Southern Columbia Reloads After Another State Championship Run
Southern Columbia enters the 2026 season in familiar territory — coming off another championship and preparing to replace another decorated senior class.
The Tigers finished 15-1 in 2025, captured the District 4 Class 2A championship and then rolled through the state playoffs to claim the PIAA Class 2A title with a 43-22 victory over Farrell at Cumberland Valley High School.
For head coach Jim Roth, now entering his 42nd season at Southern Columbia and 46th overall, the formula remains the same: develop players, control the line of scrimmage and play championship-level football in November and December.
The Tigers lost several major contributors, including 1,500-yard running back Brayden Andrews and multiple defensive standouts, but they return an experienced quarterback, two productive running backs, their top two receiving threats and several proven linemen.
That is more than enough to keep Southern Columbia firmly in the state championship conversation.
Another Championship Season in 2025
Southern Columbia opened last season with a 49-27 loss to Wyomissing, but that setback was followed by 15 consecutive victories.
The Tigers shut out Loyalsock Township and Milton, defeated Mount Carmel, Central Columbia and Danville, then survived close tests against Mifflinburg and Montoursville.
By the end of the regular season, Southern Columbia had become one of the most complete teams in Class 2A.
The postseason was even more impressive.
The Tigers defeated Cowanesque Valley, Bloomsburg and Troy to capture the District 4 championship before beating Steelton-Highspire, Lansdale Catholic and Farrell in the state tournament.
That run once again demonstrated the program’s ability to peak at the right time.
Hockenbroch Returns to Lead the Offense
Senior quarterback Ayden Hockenbroch gives Southern Columbia valuable experience at the most important position.
Hockenbroch completed 77 passes for 1,290 yards and 17 touchdowns last season while adding 375 rushing yards.
His dual-threat ability makes the Tigers difficult to defend.
He can attack defenses through the air, extend plays with his legs and create another rushing threat in Southern Columbia’s already powerful ground game.
With another year of experience and most of his top targets returning, Hockenbroch should be even more comfortable directing the offense.
Garcia and Williams Give Tigers Dynamic Backfield
The Tigers return two highly productive running backs in Grady Garcia and Joey Williams.
Garcia rushed for 1,137 yards and 20 touchdowns last season, while Williams added 957 yards and 11 touchdowns.
That production gives Southern Columbia a proven one-two punch entering 2026.
Garcia brings explosiveness and big-play ability, while Williams provides toughness and consistency.
Together, they should help ease the loss of Andrews, who rushed for 1,530 yards and 23 touchdowns.
The coaching staff is also looking at Gavin Brown and Kane Cecco to provide additional depth in the backfield.
Experienced Receiving Corps Returns
Southern Columbia also returns its top two receiving threats.
Senior wide receiver Blaise Kissinger caught 20 passes for 393 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
Senior tight end Jace Malakoski added 18 receptions for 302 yards and two touchdowns.
That gives Hockenbroch two proven targets with excellent chemistry.
Kissinger provides athleticism on the perimeter, while Malakoski gives the offense a physical target in the middle of the field and a strong blocker in the running game.
Their return should allow the Tigers to remain balanced and unpredictable.
Offensive Line Has Only One Major Hole to Fill
One of the biggest positives entering 2026 is the experience along the offensive line.
The Tigers must replace only one starting guard.
Senior Jaden Carter, junior Braylin Smith, senior Aidyn McHale and senior Cameron Traugh all return with varsity experience.
Carter, listed at 6-foot-4 and 325 pounds, provides tremendous size up front.
Smith is another powerful interior lineman at 6-foot-2 and 290 pounds.
The primary competition for the open guard spot appears to be between Reggie Moody and Cayden Noblit.
If that position is settled quickly, Southern Columbia should once again have one of the strongest offensive fronts in District 4.
Offense Should Remain Balanced and Explosive
With Hockenbroch, Garcia, Williams, Kissinger and Malakoski all returning, Southern Columbia has every reason to expect another highly productive offense.
The Tigers have experience at quarterback, proven production in the backfield and reliable receiving options.
The biggest goal will be maintaining the physical identity that has defined the program for decades.
If the offensive line continues to control the point of attack, Southern Columbia should once again be able to wear teams down while creating explosive plays through the air.
Defensive Front Faces Biggest Rebuild
The biggest concern entering 2026 is on defense.
Southern Columbia lost five of eight starters in the front seven.
That includes John Quinton, who recorded 80 tackles and six sacks, along with Talon Piatt, Brady Arnold and Caius Morrow.
Those are significant losses.
Fortunately, the Tigers return three experienced defenders to build around.
Senior defensive end Chase Williams leads the way after recording 86 tackles and six sacks last season.
Senior defensive tackle Jaden Carter added 49 tackles.
Senior linebacker Nolan Wittig finished with 84 tackles and gives the defense another proven leader.
Williams Anchors the Pass Rush
Chase Williams will be expected to become one of the defensive leaders.
At 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, he combines size, length and athleticism on the edge.
His 86 tackles and six sacks last season show his ability to impact the game against both the run and pass.
With several new starters around him, Williams’ leadership and consistency will be especially important early in the season.
Carter Controls the Interior
Carter gives Southern Columbia a massive presence in the middle of the defensive line.
At 325 pounds, he can occupy multiple blockers and allow linebackers to flow freely to the football.
His 49 tackles last season demonstrate that he is more than just a space-eater.
He can finish plays and disrupt the backfield.
With so much turnover in the front seven, Carter’s ability to control the interior will be crucial.
Wittig Leads Linebacker Group
Wittig returns after recording 84 tackles last season.
He will be the veteran presence in a linebacker corps replacing several key starters.
The Tigers are evaluating Gavin Trometter, Kane Cecco and Jon Davis as potential contributors.
How quickly those younger linebackers adjust will be one of the biggest defensive storylines of the preseason.
New Faces Needed Up Front
Southern Columbia is also looking at several players to step into larger roles on the defensive line.
The candidates include Ty Ruckle, Bobby Nenstiel, Jace Malakoski, Braylin Smith and Reggie Moody.
The talent is there, but the group lacks the experience of last year’s front.
The coaching staff will need to find the right rotation and develop depth throughout the season.
Secondary Has Playmakers Back
The secondary returns several important contributors.
Senior Kaden Zachman recorded 48 tackles and five interceptions last season.
Kissinger also returns after finishing with 41 tackles while contributing offensively.
Keagan Diehl is expected to fill one of the open positions in the secondary.
The experience of Zachman and Kissinger should help stabilize the back end while the front seven develops.
Special Teams Must Replace Both Specialists
Southern Columbia must replace both its kicker and punter.
That will be one of the biggest areas of uncertainty entering the season.
The Tigers do return Williams and Garcia as return specialists.
Both have the speed and vision to create explosive plays in the return game.
Finding a reliable kicker and punter will be important, especially in close postseason games where field position and extra points can become decisive.
Players to Watch
Ayden Hockenbroch, Sr., QB – Returning starter who threw for 1,290 yards and 17 touchdowns while adding 375 rushing yards.
Grady Garcia, Jr., RB – Explosive runner coming off a 1,137-yard, 20-touchdown season.
Joey Williams, Sr., RB – Productive back who rushed for 957 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Blaise Kissinger, Sr., WR/DB – Two-way standout who caught seven touchdown passes and recorded 41 tackles.
Jace Malakoski, Sr., TE – Reliable target who caught 18 passes for 302 yards and two touchdowns.
Chase Williams, Sr., DE – Defensive leader who recorded 86 tackles and six sacks.
Jaden Carter, Sr., OT/DT – Massive two-way lineman who anchors both fronts.
Nolan Wittig, Sr., LB – Veteran linebacker coming off an 84-tackle season.
Kaden Zachman, Sr., DB – Ball-hawking defensive back who intercepted five passes.
Braylin Smith, Jr., OG/DT – Powerful lineman expected to take on a larger role.
My Thoughts on Southern Columbia:
Southern Columbia enters 2026 with enough returning talent to make another serious run at a state championship.
The offense is loaded with experience.
Hockenbroch returns at quarterback, Garcia and Williams give the Tigers two proven running backs, and Kissinger and Malakoski provide veteran receiving options.
The offensive line should also remain a strength after losing only one starter.
The biggest challenge comes on defense, where the Tigers must replace five starters in the front seven.
Williams, Carter and Wittig provide an experienced core, but several younger players will need to develop quickly.
Special teams is another area to watch as Southern Columbia searches for a new kicker and punter.
The schedule will once again be demanding, beginning with Wyomissing and later featuring Mount Carmel, Danville, Jersey Shore and Selinsgrove.
Still, Southern Columbia has earned the benefit of the doubt.
With Roth entering another season at the helm and a roster filled with proven skill talent and championship experience, the Tigers should once again be one of the premier teams in District 4 and a legitimate contender for another PIAA Class 2A championship.
Head Coach: Jim Roth (42 years – 46 total)
Assistant Coaches:
Andy Mills (47 years)
Mike Johnston (31 years)
Brandon Traugh (17 years)
Wesley Tillett (7 years)
Alex Carawan (14 years)
Ardie Kissinger (4 years)
Ken Ruckle (3 year)
Sean Smith (7 years)
Josh Tripp (1 year)
Team Name: Southern Columbia Tigers
District: 4
Class: 2A
League: PA Heartland Athletic Conference, Division II
2025 Record: 15-1
8/22 Wyomissing Area (4A) 7:00 pm L 27-49
8/29 @ Loyalsock Township (2A) 7:00 pm W 41-0
9/05 Milton Area* (3A) 7:00 pm W 35-0
9/12 Mount Carmel Area* (3A) 7:00 pm W 49-16
9/19 @ Central Columbia* (3A) 7:00 pm W 48-0
9/26 Danville* (3A) 7:00 pm W 41-21
10/03 @ Mifflinburg* (3A) 7:00 pm W 21-14
10/10 @ Montoursville* (3A) 7:00 pm W 26-16
10/17 Bloomsburg (2A) 7:00 pm W 61-0
10/24 @ Shikellamy (4A) 7:00 pm W 61-28
10/31 Cowanesque Valley (2A) 7:00 pm W 41-20 Dist. 4 Class 2A Quarterfinal
11/07 Bloomsburg (2A) 7:00 pm W 41-21 Dist. 4 Class 2A Semifinal
11/14 Troy Area (2A) 7:00 pm W 42-0 Dist. 4 Class 2A Championship
11/21 @ Steelton-Highspire (2A) 7:00 pm W 55-26 at Selinsgrove Class 2A Quarterfinals
11/28 Lansdale Catholic (2A) 7:00 pm W 24-7 at Lehighton Class 2A Semifinals
12/05 Farrell (2A) 1:00 pm W 43-22 at Cumberland Valley HS Class 2A Championship
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Mifflinburg (3A) 11:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 Wyomissing Area (3A) 7:00 pm
9/05 @ Williams Valley (1A) 1:00 pm
9/11 Montoursville* (3A) 7:00 pm
9/19 @ Lewisburg (3A) 7:00 pm at Milton
9/25 Central Columbia* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Mount Carmel Area* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Danville* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/16 Milton Area* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Jersey Shore (4A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Selinsgrove (4A) 7:00 pm
Key losses:
John Quinton – OL/DT, 80 Tackles, 6 QB sacks
Brayden Andrews – RB, 1530 Rushing Yds, 23 TDs
Nate Galagher – WR/DB, 12 Receptions, 4 Tds, 38 Tackles
Talon Piatt – LB, 104 Tackles, 5 QB sacks
Brady Arnold – LB, 68 Tackles, 3 QB Sacks
Caius Morrow – LB, 74 Tackles, 3 Int
Greg Fulmer – All State Off Guard
Top Returning Players:
Chase Williams-(Sr) DE
Jaden Carter-(Sr)OT/DT
Jace Malakoski-(Sr) TE
Ayden Hockenbroch-(Sr) QB
Blaise Kissinger-(Sr) WR/DB
Joey Williams-(Jr) RB
Braylin Smith-(Jr) OT/DT
Grady Garcia-(Jr) RB
2026 Returning Starters and Stats:
Chase Williams – (Sr) DE, 6’4″-210 – 86 Tackles, 6 QB Sacks
Jaden Carter – (Sr) DT, 6’4-325 – 49 Tackles
Nolan Wittig – (Sr) LB, 5’11”-185 – 84 Tackles
Kaden Zachman – (Sr) DB, 6′-155 – 48 Tackles, 5 Int
Joey Williams – (Sr) RB, 5’7-185 – 957 Rushing Yds, 11 Tds
Jace Malakoski – (Sr) TE, 6’3″-215 – 18 Receptions, 302 Yds, 2 Tds
Ayden Hockenbroch – (Sr) QB, 6′-200 – 77 Comp, 1290 Yds, 17 Tds, 375 Rush Yds
Grady Garcia – (Jr) RB, 5’9-155 – 1,137 Rushing Yds, 20 Tds
Blaise Kissinger- (Sr) WR/DB, 6’1″-190 – 20 Pass Rec, 393 Yds, 7 Tds, 41 Tackles
Braylin Smith – (Jr) OG/DT, 6’2″-290
Aidyn McHale – (Sr) OC, 5’10”-260
Cameron Traugh – (Sr) OG, 5’10-210
Key Newcomers:
Bobby Nenstiel – (So) OT/DL, 6’4″-230
Gavin Brown – (Sr) RB/LB, 5’8″-195
Ty Ruckle – (Sr) DT, 6′-240
Kane Cecco – (So) RB/LB, 6′-170
Keagan Diehl – (Sr) WR/DB, 6’1″-175
Cayden Noblit – (Sr) OG/DL, 5’9″-225
Reggie Moody – (Sr) OG/DE, 6′-220
Gavin Trometter – (So) RB/LB, 5’8-150
Jonathan Davis – (Jr) TE/LB, 5’11”-170
2026 Outlook:
Offense: Offensively we need to replace one lineman (G) and one running back. The likely candidates are Reggie Moody or Cayden Noblit at guard and Gavin Brown or Kane Cecco at running back. Our backfield returns quarterback Ayden Hockenbroch and running backs- Brayden Joey Williams and Grady Garcia. Our two top receivers also return- Blaise Kissinger (WR) and Jace Malakoski (TE).
Defense: Our biggest concern is the defensive front where we lost 5 of 8 starters. Returning are Chase Williams (DE), Jaden Carter (DT) and Nolan Wittig (LB). Potential linebackers are Gavin Trometter, Kane Cecco and Jon Davis. Up front we are looking at Ty Ruckle, Bobby Nenstiel, Jace Malakoski, Braylin Smith and Reggie Moody. Both inside linebackers, a defensive tackle and one corner. Keagan Diehl will fill a void in the secondary.
Special Team: We need to replace our kicker and punter. Joey Williams and Grady Garcia will return kicks/punts.