Lackawanna Trail Reloads After Historic Season With Championship Expectations Still Intact
Few programs in District 2 enjoyed a more memorable 2025 season than Lackawanna Trail.
The Lions finished 12-2, captured the District 2/11 Class 1A championship, advanced to the PIAA Class 1A quarterfinals and established themselves as one of the premier small-school programs in Pennsylvania.
Their journey included impressive victories over Dunmore, Mid Valley, Holy Cross, Riverside, Tri-Valley and Line Mountain before their postseason run ended in an entertaining 52-40 loss to Belmont Charter in the state quarterfinals.
Now comes the next challenge.
Replacing one of the most accomplished senior classes in program history.
Graduation claimed quarterback Tyler Jervis, dynamic playmaker Isaac Ryon, Lucas Evans, Colin Owens, Blake Stage, Sean Dwyer and Holden Edwards—players who helped lead the Lions to one of the finest seasons in school history.
While those departures leave significant holes, head coach Steve Jervis and his staff have built a program that has consistently developed the next wave of contributors.
Lackawanna Trail returns experienced linemen, a proven fullback, several key defensive starters and one of the area’s most reliable special teams units.
The Lions may not have the same level of returning offensive production, but the foundation remains strong enough to once again compete for championships.
Replacing a Record-Setting Backfield
There is no avoiding the reality that replacing Tyler Jervis and Isaac Ryon will define the preseason.
Jervis directed one of District 2’s most explosive offenses, while Ryon developed into one of northeastern Pennsylvania’s most dangerous playmakers. Ryon alone leaves behind an incredible 200 carries for 2,880 rushing yards and 49 touchdowns over his career, production that will be impossible to replace with one player. Along with Jervis and several other key seniors, the Lions must replace a significant portion of an offense that powered last season’s 12-win campaign and run to the PIAA Class 1A quarterfinals.
Rather than expecting one player to duplicate that production, Lackawanna Trail will likely rely on a more balanced offensive approach built around its experienced offensive line, the physical running of Carter Edwards and the emergence of new playmakers. The Lions have built one of the most successful programs in District 2 by developing the next generation of contributors, and this season will be no different. Developing a new quarterback and replacing nearly 2,900 rushing yards and 49 touchdowns from Ryon will be the biggest challenge throughout training camp, but the foundation remains in place for another championship-caliber season.
Carter Edwards Ready for Expanded Role
Junior Carter Edwards appears ready to become the centerpiece of the offense.
Last season, Edwards rushed for 479 yards and two touchdowns on only 70 carries while serving as the team’s fullback.
His production came despite sharing the backfield with several established offensive stars.
Now he is expected to shoulder a much larger workload.
At 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds, Edwards is a physical runner capable of breaking tackles while also providing toughness between the tackles.
His ability to consistently gain positive yardage will be critical as the Lions transition to a new quarterback.
Edwards also contributes defensively, making him one of the team’s premier two-way leaders.
If he continues to develop, he has the potential to become one of the top backs in District 2 Class 1A.
Veteran Offensive Line Provides Stability
While several offensive skill players graduated, Lackawanna Trail returns valuable experience in the trenches.
Senior Anthony Paolucci returns at guard after helping anchor the offensive line last season.
Senior Cooper Castellano is back at center, giving the Lions continuity in the middle of the line.
Returning three offensive linemen provides a strong foundation for the offense.
Castellano will be responsible for making line calls, identifying defensive fronts and helping a new quarterback become comfortable.
Paolucci brings strength and leadership while setting the physical tone expected of Lackawanna Trail football.
The coaching staff believes everything begins with the offensive front.
If the line controls the line of scrimmage, the offense should have opportunities regardless of who lines up behind center.
Replacing the lost offensive production becomes much easier when the line consistently wins its battles.
Richmond and Douglas Bring Experience to Passing Game
Senior Timmy Richmond headlines the receiving corps.
Richmond made the most of limited opportunities last season, catching four passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns.
His ability to stretch defenses vertically gives the offense an explosive threat.
Douglas adds another intriguing option at 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds.
The athletic tight end caught three passes for 71 yards and a touchdown while also serving as one of the team’s top defensive players.
His size creates matchup problems against linebackers and defensive backs.
The Lions will likely ask both players to assume much larger offensive roles in 2026.
Their experience should provide valuable security for a first-year starting quarterback.
Creating explosive plays through Richmond and Douglas will help prevent defenses from focusing exclusively on the running game.
Balanced Offense Will Be Essential
The Lions understand they cannot simply replace last year’s offensive firepower overnight.
Instead, success will come through execution, balance and physical football.
Returning three offensive linemen and Edwards gives Lackawanna Trail a strong running foundation.
Richmond and Douglas provide experienced receiving targets capable of making big plays.
The coaching staff will likely emphasize ball control and limiting mistakes while the offense develops.
Protecting possession becomes especially important when replacing experienced quarterbacks.
The Lions have traditionally succeeded by winning the line of scrimmage and playing fundamentally sound football.
That identity should remain unchanged.
If the new offensive pieces develop quickly, Lackawanna Trail has enough talent to remain one of District 2’s top Class 1A teams.
Paolucci Anchors Defensive Front
Senior Anthony Paolucci returns after recording 41 tackles last season.
The defensive tackle becomes one of the leaders of a front replacing several experienced linemen.
Paolucci’s role extends beyond statistics.
He must occupy blockers, control the interior and allow the linebackers behind him to play aggressively.
His experience and leadership will be invaluable as younger linemen assume larger responsibilities.
The Lions lost two defensive linemen to graduation, making Paolucci’s development into a dominant interior presence especially important.
If he consistently wins at the point of attack, the entire defense benefits.
Douglas Brings Pass-Rushing Ability
Douglas also returns as one of the area’s most productive defensive ends.
Last season he recorded 44 tackles, six sacks and five tackles for loss.
Those numbers illustrate his ability to disrupt offenses.
Douglas has the length and athleticism to pressure quarterbacks while also defending the run.
His pass-rushing ability gives the Lions a difference-maker along the defensive front.
Opposing offenses must account for him on every snap.
If Douglas continues producing at last year’s level, he could become one of District 2’s premier defensive ends.
His leadership will also help younger defensive linemen develop throughout the season.
Edwards and Reed Form Strong Linebacker Duo
Edwards and Hayden Reed return to lead the linebackers.
Reed enjoyed an impressive sophomore campaign, recording 42 tackles, three sacks and four tackles for loss.
His instincts and physicality complement Edwards’ experience.
Together, they form one of the stronger linebacker duos in District 2 Class 1A.
The Lions lost their two leading tacklers from last season, increasing the importance of Edwards and Reed.
Both players must diagnose plays quickly, communicate effectively and consistently finish tackles.
If they perform at a high level, the defense should remain one of the program’s strengths.
Secondary Returns Experience
Senior Timmy Richmond returns at defensive back after finishing with 27 tackles last season.
Junior Lucas Filipek also returns after recording 27 tackles and adding outstanding length at 6-foot-5.
Filipek’s combination of size and athleticism creates matchup advantages against taller receivers while allowing the Lions to be more versatile defensively.
The returning experience in the secondary should help offset the graduation losses.
Communication will be especially important as younger players earn larger defensive roles.
The Lions want to limit explosive plays while forcing opponents into long drives.
Richmond and Filipek will be central to that effort.
Defense Must Replace Production
The defensive challenge is similar to the offense.
Replacing production.
Lackawanna Trail returns six defensive starters, but several key contributors graduated.
The Lions must replace both of last season’s leading tacklers along with two defensive linemen.
Fortunately, the returning core gives the coaching staff a strong foundation.
Paolucci anchors the interior.
Douglas provides pressure off the edge.
Edwards and Reed lead the linebackers.
Richmond and Filipek stabilize the secondary.
Developing depth will determine how quickly the defense reaches championship form.
If younger players emerge early, the Lions should again field one of the better defenses in District 2 Class 1A.
Reliable Specialists Return
One of Lackawanna Trail’s biggest advantages entering 2026 is continuity on special teams.
Junior Joey Thomas returns after converting 35 of 48 extra-point attempts last season.
The Lions also return their long snapper and place kicks.
That experience provides consistency in an often-overlooked phase of the game.
Reliable kicking becomes especially valuable during playoff football, where field position and close games frequently determine outcomes.
Thomas and Douglas give the Lions confidence in those situations.
Players to Watch
Carter Edwards, Jr., FB/LB: Emerging two-way leader who rushed for 479 yards and returns as the centerpiece of the offense.
Anthony Paolucci, Sr., OG/DT: Veteran lineman who anchors both the offensive and defensive fronts after recording 41 tackles.
Hayden Reed, Jr., LB: Productive linebacker returning after recording 42 tackles, three sacks and four tackles for loss.
Timmy Richmond, Sr., WR/DB: Big-play receiver and experienced defensive back who averaged more than 45 yards per reception last season.
Cooper Castellano, Sr., C: Veteran center responsible for leading the offensive line and helping break in a new quarterback.
Lucas Filipek, Jr., DB/OLB: Athletic 6-foot-5 defender expected to play a larger role in the secondary.
Joey Thomas, Jr., K: Returning kicker who converted 35 extra points last season.
My thoughts on Lackawanna Trail
Lackawanna Trail enters the 2026 season facing one of the most significant transitions in recent program history.
Replacing Tyler Jervis, Isaac Ryon and several other standout seniors will not be easy.
However, the Lions have consistently demonstrated an ability to reload rather than rebuild.
The offensive line returns valuable experience, Edwards is ready for a featured role, and Richmond and Douglas provide proven playmakers in the passing game.
Defensively, Paolucci, Douglas, Edwards, Reed, Richmond and Filipek give the Lions experienced leadership at every level.
Special teams also remain a strength with Thomas, Douglas and the returning long snapper.
The biggest questions involve quarterback and replacing the lost offensive production.
If those answers emerge early, Lackawanna Trail has the talent and coaching to once again compete for the Lackawanna Football Conference Division 3 title, another District 2/11 Class 1A championship and another deep postseason run.
After a 12-win season and a trip to the PIAA Class 1A quarterfinals, the expectations inside the program have not changed.
The Lions expect to contend.
Based on the returning foundation, they have every opportunity to do exactly that.
Head Coach: Steve Jervis
Assistant Coaches:
Jeff Stage
Matt Landsiedel
Chad Gibbs
Dan Brown
Caleb Darling
Jordan Edwards
Josh Semken
Thomas Huffsmith
Zac Cost
Team Name: Lackawanna Trail
District: 2
Class: 1A
League: Lackawanna Football Conference, Division 3
2025 Record: 12-2
8/22 Tunkhannock (3A) 7:00 pm W 35-21
8/29 Western Wayne (3A) 7:00 pm W 35-3
9/05 @ Berwick Area (3A) 7:00 pm L 12-33
9/12 Dunmore (2A) 7:00 pm W 30-28
9/19 @ Mid Valley (3A) 7:00 pm W 49-27
9/28 Old Forge* (1A) 1:00 pm W 38-20
10/03 @ Carbondale Area* (3A) 7:00 pm W 35-7
10/11 @ Susquehanna Community* (2A) 1:00 pm W 54-14
10/17 Holy Cross* (1A) 7:00 pm W 53-12
10/24 @ Riverside (2)* (2A) 7:00 pm W 40-14
10/31 Nativity BVM (1A) 7:00 pm W 50-6 District 2/11 Class 1A Subregional Semifinal
11/07 Tri-Valley (1A) 7:00 pm W 41-14 Dist. 11/2 Class A Championship
11/15 @ Line Mountain (1A) 1:00 pm W 31-20 PIAA Class A 1st Round @ Shamokin
11/21 @ Belmont Charter School (1A) 7:00 pm L 40-52 at Northern Lehigh HS Class 1A Quarterfinals
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Wyalusing Area (2A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 @ Western Wayne (3A) 7:00 pm
9/04 Dunmore (2A) 7:00 pm
9/11 @ Lakeland (2A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Riverside (2) (2A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Mid Valley (3A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Old Forge* (1A) 7:00 pm
10/10 @ Susquehanna Community* (2A) 1:00 pm
10/17 @ Holy Cross* (1A) 1:00 pm
10/23 Carbondale Area* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Montrose Area* (3A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Isaac Ryon
Tyler Jervis
Lucas Evans
Colin Owens
Blake Stage
Sean Dwyer
Holden Edwards
Offensive Starters Returning:
Sr OG Anthony Paolucci 6’1 260
Sr C Cooper Castellano 5’11 190
Sr WR Timmy Richmond 5’10 165
Jr FB Carter Edwards 5’11 205
Defensive Starters Returning:
Sr DT Anthony Paolucci 6’1 260
Jr LB Carter Edwards 5’11 205
Jr LB Hayden Reed 5’9 185
Sr DB Timmy Richmond 5’10 165
Jr DB/OLB Lucas Filipek 6’5 190
Special Team Starters Returning:
Jr K Joey Thomas 6’0 150
Key Newcomers:
Fr. RB/LB Ayden Fowler 5’10 155
Fr QB/DB Pierce Carpenter 5’8 140
Fr QB/OLB Lucas Brunner 6’1 175
Fr FB/ILB Adam Pettinato 5’9 180
Fr. OL/DL Chase Stanton 6’1 205
Fr. OL/DL Taylor Axtell 6’2 180
2025 Stats:
Cooper Castellano
6 total tackles and 1 TFL
Timmy Richmond
4 catches for 181 yards and 2 TDs and 27 total tackles
Carter Edwards
Rushed for 479 yards on 70 carries and 2 TDs and 35 total tackles
Anthony Paolucci
41 total tackles
Hayden Reed
42 total tackles, 3 sacks and 4 TFL
Lucas Filipek
27 total tackles and 1 TFL
Joey Thomas
35 of 48 PAT
2026 Offensive Outlook: We return three offensive linemen and our fullback, however we need to replace a lot of production that was lost to graduation
2026 Defensive Outlook: We return six starters on this side of the ball, however we need to replace both of our leading tacklers and two defensive linemen
2026 Special Teams Outlook: We return both our kicker and our punter from a year ago as well as our long snapper for both punts and place kicks