Tunkhannock Banking on Ground Game and New Identity Heading into 2026
The Tunkhannock Tigers enter the 2026 season looking to take the next step under head coach RJ Haas.
After finishing 4-6 in 2025, the Tigers return one of the Wyoming Valley Conference’s top running backs while introducing a new offensive system and several fresh faces throughout the lineup. With a revamped playbook and a commitment to physical football, Tunkhannock hopes to become a more consistent contender in the WVC Division 3 race.
Supported by coordinators Garry Kroll Jr. on offense and veteran defensive coordinator Jason Majiros on defense, the Tigers are embracing a philosophy built on toughness, discipline, and winning the line of scrimmage.
Ciprich Headlines a Run-First Offense
Everything offensively starts with junior running back Lucas Ciprich.
After rushing for 808 yards and nine touchdowns last season, Ciprich returns as the centerpiece of the Tigers’ offense. His ability to run between the tackles and break explosive plays gives Tunkhannock a proven workhorse to build around.
Sophomore Moses Montero adds another weapon after contributing 220 rushing yards and three touchdowns as a freshman, giving the Tigers a talented one-two punch in the backfield.
Coach Haas says the offense will lean heavily on its experienced running backs while a new offensive line develops.
“With a whole new playbook, we’ll lean on our most experienced position group this season, running backs. With junior Lucas Ciprich returning after an 800-yard rushing campaign in 2025 and sophomore Moses Montero returning, we look to be a run-first team.”
Establishing the ground game will be critical behind a completely rebuilt offensive line.
Junior guard Owen Rose returns as the lone experienced offensive lineman, while the rest of the unit will consist of new starters looking to gain valuable experience.
The passing game also enters a new era.
Sophomore Tye Cokely earned the starting quarterback job after winning a preseason competition over an upperclassman. He inherits the position after Zach Latwinski threw for 642 yards and five touchdowns last season.
Coach Haas believes Cokely’s development will be one of the biggest keys to the Tigers’ success.
“We’ll need him to step up in a big way this year to really open our offense up.”
Senior Carter O’Neill returns as the team’s leading receiving threat after totaling 188 receiving yards and one touchdown in 2025 and should become Cokely’s primary target.
Defense Looking to Set the Tone
The Tigers want their defense to reflect three defining characteristics.
“Fast, Physical, Tough.”
Those are the pillars Coach Haas and defensive coordinator Jason Majiros have emphasized throughout the offseason as they prepare for another rugged Wyoming Valley Conference schedule.
Stopping the run will be the primary objective in a conference filled with physical rushing attacks.
Senior Brandon Carter returns at cornerback after demonstrating excellent athleticism throughout his career and is expected to lead a talented secondary.
Coach Haas believes the defensive backs can become one of the strongest groups in the conference.
Along the defensive front, Owen Rose returns at defensive tackle to anchor the interior, while the linebacker corps will play a major role in limiting opposing rushing attacks.
With several new contributors stepping into larger roles, Tunkhannock hopes its aggressive, disciplined approach will allow the defense to build consistency throughout the season.
Special Teams
Special teams remain a major emphasis for the Tigers.
Replacing graduated kicker Callum Jerome will be one of the team’s biggest offseason challenges, but Ciprich returns as the starting punter to provide experience in the kicking game.
Coach Haas stresses that winning the hidden-yardage battle can often determine close games.
“We will continue to put a heavy emphasis on special teams, as one bad or good special teams play can significantly shift the momentum of a game and have a massive impact on the result.”
Players to Watch
- Lucas Ciprich, Jr., RB/P: The centerpiece of the offense after rushing for 808 yards and nine touchdowns while also returning as the team’s punter.
- Tye Cokely, So., QB: Won the starting quarterback job and will be counted on to help balance the Tigers’ offensive attack.
- Moses Montero, So., RB: Emerging running back who rushed for 220 yards and three touchdowns as a freshman.
- Carter O’Neill, Sr., WR: Returning top receiver who will provide a reliable target for the new quarterback.
- Brandon Carter, Sr., CB: Veteran defensive back expected to lead one of the conference’s stronger secondaries.
- Owen Rose, G/DT: Key two-way lineman who anchors both the offensive and defensive fronts.
My thoughts on Tunkhannock season
Tunkhannock enters 2026 with a clear identity.
The Tigers want to control games with a physical rushing attack led by Lucas Ciprich, while allowing a young quarterback to grow within a balanced offensive system. Defensively, speed, physicality, and discipline will be the foundation as they attempt to slow down the run-heavy offenses throughout the Wyoming Valley Conference.
Replacing four key graduates, rebuilding the offensive line, and breaking in a new starting quarterback present significant challenges. However, with a proven running game, experienced leadership on defense, and a coaching staff committed to establishing a tough, physical culture, the Tigers have the pieces to improve on last year’s four-win season.
If the offensive line develops quickly and the young playmakers mature throughout the fall, Tunkhannock could emerge as one of the more improved teams in District 2 Class 3A.
Head Coach: RJ Haas
Assistant Coaches:
Jack Kuchak- Head Coach Liaison
Garry Kroll Jr.- Offensive Coordinator
Jason Majiros- Defensive Coordinator
Matthew Semanision- Quarterbacks
Dakota Rubenstein- Wide Receivers/Defensive Backs
Landon Rubenstein- Defensive Line
Team Name: Tunkhannock Tigers
District: 2
Class: 3A
League: Wyoming Valley Conference, Division 3
2025 Record: 4-6
8/22 @ Lackawanna Trail (1A) 7:00 pm L 21-35
8/29 Holy Redeemer (2A) 7:00 pm W 55-7
9/05 @ Crestwood (4A) 7:00 pm L 7-46
9/12 @ Greater Nanticoke* (4A) 7:00 pm W 42-6
9/19 @ Wyoming Area* (3A) 7:00 pm L 0-42
9/26 Hanover Area* (3A) 7:00 pm L 0-42
10/03 Lake-Lehman* (3A) 7:00 pm L 13-26
10/10 Montrose Area (3A) 7:00 pm W 15-10
10/17 @ Towanda (2A) 7:00 pm W 34-27
10/24 Berwick Area* (3A) 7:00 pm L 0-53
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Hanover Area (4A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 Dallas (4A) 7:00 pm
9/04 Mid Valley (3A) 7:00 pm
9/11 @ Greater Nanticoke* (4A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Old Forge (1A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Panther Valley (3A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Montrose Area (3A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Wyoming Area* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Holy Redeemer (2A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Susquehanna Community (2A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Lake-Lehman* (3A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Caden Simmers (FB/LB)
Andrew Lupinski (WR/DB)
Cooper Thomas (OL/DL)
Callum Jerome (K)
Offensive Starters Returning:
WR Carter O’Neill
G Owen Rose
RB Lucas Ciprich
Defensive Starters Returning:
DT Owen Rose
CB Brandon Carter
Special Team Starters Returning:
P Lucas Ciprich
Key Newcomers:
OL Luke Oshirak
WR/DB Darian Costello
WR/DB Logan Segui
WR/DB Ethan Stone
RB/DB Solomon El
WR/DB Cade Bowman
WR/DB Greyson Bowman
OL/DL Anthony Milanes
WR/DB Tegan Bedell
FB/LB Ian Davis
OL/DL/TE James Williams
OL/DL Hunter Scranta
TE/LB Shea Harvey
TE/LB Henry Dennebaum
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Lucas Ciprich- 808 yards rushing, 9 touchdowns
Moses Montero- 220 yards rushing, 3 touchdowns
Carter O’Neill- 188 yards receiving, 1 touchdown
Zach Latwinski- 642 yards passing, 5 passing touchdowns, 120 yards rushing, 1 rushing touchdown
2026 Offensive Outlook: With a whole new playbook, we’ll lean on our most experienced position group this season, running backs. With Junior, Lucas Ciprich, returning after a 800 yard rushing campaign in 2025 and Sophomore Moses Montero (220 yards rushing in 2025) we look to be a run first team.
It is extremely important for us to establish the run this year, behind a completely new offensive line. In our passing attack, Sophomore, Tye Cokely, won the quarterback competition this offseason against an upperclassmen. We’ll need him to step up in a big way this year to really open our offense up.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Fast, Physical, Tough.. the three pillars of the Tiger’s defense in 2026. Lead by veteran Defensive Coordinator, Jason Majiros, we look to focus on stopping the run in a run-heavy WVC.
Brandon Carter has shown his athletic ability at corner throughout his career, we expect our defensive backs to lead the way this year and be atop of the WVC. Eyes will be on our LBs and Defensive Line to stop the run.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Replacing a solid kicker in Callum Jerome, we look to have a new face booting the ball this year. Lucas Ciprich will be the returning punter. We will continue to put a heavy emphasis on special teams, as one bad/good special teams play can significantly shift the momentum of a game and play a massive impact on the result.