehman to seven points or fewer.
That stretch demonstrated the defense’s potential when it tackled well, controlled the line of scrimmage and forced opponents into difficult situations.
Dallas returns nine defensive starters from that unit.
The secondary has proven takeaway ability, the linebackers are experienced and Pitcavage’s return adds another productive defender.
If the Mountaineers establish a dependable defensive line rotation, the unit should remain one of the team’s greatest strengths.
Miller Leads Strong Kicking Game
Senior Brandon Miller returns as Dallas’ primary kicker and punter.
Miller converted three of four field-goal attempts last season, including a long of 32 yards. He also made 29 of 30 extra-point attempts.
His performance earned honorable mention recognition on the 2025 NPF All-Star team.
Miller’s consistency gives Dallas confidence in close games. The Mountaineers can finish drives with points and trust him to influence field position as a punter.
He is also a captain and starter for the soccer team, providing additional experience in pressure situations.
David Worth returns as another kicker, giving Dallas depth at the position.
Langdon will continue serving as the long snapper, creating continuity throughout the operation.
Special Teams Remains a Program Priority
Dallas views special teams as more than a supporting phase.
The Mountaineers are committed to using special teams to change games through field position, scoring opportunities and explosive returns.
Miller provides reliability as both a kicker and punter, while Langdon’s experience at long snapper creates stability.
Mason gives Dallas a proven return threat after averaging 23 yards per kickoff return and producing a 95-yard return last season.
Strong special teams can be especially valuable against evenly matched opponents. A long return, a well-placed punt or a converted field goal can determine a close game.
Dallas expects the unit to remain one of the program’s greatest strengths.
Players to Watch
Talan Geskey, Jr., QB: Dual-threat quarterback who passed for 1,197 yards and 14 touchdowns while rushing for 589 yards and four scores.
Hunter Pitcavage, Sr., RB/LB: Physical two-way standout returning after a season-ending injury. Recorded 29 tackles, two sacks and four tackles for loss in three games.
Brady McCann, Sr., S: Defensive leader who totaled 101 tackles, two interceptions, three forced fumbles and five tackles for loss.
Tyce Mason, Jr., SE/DB/KR: First-team all-star who caught three touchdown passes, intercepted six throws and averaged 23 yards per kickoff return.
Owen Oldt, Jr., LB: Productive linebacker who recorded 65 tackles, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
Bobby Gallagher, Sr., DB: Returning starter who recorded 29 tackles and two interceptions.
Jim Youngblood, Sr., LB: Experienced linebacker who totaled 44 tackles, one sack and three tackles for loss.
Grant Gauntlett, Jr., TE/LB: Two-way starter making the offensive transition from tackle to tight end.
Drew Klinetob, Jr., OL: Versatile lineman capable of playing all five positions.
Cole Langdon, Jr., OL/DL/LS: Two-year starter who contributes on both lines and as the long snapper.
Trevor Slavinski, Jr., DB: Playmaking defensive back who intercepted four passes and recovered a fumble.
Marc Saracinaj, Soph., TB: Young returning starter who rushed for 463 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman.
Brandon Miller, Sr., K/P: Dependable specialist who converted 29 of 30 extra points and three of four field goals.
My thoughts on Dallas
Dallas enters 2026 with the experience and momentum to remain one of District 2’s most competitive programs.
The Mountaineers return a proven dual-threat quarterback in Geskey, an experienced offensive line core and multiple playmakers in the backfield and passing game.
Pitcavage’s return should provide a significant boost on both sides of the football, while Saracinaj gives Dallas another dependable rushing option.
The offense’s development will depend on its ability to cross-train players without sacrificing execution. If the Mountaineers establish a strong offensive line rotation and protect the football, they should be able to produce more consistently against quality opponents.
Defense should once again lead the way.
McCann anchors an experienced and productive secondary, while Oldt, Youngblood, Gauntlett and Pitcavage give the linebacker corps depth and athleticism. Developing a playable defensive line rotation will be the most important preseason task.
Special teams could give Dallas a major advantage. Miller is a proven kicker and punter, Langdon returns at long snapper and Mason is capable of changing field position in the return game.
The Mountaineers showed their resilience last season by recovering from a 1-5 start and reaching the District 2 championship game.
That late-season surge should provide confidence entering 2026.
If Dallas carries that momentum forward, develops its defensive front and receives continued growth from Geskey and the offense, the Mountaineers should contend in the Wyoming Valley Conference, Division 2 and make another serious run in the District 2 Class 4A postseason.
Head Coach: Rich Mannello
Assistant Coaches:
Matt Austin
Tony Bonomo
Jake Devlin
Scott Francis
Josh Mason
Mike Olenginski
Bob Roper
Ben Sevenski
Xander Shaner
Andy Wilk
Ryan Zapoticky
Stephen Zapoticky
Team Name: Dallas Mountaineers
District: 2
Class: 4A
League: Wyoming Valley Conference, Division 2
2025 Record: 6-6
8/22 @ Jersey Shore (4A) 7:00 pm L 7-27
8/29 Wyoming Area (3A) 7:00 pm L 20-27
9/06 @ Abington Heights (5A) 3:00 pm L 28-40
9/12 @ Wilkes-Barre * (6A) 7:00 pm W 24-21
9/19 Pittston Area* (5A) 7:00 pm L 35-36
9/26 @ North Pocono (4A) 7:00 pm L 14-35
10/03 Wyoming Valley West* (5A) 7:00 pm W 35-13
10/10 Crestwood* (4A) 7:00 pm W 7-0
10/17 @ Hazleton Area* (6A) 7:00 pm W 37-7
10/24 Lake-Lehman (3A) 7:00 pm W 44-6
10/31 @ Valley View (4A) 7:00 pm W 17-0 District 2 Class 4A Semifinal
11/07 @ North Pocono (4A) 7:00 pm L 6-38 Dist. 2 Class 4A Championship
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/28 @ Tunkhannock (3A) 7:00 pm
9/04 Wyoming Valley West (6A) 7:00 pm
9/11 Abington Heights (5A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Pittston Area (5A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Wilkes-Barre (6A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Hazleton Area (6A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Lake-Lehman (3A) 7:00 pm
10/16 Crestwood* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Hanover Area* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Berwick Area* (4A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters lost:
Jake Bryk
Logan Geskey
Sam Kelley
Alex Seymour
Colton Van Orden
Nico Wilk
Offensive Starters Returning:
Hunter Pitcavage RB
Grant Gauntlett TE
Talan Geskey QB
Drew Klinetob OL
Cole Langdon OL
Tyce Mason SE
Marc Saracinaj TB
Defensive Starters Returning:
Bobby Gallagher DB
Brady Mccann DB
Hunter Pitcavage LB
Jim Youngblood LB
Grant Gauntlett LB
Cole Langdon DL
Tyce Mason DB
Owen Oldt LB
Trevor Slavinski DB
Special Team Starters Returning:
Brandon Miller K/P
David Worth K
Cole Langdon LS
Key Newcomers:
Brady Ecenrode SR OL/DL
Tyler Spaciano SR OL/DL
Matt Sevenski SR OL/DL
Billy Moran SR LB/RB
Khary Douglas Sr DB/SE
2026 Returning Player Stats:
BOBBY GALLAGHER 12TH 6’1 165 #3 RETURNING STARTER DB 2025 29 TACKLES 2 INT’S
OTHER SPORT TRACK
BRADY McCANN 12TH 5’11 190 # 7 RETURNING STARTER SAFETY. FINISHED 2CND AS A JUNIOR TOTAL TACKLES 101. 2 SACKS. 5 TFL 2 INT’S 3 FORCED FUMBLES 1 FUMBLE RECOVERY 2025 HONORABLE MENTION NPF ALL STAR WVC DIV 1 4A. OTHER SPORT BASKETBALL
BRANDON MILLER 12TH 5’10 192 #12 RETURNING STARTER K/P HONORABLE MENTION 2025 NPF ALL STAR WVC DIV 1 4A 3 OF 4 FG LONG 32 29 OF 30 PAT JUNIOR SOCCER CAPTAIN/STARTER
HUNTER PITCAVAGE 12TH 5’11 201 # 4 RETURNING STARTER LB/RB SEASON ENDING INJURY WEEK 3 AFTER THREE GAMES 29 TACKLE 2 SACKS 4 TFL DISTRICT CHAMP AND STATE QUALIFIER JAVELIN ALSO WRESTLES SQUAT PC BENCH BROAD JUMP VERT
JIM YOUNGBLOOD 12TH 6’1 187 #5 RETURNING STARTER LB 2025 44 TACKLES 1 SACK 3 TFL OTHER SPORT BASEBALL
GRANT GAUNTLETT 11TH 6’1 230 #61 2025 # 86 2026 RETURNING STARTER OLB/OT MOVING TO TE 2026 OTHER SPORT BASKETBALL
TALAN GESKEY 11TH 6’2 190 #5 2025 #15 2026 RETURNING STARTER QB 75/156 PASSING 1,197 YDS 14 PASSING TD’S 131 CARRIES 589 YDS 4 TD’S OTHER SPORTS BASKETBALL/BASEBALL
DREW KLINETOB 11TH 5’10 227 #51 RETURNING STARTER O LINE. CAN PLAY ALL 5 POSITIONS. OTHER SPORT LAX
COLE LANGDON 11TH 6’ 223 # 70 RETURNING TWO YEAR STARTER OTHER SPORT TRACK
TYCE MASON 11TH 5’8 163 # 23 2025 WILL BE # 2 2026 RETURNING TWO YEAR STARTER DB/SE 2025 CITIZENS VOICE AND TIMES LEADER 1ST TEAM ALL STAR 17 RECEPTIONS 218 YDS 3 TD’S 30 TACKLES 6 INT’S 2 GAME ENDING INT’S KICK RETURNER 23 YDS PER LONG OF 95 OTHER SPORTS BASKETBALL/TRACK https://www.hudl.com/profile/21493268/Tyce-Mason
OWEN OLDT 11TH 5’11 179 #10 RETURNING STARTER LB 65 TACKLES 1 TFL 1 FORCED FUMBLE 2 FUMBLE RECOVERIES STATE QUALIFIER JAVELIN AS A 10TH GRADER
TREVOR SLAVINSKI 11TH 5’10 168 # 20 RETURNING STARTER DB 30 TACKLES 4 INT’S 1 FUMBLE RECOVERY OTHER SPORT TRACK
MARC SARACINAJ 10TH 5’11 166 #42 RETURNING STARTER TB 110 CARRIES 463 YDS 4 TD’S
2026 Outlook: Our third testing combine before camp will set the tone for pre season. Pre season will set the path to week 1.
Offense: Cross training across the entire offense is our immediate goal.
Defense: Transitioning up front depth on paper to game night playable rotations.
Special Team: Continued program commitment to change games through special teams.