Northwestern Lehigh Reloads After State Championship Run
Northwestern Lehigh enters the 2026 season carrying the expectations that come with being one of Pennsylvania’s premier Class 3A programs.
The Tigers finished 15-1 last fall, captured another District 11 Class 3A championship and advanced all the way to the PIAA title game before falling 31-7 to Avonworth at Cumberland Valley High School.
It was a remarkable season for head coach Josh Snyder, who enters his 14th year with a 135-41 career record. Northwestern Lehigh dominated much of its schedule, won 15 consecutive games and outscored opponents by wide margins throughout its district and state playoff run.
The Tigers defeated North Schuylkill in the district semifinals, Notre Dame-Green Pond in the District 11 championship, Scranton Prep in the state quarterfinals and Trinity in the semifinals.
Now comes the challenge of replacing several of the players who helped make that run possible.
Three-year starting quarterback Shane Leh has graduated, along with wide receiver and linebacker Mason Bollinger, linebacker Shane Hulmes, offensive lineman Colton Popp, running back and linebacker Braxton Lakatosh and defensive lineman MJ Boring.
Those losses leave major openings at quarterback, linebacker, running back and along both lines.
Northwestern Lehigh, however, is not starting over.
The Tigers return six offensive starters, four defensive starters and two all-state defenders in seniors Brady Zimmerman and Michael Lagowy. They also bring back an experienced offensive line and a promising group of young players who gained valuable experience during last year’s championship run.
With a roster of 45 players in grades nine through 12, Northwestern Lehigh may not have overwhelming numbers, but the program has consistently developed depth and prepared younger athletes to step into larger roles.
The names will change.
The expectations will not.
Replacing Leh at Quarterback
The most important question entering the season is how Northwestern Lehigh will replace Leh.
A three-year starter, Leh provided experience, leadership and command of the offense throughout the Tigers’ run to the state final.
Sophomore Trey Snyder is expected to take over as the primary play caller.
Stepping into that role after one of the most successful seasons in program history will be a significant challenge, but Snyder will not be asked to carry the offense immediately.
Northwestern Lehigh plans to lean on its running game while the passing attack develops.
That approach should allow Snyder to gain confidence, settle into the offense and avoid being placed in difficult situations early in the season.
His responsibilities will include protecting the football, making sound decisions and distributing the ball to an experienced group of playmakers.
The Tigers return several athletes capable of producing after the catch, which should allow the coaching staff to build the passing game around efficient throws and favorable matchups.
Snyder does not need to become Leh overnight.
He needs to manage the offense, grow each week and take advantage of the experienced players around him.
Sukanik Becomes Key Part of Running Game
Junior Chase Sukanik returns as one of the offense’s top skill players.
Sukanik will be expected to help replace the production lost with Lakatosh’s graduation.
Northwestern Lehigh wants to establish the run early in the season, making Sukanik one of the most important players on the roster.
His ability to carry the ball, contribute in different formations and create explosive plays will help take pressure off the new quarterback.
The Tigers have traditionally used multiple backs and formations to keep defenses off balance.
Sukanik’s versatility should allow him to line up in different positions and become a consistent part of the offense.
If he can provide dependable production on early downs, Northwestern Lehigh will be able to control possession and create more manageable situations for Snyder.
The Tigers do not need to abandon their balanced identity.
They simply need the running game to provide the foundation while the passing attack develops.
Lagowy and Zimmerman Headline Playmakers
Senior Michael Lagowy and senior Brady Zimmerman return as two of Northwestern Lehigh’s most important players.
Both are expected to handle the football in multiple roles.
Lagowy returns at wide receiver and free safety after earning all-state recognition on defense.
His speed, instincts and ability to create plays in space make him a valuable option on offense.
The Tigers can use him as a traditional receiver, move him around the formation or create designed touches that take advantage of his athleticism.
Zimmerman returns at wide receiver and linebacker.
Like Lagowy, he gives the coaching staff flexibility on both sides of the football.
His size, toughness and experience make him a dependable target, blocker and ball carrier.
The presence of Lagowy and Zimmerman should make the transition at quarterback much easier.
Both players understand the system and have already performed in championship-level games.
They will also be expected to provide leadership for a team introducing several new starters.
Experienced Offensive Line Provides Foundation
Northwestern Lehigh returns three experienced offensive linemen in juniors Maddox Hurdle, Nolan Koehler and Devin Rex.
That group will serve as the anchor of the offense.
Hurdle returns as a two-way starter and brings valuable physicality to the line.
Koehler is back at center, where communication and consistency will be especially important with a new quarterback.
Rex gives the Tigers another experienced junior with the potential to develop into a long-term leader.
The offensive line must replace Popp and continue developing depth, but returning three starters provides a strong foundation.
Northwestern Lehigh wants to run the football early and control the line of scrimmage.
That plan will only work if the front creates movement and protects against negative plays.
The line must also help Snyder by recognizing pressure and keeping the offense out of difficult down-and-distance situations.
The Tigers’ skill players will attract attention, but the offensive line may ultimately determine how quickly the offense comes together.
Running Game Will Set Early Tone
Northwestern Lehigh’s offensive outlook is built around patience and physicality.
The Tigers know the passing game may take time to develop with a first-year starter at quarterback.
That makes the running game especially important.
Sukanik, Lagowy and Zimmerman give Northwestern Lehigh multiple athletes capable of carrying the football.
The coaching staff can use motion, formation changes and misdirection to create favorable angles while allowing the offensive line to play aggressively.
The Tigers do not need to produce explosive runs on every possession.
They need consistency.
Three- and four-yard gains can become valuable if they keep the offense on schedule and allow Snyder to work from manageable situations.
As the season progresses, Northwestern Lehigh expects the passing game to become a larger part of the offense.
Until then, the ground attack will be responsible for setting the tone.
Passing Game Has Experienced Targets
Although Northwestern Lehigh must replace its quarterback, the receiving corps returns several proven options.
Lagowy and Zimmerman provide experience, while younger players will compete for expanded roles.
The Tigers can ease Snyder into the passing game with quick throws, play-action concepts and opportunities to get the ball into the hands of their best athletes.
Play-action should become especially effective if the running game establishes itself.
Defenses that commit additional defenders near the line of scrimmage will create opportunities downfield.
Northwestern Lehigh’s receivers must be prepared to capitalize.
The passing game may not begin the year with the same efficiency it had under Leh, but the returning playmakers give it significant upside.
If Snyder develops quickly, the offense could become balanced and dangerous by the second half of the season.
Zimmerman and Lagowy Lead Rebuilt Defense
Northwestern Lehigh returns only four defensive starters, but two of them are all-state performers.
Zimmerman returns at linebacker and Lagowy at free safety.
Their experience will be critical for a defense replacing several senior leaders.
Zimmerman will be expected to help organize a rebuilt linebacking corps after the graduations of Bollinger, Hulmes and Lakatosh.
That is a significant amount of production and leadership to replace.
His responsibilities will include communicating alignments, stopping the run and helping younger linebackers adjust to varsity football.
Lagowy gives the defense an experienced leader in the secondary.
His range, instincts and ability to make plays on the football allow the Tigers to be aggressive in front of him.
Together, Zimmerman and Lagowy provide leadership at two important levels of the defense.
Their presence should help Northwestern Lehigh maintain its identity while the new starters gain experience.
Defensive Front Has Promising Returners
Junior Fritz Scheirer returns at defensive end, while Hurdle returns along the defensive line.
Both players will be expected to assume larger roles.
Scheirer gives the Tigers an experienced edge defender capable of contributing against the run and pass.
Hurdle’s two-way experience makes him one of the team’s most important linemen.
Northwestern Lehigh must replace Boring and develop additional depth, but the coaching staff believes the defense has a good mix of players at every level.
The front will need to play aggressively without losing discipline.
The Tigers want to create pressure and present multiple looks, but every defender must remain responsible for his gap.
Rotating players will also be important.
With a relatively small roster, Northwestern Lehigh must keep its linemen fresh while avoiding excessive workloads for two-way starters.
If Scheirer and Hurdle become consistent leaders, the front should remain competitive.
Linebacker Development Is Major Priority
No defensive position lost more experience than linebacker.
Bollinger, Hulmes and Lakatosh all graduated after playing major roles in last season’s success.
Replacing their production will be one of the coaching staff’s biggest challenges.
Zimmerman provides an experienced centerpiece, but several new players must emerge around him.
The new linebackers will need to learn quickly.
They must fit the run correctly, communicate against motion and remain disciplined when offenses use misdirection.
Northwestern Lehigh’s defense is designed to be aggressive and give opponents multiple looks.
That requires linebackers who understand the entire structure of the defense.
Early mistakes are possible, but the Tigers believe their depth and athleticism will help the group develop.
If the new linebackers grow into dependable starters, the defense should remain one of the better units in District 11 Class 3A.
Athletic Secondary Should Create Problems
Lagowy leads a secondary that will feature several new faces.
The Tigers believe the group has enough athleticism to make life difficult for opposing offenses.
Northwestern Lehigh wants to vary coverages, disguise pressure and force quarterbacks to make quick decisions.
Lagowy’s experience allows the defense to take those chances.
The other defensive backs must prove they can communicate and tackle consistently.
Explosive plays often occur when young secondaries lose assignments or fail to finish tackles in space.
The Tigers must avoid those mistakes.
If the secondary develops quickly, Northwestern Lehigh will be able to use its athleticism throughout the defense and create more turnovers.
Multiple Looks Will Define Defensive Identity
Northwestern Lehigh’s defense will not rely on one simple approach.
The Tigers plan to use their speed and athleticism to present multiple looks.
That could include different fronts, pressure packages and coverage combinations.
The goal is to keep offenses from becoming comfortable.
The returning depth at all three levels should allow the coaching staff to rotate players and adjust based on matchups.
The challenge will be maintaining discipline.
New starters cannot become so focused on playing aggressively that they lose track of their responsibilities.
Each defender must trust the system and execute his assignment.
Northwestern Lehigh may lack last year’s experience, but the defense still has the talent to be difficult to prepare for.
Zimmerman and Lagowy will be responsible for making sure the new group plays with confidence and composure.
Competition Defines Special Teams
Northwestern Lehigh enters camp with open competition at kicker and punter.
Replacing established specialists can be an overlooked challenge, particularly for a team that expects to play meaningful games deep into November.
The Tigers need consistency in extra points, field goals, kickoffs and punting.
Field position could become especially important while the offense develops around a new quarterback.
A strong punting game would help the defense by forcing opponents to drive the length of the field.
Reliable kicking would also allow the offense to come away with points when drives stall.
The competition will continue throughout camp as the coaching staff evaluates accuracy, leg strength and performance under pressure.
Coverage and return units should benefit from the athleticism throughout the roster.
Lagowy, Zimmerman and Sukanik give the Tigers several possible return-game options.
Players to Watch
Michael Lagowy, Sr., WR/FS: All-state defensive back and versatile offensive playmaker expected to become one of the team’s primary leaders.
Brady Zimmerman, Sr., WR/LB: All-state defender who will anchor a rebuilt linebacking corps while contributing in multiple offensive roles.
Chase Sukanik, Jr., RB: Returning running back expected to play a major role as the Tigers establish the ground game.
Maddox Hurdle, Jr., OL/DL: Physical two-way lineman who will help anchor both fronts.
Nolan Koehler, Jr., C: Returning center whose communication will be important for a new starting quarterback.
Devin Rex, Jr., OL: Experienced junior lineman expected to help lead a run-oriented offense.
Fritz Scheirer, Jr., DE: Returning defensive end who will play a significant role along a rebuilt front.
Trey Snyder, So., QB: Promising sophomore expected to replace three-year starter Shane Leh and lead the next version of the offense.
My thoughts on Northwestern Lehigh
Northwestern Lehigh enters the 2026 season facing major changes but carrying championship expectations.
The Tigers must replace a three-year starting quarterback, several experienced linebackers and important contributors along both lines.
Those losses would challenge any program.
Northwestern Lehigh, however, has repeatedly shown an ability to develop players and maintain a high standard.
The offense returns six starters, including three experienced linemen and proven playmakers in Lagowy, Zimmerman and Sukanik.
That foundation should allow the Tigers to lean on the running game while Snyder develops at quarterback.
Defensively, Northwestern Lehigh returns only four starters, but Lagowy and Zimmerman give the unit two all-state leaders.
The Tigers also believe they have enough depth and athleticism to remain aggressive and difficult to prepare for.
The greatest concerns are experience at linebacker, depth along the defensive front and consistency in the kicking game.
Those areas will determine how quickly Northwestern Lehigh returns to championship form.
Last season’s run to the state title game established the standard for this group.
The Tigers know what championship football looks like, how demanding the postseason can be and how small the margin becomes against elite opponents.
A return to the PIAA final is never guaranteed, especially with so many new starters.
Still, Northwestern Lehigh has enough returning talent, coaching continuity and program depth to remain the team to beat in District 11 Class 3A.
If Snyder develops steadily, the offensive line controls the run game and the new defenders grow around Lagowy and Zimmerman, the Tigers should again contend for league and district championships while positioning themselves for another deep state playoff run.
Head Coach: Josh Snyder (14th season, 135-41)
Coaching Staff:
DC – Greg Mitchell
Line – Dave Kerschner
DL/WR – Rich Kulp
DB/RB – Josh Zimmerman
LB’s Ryan Hulmes
TE’s & Special Teams George Haddad
Team Name: Northwestern Lehigh Tigers (roster size 45 grades 9-12)
District: 11
Class: 3A
League: Colonial League, Division 2
2025 Record: 15-1 (D11 3A District Champions, 3A State Runner up)
8/23 @ Wilson Area (4A) 12:00 pm W 42-14
8/28 @ Northern Lehigh (2A) 7:10 pm W 56-13
9/04 Bangor (4A) 7:00 pm W 54-14
9/12 Blue Mountain (4A) 7:00 pm W 34-28
9/19 @ Lehighton (4A) 7:00 pm W 50-0
9/26 North Schuylkill (3A) 7:00 pm W 49-18
10/03 @ Pottsville Area (4A) 7:00 pm W 42-0
10/10 @ Jim Thorpe Area (4A) 7:00 pm W 50-7
10/17 Tamaqua Area (3A) 7:00 pm W 56-16
10/24 Southern Lehigh (4A) 7:00 pm W 36-28
10/30 Palmerton Area (3A) 7:00 pm W 42-0 Dist. 11 Class 3A Quarterfinal
11/07 North Schuylkill (3A) 7:00 pm W 49-21 Dist. 11 Class 3A Semifinal
11/14 @ Notre Dame GP (3A) 7:00 pm W 35-14 Dist. 11 Class 3A Championship @ Catasauqua MS
11/21 @ Scranton Prep (3A) 7:00 pm W 42-14 at Berwick Class 3A Quarterfinals
11/28 @ Trinity (3A) 7:00 pm W 48-13 at Exeter Class 3A Semifinals
12/06 Avonworth (3A) 1:00 pm L 7-31 at Cumberland Valley HS Class 3A Championship
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Pocono Mountain West (6A) 9:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 @ Valley View (4A) 7:00 pm
9/03 Northern Lehigh (2A) 7:00 pm
9/10 Bangor* (4A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Salisbury (3A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Saucon Valley* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Jim Thorpe Area* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Lehighton* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/16 Wilson Area* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Southern Lehigh* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Catasauqua (2A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
SR QB Shane Leh
SR WR/LB Mason Bollinger
SR LB Shane Hulmes
SR O-Line Colton Popp
SR RB/LB Braxton Lakatosh
SR D-Line MJ Boring
Offensive Starters Returning:
SR WR Michael Lagowy
SR WR Brady Zimmerman
JR O-Line Maddox Hurdle
JR C Nolan Koehler
JR RB Chase Sukanik
JR -O-Line Devin Rex
Defensive Starters Returning:
SR FS Michael Lagowy
SR LB Brady Zimmerman
JR DE Fritz Scheirer
JR D-Line Maddox Hurdle
Key Newcomers:
SR Luke Rennells
SR Max Beck
SR Bobby DiGiacomo
SR Michael Mish
JR Nick Whitney
JR Kendall Wikert
JR Harrison Wertman
JR Lucian Sterling
JR Landon Gauweiler
JR Kaden Kumernitsky
So Trey Snyder
So Nate Apino
So Chase Kerschner
2026 Outlook:
Defense: Tigers return 4 Defensive starters from a year ago. They will rely on being aggressive and use their athleticism to give multiple looks. The defense has a good mix of players at all 3 levels that will give them depth. The defensive lost a lot of experience with the graduation of multiple starters particularly at the LB position. The Tigers return two All-State Defenders from a year ago in Brady Zimmerman and Michael Lagowy and look for that group to be leaders of the defense. There will be many new faces on the defensive side of the ball, but they will be difficult for opposing offenses.
Offense: The Tigers are returning 6 Starters on offense. The offensive returns 3 starters and will be the anchor for the offense. The Offense will have plenty of playmakers with returners Michael Lagowy, Brady Zimmerman and Chase Sukanik handling the ball in multiple positions on the field. 3 year starting QB Shane Leh leaves a big void as So Trey Snyder looks to take over as play caller. The Tigers will rely on the run game early on to set the tone for the offense as the passing game develops.
Special Teams: Tigers will have competition in the kicking and punting game this year.