Bloomsburg Looks to Build on Nine-Win Season With Experienced Skill Group and Veteran Linebackers
Bloomsburg enters the 2026 season aiming to build on one of the program’s strongest campaigns in recent years.
The Panthers finished 9-3 in 2025, advanced to the District 4 Class 2A semifinals and recorded several impressive victories along the way. Bloomsburg opened the season with four consecutive wins, defeated Loyalsock Township in the district quarterfinals and scored at least 30 points in nine of its 12 games.
Head coach Mike Kogut believes the program has the talent and toughness to remain among District 4’s top Class 2A contenders, but the Panthers must replace a highly accomplished group of seniors and develop new leaders.
Bloomsburg lost All-State quarterback Wyatt Brosious and All-State tight end and defensive end Jack Katulis. The Panthers also graduated several other Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference selections, including Gabe Dube, Nathan Kope, Hunter Collett, Pietro Negroni, Krue Wheadon, Michael Masteller and Brady Hendricks.
Additional departures include Connor Drogan, Khasire Fergueson and Bobby Nenstiel.
Those losses create openings throughout the lineup, but the Panthers return an experienced and productive collection of running backs, receivers, linebackers and defensive backs. Jharee Moore-Stewart is back after producing 1,114 yards from scrimmage and 19 offensive touchdowns, while linebackers Zane Thomas and Shane Frey return after combining for 189 tackles.
Bloomsburg may have several important questions to answer, particularly at quarterback, along the offensive line and throughout special teams, but the returning talent gives the Panthers an opportunity to remain highly competitive.
Replacing Brosious Is the Biggest Offensive Question
The development of the quarterback position has been Bloomsburg’s primary focus throughout the offseason.
Replacing Brosious will not be simple. The All-State quarterback provided production, leadership and experience while directing one of District 4’s most explosive offenses.
Junior JD Klingerman is among the leading candidates to take over the position. Klingerman also contributes at defensive back and has spent the offseason learning the responsibilities required to lead the offense.
The new quarterback will not be asked to duplicate Brosious’ production immediately.
Bloomsburg plans to become a run-first offense, allowing the quarterback to settle into the job while relying on an experienced collection of running backs and receivers. The Panthers will need efficient decision-making, strong ball security and the ability to keep the offense in manageable situations.
The position will continue to develop throughout training camp and the early portion of the season.
A strong performance at the Lebanon Valley College team camp should help the quarterbacks gain valuable repetitions against outside competition and allow the coaching staff to evaluate how each candidate responds in different situations.
If Bloomsburg receives steady play at quarterback, the offense has enough talent around the position to remain productive.
Moore-Stewart Returns as Premier Playmaker
Senior Jharee Moore-Stewart returns as one of the most dangerous multipurpose players in District 4.
Moore-Stewart rushed for 319 yards and 10 touchdowns on 51 carries last season. He was even more productive as a receiver, catching 36 passes for 795 yards and nine touchdowns.
He finished the year with 1,114 offensive yards and 19 touchdowns while averaging more than 22 yards per reception.
Moore-Stewart’s versatility gives Bloomsburg tremendous flexibility.
The Panthers can line him up in the backfield, move him into the slot or create favorable matchups on the perimeter. His speed and open-field ability make him a threat to score whenever he touches the football.
With Brosious and several receivers gone, Moore-Stewart will become an even more important part of the offense.
Opposing defenses will undoubtedly focus on limiting his opportunities, so the Panthers must continue finding creative ways to get him the ball in space.
Moore-Stewart also returns at strong safety after recording 30 tackles, four interceptions and one tackle for loss. His two-way production makes him one of the team’s most valuable players.
Deep Backfield Supports Run-First Approach
Bloomsburg believes its experience at the skill positions will allow the offense to establish a strong running identity.
Senior Wyatt Schrader returns after rushing for 269 yards and three touchdowns on 52 carries. Schrader also recorded 69 tackles and four tackles for loss at outside linebacker.
Senior Hines Dietz gives the Panthers another experienced option at running back and inside linebacker, while Bilal Washington provides additional speed and athleticism in the backfield.
Moore-Stewart can also receive carries from a variety of formations.
That depth gives Bloomsburg the ability to rotate backs without dramatically changing its offensive approach.
The Panthers want to control the line of scrimmage, wear down opposing defenses and create manageable situations for the new quarterback. A productive running game would also help Bloomsburg control possession and protect its defense.
Each running back brings a slightly different skill set, allowing the coaching staff to adjust based on opponents and game situations.
Serrano Leads Experienced Receiving Corps
Senior Julius Serrano returns after catching 21 passes for 276 yards and four touchdowns last season.
Serrano provides varsity experience, dependable hands and the ability to make plays on the perimeter. He will be expected to assume a larger role following the graduation of Wheadon, Hendricks and several other experienced receivers.
The Panthers also return Chad Coolbaugh, Kemp Snyder, Brayden Holbert, Bentley Patterson, Cole Hendricks and Ryan Traugh.
That group gives Bloomsburg depth and competition at the receiver positions.
The coaching staff believes the team has very good experience throughout its skill group. The challenge will be determining which receivers are prepared to handle larger roles and build chemistry with the new quarterback.
Serrano also recorded 29 tackles and four tackles for loss at cornerback, making him another important two-way player.
Frey Provides Versatility at Tight End
Senior Shane Frey returns at tight end and inside linebacker.
Frey’s size, physicality and experience give the Panthers a dependable presence at the tight end position following the departures of Katulis and Dube.
He can contribute as an in-line blocker, provide support in the running game and serve as a reliable target in the passing attack.
Frey’s ability to handle physical assignments will be especially valuable as Bloomsburg emphasizes the running game.
He also returns as one of the defense’s leading players after recording 87 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss.
The Panthers will rely on Frey’s toughness and leadership on both sides of the ball.
Offensive Line Has Talent but Needs Depth
Bloomsburg returns a promising core along the offensive line, but depth remains one of the team’s biggest concerns.
Senior Christian Ackerman returns with starting experience, while Bryce Moore and Braxton Martinez are also listed among the key offensive returners.
The Panthers also have Mark Katulis, Malcolm Tagba, Keston Peters and Casey Bennett available throughout the line rotation.
The graduation of Kope, Collett and Nenstiel leaves significant openings.
Bloomsburg believes it has enough size and talent to build a strong starting unit, but the coaching staff must develop reliable reserves capable of contributing on game night.
That issue becomes especially important because several linemen will also have defensive responsibilities.
The offensive line must create consistent movement in the running game and provide a stable pocket for the new quarterback. Avoiding injuries and developing versatility across multiple positions will be essential.
If the Panthers establish dependable depth, the line could become a strength as the season progresses.
Offense Must Establish New Leadership
Bloomsburg does not lack talent, but it must replace several players who provided leadership during last season’s nine-win campaign.
The Panthers will look to Moore-Stewart, Frey, Serrano, Schrader and the returning offensive linemen to help guide the younger players.
Leadership will be particularly important when the offense experiences adversity.
A first-year quarterback will make mistakes. New offensive linemen may need time to develop consistency. The returning veterans must help keep the unit composed and focused on the next possession.
Bloomsburg scored 381 points last season, averaging nearly 32 points per game. Maintaining that level of production will be difficult after losing Brosious and several All-Conference players.
The Panthers may look different offensively, but a deep group of skill players and a commitment to the running game should give them a chance to remain effective.
Linebackers Are the Heart of the Defense
Bloomsburg’s defense returns its three starting linebackers, giving the Panthers an experienced core in the middle of the field.
Senior Zane Thomas led the team with 102 tackles and added 5.5 tackles for loss.
Frey recorded 87 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss, while Schrader finished with 69 tackles and four tackles for loss.
Together, the trio accounted for 258 tackles last season.
Their experience, toughness and communication will make them the heart and soul of the defense.
Thomas will be responsible for helping align the unit and setting the physical tone from his inside linebacker position. Frey brings additional size and playmaking ability, while Schrader provides athleticism on the outside.
Having all three back should allow Bloomsburg to play faster and make adjustments more efficiently.
The linebackers must also help a reworked defensive line while several new starters adjust to larger roles.
Defense Continues to Trend in Right Direction
Bloomsburg has made steady defensive improvement over the past three seasons.
The Panthers allowed 39.8 points per game in 2023. That figure improved to 27.5 in 2024 and dropped again to 20.5 points per game last season.
The coaching staff wants that progress to continue.
Bloomsburg posted three shutouts in 2025, holding Central Mountain, Hughesville and Central Columbia scoreless. The Panthers also limited Danville to 10 points and Loyalsock to 13 in the district quarterfinals.
The defense was not as successful in its two meetings with Southern Columbia, surrendering a combined 102 points, but the overall improvement throughout the season was evident.
Bloomsburg wants to become more athletic by moving players to different positions. The goal is to improve team speed, create pressure and produce more momentum-changing plays.
Tagba Leads Rebuilding Defensive Front
Senior Malcolm Tagba returns as the most productive member of the defensive line.
Tagba recorded 43 tackles and seven tackles for loss last season.
His experience will be especially important after the departures of Katulis, Dube, Kope, Collett and Nenstiel.
The Panthers must rebuild much of their defensive front, but several candidates are available.
Mark Katulis, Keston Peters, Casey Bennett, Bryce Moore and Braxton Martinez will compete for roles, while some players may move between positions to improve the defense’s athleticism.
Bloomsburg needs the defensive line to occupy blockers and allow Thomas, Frey and Schrader to attack the football.
Developing a reliable rotation will also be important. The Panthers do not want their two-way linemen to become worn down late in games.
The front does not need to produce all of the defense’s tackles, but it must maintain gap discipline and prevent opposing offensive linemen from consistently reaching the linebackers.
Secondary Has Talent but Must Replace Production
Bloomsburg lost several experienced defensive backs, including Wheadon, Hendricks, Drogan and Fergueson.
However, the Panthers return Moore-Stewart, Serrano, Patterson, Washington, Klingerman and Cole Hendricks.
Moore-Stewart leads the group after intercepting four passes last season.
Serrano also provides experience at cornerback, while Patterson and Washington give the Panthers additional athletic options.
Bloomsburg wants its defense to create turnovers and momentum-changing plays. The secondary will play an important role in that effort.
The defensive backs must communicate effectively, tackle well in space and capitalize when quarterbacks make mistakes.
The Panthers’ plan to move certain players to new positions could also help add speed and versatility to the secondary.
Creating Turnovers Remains a Priority
Bloomsburg’s defense wants to play aggressively and create opportunities for the offense.
Turnovers can change games by producing short fields, stopping scoring drives and energizing the sideline.
Moore-Stewart showed that ability with four interceptions last season, while the returning linebackers have the experience to create fumbles and disrupt plays in the backfield.
The Panthers will continue emphasizing pursuit, pressure and finishing plays.
Creating turnovers will be especially valuable while the new offense develops. Additional possessions and short fields could ease the pressure on the quarterback and offensive line.
Bloomsburg’s defense does not simply want to limit points. It wants to create momentum.
Special Teams Competition Remains Wide Open
Special teams is the least settled phase entering the season.
Bloomsburg must replace Negroni and Masteller, both of whom earned PHAC recognition as kickers and punters.
The Panthers have multiple candidates competing for kicking, punting and return responsibilities, but no definite starters have been established.
The only positions without multiple candidates are long snapper and short snapper.
The competition will continue throughout the offseason and training camp.
Bloomsburg needs to identify specialists who can perform consistently under pressure. Extra points, field goals, kickoffs and punts can become major factors in close games.
The Panthers also need to replace experienced returners.
The coaching staff will use practices, scrimmages and team camp to evaluate which players can handle those responsibilities without sacrificing ball security.
Schedule Features Several Changes
Bloomsburg’s 2026 schedule will look different after the removal of Central Mountain, Shikellamy and Southern Columbia.
Milton, Mifflinburg and Northwest Area have been added.
The absence of Southern Columbia from the regular-season schedule is notable after the Tigers defeated Bloomsburg twice last season, including in the District 4 semifinals.
However, the Panthers will still face a challenging collection of opponents within the Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference and District 4.
The schedule changes may create unfamiliar matchups, making preparation and early-season adaptability important.
Bloomsburg’s veteran skill players and linebackers should help the Panthers handle those adjustments.
Players to Watch
Jharee Moore-Stewart, Sr., RB/WR/SS: Dynamic two-way playmaker who totaled 1,114 offensive yards, scored 19 offensive touchdowns and intercepted four passes.
Zane Thomas, Sr., OL/ILB: Returning defensive leader who recorded a team-high 102 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss.
Shane Frey, Sr., TE/ILB: Physical two-way contributor who finished with 87 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss.
Julius Serrano, Sr., WR/CB: Returning receiver who caught 21 passes for 276 yards and four touchdowns while adding 29 tackles defensively.
Wyatt Schrader, Sr., RB/OLB: Experienced running back and linebacker who rushed for 269 yards and recorded 69 tackles.
Malcolm Tagba, Sr., OL/DL: Leader of the defensive front after producing 43 tackles and seven tackles for loss.
JD Klingerman, Jr., QB/CB: Quarterback candidate who could take over one of the most important positions on the roster.
Hines Dietz, RB/ILB: Experienced two-way player who adds depth to the running game and linebacker rotation.
Bilal Washington, RB/CB: Athletic skill player capable of contributing on offense and in the secondary.
Bentley Patterson, WR/CB: Returning two-way player expected to compete for a larger role.
Chad Coolbaugh, WR/OLB: Veteran skill player who adds depth at receiver and outside linebacker.
Kemp Snyder, WR/OLB: Returning contributor competing for an expanded role on both sides.
Brayden Holbert, WR/OLB: Experienced member of Bloomsburg’s deep skill-position group.
Christian Ackerman, Sr., OL/ILB: Returning offensive lineman expected to help anchor the run-first offense.
Bryce Moore, OL/DL: Key returning offensive lineman who will also compete for defensive snaps.
Braxton Martinez, OL/DL: Experienced member of an offensive line that must develop greater depth.
My thoughts on Bloomsburg
Bloomsburg enters the 2026 season with high expectations but several important questions.
The Panthers return one of District 4’s most talented collections of skill players and one of its most experienced linebacker units. Moore-Stewart is a proven game-changing athlete, while Serrano, Schrader, Frey and several other returners give the offense multiple options.
The biggest offensive question is quarterback.
Replacing an All-State player such as Brosious will require patience. Bloomsburg plans to ease that transition by emphasizing the running game and relying on its experienced skill players.
The offensive line has a promising core, but depth is a major concern. Developing dependable reserves will be critical as several players handle two-way responsibilities.
Defense should give Bloomsburg a strong foundation.
Thomas, Frey and Schrader return after combining for 258 tackles. Tagba provides experience along the defensive front, while Moore-Stewart and Serrano give the secondary proven playmakers.
The Panthers have improved their scoring defense for two consecutive seasons and believe they can continue that trend by playing faster, moving athletes to different positions and creating turnovers.
Special teams remains unsettled after the loss of two All-Conference specialists. The Panthers must identify reliable kickers, punters and returners before the season begins.
Bloomsburg lost several outstanding players and leaders, but Kogut believes the returning roster may be the strongest overall team he has coached.
Talent alone will not determine the season.
The Panthers must play with toughness and tenacity, develop leadership and turn their offseason competition into dependable game-night production.
If Bloomsburg receives steady quarterback play, develops enough offensive line depth and continues its defensive improvement, the Panthers should again contend for the Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference Division III championship and make another serious run in the District 4 Class 2A playoffs.
Head Coach: Mike Kogut
Assistant Coaches:
Varsity:
Tyler Coombe
Steve Weigle
Sean Thomas
Josh Klingerman
Bill Perkins
John Katulis
Brian Brosious
Todd Barton
Junior High:
Head Coach: Brian Ostrander
Keith Erney
Matt Verstraeten
Keith Erney
Joe Eister
Jeff Ralston
Omar Richardso
Team Name: Bloomsburg Panthers
District: 4
Class: 2A
League: PA Heartland Athletic Conference, Division III
2025 Record: 9-3
8/22 @ Danville (3A) 7:00 pm W 30-10
8/29 @ Central Mountain (4A) 7:00 pm W 35-0
9/05 Lewisburg* (3A) 7:00 pm W 35-24
9/12 @ Warrior Run* (2A) 7:00 pm W 42-28
9/19 Loyalsock Township* (2A) 7:00 pm L 23-32
9/26 @ Midd-West* (3A) 7:00 pm W 48-13
10/03 Hughesville* (2A) 7:00 pm W 35-0
10/10 Shikellamy (4A) 7:00 pm W 32-21
10/17 @ Southern Columbia (2A) 7:00 pm L 0-61
10/24 Central Columbia (3A) 7:00 pm W 46-0
10/31 Loyalsock Township (2A) 7:00 pm W 34-13 Dist. 4 Class 2A Quarterfinal
11/07 @ Southern Columbia (2A) 7:00 pm L 21-41 Dist. 4 Class 2A Semifinal
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Athens (3A) 12:00 pm Scrimmage
8/28 @ Milton Area (4A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ Loyalsock Township* (3A) 7:00 pm
9/11 Mifflinburg* (3A) 7:00 pm
9/18 Warrior Run* (2A) 7:00 pm
9/25 @ Midd-West* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Central Columbia (3A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Hughesville* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Lewisburg* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Danville (3A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Northwest Area (1A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters lost:
Wyatt Brosious QB FS *All-State*
Jack Katulis TE DE *All-State*
Gabe Dube TE DE *PHAC Selection*
Nathan Kope OG DT *PHAC Selection*
Hunter Collett OT DT *PHAC Selection*
Pietro Negroni P K *PHAC Selection*
Krue Wheadon WR CB *PHAC Selection*
Michael Masteller P K *PHAC Selection*
Brady Hendricks WR DB *PHAC Selection*
Connor Drogan WR DB *Not returning*
Khasire Fergueson RB DB *Transferred*
Bobby Nenstiel OT DE *Transferred*
Key Returners:
1 Jharee Moore-Stewart RB SS Offense & Defense
3 Julius Serrano WR CB Offense & Defense
4 Shane Frey QB TE ILB Offense & Defense
6 Chad Coolbaugh WR OLB
7 Kemp Snyder WR OLB
9 Brayden Holbert WR OLB
10 Bentley Patterson WR CB
11 JD Klingerman QB CB
13 Bilal Washington RB CB
21 Cole Hendricks WR CB
23 Hines Dietz RB ILB
30 Wyatt Schrader RB OLB Defense
33 Ryan Traugh WR DB
51 Mark Katulis OL DL
53 Malcolm Tagba OL DL Defense
55 Christian Ackerman OL ILB Offense
57 Zane Thomas OL ILB Defense
59 Keston Peters OL DL
62 Casey Bennett OL DL
68 Bryce Moore OL DL Offense
70 Braxton Martinez OL DL Offense
Key Newcomers:
Damien Delarge WR CB
Mehki Mullins RB DE
Chase Patton TE DE
Isaiah Verstraeten QB DB
Demir Wood TE DE
Oakley Wodehouse WR/P DB/K
2026 Returning Player Stats:
3 Julius Serrano WR CB Offense & Defense
21 catches for 276 yards and 4 TDs and 29 total tackles and 4 TFL
4 Shane Frey TE ILB Offense & Defense
87 total tackles, 7.5 TFL
1 Jharee Moore-Stewart RB SS Offense & Defense
Rushed for 319 yards on 51 carries and 10 TDs and 36 catches for 795 yards and 9 TDs and 30 total tackles, 4 INT and 1 TFL
30 Wyatt Schrader RB OLB Defense
Rushed for 269 yards on 52 carries and 3 TDs and 69 total tackles and 4 TFL
53 Malcolm Tagba OL DL Defense
43 total tackles and 7 TFL
57 Zane Thomas OL ILB Defense
102 total tackles, 5.5 TFL
2026 Outlook:
Changes to our schedule:
LOST: Central Mountain, Shikellamy, Southern Columbia
ADDED: Milton, Mifflinburg, Northwest
We hope to build off of our success we experienced in 2025
Low to mid-30’s on roster
Strongest overall team I have been a part of-toughness and tenacity a must Many spots open for competition
Lost many good players/great leaders-we need players to emerge as leaders Team Camp at LVC was a great experience for us to prepare-It helped us to find our identity, especially on offense.
Offense:
The development of the QB position has been the focus all summer
We plan to be a run first Offense
We feel we have some talented skill players and a good core on the Offense Line Depth is a major concern OL
We have very good depth and experience in our skill positions
Defense:
We improved our PPG for a 2nd straight year and hope to continue that trend
2023- 39.8
2024- 27.5
2025- 20.5
We return our three Linebackers-they will be the heart and soul of our defense
We plan on moving some people to different positions this year to improve our athleticism
Our goal is to create turnovers and momentum changing plays as we did last year
Special Team: We have multiple candidates in all areas except on our Long & Short Snapper We have no definite starters so we will continue to work them all off season