Cedar Crest Returns Veteran Core With Zimmerman Leading the Way
Cedar Crest enters the 2026 season with experience, explosive playmakers and the belief that a veteran defense can help the Falcons take another step forward in Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 1.
The Falcons finished 5-6 last season and qualified for the District 3 Class 6A playoffs. Cedar Crest earned victories over Lower Dauphin, Penn Manor, Reading, J.P. McCaskey and Lebanon before falling to Cedar Cliff in the opening round of the district tournament.
The 2025 season featured encouraging stretches and difficult lessons.
Cedar Crest demonstrated its offensive potential by scoring at least 40 points in four victories. The Falcons also competed successfully in several physical games, including a season-opening 25-21 win over Lower Dauphin.
However, consistency remained a challenge against the strongest teams on the schedule. Wilson West Lawn, Manheim Township and Hempfield all created separation, exposing areas Cedar Crest must improve to become a serious contender in one of District 3’s most demanding sections.
Head coach Nick Lambros now welcomes back a substantial group of experienced starters.
Quarterback Steven Reyes returns after gaining valuable varsity experience. Running back Isaiah Zimmerman is back after rushing for 1,165 yards, and the Falcons return multiple receivers, two experienced offensive linemen and a physical fullback in Garrett Starry.
The defensive outlook may be even more encouraging.
Cedar Crest brings back eight defensive starters, including Starry, who recorded 128 tackles, and an experienced secondary featuring Skyler Sherman, Jackson Smith, Antonio Tirado and Eli Beard.
The Falcons must replace several important seniors, including Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 1 Linebacker of the Year Landyn Kline. Cedar Crest also graduated Jayden Storm, Luke Oriel, Peyton Witmer, Jimmy Trump and Travis Kemberling.
Those losses create important questions along the interior lines, but the overall foundation remains strong.
If Cedar Crest can establish the running game, protect the football and develop its young defensive linemen, the Falcons have the pieces to remain competitive throughout the season and improve their position in the District 3 Class 6A field.
Zimmerman Is the Offensive Centerpiece
Senior running back Isaiah Zimmerman enters 2026 as one of the most dangerous returning players in the Lancaster-Lebanon League.
Zimmerman carried 136 times for 1,165 yards last season, averaging an outstanding 8.6 yards per attempt. He also caught 14 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns.
His combination of production and efficiency makes him the clear centerpiece of the Cedar Crest offense.
The Falcons believe they have a chance to win every time Zimmerman touches the football.
He has the vision to identify running lanes, the power to break tackles and the speed to turn a small opening into a long touchdown. His receiving ability also gives Cedar Crest another way to create favorable matchups.
Everything in the offense begins with establishing Zimmerman and the running game.
If the Falcons consistently move the chains on the ground, defenses will be forced to commit additional players to the box. That should create opportunities for Reyes in the passing game and open running lanes for the quarterback.
Zimmerman’s impact may also extend to defense, where he is a candidate to contribute at outside linebacker.
Managing his workload will be important, but Cedar Crest intends to place the football in his hands frequently.
Reyes Returns With Valuable Experience
Senior quarterback Steven Reyes returns after completing 61 of 112 passes for 825 yards, eight touchdowns and six interceptions.
He also rushed 43 times for 204 yards and two touchdowns.
Reyes’ experience should help the offense operate more efficiently in 2026.
He has already faced the speed and physicality of Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 1 defenses and understands the importance of making quick decisions.
The Falcons do not need Reyes to carry the offense by himself.
Zimmerman’s presence should create favorable passing situations, particularly when opposing defenses become overly aggressive against the run.
Reyes can use play-action concepts, quick throws and designed quarterback runs to keep defenses from focusing entirely on the backfield.
His ability to protect the football will be one of the offense’s biggest keys.
Cedar Crest’s offensive outlook emphasizes eliminating turnovers. The Falcons want to sustain drives, control possession and prevent opponents from receiving short fields.
If Reyes improves his efficiency while continuing to contribute as a runner, Cedar Crest should be capable of producing a more balanced attack.
Experienced Receivers Give Offense Options
Cedar Crest returns several experienced targets in the passing game.
Senior Kai Speaks caught 16 passes for 210 yards and four touchdowns last season.
At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, Speaks provides size, strength and a proven ability to finish plays in the end zone.
Senior Antonio Tirado returns at wide receiver after gaining experience on both sides of the football. At 6-foot-2 and 165 pounds, Tirado gives Reyes a long target capable of working along the boundary and challenging defensive backs downfield.
Senior Jackson Smith also returns at receiver and cornerback. At 5-foot-8 and 170 pounds, Smith adds quickness and versatility to the offense.
Senior tight end Mason Cevette could become an important part of the passing game.
Cevette stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 215 pounds, giving Cedar Crest a large target over the middle and in the red zone.
The combination of Speaks, Tirado, Smith and Cevette should allow the Falcons to attack different areas of the field.
Cedar Crest does not need to depend on one receiver. It has several players capable of benefiting when opponents commit extra defenders to stopping Zimmerman.
Starry Adds Physicality at Fullback
Senior Garrett Starry returns at fullback after establishing himself as one of the defense’s most productive players.
At 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, Starry gives the Falcons a physical blocker and short-yardage option.
His presence can help Cedar Crest maintain its running identity.
Starry can lead Zimmerman through the hole, contribute in pass protection and provide another ball carrier in goal-line situations.
Two-back formations featuring Zimmerman and Starry could create difficult decisions for opposing linebackers.
Starry’s leadership will also be valuable. He is one of the most experienced players on the roster and understands the physical style Cedar Crest wants to establish.
Offensive Line Must Replace Important Pieces
The offensive line returns two experienced starters in senior tackle Griffin Schomp and senior center Matt Szajda.
Schomp provides outstanding size at 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds.
His length and experience should make him one of the leaders of the offensive front.
Szajda returns at center, giving Cedar Crest continuity at one of the line’s most important positions.
He will be responsible for communication, identifying fronts and helping the new starters remain organized.
The Falcons must replace Storm, Witmer and Trump, creating significant competition for the remaining positions.
How quickly the young linemen develop will have a major impact on the offense.
Cedar Crest’s system is built around running the football. That requires consistent movement at the point of attack, sound combination blocks and disciplined execution.
The returning skill players give the Falcons considerable potential, but that potential can only be realized if the offensive line provides stability.
Schomp and Szajda will be expected to help bring the new group together.
Running Game Sets Up Everything Else
Cedar Crest’s offensive philosophy is clear.
Run the football successfully, move the chains and force opponents to adjust.
Zimmerman gives the Falcons an elite starting point, but the offense cannot become predictable.
The running game should create opportunities for Reyes to throw to Speaks, Tirado, Smith and Cevette.
It should also allow Cedar Crest to use Reyes as a runner.
The Falcons want to play efficiently and avoid unnecessary risks.
That means eliminating turnovers, reducing penalties and staying out of long-yardage situations.
When Cedar Crest establishes the run, it can control tempo and keep its defense rested.
When the Falcons fall behind the chains, they become easier to defend.
Consistency up front and ball security will determine whether the offense becomes one of the league’s more productive units.
Eight Defensive Starters Return
Cedar Crest enters the season with high expectations on defense.
The Falcons return eight starters and several reserves who gained meaningful varsity experience last fall.
That experience should improve communication and allow the defense to play faster.
Cedar Crest believes the unit has enough talent to keep the team competitive in every game.
The defense must replace Kline, the Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 1 Linebacker of the Year, as well as several experienced linemen.
Those are significant losses, but the Falcons return productive players at each level.
The biggest question is the interior defensive line.
If the young linemen emerge and hold up against physical running teams, Cedar Crest should have a strong and balanced defense.
Starry Anchors the Linebackers
Starry returns after recording 128 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, one sack and three interceptions.
His production reflects his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
Starry is a physical run defender, but he also possesses the awareness and athleticism to make plays in coverage.
His three interceptions demonstrate that he is more than an interior linebacker focused only on stopping the run.
Starry has recorded more than 125 tackles in each of the last two seasons, making him one of the most dependable defenders in the program.
With Kline graduating, Starry becomes the unquestioned leader of the defense.
He will be responsible for communication, alignment and helping younger players understand their assignments.
Junior Kasen Dudek also returns at linebacker.
At 6-foot and 200 pounds, Dudek gives Cedar Crest another experienced player in the middle of the defense.
Zimmerman may also contribute at outside linebacker, adding more athleticism to the group.
Derr and Chernich Return on the Edge
Senior Damyen Derr and senior Jackson Chernich return at defensive end.
Derr stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 200 pounds, while Chernich is listed at 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds.
Both players gained important experience last season and will be expected to lead the defensive front.
The Falcons want their ends to set the edge, pressure quarterbacks and force running plays back toward the linebackers.
Their experience becomes especially important because the interior line will feature several new contributors.
Derr and Chernich must provide consistent play while helping the younger defensive tackles adjust to varsity competition.
Cedar Crest believes several interior candidates have made significant progress during the offseason.
That development must continue through camp and the early portion of the schedule.
Interior Defensive Line Is the Key Question
The defensive interior represents Cedar Crest’s greatest uncertainty.
The Falcons lost several experienced two-way linemen, creating openings that must be filled by younger players.
The coaching staff has been encouraged by the offseason work of the candidates competing for those positions.
However, practice improvement must translate into game production.
Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 1 features physical offensive lines and productive running backs. Cedar Crest must control the interior gaps and prevent opponents from consistently reaching the second level.
The young defensive tackles do not need to produce major statistics every week.
They need to hold their ground, occupy blockers and allow Starry, Dudek and the other linebackers to make plays.
If the interior develops quickly, the defense could become one of the Falcons’ greatest strengths.
Veteran Secondary Provides Stability
Cedar Crest returns an experienced and athletic secondary.
Senior Skyler Sherman returns at cornerback, while Smith is back at the opposite corner.
Tirado returns at free safety, and senior Eli Beard is back at strong safety.
That continuity should help the Falcons limit explosive plays and improve communication.
Experienced defensive backs understand route combinations, recognize formations and make adjustments before the snap.
The group also benefits from playing behind an experienced linebacker in Starry.
Tirado’s length gives Cedar Crest range in the middle of the field, while Smith and Sherman provide experience in coverage.
Beard brings physicality from the strong safety position.
The Falcons need the secondary to remain disciplined, particularly against the talented quarterbacks and receivers found throughout the section.
Creating takeaways would also provide a major boost.
Starry intercepted three passes last season, and the defensive backs will look to increase their own turnover production.
Defense Can Keep Falcons in Games
Cedar Crest believes its returning experience can produce a major defensive improvement.
The Falcons allowed too many explosive plays in several losses last season, particularly against Wilson, Manheim Township and Hempfield.
Those games demonstrated how quickly strong opponents can create separation when assignments break down.
The 2026 defense should be better prepared.
Eight starters return, and several reserves already have varsity experience.
The keys will be communication, tackling and controlling the interior line of scrimmage.
If the Falcons limit big plays and force opponents to sustain long drives, they should remain competitive deep into games.
Starry provides an outstanding leader, while the experienced secondary gives Cedar Crest confidence in the back end.
The defense has the potential to become the team’s most consistent unit.
Kaighn Takes Over All Kicking Duties
Senior Gabe Kaighn returns after steadily improving throughout the 2025 season.
Kaighn eventually took over kickoff duties and continued developing as a placekicker.
He has added strength during the offseason and gained additional experience at kicking camps.
Cedar Crest expects him to handle all kicking responsibilities in 2026, including punts.
That expanded role will make Kaighn one of the most important specialists in the league.
A dependable kicker can directly influence close games.
Consistent extra points, field goals and kickoffs can change strategy, while strong punting can help the defense by improving field position.
The Falcons want Kaighn’s development to make special teams an advantage.
Coverage and return units must also execute consistently.
Field position will be especially important against the strongest teams on the schedule.
Players to Watch
Isaiah Zimmerman, Sr., TB/OLB: Explosive running back who rushed for 1,165 yards while averaging 8.6 yards per carry. His ability to create big plays makes him the centerpiece of the offense.
Garrett Starry, Sr., FB/LB: Defensive leader who recorded 128 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and three interceptions.
Steven Reyes, Sr., QB: Returning starter who passed for 825 yards and eight touchdowns while adding 204 rushing yards.
Kai Speaks, Sr., WR: Proven scoring threat who caught 16 passes for 210 yards and four touchdowns.
Griffin Schomp, Sr., OT: Massive and experienced tackle expected to anchor a rebuilding offensive line.
Matt Szajda, Sr., C: Returning center responsible for providing communication and consistency up front.
Antonio Tirado, Sr., WR/FS: Two-way player whose size and experience should make him important in the passing game and secondary.
Jackson Smith, Sr., WR/CB: Versatile athlete expected to contribute on both sides of the football.
Mason Cevette, Sr., TE: Large target who could become a major factor in the passing game and as a blocker.
Damyen Derr, Sr., DE: Experienced edge defender expected to help lead the defensive front.
Jackson Chernich, Sr., DE: Returning defensive end who provides continuity along the line.
Gabe Kaighn, Sr., K/P: Returning specialist expected to handle all kicking and punting duties.
My thoughts on Cedar Crest
Cedar Crest enters the 2026 season with enough experience and talent to improve on last year’s 5-6 finish.
The offense has a clear identity.
Zimmerman is one of the league’s most explosive running backs, and everything will be built around his ability to move the chains and create big plays.
Reyes returns at quarterback, while Speaks, Tirado, Smith and Cevette give the passing game several experienced options.
Schomp and Szajda provide leadership along the offensive line, but the new starters around them must develop quickly.
The defense returns eight starters and should become one of the team’s strengths.
Starry is an elite tackling presence at linebacker, Derr and Chernich bring experience on the edge and the entire secondary returns.
The interior defensive line remains the largest concern.
If Cedar Crest finds dependable players in the middle, the Falcons should be capable of competing with every opponent on the schedule.
Kaighn’s return also provides stability on special teams.
The Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 1 schedule will again be demanding. Cedar Crest will face talented, physical and experienced teams nearly every week.
The Falcons already proved they can defeat several quality opponents and reach the District 3 Class 6A playoffs.
The next step is becoming more consistent against the section’s strongest programs.
If Cedar Crest establishes Zimmerman early, limits turnovers and receives improved play from its defensive interior, the Falcons have the potential to produce a winning season, return to the district playoffs and become a difficult matchup for every team in Section 1.
Head Coach: Nick Lambros
Assistant Coaches:
Brian Powers
Logan Horn
Tom Waranavage
Evan Horn
Sean Sellers
Nevin Pagan
John Heisey
Jona Padilla
Mike Gaval
Bobby Peebles
Gavin Popejoy
Zach Anspach
Nate Harbaugh
Team Name: Cedar Crest Falcons
District: 3
Class: 6A
League: Lancaster-Lebanon League, Section 1
2025 Record: 5-6
8/22 @ Lower Dauphin (5A) 7:00 pm W 25-21
8/29 @ Spring Grove (5A) 7:00 pm L 13-27
9/05 Warwick (5A) 7:00 pm L 12-34
9/12 Penn Manor* (6A) 7:00 pm W 40-15
9/19 Wilson West Lawn* (6A) 7:00 pm L 20-62
9/26 @ Reading* (6A) 7:00 pm W 42-6
10/03 @ Manheim Township* (6A) 7:00 pm L 13-42
10/10 J.P. McCaskey* (6A) 7:00 pm W 48-6
10/17 @ Hempfield (3)* (6A) 7:00 pm L 13-43
10/23 Lebanon (6A) 7:00 pm W 41-7
10/31 @ Cedar Cliff (6A) 7:00 pm L 6-35 Dist. 3 Class 6A 1st Round
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Mechanicsburg (6A) 11:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 @ Central Dauphin East (6A) 7:00 pm
9/03 Lebanon (6A) 7:00 pm
9/11 @ Warwick (5A) 7:00 pm
9/18 Hempfield (3)* (6A) 7:00 pm
9/25 @ Manheim Township* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Wilson West Lawn* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/09 J.P. McCaskey* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/16 Dallastown (6A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Penn Manor* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Reading* (6A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Jayden Storm OL/DL
Luke Oriel WR/DB
Landyn Kline LB
Peyton Witmer OL/DL
Jimmy Trump OL/DL
Travis Kemberling WR
Wyatt Fox C/DE
Offensive Starters Returning:
QB Steven Reyes 5-10 175
TB Isaiah Zimmerman 5-9 210
WR Kai Speaks 6-1 195
WR Antonio Tirado 6-2 165
WR Jackson Smith 5-8 170
TE Mason Cevette 6-4 215
FB Garrett Starry 6-1 225
OT Griffin Schomp 6-6 260
C Matt Szajda 6-1 210
Defensive Starters Returning:
DE Damyen Derr 6-2 200
DE Jackson Chernich 6-2 190
LB Garrett Starry 6-1 225
LB Kasen Dudek 6-0 200
CB Skyler Sherman 5-10 175
CB Jackson Smith 5-8 170
FS Antonio Tirado 6-2 165
SS Eli Beard 5-8 185
Special Team Starters Returning:
K Gabe Kaighn 5-8 180
Key Newcomers:
OL/DL Keenon Hopple 6-3 255
OL/DL Cole Shanaman 5-11 280
OL/DL Axel Roman 6-5 300
WR/DB TJ Wilson 5-11 175
WR/LB CJ Hallman 6-3 190
WR/DB Ben Garland 6-1 185
OL/DL Eric Weiser 5’11” 290
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Passing:
Steven Reyes 61/112 completions for 825 yards 8 TDs and 6 int and rushed for 204 yards on 43 carries and 2 TDs
Rushing:
Isaiah Zimmerman 136 carries for 1,165 yards, 8.6 yd/car and TDs and 14 catches for 226 yards 2 TDs
Receiving:
Kai Speaks 16 catches for 210 yards 4 TDs
Defense:
Garrett Starry 128 tackles, 12 tfls, 1 sack and 3 ints
2026 Offensive Outlook: The number one key to our offense is our ability to run the ball. Isaiah Zimmerman gives us a chance to win every time he touches the ball so we need to get him going. That sets up every other aspect of our offense including getting the ball out to any of our receivers and tight ends, as well as getting our QB run game going. Everything is predicated on our ability to move the sticks by running the ball, and most importantly eliminating turnovers.
2026 Defensive Outlook: With eight starters back on defense plus several reserves who got meaningful playing time last year our we have high hopes that our defense can keep us in any game all season. Despite losing LL-Section 1 LB of the year Landyn Kline, we have Garrett Starry returning who’s netted over 125 tackles the past two years as well as several other candidates ready to fill in (Isaiah Zimmerman included at OLB). Our interior DL will need to step it up but we have several young candidates who have had great off-seasons.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Gabe Kaighn got better and better as our place kicker last year and eventually took over kick-off duties. He’s had a great off-season in the weight room and got work at several camps. We expect him to handle all kicking duties as well as taking over as our main punter.