Veteran Playmakers Give Shikellamy a Chance to Build on Playoff Season
Shikellamy enters the 2026 season with a new quarterback, a more experienced roster and one of the most productive returning receivers in District 4.
The Braves finished 5-6 last fall and reached the District 4 Class 4A semifinals. Their season included victories over Milton, Lewisburg, Williamsport, Central Mountain and Selinsgrove, along with several competitive performances against strong opponents.
Shikellamy opened the year with consecutive road wins, defeating Milton 33-15 and edging Lewisburg 29-27. The Braves later earned an impressive 35-14 victory over Williamsport and defeated Central Mountain 14-7 before producing their most complete performance of the season in a 48-7 win over Selinsgrove.
The schedule also revealed areas that must improve.
Shikellamy struggled to contain several physical and explosive offenses, allowing more than 40 points against Shamokin, Jersey Shore and Southern Columbia. The Braves also lost close games to Danville and Lewisburg before finishing the year with a 37-7 playoff loss to Shamokin.
Head coach Mike Hoover believes improved depth, better health and a more balanced offensive approach can help Shikellamy take another step forward.
The Braves must replace several important starters, including quarterback, linebacker and punter Brody Rebuck. Center Devin Bingaman, two-way lineman Gaddiel Valderrama, defensive end Bryce Brumbach and running back Luke Keally also graduated.
Replacing Rebuck will be the most visible challenge. He handled multiple responsibilities and helped direct an offense that relied heavily on the passing game.
However, the new quarterback will inherit an experienced offensive line and an outstanding group of receivers led by senior Thomas Pollock.
Pollock caught 71 passes for 1,121 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, making him one of the most productive returning skill players in the Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference.
Corbin Stahl, Bobby Felmy and Charlie Walter also return after combining for 55 receptions, 764 yards and five touchdowns.
Shikellamy wants to complement that passing talent with a stronger rushing attack behind an experienced line.
Defensively, the Braves return eight starters, including productive linebackers Willie Bander, Chase Swartz and Jackson Kashuba and an experienced secondary led by Stahl, Pollock and Maddox Hoover.
The pieces are in place for Shikellamy to become a more complete team in 2026.
Quarterback Competition Will Define the Offense
The most important question facing Shikellamy is who will replace Rebuck at quarterback.
Rebuck’s graduation leaves a significant opening because of his experience, leadership and versatility..
Pollock Returns After Breakout Season
Senior Thomas Pollock enters 2026 as the centerpiece of the Shikellamy offense.
Pollock caught 71 passes for 1,121 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.
His ability to consistently get open and produce after the catch made him one of the conference’s most dangerous receivers.
Pollock can stretch the field vertically, work underneath and create yards in space. His production also reflects impressive consistency, as he became the dependable target in an offense that leaned heavily on the passing game.
Opposing defenses will enter every week determined to limit him.
That means Shikellamy must continue moving Pollock around the formation and creating different ways to place the ball in his hands.
He could line up outside, work from the slot or receive designed touches near the line of scrimmage.
The development of the other receivers will prevent opponents from dedicating all their attention to Pollock.
His experience should also help the new quarterback.
Having a proven receiver capable of winning one-on-one matchups can provide confidence during difficult third-down situations.
Pollock will also continue contributing in the secondary, making him one of the most valuable two-way players on the roster.
Stahl Provides Another Proven Target
Senior Corbin Stahl returns after catching 17 passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns.
Stahl averaged more than 18 yards per reception, demonstrating his ability to create explosive plays.
At 5-foot-8 and 145 pounds, he uses speed, quickness and strong instincts rather than size to create separation.
His presence gives Shikellamy another established receiving threat opposite Pollock.
Defenses that focus too heavily on Pollock risk allowing Stahl to find space downfield.
Stahl’s experience should help the offense maintain its passing identity even while attempting to become more balanced.
He is also one of the defense’s most productive returning players after recording 75 tackles, four pass deflections, an interception and a fumble recovery.
Walter Brings Size at Tight End
Senior Charlie Walter returns at tight end after catching 12 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns.
At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Walter gives the Braves a large target over the middle and in the red zone.
His role could expand as Shikellamy works to establish a more physical offensive identity.
Walter can contribute as an in-line blocker, provide support in pass protection and release into the secondary against linebackers.
A dependable tight end can become especially valuable for a new quarterback.
Walter can provide a shorter, high-percentage option when outside receivers are covered or pressure arrives quickly.
His blocking ability will also matter as the Braves place more emphasis on the running game.
Keefer and Smith Lead the Backfield
Junior Gavin Keefer and sophomore Tristan Smith return at running back.
Keefer carried 26 times for 139 yards last season, while Smith rushed 47 times for 153 yards.
Both players gained meaningful varsity experience and now have an opportunity to earn larger roles.
Shikellamy relied heavily on the pass last season, but the coaching staff wants to establish greater balance in 2026.
That will require improved production from the running backs.
Keefer and Smith possess different strengths and could form a productive rotation.
The Braves need both players to run decisively, protect the football and contribute in pass protection.
A more effective rushing attack would help the new quarterback and make the passing game even more dangerous.
Opposing defenses frequently had the freedom to focus on Pollock and the receivers last season. A consistent ground game would force linebackers and safeties to respect the run, creating more space in the secondary.
Experienced Offensive Line Creates Optimism
The offensive line may become one of Shikellamy’s greatest strengths.
Senior Jacob Rosinski, senior Noah Johnson, senior Willie Bander and junior Everett Purdy all return.
Rosinski gives the Braves excellent size at 6-foot-2 and 290 pounds.
Johnson, Bander and Purdy also gained valuable experience during the 2025 season.
The line must replace Bingaman and Valderrama, but returning four experienced players provides important continuity.
Communication will be especially important while the Braves break in a new quarterback.
The line must identify pressures, avoid assignment mistakes and establish a dependable pocket.
Its greatest responsibility may be improving the running game.
Shikellamy wants to become more balanced, and that begins with creating movement at the line of scrimmage.
If the offensive front performs consistently, the Braves should have enough skill talent to create problems for every opponent.
Balance Could Make Offense More Dangerous
Shikellamy does not plan to abandon the passing game.
With Pollock, Stahl, Felmy and Walter returning, throwing the football remains one of the team’s greatest strengths.
The objective is to become less predictable.
A more dependable running game would allow the Braves to control tempo, shorten third downs and use play-action more effectively.
The offensive line has the experience to support that approach, while Keefer and Smith are ready for expanded opportunities.
Everything will depend on execution.
The Braves must protect the football and avoid penalties that place the offense in difficult down-and-distance situations.
If Shikellamy establishes balance, opponents will have to defend every area of the field.
Defense Returns Experienced Core
Shikellamy returns eight defensive starters and expects improved depth to make a significant difference.
The Braves dealt with several early injuries last season and did not always have experienced replacements available.
That lack of depth affected the entire unit.
Players were forced into unfamiliar positions, and several two-way contributors faced heavy workloads.
The coaching staff believes the 2026 roster is better prepared to handle injuries and rotate players without a major drop in performance.
Improved depth should also help the defense remain fresher late in games.
The primary goals are stopping the run and creating more turnovers.
Shikellamy allowed several opponents to establish control on the ground last season. Improving at the point of attack will be essential, especially against the physical offenses found throughout the PHAC.
Karge and Johnson Return on the Defensive Line
Senior Avery Karge returns at defensive end after recording 30 tackles and two sacks.
Karge brings experience, strength and physicality to the edge.
He will be expected to set the tone against the run while also creating pressure in passing situations.
Senior Noah Johnson also returns at defensive end.
Johnson’s experience as a two-way lineman makes him an important part of the defense.
The Braves must replace Brumbach and Valderrama along the defensive front, creating opportunities for younger players to emerge.
Karge and Johnson must help stabilize the unit while those players develop.
The defensive line’s ability to control gaps will determine how effectively the linebackers can operate.
If the front occupies blockers and prevents offensive linemen from reaching the second level, Shikellamy’s experienced linebackers should produce consistently.
Bander Anchors the Linebackers
Senior Willie Bander returns after recording a team-high 90 tackles and forcing a fumble.
His production makes him the leading returning tackler on the defense.
At 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, Bander gives the Braves a physical presence in the middle.
He will be responsible for stopping the run, communicating calls and helping organize the defense before the snap.
His experience becomes even more important following Rebuck’s graduation.
Shikellamy needs Bander to become one of the team’s vocal and emotional leaders.
The Braves want to defend the run more effectively, and Bander will be central to that effort.
Swartz and Kashuba Add Experience
Senior Chase Swartz returns at outside linebacker after recording 39 tackles and forcing three fumbles.
His ability to create turnovers fits directly with Shikellamy’s defensive goals.
Swartz can pressure the edge, chase plays from the backside and disrupt ball carriers.
Senior Jackson Kashuba also returns after recording 27 tackles and three sacks.
Kashuba’s pass-rushing production gives the Braves another player capable of creating negative plays.
Together, Bander, Swartz and Kashuba provide experience and toughness at linebacker.
Their communication and discipline will be essential.
The Braves want to play aggressively, but defenders must maintain their assignments and avoid creating running lanes through overpursuit.
Veteran Secondary Is a Major Strength
Shikellamy returns an experienced secondary led by Stahl, Pollock and senior Maddox Hoover.
Stahl recorded 75 tackles, four pass deflections, an interception and a fumble recovery last season.
His tackling production shows his willingness to support the run in addition to handling coverage responsibilities.
Pollock contributed 37 tackles, five pass deflections and an interception.
Hoover recorded 49 tackles, seven pass deflections and a fumble recovery.
The experience of this group should help Shikellamy limit explosive passing plays and create more turnovers.
All three players understand the system and have faced many of the conference’s top receivers.
The secondary must also help replace Allison’s leadership at the back end of the defense.
Strong communication will be critical against teams that use motion, spread formations and play-action concepts.
With an experienced secondary and aggressive linebackers, Shikellamy should have opportunities to disguise coverages and pressure quarterbacks.
Turnovers Could Change Close Games
Shikellamy played several close games last season.
The Braves defeated Lewisburg by two points and Central Mountain by seven, while losing to Danville by five.
Turnovers can decide those types of contests.
The defense wants to become more aggressive in attacking the football.
Swartz forced three fumbles last season, while Stahl and Pollock recorded interceptions.
Shikellamy needs that production to increase throughout the unit.
Takeaways would give the offense shorter fields and help reduce pressure on the new quarterback.
They could also prevent opponents from sustaining long drives and controlling possession.
Dephillips Provides Special Teams Stability
Junior Ryan Dephillips returns for his third varsity season as Shikellamy’s kicker and placekicker.
His experience gives the Braves stability in an important phase of the game.
The coaching staff expects to rely on his leg and accuracy.
A dependable kicker can influence strategy in close contests.
Dephillips can help finish drives with points, produce consistent kickoffs and improve field position.
The Braves must replace Rebuck at punter, creating another important competition during camp.
Coverage units and the return game will also require attention.
With several experienced athletes returning, Shikellamy should have enough depth to improve throughout special teams.
Players to Watch
Thomas Pollock, Sr., WR/DB: Elite returning receiver who caught 71 passes for 1,121 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also recorded 37 tackles, five pass deflections and an interception.
Corbin Stahl, Sr., WR/DB: Explosive two-way player who averaged more than 18 yards per reception and led the returning secondary with 75 tackles.
Bobby Felmy, So., WR/QB: Talented young athlete who caught 26 passes as a freshman and could compete for the quarterback position.
Charlie Walter, Sr., TE: Experienced tight end who provides size, blocking ability and a reliable target over the middle.
Jacob Rosinski, Sr., OL: Massive returning lineman expected to anchor an experienced offensive front.
Willie Bander, Sr., OL/LB: Physical two-way leader who recorded 90 tackles last season.
Avery Karge, Sr., DE: Experienced defensive end who produced 30 tackles and two sacks.
Chase Swartz, Sr., OLB: Aggressive linebacker who forced three fumbles.
Jackson Kashuba, Sr., LB: Returning linebacker who recorded three sacks.
Maddox Hoover, Sr., DB: Experienced defensive back who finished with 49 tackles and seven pass deflections.
Gavin Keefer, Jr., RB: Returning runner expected to take on a larger role as Shikellamy pursues greater offensive balance.
Tristan Smith, So., RB: Young back who gained valuable varsity experience and should compete for additional carries.
Ryan Dephillips, Jr., K: Third-year returning specialist whose experience and accuracy provide stability.
My thoughts on Shikellamy
Shikellamy enters the 2026 season with enough experience to improve on last year’s 5-6 finish and return to the District 4 Class 4A playoffs.
The Braves must solve their quarterback situation, but the new starter will be surrounded by proven talent.
Pollock is one of the best returning receivers in the conference. Stahl, Felmy and Walter give the passing game several additional options, while Keefer and Smith should benefit from an increased commitment to the running game.
The offensive line returns four experienced players and has the potential to become the foundation of a more balanced attack.
Defensively, the Braves return experienced contributors at every level.
Karge and Johnson lead the front, Bander anchors the linebackers and Stahl, Pollock and Hoover give Shikellamy a veteran secondary.
The defense’s success will depend on improved health, stronger run defense and more takeaways.
Dephillips also provides stability in the kicking game.
Shikellamy competed with several quality opponents last season and earned five victories despite injuries and limited depth.
The Braves now enter 2026 with greater experience and more options throughout the lineup.
If the quarterback develops, the running game becomes more consistent and the defense remains healthy, Shikellamy has the potential to produce a winning season, challenge the top teams in the PA Heartland Athletic Conference and make another run in the District 4 Class 4A playoffs.
Head Coach: Mike Hoover
Assistant Coaches:
Joel Wiest
John Schaeffer
Blaise Zeiders
Connor Van Zijl
Jim Ermert
Ron Pratt
Nate Lawrence
Mike Reichenbach
Team Name: Shikellamy Braves
District: 4
Class: 4A
League: PA Heartland Athletic Conference, Division I
2025 Record: 5-6
8/22 @ Milton Area (3A) 7:00 pm W 33-15
8/29 @ Lewisburg (3A) 7:00 pm W 29-27
9/05 Shamokin* (4A) 7:00 pm L 21-52
9/12 Williamsport* (6A) 7:00 pm W 35-14
9/19 @ Jersey Shore* (4A) 7:00 pm L 14-42
9/26 Central Mountain* (4A) 7:00 pm W 14-7
10/03 Selinsgrove* (4A) 7:00 pm W 48-7
10/10 @ Bloomsburg (2A) 7:00 pm L 21-32
10/17 @ Danville (3A) 7:00 pm L 21-26
10/24 Southern Columbia (2A) 7:00 pm L 28-61
10/31 @ Shamokin (4A) 7:00 pm L 7-37 Dist. 4 Class 4A Semifinal
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Central Columbia (3A) 11:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 @ Mifflinburg (3A) 7:00 pm
9/04 Lewisburg (3A) 7:00 pm
9/11 @ Shamokin* (4A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Williamsport* (6A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Jersey Shore* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Central Mountain* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Selinsgrove* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Loyalsock Township (3A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Warrior Run (2A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Danville (3A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Brody Rebuck (QB/LB/Punter)
Devin Bingaman (C)
Gaddiel Valderrama (OL/DL)
Bryce Brumbach (DE)
Luke Keally (RB)
Offensive Starters Returning:
Sr., Thomas Pollock (WR) 5’9″, 155 lbs
Sr., Corbin Stahl (WR) 5’8″, 145 lbs
So, Bobby Felmy (WR/QB) 5’6″ 125 lbs
Sr., Charlie Walter (TE) 6’2″, 215 lbs
Jr., Gavin Keefer (RB) 5’8″, 150 lbs
So, Tristan Smith (RB) 5’8″, 140 lbs
Sr., Jacob Rosinski (OL) 6’2″, 290 lbs
Sr., Noah Johnson (OL) 5’6″, 200 lbs
Sr., Willie Bander (OL) 5’11” 215 lbs
Jr., Everett Purdy (OL) 5’9″ 210 lbs
Defensive Starters Returning:
Sr., Avery Karge, (DE) 5’11” 215 lbs
Sr., Chase Swartz (OLB) 6’0″ 185 lbs
Sr., Noah Johnson (DE) 5’6″ 200 lbs
Sr., Willie Bander (LB) 5’11” 215 lbs
Sr., Jackson Kashuba (LB) 5’9″ 205 lbs
Sr., Corbin Stahl (DB) 5’8″ 145 lbs
Sr., Maddox Hoover (DB) 6’1″ 170 lbs
Sr., Thomas Pollock (DB) 5’9″ 155 lbs
Special Team Starters Returning:
Jr., Ryan Dephillips (K, PK) 5’7″, 135 lbs
Key Newcomers: We have a great group of Freshman who will look to gain experience under veteran leadership and do whatever is needed of them to be prepared to contribute to the team’s success!
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Sr., Thomas Pollock (WR) 71 rec, 1121 yards, & 10 TD’s
Sr., Corbin Stahl (WR) 17 rec, 310 yards, & 2 TD’s
So., Bobby Felmy (WR) 26 rec, 274 yards, & 1 TD
Sr., Charlie Walter (TE) 12 rec, 180 yards & 2 TD’s
Jr., Gavin Keefer (RB) 26 car, 139 yards
So, Tristan Smith (RB) 47 car, 153 yards
Sr., Thomas Pollock (DB) 37 Total Tackles, 5 Pass Deflections, & 1 Int
Sr., Corbin Stahl (DB) 75 Total Tackles, 4 Pass Deflections, 1 Fumble Recovery, & 1 Int
Sr., Maddox Hoover (DB) 49 Total Tackles, 7 Pass Deflections, & 1 Fumble Recovery
Sr., Avery Karge (DE) 30 Total Tackles, 2 Sacks
Sr., Chase Swartz (LB) 39 Total Tackles, 1 Pass Deflection, 3 Forced Fumbles
Sr., Willie Bender (LB) 90 Total Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble
Sr., Jackson Kashuba (LB) 27 Total Tackles, 3 Sacks
2026 Offensive Outlook: Last year we relied heavily on the pass so we are looking to be more balanced on the offensive side of the ball with an experienced line & a handful of playmakers who are all dangerous anytime the ball is in their hand.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Last year we dealt with several injuries early on with minimal depth at those positions, which impacted our overall defense so with more depth and as long as we can remain healthy we will look to do a better job at defending the run & creating turnovers.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Our Kicker/Placekicker returns for his 3rd season so with his experience we look to rely on his leg and accuracy on our Special Teams.