Veteran Core Will Guide Young Pine Grove Area Team in 2026
Pine Grove Area enters the 2026 season focused on development, improvement and building a foundation for the future.
The Cardinals finished 1-9 last season, earning their lone victory with a 28-26 road win over Shenandoah Valley. Pine Grove Area also came close against Nativity BVM and Mahanoy Area, losing those two games by a combined eight points.
The season became more difficult during the second half of the schedule, when the Cardinals were shut out in four consecutive games against Minersville, Schuylkill Haven, Marian Catholic and Williams Valley.
Head coach Dave Shiffer now leads one of the youngest teams the program has fielded in recent memory. More than two-thirds of the roster consists of freshmen and sophomores, and Pine Grove Area must replace 10 seniors who contributed as starters or important role players.
The Cardinals do return several proven seniors, including leading rusher Logan Troup, leading receiver Teagan Schneck-Haines and defensive playmaker Kolbey Buffington. They will be responsible for providing stability while a large group of younger players adjusts to varsity football.
The development of those underclassmen will ultimately determine how much Pine Grove Area improves in 2026.
New Quarterback Will Lead Rebuilt Offense
One of the most important jobs during training camp will be replacing quarterback Wyatt Snyder.
Snyder’s graduation leaves Pine Grove Area without an experienced starter under center. The new quarterback will take over an offense also replacing several offensive linemen and complementary skill players.
The Cardinals will likely simplify the early responsibilities for their new starter. Protecting the football, managing the huddle and making sound decisions will be more important than producing spectacular numbers immediately.
Having Troup and Schneck-Haines back should help.
Troup gives the quarterback an experienced runner capable of handling a significant workload, while Schneck-Haines provides a proven target on the outside.
The offensive staff will look to build confidence through the running game and high-percentage passes. As the quarterback gains experience, Pine Grove Area can gradually expand the playbook and create more opportunities downfield.
The offense’s progress will depend on how quickly the new starter adjusts to varsity speed and pressure.
Troup Returns as Offensive Centerpiece
Senior Logan Troup returns after leading Pine Grove Area in rushing last season.
Troup carried the football 154 times for 597 yards and one touchdown. He also caught six passes for 34 yards and finished with 800 all-purpose yards, averaging 80 yards per game.
At 5-foot-9 and 183 pounds, Troup gives the Cardinals a dependable and experienced runner who can work between the tackles and contribute in the return game.
Pine Grove Area will likely lean heavily on him, particularly early in the season while the new quarterback and offensive line settle into their roles.
Troup’s production will be important, but so will his leadership.
With so many freshmen and sophomores expected to play, the Cardinals need their seniors to establish practice habits, maintain confidence and help the younger players handle difficult stretches.
The offense would benefit from developing additional runners around Troup. A committee approach could reduce his workload and allow him to remain fresh for his important defensive role at middle linebacker.
Schneck-Haines Provides Big-Play Ability
Senior Teagan Schneck-Haines returns as Pine Grove Area’s leading receiver and one of its most versatile players.
He caught 11 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns last season, averaging nearly 19 yards per reception.
His ability to create explosive plays should make him the top target for the new quarterback.
Schneck-Haines can stretch the field vertically, work in space and contribute on designed touches. Pine Grove Area will look for different ways to get the football into his hands rather than relying only on traditional downfield routes.
He also finished with 615 all-purpose yards, including 385 yards in the return game.
The Cardinals need additional receivers to emerge after losing Wyatt Dixon and Peyton Renninger. Younger players will compete for those roles throughout the summer and early portion of the season.
If another dependable target develops, defenses will have a more difficult time concentrating on Schneck-Haines.
Kurtz Adds Physical Presence
Senior fullback Zach Kurtz gives Pine Grove Area a physical option in the backfield.
Kurtz rushed 38 times for 155 yards and one touchdown last season. At 6-foot and 220 pounds, he can contribute as a runner, blocker and short-yardage option.
His ability to lead block for Troup should be an important part of the offense.
Kurtz can also help protect the new quarterback in passing situations. With several inexperienced players joining the lineup, his versatility and willingness to handle physical assignments will be valuable.
The Cardinals may use Troup and Kurtz together to establish a downhill running game and control possession.
That approach would help shorten games, protect the defense and reduce the number of difficult situations facing the new quarterback.
Offensive Line Must Develop Quickly
Pine Grove Area returns senior Kolbey Buffington and junior Cody Schneck along the offensive line.
Senior Scout Frantz also returns after missing the entire 2025 season. At 6-foot-7 and 301 pounds, Frantz provides exceptional size and could become an important two-way contributor if he returns to full strength.
The Cardinals must replace James Barra, Robert Brown and Jackson Snuffer, leaving several openings up front.
Although the new linemen lack varsity experience, the coaching staff believes the group has potential.
The challenge will be building chemistry quickly.
The offensive line must learn to communicate, recognize pressure and avoid assignment mistakes. Those responsibilities become even more important when protecting a first-year quarterback.
Sustaining drives will depend on the line’s ability to create running lanes for Troup and Kurtz. Pine Grove Area also needs better protection to give its passing game time to develop.
Frantz’s return could provide a major boost. His size and experience in the program give the Cardinals a potential anchor on both sides of the football.
Offense Must Finish Drives
Pine Grove Area scored 68 points over the first six games last season but was shut out in each of its final four contests.
Improving that production will require more than occasional explosive plays.
The Cardinals must become better at sustaining drives, converting on third down and finishing possessions with points.
A young offense cannot afford repeated penalties, turnovers or missed assignments.
Pine Grove Area’s veteran skill players give the unit a foundation, but the success of the offense will depend on the development of the quarterback and offensive line.
The Cardinals may experience growing pains, particularly against experienced opponents. The key will be showing improvement from week to week.
Even small gains in efficiency could make a significant difference after several close losses last season.
Defense Returns Experience in the Box
The defense has slightly more returning experience than the offense, particularly in the front seven.
Troup returns at middle linebacker after recording 62 tackles, an average of 6.2 per game.
Kurtz also returns at linebacker after totaling 48 tackles, one tackle for loss, one pass defended and one fumble recovery.
Buffington provides experience along the edge and defensive front. He recorded 44 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks and four quarterback hurries last season.
That trio gives Pine Grove Area proven production and senior leadership in the box.
The Cardinals expect the defense to provide stability while the offense develops. To accomplish that, the experienced defenders must play consistently and help younger teammates understand their assignments.
Buffington Leads Defensive Front
Buffington is one of Pine Grove Area’s top returning defensive players.
His seven tackles for loss and two sacks showed his ability to disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage.
The Cardinals will use him at defensive end and linebacker, allowing the coaching staff to move him based on matchups and formation.
Senior nose guard Torren Crochunis returns at 6-foot and 240 pounds. His ability to occupy blockers will be important against physical rushing attacks.
Frantz also returns to the defensive line after missing last season. If healthy, his 6-foot-7, 301-pound frame gives Pine Grove Area valuable size and length inside.
The defensive front must become more consistent at controlling gaps and limiting early-down rushing success.
Pine Grove Area struggled against several of the league’s stronger running teams last season. Better play up front would allow the linebackers to attack downhill and help the Cardinals get off the field.
Troup and Kurtz Anchor Linebackers
Troup will be the central figure in the defense from his middle linebacker position.
His 62 tackles led the returning group, and he will be responsible for making calls and keeping the defense aligned.
Kurtz adds size and physicality alongside him.
Both players have significant offensive responsibilities, so the coaching staff will need to manage their workloads. However, their experience makes them difficult to remove from the field during important situations.
The Cardinals need their linebackers to tackle more consistently and prevent short gains from becoming long runs.
With younger players competing for additional roles, Troup and Kurtz will also serve as mentors throughout the season.
Their leadership could help the defense remain organized even when inexperienced players are on the field.
Schneck-Haines Leads the Secondary
Schneck-Haines returns at free safety after recording 26 tackles, one tackle for loss and one interception.
His experience and athleticism make him the leader of a secondary replacing Wyatt Dixon, Waylon Flasher, Adam Dorsey and Renninger.
Senior Angel Ditzler also returns after recording 13 tackles.
The Cardinals will need several young defensive backs to emerge around them.
Communication will be a major priority. Inexperienced secondaries are often vulnerable to blown coverages and explosive passes, so Schneck-Haines must help keep the group organized.
Pine Grove Area needs its defensive backs to tackle well in space and avoid allowing long touchdowns.
A stronger pass rush from Buffington and the defensive front would help reduce the pressure on the new starters in coverage.
Defense Must Set the Tone
Pine Grove Area allowed 352 points last season, including at least 35 points in five games.
The Cardinals need the defense to become more consistent if they are going to remain competitive while the offense develops.
The returning experience in the front seven gives them reason for optimism.
Troup, Kurtz, Buffington and Crochunis have all played significant varsity snaps. Frantz’s return adds another potentially important piece.
The defense must be disciplined against the run, tackle consistently and limit explosive plays.
Creating turnovers would also help a young offense by providing short fields and additional possessions.
Pine Grove Area does not need the defense to dominate every opponent. It needs the unit to keep games manageable, force punts and give the team an opportunity to stay within striking distance.
New Specialists Take Over
The Cardinals must replace Renninger, who handled several special teams responsibilities last season.
C.J. Herber and Terrin Witmer are expected to take over the kicking and punting duties.
Both positions will be important, particularly for a team that wants to improve field position and remain competitive in close games.
The Cardinals need consistency on snaps, holds, extra points and punts. A dependable punter could help protect the defense, while reliable kickoffs would reduce pressure on the coverage units.
Training camp will provide Herber and Witmer with an opportunity to establish confidence and settle into their new roles.
Return Game Has Proven Options
Schneck-Haines and Troup return to lead the return game.
Schneck-Haines returned 20 kickoffs for 365 yards and four punts for 20 yards last season. His 385 combined return yards made him one of the team’s most productive special teams players.
Troup added 160 yards on 13 kickoff returns.
Their experience gives Pine Grove Area two dependable options capable of improving field position.
The return game could become especially important while the offense develops. A strong return can shorten the field and reduce the number of yards the young offense must produce.
Ball security will remain the priority, but the Cardinals have enough experience to create occasional explosive plays.
Players to Watch
Logan Troup, Sr., RB/MLB/KR: Returning leading rusher who produced 800 all-purpose yards and recorded 62 tackles.
Teagan Schneck-Haines, Sr., WR/FS/KR/PR: Leading receiver and dangerous return specialist who finished with 615 all-purpose yards.
Kolbey Buffington, Sr., OL/DE/LB: Versatile two-way player who recorded 44 tackles, seven tackles for loss and two sacks.
Zach Kurtz, Sr., FB/LB: Physical senior who contributes as a runner, blocker and linebacker.
Scout Frantz, Sr., OL/DL: Massive two-way lineman returning after missing the 2025 season.
Torren Crochunis, Sr., NG: Experienced interior defender expected to help anchor the defensive front.
Cody Schneck, Jr., OL: Returning offensive lineman who will be counted on to help stabilize a young unit.
Angel Ditzler, Sr., DB: Returning defensive back expected to take on a larger role in the secondary.
C.J. Herber, K/P: New specialist competing to handle major kicking responsibilities.
Terrin Witmer, K/P: Expected to contribute as Pine Grove Area replaces its kicker and punter.
My thoughts on Pine Grove Area
Pine Grove Area enters 2026 with a young roster and realistic expectations about the work ahead.
The Cardinals must replace 10 seniors who contributed across all three phases, and more than two-thirds of the current roster consists of freshmen and sophomores.
That youth will create challenges, but it also provides opportunity.
Troup and Schneck-Haines give the offense two experienced playmakers. Buffington, Kurtz and Crochunis provide leadership in the front seven, while Frantz’s return could strengthen both lines.
The biggest questions are at quarterback and along the offensive line.
If the new quarterback protects the football and the young linemen improve throughout the season, the offense should become more productive. Establishing the running game will be essential to easing pressure on the inexperienced players.
Defensively, the Cardinals have enough experience in the box to make progress. The front seven must lead the way by stopping the run and limiting explosive plays.
Special teams will require patience as Herber and Witmer take over new roles, but the return game should remain dependable with Troup and Schneck-Haines back.
The 2026 season will be about improvement as much as results.
Pine Grove Area’s young players will be asked to learn quickly, compete immediately and grow through difficult moments. The lessons they gain could shape the program well beyond this fall.
If the Cardinals receive steady leadership from their seniors, improve along both lines and show weekly development, they can become more competitive while laying the groundwork for future success.
Head Coach: Dave Shiffer
Assistant Coaches:
Varsity Assistants:
Zach Bitting
Steele Fekette
Keith Koppenhaver
Eric Kurtz
Josh Leininger
Kolin Long
Joe Opalenick
Jarrod Sprecher
Noah Woodford
Junior High Coaches:
Mason Kroh
Carter Raudabaugh
James Kroh
Team Name: Pine Grove Area Cardinals
District: 11
Class: 2A
League: Schuylkill League – Division 1
2025 Record: 1-9
8/22 Northern Lebanon (4A) 7:00 pm L 8-35
8/29 Nativity BVM (1A) 7:00 pm L 6-12
9/05 @ Tri-Valley (1A) 7:00 pm L 0-24
9/13 Panther Valley (3A) 7:00 pm L 6-21 Homecoming
9/19 @ Shenandoah Valley (2A) 7:00 pm W 28-26
9/26 Mahanoy Area (2A) 7:00 pm L 20-22 Military Appreciation
10/03 @ Minersville Area (2A) 7:00 pm L 0-43
10/10 @ Schuylkill Haven (2A) 7:00 pm L 0-72
10/17 Marian Catholic (1A) 7:00 pm L 0-35 Senior Night
10/24 @ Williams Valley (2A) 7:00 pm L 0-62
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Executive Education Academy (3A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 @ Northern Lebanon (4A) 7:00 pm
9/04 Shenandoah Valley (2A) 7:00 pm
9/11 @ Mahanoy Area (2A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ New Hope Solebury (2A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Holy Redeemer (2A) 7:00 pm
10/02 North Schuylkill* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Blue Mountain* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/16 Pottsville Area* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Panther Valley* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Tamaqua Area* (3A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Wyatt Snyder – QB/LB
Wyatt Dixon – WR/DB
James Barra – OL/DL
Robert Brown – OL
Jackson Snuffer – OL
Waylon Flasher – SS
Adam Dorsey – DB
Peyton Renninger – K/P/WR/DB
Tristen Bickham – DL
Colton Wickenheiser – ST
Offensive Starters Returning:
Sr. WR Teagan Schneck-Haines 6’0 157
Sr. RB Logan Troup 5’9 183
Sr. OL Kolbey Buffington 6’0 206
Jr. OL Cody Schneck 5’10 241
Sr. FB Zach Kurtz 6’0 220
Sr. OL Scout Frantz 6’7 301 (missed 2025 season)
Defensive Starters Returning:
Sr. FS Teagan Schneck-Haines 6’0 157
Sr. MLB Logan Troup 5’9 183
Sr. DE/LB Kolbey Buffington 6’0 206
Sr. DB Angel Ditzler 5’7 168
Sr. LB Zach Kurtz 6’0 220
Sr. NG Torren Crochunis 6’0 240
Sr. DL Scout Frantz 6’7 301 (missed 2025 season)
Special Team Starters Returning:
Sr. KR/PR Teagan Schneck-Haines 6’0 157
Sr. KR Logan Troup 5’9 183
Key Newcomers:
Sr. WR/DB Connor Servin 6’1 171
Jr. QB/DB Cody Fedechko 5’8 151
Jr. FB/SS Sam Krawchuk 5’11 206
Jr. OL/DL Beau Lyons 5’11 213
Jr. WR/DB Cameron Waite 5’8 131
Jr. K/P Terrin Witmer 6’2 165
So. WR/CB Blaze Dower 5’10 142
So. RB/SS Kenneth Graeff 6’1 180
So. WR/DB Keith Harring 6’1 165
Fr. K C.J. Herber 5’3 145
Fr. FB/LB Nick Kreiser 5’9 212
Fr. OL/LB Jacob Newswanger 5’9 207
Fr. OL/DL Daniel Schadle 5’11 271
Fr. OL/DL Masyn Snyder 6’2 251
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Logan Troup
Offense
Rushing
154 carries
597 yards
1 TD
Receiving
6 receptions
34 yards
All-Purpose
800 all-purpose yards
80.0 yards/game
Total Offense
631 offensive yards
Defense
62 tackles
6.2 tackles/game
Special Teams
Kick Returns
13 returns
160 yards
Teagan Schneck-Haines
Offense
Receiving
11 receptions
206 yards
2 TDs
All-Purpose
615 all-purpose yards
61.5 yards/game
Defense
26 tackles
1 tackle for loss
1 interception
Special Teams
Kick Returns
20 returns
365 yards
Punt Returns
4 returns
20 yards
Combined Return Yards
385
Zach Kurtz
Offense
Rushing
38 carries
155 yards
1 TD
Defense
48 tackles
1 TFL
1 pass defended
1 fumble recovery
Kolbey Buffington
Defense
44 tackles
7 tackles for loss
2 sacks
4 QB hurries
1 pass defended
Angel Ditzler
Defense
13 tackles
2026 Offensive Outlook: The Cardinals enter the 2026 season looking to improve from last season while embracing the challenges of a new schedule that features several unfamiliar opponents. Pine Grove Area must replace 10 seniors who were starters or key contributors in all three phases of the game, making this one of the youngest teams in recent memory. More than two-thirds of the roster consists of freshmen and sophomores, but the coaching staff is excited about the potential this group possesses.
The key to the season will be how quickly the younger players develop. Many will be asked to take on significant roles immediately, and their growth throughout the year will be critical to the team’s success. While there will undoubtedly be growing pains, the Cardinals believe the experience gained this fall will serve as the foundation for future success as the program continues to build.
Pine Grove Area returns its top offensive production from a year ago in senior running back Logan Troup, the team’s leading rusher, and senior wide receiver Teagan Schneck-Haines, last season’s leading receiver. Both will be counted on to lead the offense while providing stability for a new starting quarterback.
The Cardinals will also feature several new starters along the offensive line. Although the group lacks varsity experience, it has shown promise and has the potential to develop into a strength as the season progresses. Sustaining drives, protecting the quarterback, and finishing possessions with points will be key to the offense’s success.
2026 Defensive Outlook: The defense returns a solid core of experienced players led by Schneck-Haines in the secondary, Troup at linebacker, and Kolbey Buffington along the defensive front. With slightly more returning experience on this side of the ball—particularly in the box—the Cardinals expect the defense to provide consistent production and serve as a foundation for the team’s success throughout the season.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Troup and Schneck-Haines return to anchor the return game. Pine Grove Area will break in a new kicker and punter this season, with C.J. Herber and Terrin Witmer expected to take over those responsibilities.