Dieruff Brings Renewed Energy Into 2026 Season
Dieruff enters the 2026 season with something the program has been working hard to build—belief.
The Huskies finished 2-8 last fall, earning victories over East Stroudsburg North and rival William Allen, but the season also included difficult stretches against some of the strongest programs in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.
Still, there were signs of progress.
Dieruff closed the year with a 17-2 victory over Allen, held an opponent without a touchdown and showed the type of physical football head coach Dave Lutte wants his program to become known for.
Now the Huskies return an experienced quarterback, one of the Lehigh Valley’s most dangerous all-purpose athletes and what the coaching staff believes is the biggest and strongest offensive line the program has had in years.
There is also new energy on offense.
Ryan Fegley takes over as offensive coordinator and has installed a system designed to take advantage of Dieruff’s size, athleticism and depth at the skill positions.
Defensively, Mitch Lutte returns for his fifth season as coordinator with experienced players at all three levels. Rocky Wilson directs a special teams unit led by all-conference returner Derwyn Deris.
The Huskies still have plenty to prove, but the optimism surrounding the program is genuine.
Dieruff believes it has the personnel, experience and coaching continuity necessary to take a meaningful step forward in 2026.
Billger Returns to Lead New Offense
Senior Bruce Billger returns as Dieruff’s starting quarterback after completing 64 of 126 passes for 604 yards and nine touchdowns last season.
His experience gives the Huskies stability as they transition into Fegley’s new offensive system.
Billger has already played against the speed and physicality of the EPC, and that experience should help him adjust quickly to the new scheme.
The coaching staff is excited about his ability to direct the offense and distribute the football to a deeper group of playmakers.
The next step for Billger will be improving consistency.
Dieruff must avoid empty possessions and create more sustained drives, especially against the top teams in the league.
The new offense should give him more opportunities to make quick decisions and get the ball into space.
If Billger protects the football and takes advantage of favorable matchups, the Huskies should become much more productive offensively.
Deris Is the Centerpiece
Senior Derwyn Deris returns as one of the most versatile players in the Lehigh Valley.
Last season, Deris carried the ball 26 times for 122 yards, caught 29 passes for 249 yards and returned 13 kicks for 500 yards.
He scored seven total touchdowns and also contributed 45 tackles, one interception and two fumble recoveries on defense.
Few players impact all three phases of the game the way Deris does.
Dieruff plans to use him in multiple roles.
He can line up at receiver, take carries out of the backfield, work in space and create explosive plays in the return game.
The coaching staff considers him one of the best athletes in the area, and his production supports that belief.
Opponents will enter every game knowing where Deris is aligned.
The challenge for Dieruff will be finding creative ways to keep him involved without becoming predictable.
If the Huskies consistently get the ball into his hands, he can change games.
Deep Receiving Corps Creates Options
Dieruff believes its receiving group is one of the deepest areas on the roster.
Deris is the established leader, but several other players are expected to compete for significant roles.
That depth should help Billger and the new offense.
A strong group of receivers allows the Huskies to spread the field, create matchup problems and force defenses to defend every area.
The younger receivers must prove they can run precise routes, catch the football consistently and block on the perimeter.
Dieruff cannot rely on Deris to produce every explosive play.
The emergence of additional receivers would prevent defenses from focusing all of their attention on him.
The coaching staff is eager to see which players separate themselves during camp.
Promising Running Backs Add Balance
The Huskies also believe they have several promising running backs.
That competition will be important as Dieruff attempts to become a more balanced offense.
The running game must take pressure off Billger and prevent opponents from attacking the passing game with heavy pressure.
Dieruff’s increased size up front should give the backs more room to operate.
The offense does not need one player to handle every carry.
A committee approach could help the Huskies keep players fresh while using different skill sets.
The backs must also contribute in pass protection and as receivers.
If the group develops quickly, Dieruff should be able to control possession more effectively and create more favorable third-down situations.
Soto Anchors Biggest Line in Years
Senior Marcus Soto returns at offensive tackle and defensive line.
At 6-foot-3 and 265 pounds, he is one of the most important players on the roster.
The coaching staff believes this is the biggest and strongest line Dieruff has had in a long time.
Soto will be expected to set the tone.
Offensively, he must protect Billger and help establish the running game.
His size and experience give the Huskies a dependable presence on the edge.
The rest of the line will feature competition, but the overall physical development of the group has created excitement within the program.
Dieruff has struggled at times to sustain blocks and control the line of scrimmage against larger EPC opponents.
That must improve.
If the offensive front plays with the size, strength and physicality the coaches expect, the entire offense should benefit.
Fegley Brings Fresh Offensive Direction
The arrival of Fegley as offensive coordinator has created renewed excitement.
He brings play-calling experience and has installed a system designed to fit Dieruff’s personnel.
The Huskies want to play faster, create space and take advantage of their athletic skill players.
That does not mean abandoning physical football.
The offense still wants to run effectively and use its improved line to control the point of attack.
The difference should be greater versatility.
Billger’s experience, Deris’ athleticism, a deep receiving corps and multiple running backs give Fegley several options.
The biggest challenge will be turning preseason excitement into weekly execution.
Dieruff must limit penalties, protect the football and finish drives.
If the new system produces consistency, the Huskies could make one of the league’s biggest offensive improvements.
Soto Gives Defense Size Up Front
Soto also returns as a leader on the defensive line after recording 24 tackles and one fumble recovery.
His size and strength should help Dieruff become more physical against the run.
The Huskies are particularly excited about their front.
The coaching staff believes the group has enough size and strength to challenge opposing offensive lines more effectively.
That will be critical in the EPC Skyline Division, where Dieruff regularly faces powerful running games and large offensive fronts.
The defensive line must control gaps and prevent blockers from reaching the linebackers.
Creating pressure without sacrificing run discipline will also be important.
If Soto and the front consistently win early downs, Dieruff can place opponents in predictable passing situations.
Byrd Leads the Linebackers
Senior Kory Byrd returns at linebacker and is expected to become one of the defense’s primary leaders.
At 6-foot and 205 pounds, Byrd combines size with the ability to move from sideline to sideline.
The coaching staff believes he can become a difference-maker in the middle of the defense.
Byrd must communicate adjustments, fit the run and help younger defenders understand their responsibilities.
His range should allow Dieruff to be more aggressive with pressure and coverage.
The Huskies need the linebacker group to tackle consistently and limit yards after contact.
Too many explosive plays last season began with missed tackles or poor angles.
Byrd’s leadership will be essential in correcting those issues.
Deris Brings Experience to Secondary
Deris returns in the secondary after recording 45 tackles, one interception and two fumble recoveries.
His athleticism makes him one of the defense’s most valuable players.
He can cover receivers, support the run and create turnovers.
Dieruff wants its defense to become more opportunistic, and Deris has already shown an ability to make plays on the football.
His experience should help stabilize the secondary.
The Huskies must improve communication and prevent coverage breakdowns.
Opponents produced too many explosive plays last season, and limiting those gains is one of the defense’s biggest priorities.
If the secondary remains disciplined and takes advantage of turnover opportunities, Dieruff should be much harder to score against.
Experience at All Three Levels
Mitch Lutte returns for his fifth season as defensive coordinator, providing continuity and familiarity.
The Huskies believe they have experienced players at all three levels.
That foundation gives the coaching staff confidence in the defensive plan.
Dieruff wants to play aggressively, create turnovers and force offenses to earn every yard.
The front has increased size, Byrd provides range at linebacker and Deris gives the secondary a proven playmaker.
The keys are discipline and consistency.
An aggressive defense cannot allow players to abandon assignments while chasing big plays.
The Huskies must tackle well, maintain gap integrity and communicate.
If they do those things, the defense should take a significant step forward.
Creating Turnovers Is a Priority
Dieruff understands that turnovers can change the direction of a game.
The Huskies need to create more short fields for the offense and prevent opponents from controlling possession.
Soto and the defensive front must create pressure.
Byrd and the linebackers must attack the football.
Deris and the secondary must capitalize on rushed throws.
The defense also needs to recover loose footballs.
Turnovers are often the result of effort, pursuit and multiple defenders arriving at the ball.
Dieruff believes it has enough athleticism to become more disruptive.
Creating just one or two extra possessions each week could make a major difference.
Avoiding Explosive Plays
The other defensive priority is preventing explosive plays.
Dieruff allowed 34 or more points in six games last season.
Many of those scoring drives were accelerated by long runs or coverage breakdowns.
The Huskies cannot allow one mistake to erase several good defensive snaps.
The secondary must keep receivers in front, the linebackers must take proper pursuit angles and the defensive line must maintain gap discipline.
Forcing opponents to execute long drives increases the chances of a penalty, turnover or third-down stop.
Dieruff does not need to make every play behind the line of scrimmage.
It needs to play sound football and eliminate easy scores.
Deris Headlines Dangerous Return Game
Special teams could become one of Dieruff’s greatest strengths.
Deris earned first-team all-conference honors as a returner after producing 500 yards on only 13 kick returns.
That average demonstrates his ability to create explosive plays.
Every kickoff to Deris carries the possibility of a major return.
His speed, vision and ability to break tackles make him one of the area’s top specialists.
Opponents may choose to kick away from him, which could still create favorable field position for the Huskies.
Dieruff also believes it has other athletes capable of creating matchup problems in the return game.
That depth gives Rocky Wilson several options.
Field Position Is the Special Teams Key
The Huskies want special teams to create opportunities in every phase.
Winning field position is the biggest goal.
A long return can immediately change momentum.
A well-placed punt can force an opponent to begin deep in its own territory.
Strong coverage can prevent an explosive return from erasing a good offensive possession.
Dieruff must also play with discipline.
Penalties can wipe out returns and give opponents easy yardage.
The Huskies want to be aggressive without making costly mistakes.
If special teams consistently creates favorable field position, it will help both the offense and defense.
Players to Watch
Derwyn Deris, Sr., WR/DB/KR: Dynamic three-phase standout who produced 371 yards from scrimmage, 500 kick-return yards, seven total touchdowns, 45 tackles, one interception and two fumble recoveries.
Bruce Billger, Sr., QB: Returning starter who passed for 604 yards and nine touchdowns and will direct Dieruff’s new offense.
Marcus Soto, Sr., OT/DL: Physical two-way lineman who anchors the biggest and strongest front the program has had in years.
Kory Byrd, Sr., LB: Sideline-to-sideline defender expected to lead the linebacking corps and become one of the defense’s top playmakers.
My thoughts on Dieruff
Dieruff enters the 2026 season with more optimism than the program has felt in some time.
The Huskies return their starting quarterback, one of the Lehigh Valley’s most explosive athletes and experienced leaders at every level of the defense.
They also believe their offensive and defensive lines are bigger and stronger.
Fegley’s arrival as offensive coordinator adds a new system and fresh energy.
Billger’s experience should help the transition, while Deris gives the Huskies a player capable of scoring from anywhere on the field.
The development of the running backs, receivers and remaining offensive linemen will determine how quickly the unit improves.
Defensively, Soto, Byrd and Deris form a strong returning core.
The Huskies must create more turnovers, limit explosive plays and become more consistent on third down.
Special teams could provide a major advantage with Deris leading the return game.
The 2-8 record from last season shows how much work remains, particularly in a demanding EPC schedule.
However, Dieruff’s season-ending win over William Allen provided a positive foundation.
If the Huskies stay healthy, execute the new offense and turn their improved size and athleticism into production, they have a chance to make meaningful progress and become a much more difficult opponent in 2026.
Head Coach: Dave Lutte
Assistant Coaches:
Mitch Lutte- Defensive Coordinator
Ryan Fegley- Offensive Coordinator
Rocky Wilson- Special Teams Coordinator
Jerome Ambrose
Lloyd Brooks
Joe Spitale
Taurean Valentine
Jeff Rush
Tyler Taylor
Paul Franklin
Allen Hart
Jay Zingley
Byron Haydt
Mycah Mollohan
Team Name: Dieruff Huskies
District: 11
Class: 6A
League: EPC – Skyline Division
2025 Record: 2-8
8/22 Pocono Mountain East (5A) 7:00 pm L 27-42
8/28 @ Pleasant Valley (5A) 7:00 pm L 7-34
9/05 @ Pocono Mountain West (6A) 7:00 pm L 0-28
9/12 East Stroudsburg North (4A) 7:00 pm W 19-7
9/19 @ Bethlehem Liberty (6A) 7:00 pm L 0-42
9/26 Whitehall* (5A) 7:00 pm L 20-39
10/03 Parkland* (6A) 7:00 pm L 0-49
10/10 @ Emmaus* (6A) 7:00 pm L 7-42
10/17 Allentown Central Catholic* (4A) 7:00 pm L 15-42
10/25 @ William Allen* (6A) 2:00 pm W 17-2
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Nazareth Area (6A) 9:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 @ Pocono Mountain East (5A) 7:00 pm
9/03 Pleasant Valley (5A) 7:00 pm
9/12 East Stroudsburg North (4A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Pocono Mountain West (6A) 7:00 pm
9/25 @ Bethlehem Freedom (6A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Whitehall* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Parkland* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/15 Emmaus* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/24 @ Allentown Central Catholic* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/31 William Allen* (6A) 2:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Alphy Deris
Eli Dalrymple
Juan Manzano
Isaac Glasper
Riyell Wann
Offensive Starters Returning:
Marcus Soto 6’3 265 OT
Bruce Billger 5’10 200 QB
Derwyn Deris 5″9 175 WR
Defensive Starters Returning:
Marcus Soto 6’3 265 DL
Derwyn Deris 5’9 175 DB
Kory Byrd 6’0 205 LB
Special Team Starters Returning:
Derwyn Deris 5’9 175 DB all conference first team returner
Key Newcomers:
Yeremil Rivera 6’2 280 OL/DL
Alijah Brantley 6’1 265 OL/DL
Kevin Odyssey 6’3 170 DB
Adrian Georges 6’2 190 WR/DB
Kayson Barlow 5’9 160 WR/DB
Jio Camacho 5’8 165 WR/DB
Jaylon Johnson 5’9 185 RB/DB
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Bruce Billger 64/126 604 Yards 9 TDS
Derwyn Deris 26 Carries 122 Yards 29 Catches 249 Yards 13 Kick Returns 500 Yards 7 Total TDS/45 Tackles 1 INT 2 Fumble Recoveries
Marcus Soto 24 Tackles 1 Fumble Recovery
2026 Offensive Outlook: We are very excited to welcome Ryan Fegley as our Offensive Coordinator. Coach Fegley comes to us with great experience calling plays and his installed an exciting offense. This is the biggest and strongest line we have had and Derwyn Deris is one of the best athletes in the Lehigh Valley. We have a deep group of WRS and several promising RBs. Bruce Billger returns as our starting QB. The level of excitement is higher than we have had in a long time. Very eager to see what this group can do!
2026 Defensive Outlook: Mitch Lutte returns for his 5th season as Defensive Coordinator and his staff has put together a great plan for us in 26′! We have experience at all 3 levels, Kory Byrd is a sideline to sideline LB and our size and strength up front is something we are looking forward to seeing! Creating turnovers and avoiding explosive plays are the keys to our season!
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Rocky Wilson is our Special Teams coordinator and he has created a unit that will create opportunities across the board. Derwyn Deris is the top kick returner in the area and we have several others who can create match up opportunities. Field position is our biggest key.