Wyalusing Begins New Chapter With Senior Leaders and Developing Young Talent
Wyalusing enters the 2026 season facing a significant transition.
The Rams finished 2-8 in 2025, earning victories over Cowanesque Valley and Canton while competing through a demanding Northern Tier League schedule. Although the final record reflected the challenges of a young roster, Wyalusing showed flashes of the physical football and big-play ability the program hopes to build upon this fall.
Head coach Jeff Hindman and assistants Brian Dietz, Ryan Carmody and Eric Sutton now begin the process of reshaping the team around a new offensive system, a new defensive system and a group of players stepping into larger varsity roles.
The Rams must replace several important two-way contributors, including Ethan Vanderpool, Jonathan Earle, Reuben Kinney, Brian Dietz, John Kerin, Colton Robinson and Brock Slater. Those departures leave openings at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, defensive back, linebacker and along both lines.
Wyalusing also must identify new specialists and returners.
That combination makes preseason camp especially important.
The Rams are not entering the year with every position settled. Instead, they are focused on development, competition and steady improvement. The coaching staff wants players to learn their assignments, understand the new systems and become more comfortable with each practice.
There will likely be growing pains, but Wyalusing returns several experienced seniors capable of providing leadership during the transition.
New Quarterback Must Emerge
The biggest offensive question is quarterback.
Wyalusing must replace Reuben Kinney, who contributed at quarterback, cornerback and in the return game last season.
The new starter will be responsible for learning a different offensive system while also taking command of a relatively inexperienced group.
That is a significant challenge, but it also represents an opportunity.
The quarterback competition will give the coaching staff a chance to identify the player who best fits the direction of the offense. Decision-making, leadership, ball security and consistency will all be important.
Wyalusing does not need its quarterback to become a star immediately.
The Rams need someone who can manage the offense, execute the fundamentals and improve throughout the season.
Whoever wins the job will benefit from having an experienced tight end and several returning linemen around him.
Taylor Gives the Passing Game a Proven Weapon
Junior Andrew Taylor returns as the offense’s most productive skill player.
Taylor caught 11 passes for 280 yards and five touchdowns last season. His average of more than 25 yards per reception demonstrates his ability to create explosive plays.
That production is especially valuable for an offense replacing its quarterback and most of its backfield.
Taylor gives the new signal-caller a proven target who can stretch the field and turn limited opportunities into touchdowns.
At tight end, Taylor can also contribute as a blocker and create difficult matchups for opposing defenses.
Linebackers may struggle to match his receiving ability, while defensive backs may have difficulty handling his size and physicality.
The Rams will likely look for creative ways to involve Taylor, particularly as younger receivers develop.
Gromley Brings Experience to the Backfield
Senior Jacob Gromley returns at fullback and linebacker.
Gromley provides experience and physicality in the backfield, two qualities that will be important as Wyalusing searches for new running backs.
The Rams lost both Vanderpool and Jonathan Earle, leaving a considerable amount of rushing production and experience to replace.
Gromley’s ability to block, carry the football in short-yardage situations and provide leadership should help stabilize the unit.
The coaching staff must also identify additional runners capable of handling consistent varsity carries.
That competition will be one of the most important areas to watch during camp.
A dependable running game would reduce pressure on the new quarterback and allow the offense to play with better balance.
Offensive Line Provides Starting Point
Wyalusing returns several experienced players along the offensive line.
Senior Jesse Lamb returns at tackle, while senior JJ Latini is back at guard.
Junior Conner Earle also returns at guard after gaining valuable varsity experience.
Those three players give the Rams a foundation as they replace Colton Robinson and Brock Slater.
The offensive line will be asked to learn a new system while also helping several new skill-position starters adjust to varsity football.
Communication and consistency will be essential.
The Rams must identify another guard and tackle, but having three experienced linemen returning should help the transition.
Lamb and Latini will be expected to provide senior leadership, while Earle has an opportunity to become one of the unit’s key contributors.
The line’s development will affect every part of the offense.
If Wyalusing can create rushing lanes and keep the quarterback protected, the new system will have a much better chance of succeeding.
Offense Focused on Daily Improvement
The Rams are taking a patient approach offensively.
Rather than placing unrealistic expectations on a developing group, the coaching staff is focused on getting better one practice at a time.
That philosophy makes sense for a team replacing starters at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, guard and tackle.
There will be mistakes early in the process.
The key is ensuring those mistakes become learning opportunities rather than recurring problems.
Wyalusing must improve its execution, protect the football and avoid negative plays.
The Rams scored at least 30 points in both victories last season, showing what the offense can accomplish when it finds rhythm.
The challenge is becoming more consistent against the stronger teams on the schedule.
Defense Also Undergoing Major Transition
The defensive side of the football presents many of the same questions.
Wyalusing must replace starters throughout the unit while installing a new defensive system.
Several players who carried major roles last season have graduated, including Vanderpool, Jonathan Earle, Kinney, Dietz, Kerin, Robinson and Slater.
Their departures leave openings at every level.
The coaching staff will use preseason camp to identify players who can handle those responsibilities.
The primary goal is development.
Wyalusing wants defenders who understand their assignments, play with discipline and improve their fundamentals.
The Rams may not have extensive returning experience, but they do have several proven players capable of establishing the tone.
Lamb Leads the Defensive Front
Senior Jesse Lamb returns at defensive end after recording 14 solo tackles, eight assists, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
His ability to create turnovers was an important part of the defense last season.
Lamb will now be expected to take on a larger leadership role.
The Rams lost both starting defensive tackles, making his experience along the front particularly valuable.
Lamb must help establish the physical standard for the new defensive line.
His responsibilities will include setting the edge, pressuring quarterbacks and preventing runners from reaching the perimeter.
The defense will also need younger linemen to develop around him.
Latini Provides Experience Inside
Senior JJ Latini returns at defensive tackle.
Latini recorded four solo tackles and seven assists last season while gaining valuable varsity experience.
With Robinson and Slater graduating, Latini becomes one of the most important returning players in the defensive front.
He will be asked to occupy blockers, maintain gap discipline and allow the linebackers to pursue the football.
Defensive tackle can be a demanding position, particularly against the physical running teams found throughout the Northern Tier League.
Latini’s experience should help Wyalusing remain competitive inside while younger linemen develop.
Earle and Gromley Return at Linebacker
Junior Conner Earle returns after recording 16 solo tackles, 19 assists and a tackle for loss.
He is the leading returning tackler among the players listed and should become a central part of the defense.
Earle gained extensive experience as a sophomore and now has an opportunity to grow into a leadership role.
Senior Jacob Gromley also returns at linebacker after contributing eight solo tackles and 12 assists.
Together, Earle and Gromley give Wyalusing an experienced tandem in the middle of the defense.
They will be responsible for reading opposing offenses, filling running lanes and helping younger defenders align correctly.
Their communication will be particularly important while the team learns the new system.
Secondary Must Be Rebuilt
The secondary may be the defense’s largest area of uncertainty.
Wyalusing lost Kinney, Dietz and Kerin, three players who contributed heavily in pass coverage and on special teams.
The Rams must identify new cornerbacks and safeties capable of handling varsity competition.
That process will take time.
Young defensive backs must learn proper positioning, improve their tackling and communicate effectively.
The coaching staff will be looking for players with speed, confidence and strong football instincts.
Limiting explosive plays will be one of the defense’s most important goals.
A developing front and linebacker group will need support from a secondary that can keep opponents from scoring quickly.
New System Requires Patience
Wyalusing’s defensive outlook centers on learning and development.
The Rams are installing a new scheme while replacing starters at many positions.
Success will not be measured only by statistics.
The coaching staff will evaluate whether players are lining up correctly, understanding their responsibilities and playing with consistent effort.
As the season progresses, the expectation is that the unit will become faster and more confident.
The returning seniors must help guide that process.
Lamb, Latini and Gromley have enough varsity experience to become dependable leaders, while Earle brings the potential to develop into one of the team’s most productive defenders.
Special Teams Jobs Are Open
Special teams will be another major area of competition.
Wyalusing must replace its kicker, punter and primary returners.
Vanderpool handled punting duties, Kerin served as the kicker and both Jonathan Earle and Kinney contributed in the return game.
Those are several important roles to replace at once.
The Rams will use camp to evaluate players at each position.
Consistency will matter more than raw ability.
A kicker must reliably handle extra points and kickoffs. A punter must provide dependable field position. Returners must make smart decisions and protect the football.
Special teams can provide an opportunity for younger players to earn immediate varsity playing time.
The coaching staff will need several of them to step forward.
Players to Watch
Andrew Taylor, Jr., TE: Explosive returning receiver who caught 11 passes for 280 yards and five touchdowns.
Jesse Lamb, Sr., T/DE: Veteran two-way lineman who recorded 22 combined tackles, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
JJ Latini, Sr., G/DT: Experienced senior expected to provide leadership on both lines.
Jacob Gromley, Sr., FB/LB: Physical two-way contributor who brings experience to the backfield and linebacker corps.
Conner Earle, Jr., G/LB: Productive returning defender who recorded 35 combined tackles and a tackle for loss.
My thoughts on Wyalusing
Wyalusing enters 2026 as a team in transition.
The Rams are learning new offensive and defensive systems while replacing a large group of experienced two-way starters. They must also identify new players at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, defensive back and throughout special teams.
That makes patience and development essential.
The returning core gives Wyalusing a foundation.
Lamb, Latini and Earle provide experience along the offensive line. Gromley offers stability in the backfield, while Taylor gives the passing game a proven playmaker.
Defensively, Lamb and Latini return along the front, with Gromley and Earle back at linebacker.
The biggest questions involve the players stepping into new roles around them.
Wyalusing’s season may depend less on where the team begins and more on how quickly it improves.
The Rams must embrace competition throughout camp, learn from early mistakes and continue building confidence.
The Northern Tier League Small School Division features several physical and experienced opponents, so progress may not always appear immediately in the standings. However, a young team that remains committed to development can become much more competitive as the season continues.
If Wyalusing settles the quarterback position, develops depth in the trenches and receives steady leadership from its returning seniors, the Rams have an opportunity to improve upon last season’s record and establish a strong foundation for the future.
Head Coach: Jeff Hindman
Assistant Coaches:
Brian Dietz
Ryan Carmody
Eric Sutton
Team Name: Wyalusing Rams
District: 4
Class: 2A
League: Northern Tier League, Small School Division
2025 Record: 2-8
8/22 @ North Penn-Mansfield* (2A) 7:00 pm L 14-21
8/29 Cowanesque Valley (2A) 7:00 pm W 30-14
9/06 Wellsboro* (2A) 7:00 pm L 6-14
9/12 Montgomery (1A) 7:00 pm L 6-28
9/19 @ South Williamsport (2A) 7:00 pm L 0-55
9/26 @ Troy Area* (2A) 7:00 pm L 14-49
10/03 Canton Area* (1A) 7:00 pm W 42-7
10/11 @ Athens* (4A) 3:00 pm L 21-56
10/17 @ Hughesville (2A) 7:00 pm L 6-28
10/24 Towanda* (2A) 7:00 pm L 12-29
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/28 Athens (3A) 7:00 pm
9/04 Muncy* (1A) 7:00 pm
9/11 @ Canton Area* (1A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Cowanesque Valley (3A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Sayre* (1A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Montgomery* (1A) 7:00 pm
10/09 South Williamsport* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Wellsboro (3A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Troy Area (2A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Towanda (2A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Ethan Vanderpool (FB, LB, P)
Jonathan Earle (RB, LB, KR/PR)
Reuben Kinney (QB, CB, KR/PR)
Brian Dietz (TE, CB)
John Kerin (S, K)
Colton Robinson (G, DT)
Brock Slater (T, DT)
Offensive Starters Returning:
Jesse Lamb (Senior – T)
JJ Latini (Senior – G)
Jacob Gromley (Senior – FB),
Conner Earle (Junior – G)
Andrew Taylor (Junior – TE)
Defensive Starters Returning:
Jesse Lamb (Senior – DE)
JJ Latini (Senior – DT)
Jacob Gromley (Senior – LB)
Conner Earle (Junior – LB)
Special Team Starters Returning:
None
Key Newcomers:
Sophomore QB Wiley Trobaugh
Sophomore RB Patrick O’Connor
Sophomore RB Edward Anderson
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Andrew Taylor- 11 rec, 280 yds 5 TD
Jesse Lamb – 14 tackles, 8 assists, 1 FF, 2 FR
JJ Latini – 4 tackles, 7 assists
Connor Earle – 16 tackles, 19 assists, 1 TFL
Jacob Gromley – 8 tackles 12 assists
2026 Offensive Outlook: Finding starters at key positions (QB, RB, WR, G, T). Learning new offensive system and focusing on getting better one practice at a time.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Finding starters at many positions. Learning new defensive system and developing talent at every position.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Finding K, P and returners.