Veteran Northern Lehigh Core Sets Sights on District 11 Title Run
Northern Lehigh enters the 2026 season with experience at nearly every position, a three-year starting quarterback and the motivation of an unfinished postseason run.
The Bulldogs finished 8-4 last fall and advanced to the District 11 Class 2A semifinals. Their season included seven wins over Colonial League opponents and a dramatic 29-28 overtime victory over Palisades in the district quarterfinals.
Northern Lehigh’s playoff run ended one week later with a 60-7 loss at Schuylkill Haven, but that result does not erase the progress the Bulldogs made throughout the season.
Head coach Joe Tout now welcomes back one of the most experienced teams in District 11 Class 2A.
Northern Lehigh returns eight full-time offensive starters, two additional players who started three games and an accomplished group of veterans on defense. Several of the Bulldogs’ most important players are entering their third or fourth seasons as varsity starters.
Senior quarterback Garrett Smoyer returns after throwing for 1,729 yards and 17 touchdowns. Chris Frame is back after producing nearly 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns, while Colin Karetsky and Ryan Zambo return as proven receiving threats.
The defense may be even more experienced.
Northern Lehigh’s secondary features three players preparing for their fourth seasons as starters. Mason Rothrock anchors the linebackers, while all-state defensive end Bill Slattery leads a veteran defensive front.
The Bulldogs must replace several important graduates, including running back and linebacker Grady Newhard, offensive and defensive tackle Nate Kuhns, offensive tackle Adam Neff and linebacker Kaden Quinones.
Those losses create depth concerns along both lines, but Northern Lehigh believes its starting lineup can compete with any team on the schedule.
After reaching the district semifinals last season, the Bulldogs are no longer satisfied with simply qualifying for the postseason. Their veteran core enters 2026 with the talent and experience to pursue a Colonial League Division 1 championship and make a deeper run through the District 11 tournament.
Smoyer Returns
Senior Garrett Smoyer enters the season as one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the Colonial League.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound signal-caller is a three-year starter who threw for 1,729 yards and 17 touchdowns last season.
That experience provides Northern Lehigh with an important advantage.
Smoyer has already faced nearly every defensive situation a varsity quarterback can encounter. He has played in rivalry games, one-possession contests and postseason pressure.
He understands the offense, has established chemistry with his receivers and should be comfortable making adjustments at the line of scrimmage.
The Bulldogs return most of the players who contributed to last season’s passing attack, allowing Smoyer and the offense to build on an established foundation rather than starting over.
Northern Lehigh does not need him to force the football or attempt to win every game with one play.
His responsibility will be to distribute the ball to an experienced group of playmakers, protect possession and consistently place the offense in favorable situations.
With Karetsky, Zambo, Frame and Chase Gall returning, Smoyer should have multiple options on every passing concept.
His leadership will be especially valuable as the Bulldogs develop depth along the offensive line.
Frame Gives Offense Versatility
Senior Chris Frame returns as one of Northern Lehigh’s most dangerous offensive players.
Frame rushed for 496 yards, added 450 receiving yards and scored 13 touchdowns last season.
His versatility allows the Bulldogs to use him in several different ways.
Frame can line up in the backfield, motion into the slot, catch passes on the perimeter or become a matchup problem against linebackers.
At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, he combines size with the athleticism to create yards after contact.
Northern Lehigh can build entire portions of the offense around his ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver.
Opposing defenses must identify his location before every snap.
If they treat him like a traditional running back, the Bulldogs can create opportunities in the passing game. If they spread out to defend him as a receiver, Northern Lehigh can attack lighter defensive boxes.
Frame is also a four-year starter in the secondary, making him one of the most valuable players on the roster.
Rothrock Brings Power to the Backfield
Senior Mason Rothrock returns at fullback and linebacker.
At 6-foot and 205 pounds, Rothrock gives the offense a physical presence between the tackles.
Although his primary statistical production has come on defense, his value to the offense extends well beyond rushing totals.
Rothrock can serve as a lead blocker, short-yardage runner and pass protector. His strength and experience fit the physical identity Northern Lehigh wants to maintain.
The combination of Rothrock and Frame gives the Bulldogs flexibility in the backfield.
Northern Lehigh can use traditional two-back formations, spread Frame into space or rely on Rothrock in short-yardage situations.
Rothrock’s ability to contribute in multiple roles should help the Bulldogs replace the production lost with Grady Newhard’s graduation.
Karetsky and Zambo Lead Proven Receiving Group
Senior Colin Karetsky returns after catching passes for 579 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Karetsky provides size, strength and a dependable red-zone target.
He has the ability to win contested catches, work over the middle and punish smaller defensive backs after the reception.
Karetsky’s touchdown production demonstrates his value near the goal line.
Senior Ryan Zambo gives the Bulldogs another experienced receiving threat.
Zambo recorded 370 receiving yards and four touchdowns last season.
At 6-foot and 190 pounds, he provides another physical target capable of working at multiple levels of the field.
The presence of Karetsky and Zambo makes it difficult for defenses to focus entirely on Frame.
Both receivers have extensive varsity experience and should enter the season with strong timing and chemistry with Smoyer.
Senior tight end Chase Gall gives Northern Lehigh another dependable option in the passing game.
Gall’s ability as a blocker and receiver allows the Bulldogs to remain balanced without changing personnel.
Together, the group provides Smoyer with one of the most experienced supporting casts in District 11 Class 2A.
Experienced Offensive Line Anchors Starting Unit
Northern Lehigh returns three experienced offensive linemen in senior tackle Landen Klimek, junior guard Dawson Newhard and junior tackle Bill Kennedy.
Klimek stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 240 pounds. His experience on both sides of the football makes him one of the line’s leaders.
Newhard returns at 5-foot-11 and 235 pounds after gaining important varsity experience as a sophomore.
Kennedy adds another returning starter at 5-foot-10 and 235 pounds.
The Bulldogs feel very good about their starting offensive unit, but depth remains a concern.
Northern Lehigh must replace Kuhns and Neff, two experienced linemen who helped establish the physical identity of last year’s offense.
The new starters must develop quickly, but the greater challenge may be finding dependable reserves.
Injuries are unavoidable during a long season, and the Bulldogs need enough depth to maintain their level of play when substitutions are required.
The experienced skill players can only succeed if the offensive line protects Smoyer and creates consistent running lanes.
Developing depth throughout camp will be one of the coaching staff’s biggest priorities.
Veteran Offense Has Multiple Ways to Win
Northern Lehigh’s experience should allow the offense to adapt from week to week.
The Bulldogs can lean on Smoyer and the passing game when defenses crowd the line of scrimmage. They can feature Frame as a runner or receiver and use Rothrock to establish a physical ground attack.
Karetsky and Zambo give the offense proven downfield options, while Gall adds versatility at tight end.
The challenge will be maintaining balance and avoiding predictability.
Northern Lehigh scored at least 40 points in four games last season, showing that the offense can produce explosive performances.
The Bulldogs also struggled to create consistent offense in losses to Northwestern Lehigh, Palisades, Notre Dame-Green Pond and Schuylkill Haven.
The returning experience should help the group respond better when its first plan is disrupted.
Smoyer and the veteran receivers must recognize defensive adjustments, while the offensive line needs to remain effective against stronger and deeper fronts.
If the Bulldogs develop line depth and protect the football, the offense should rank among the strongest units in District 11 Class 2A.
Secondary Is the Defensive Foundation
Northern Lehigh’s defensive backfield enters the season as one of the team’s greatest strengths.
Frame, Zambo and Karetsky are all preparing for their fourth years as varsity starters.
That level of experience is rare at the high school level.
The three seniors understand route concepts, recognize formations and communicate at a high level. They have also faced the top quarterbacks and receivers in the Colonial League throughout their careers.
Their experience should allow Northern Lehigh to disguise coverages, make adjustments and play more aggressively elsewhere on defense.
Frame’s length and athleticism make him capable of matching up with larger receivers.
Zambo brings size, physicality and dependable tackling, while Karetsky provides another long and experienced defender.
The Bulldogs return all of their primary return specialists as well, giving the three players opportunities to affect every phase of the game.
The secondary will be expected to prevent explosive plays and create turnovers.
It must also help support the run while the front seven develops depth.
Rothrock Leads Strong Linebacking Corps
Rothrock returns as a three-year starter at linebacker and will serve as one of the defense’s leaders.
His experience, size and physical style make him central to Northern Lehigh’s run defense.
Rothrock must replace some of the production and leadership lost with the graduations of Newhard and Quinones.
Junior Paul Porobensky gives the Bulldogs another promising player at linebacker.
Porobensky started the final four games of last season and impressed the coaching staff with his performance.
That experience should allow him to enter 2026 with greater confidence and a stronger understanding of the defense.
Gall will transition from defensive end to linebacker, completing what Northern Lehigh believes can be a strong starting group.
His background along the defensive line should make him effective as a physical edge player and pass rusher.
The linebackers must communicate well, fit the run correctly and limit yards after contact.
If Rothrock, Porobensky and Gall perform as expected, the Bulldogs should remain strong in the middle of the defense.
Slattery Headlines Experienced Defensive Front
Senior Bill Slattery returns at defensive end after earning all-state recognition.
At 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, Slattery gives Northern Lehigh an accomplished and disruptive presence along the defensive front.
He can set the edge against the run, pressure quarterbacks and force offenses to adjust their blocking schemes.
His leadership will be especially important as the Bulldogs search for additional depth.
Klimek and Newhard return at defensive tackle.
Both players provide experience and strength in the interior.
Klimek’s two-way role makes him one of the team’s most important linemen, while Newhard continues to develop after starting as a sophomore.
Northern Lehigh must replace Gall at defensive end as he moves to linebacker.
The Bulldogs also need younger linemen to emerge behind the starting group.
The three returning starters give Northern Lehigh an excellent foundation, but the defense cannot rely on them to play every snap throughout the season.
Finding dependable rotational players will help keep the front fresh and protect against injuries.
Defensive Depth Could Determine Championship Potential
Northern Lehigh’s starting defense contains experience at every level.
The Bulldogs have an all-state defensive end, veteran tackles, a three-year starting linebacker and three four-year starters in the secondary.
That group should be capable of competing with any offense on the schedule.
The concern is depth.
Northern Lehigh must identify players who can contribute when the starters need rest or when injuries occur.
The Bulldogs experienced both ends of the defensive spectrum last season.
They held Wilson Area, Catasauqua, Salisbury and Saucon Valley to 13 points or fewer. They also allowed 56 points to Northwestern Lehigh and 60 to Schuylkill Haven.
The next step is developing enough depth and consistency to remain competitive against elite opponents.
Northern Lehigh must stop the run, avoid giving up explosive plays and force offenses to sustain long drives.
The experience in the secondary should allow the Bulldogs to be aggressive, but the defensive line and linebackers must control the point of attack.
Hanna Gives Bulldogs Reliable Kicking Game
Senior Anthony Hanna returns after handling the kicking and field-goal responsibilities last season.
The coaching staff was pleased with his performance and believes he has improved both his distance and the height of his kicks during the offseason.
That development could make Hanna an important weapon.
A reliable field-goal kicker gives the offense another way to finish drives and allows the coaching staff to make more aggressive decisions around midfield.
Consistent kickoffs also help the defense by controlling starting field position.
Senior Chase Gall returns as the punter, providing experience in another important specialist role.
Junior Bryce Wanamaker can also contribute as a kicker, giving the Bulldogs additional depth.
Northern Lehigh returns all of its primary returners and believes the unit can become dynamic.
With athletes such as Frame, Zambo and Karetsky available, every punt or kickoff has the potential to become an explosive play.
Special teams could provide the difference in close games, particularly during the postseason.
Players to Watch
Garrett Smoyer, Sr., QB: Three-year starter who threw for 1,729 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. His experience and leadership make him the centerpiece of the offense.
Chris Frame, Sr., RB/WR/DB: Versatile four-year starter who produced 496 rushing yards, 450 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.
Colin Karetsky, Sr., WR/DB: Physical two-way standout who recorded 579 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
Ryan Zambo, Sr., WR/DB: Experienced playmaker who finished with 370 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Mason Rothrock, Sr., FB/LB: Three-year starting linebacker and physical offensive contributor expected to lead the defense.
Bill Slattery, Sr., DE: All-state defensive end who anchors an experienced front.
Chase Gall, Sr., TE/LB/P: Versatile senior moving from defensive end to linebacker while also contributing at tight end and punter.
Landen Klimek, Sr., OT/DT: Veteran two-way lineman who provides toughness and experience on both sides of the football.
Dawson Newhard, Jr., OG/DT: Returning two-way starter expected to become a key part of both lines.
Paul Porobensky, Jr., LB: Promising linebacker who started the final four games of last season and is ready for an expanded role.
Anthony Hanna, Sr., K: Experienced kicker whose improved range could become a significant special teams advantage.
My thoughts on Northern Lehigh
Northern Lehigh enters the 2026 season with the type of experience that creates championship expectations.
The Bulldogs return a three-year starting quarterback, multiple veteran receivers, a versatile backfield and most of their starting offensive line.
Defensively, the secondary features three fourth-year starters, while Rothrock and Slattery lead experienced groups at linebacker and along the defensive front.
Few District 11 Class 2A teams return that much proven varsity experience.
The Bulldogs’ starting lineup appears capable of competing with anyone on the schedule.
The primary concern is depth, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines.
Northern Lehigh must identify reliable reserves who can contribute without a significant decline in performance.
The Bulldogs also need to replace the toughness and production provided by Grady Newhard, Kuhns, Neff and Quinones.
Their overtime playoff victory over Palisades showed the team’s ability to handle pressure and finish a close game.
The semifinal loss at Schuylkill Haven demonstrated how much improvement is still required to reach the top of District 11 Class 2A.
Northern Lehigh has the veterans, playmakers and defensive experience to close that gap.
If the Bulldogs stay healthy, develop line depth and consistently perform at the level of their returning starters, they should contend for the Colonial League Division 1 championship and enter the District 11 playoffs as a serious title threat.
Head Coach: Joe Tout
Assistant Coaches:
Dylan Hofmann
Derek Long
Mike Zambo
Justin Smoyer
Shawn Frame
Matt Newhard
Scott Rothrock
Derek Remaley
Aaron Kromer
Ryan Phillips
Brendan Smay
Seth Adams
Team Name: Northern Lehigh Bulldogs
District: 11
Class: 2A
League: Colonial League, Division 1
2025 Record: 8-4 District XI AA Semi-Finalist
8/22 @ Lehighton (4A) 7:00 pm W 41-26
8/28 Northwestern Lehigh (3A) 7:10 pm L 13-56
9/05 Pen Argyl* (2A) 7:00 pm W 42-19
9/12 @ Palisades* (2A) 7:00 pm L 14-28
9/19 Palmerton Area* (3A) 7:00 pm W 37-25
9/26 Notre Dame GP* (3A) 7:00 pm L 21-40
10/04 @ Wilson Area* (4A) 12:00 pm W 42-8
10/10 Catasauqua* (2A) 7:00 pm W 42-12
10/17 @ Salisbury* (3A) 7:00 pm W 27-7
10/24 @ Saucon Valley* (3A) 7:00 pm W 21-13
11/01 Palisades (2A) 6:00 pm W 29-28 OT – Dist. 11 Class 2A Quarterfinal
11/08 @ Schuylkill Haven (2A) 6:00 pm L 7-60 Dist. 11 Class 2A Semifinal
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Saucon Valley (4A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 Executive Education Academy (3A) 7:00 pm
9/03 @ Northwestern Lehigh (3A) 7:00 pm
9/11 Pen Argyl* (3A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Palisades* (2A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Salisbury* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Catasauqua* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Jim Thorpe Area (3A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Palmerton Area* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Notre Dame GP* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Lehighton (4A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Grady Newhard RB-LB
Nate Kuhns OT-DT
Adam Neff OT
Kaden Quinones LB
Offensive Starters Returning:
Garrett Smoyer Sr. QB 6-1 180
Chris Frame Sr. RB/WR 6-2 190
Mason Rothrock Sr. RB 6-0 205
Chase Gall SR. TE 6-0 195
Ryan Zambo Sr. WR 6-0 190
Colin Karetsky Sr. WR 6-2 205
Dawson Newhard Jr. OG 5-11 235
Bill Kennedy Jr. OT 5-10 235
Landen Klimek Sr. OT 6-1 240
Defensive Starters Returning:
Bill Slattery Sr. DE 6-1 225
Landen Klimek Sr. DT 6-1 240
Dawson Newhard Jr. DT 5-11 235
Mason Rothrock Sr. LB 6-0 205
Paul Porobensky Jr. LB 5-10 175
Chris Frame Sr. DB 6-2 190
Ryan Zambo Sr. DB 6-0 190
Colin Karetsky Sr. DB 6-2 205
Special Team Starters Returning:
Kicker Anthony Hanna Sr. 5-10 195
Punter Chase Gall Sr. 6-0 205
Key Newcomers:
Kaiden Smith Sr. 5-9 160
Bryce Nance Jr. 6-0 210
Brayden Nance Jr. 6-0 195
Ryder Gall SO. 5-9 155
Riley Shimko SO 5-11 205
Gio Marino SR. 5-10 185
Lucas Eck FR 5-10 160
Bryce Wanamaker SO 5-11 180
2026 Returning Player Stats:
QB:
Garrett Smoyer Sr. (3 year starter)- 1,729 yards passing 17 TD Passes
Running Back:
Chris Frame Sr. Tailback 496 yards rushing 450 yards receiving 13 Touchdowns
Mason Rothrock Sr. Fullback
Wide Receivers:
Colin Karetsky Sr. 579 yards receiving 8 touchdowns
Ryan Zambo Sr. 370 yards receiving 4 touchdowns
2026 Offensive Outlook: We return 8 fulltime starters and two players that starterd 3 games last year. We feel like we have a veteran group with multiple three year starters. We need to develop depth with our offensive line. We feel very good about our starting 11. This group has worked very hard in the off-season to get better.
2026 Defensive Outlook: We return a veteran group defensively as well. Our defensive backfield has three players that will now be in their 4th year as starters. We feel that group will anchor our defense. Our linebacking group is strong as well. We are led by Mason Rothrock who is a 3 year starter at LB. We have an excellent Jr. in Paul Porobensky who started the last 4 games at LB and Chase Gall will be transitioning from DE to LB to fill out that group. Up front we need to replace Chase Gall at DE. However, our three returners were excellent last year. We are led by Bill Slattery (all-state), Landen Klimek, and Dawson Newhard. We must find depth on our defensive line.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: We return both our kicker and field goal kicker in Anthony Hanna. He was excellent last year and has improved his distance and height this off-season. We retrun Chase Gall as Punter and have Bryce Wanamaker who can also kick. We return all of our returners. we feel this group can be dynamic.