Salisbury Looks to Turn Experience, Young Talent Into Progress in 2026
The Salisbury Falcons enter the 2026 season looking to turn a difficult 2025 campaign into valuable experience for a young roster that has an opportunity to grow throughout the fall.
Head coach Kevin DiZenzo returns with several important pieces, including senior quarterback Keaton Frye, senior two-way standout Alexander “AJ” Moren, junior lineman Grayson Gnall and junior receiver/defensive back Jadiel Gonzalez.
Salisbury finished 2-9 last season, but the Falcons were more competitive than the final record might suggest. Three of their losses came by a combined five points, including a 20-19 loss to Pen Argyl and a 26-25 setback against Palmerton.
With Frye returning from an injury that ended his junior season early and several younger players preparing for expanded roles, the Falcons hope to take a step forward in 2026.
2025 Season
Salisbury opened last season with a convincing 28-6 victory over Panther Valley before running into a strong Notre Dame-Green Pond team.
The Falcons bounced back with a 16-8 road victory over Wilson Area to improve to 2-1.
From there, Salisbury struggled to find consistency but had opportunities to add to its win total.
The Falcons lost to Pen Argyl by one point and Palmerton by one point. They also showed offensive improvement late in the year, scoring 27 points against Palisades before closing the season with a District 11 Class 3A quarterfinal loss to Notre Dame-Green Pond.
The challenge now is turning those experiences into results.
Frye Returns to Lead the Offense
Having Keaton Frye back at quarterback is an important starting point.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound senior accounted for more than 1,000 yards of total offense last season despite missing time because of injury. He averaged more than seven yards per rushing attempt and gives Salisbury a legitimate dual-threat option.
Frye has also continued developing as a passer during the offseason.
His ability to create plays with his legs should put pressure on opposing defenses, particularly if Salisbury’s young offensive line develops quickly.
The Falcons also gained valuable experience behind Frye last season. Sophomore Iovani Lopez was forced into action following Frye’s injury and started games at quarterback.
That experience gives Salisbury additional depth at the position entering 2026.
Moren Brings Big-Play Ability
Senior AJ Moren will be one of Salisbury’s most important players on both sides of the football.
The 5-foot-11, 180-pound receiver caught four touchdown passes last season and returns as one of Frye’s top targets.
Moren’s combination of experience and playmaking ability will be especially valuable for an offense that will feature several young contributors.
Junior Jadiel Gonzalez also returns at receiver after seeing varsity action in each of his first two high school seasons.
Behind Moren and Gonzalez, Salisbury believes it can develop quality depth.
Kivon Price-Perry, Logan Ramirez, Damon Heard, Ethan White, Demetrius Heard, Ezekiel Rodas and Henry Pina are among the players expected to compete for opportunities in the passing game.
Gnall Anchors Young Offensive Line
Perhaps Salisbury’s biggest offensive question will be up front.
Junior Grayson Gnall, at 6-foot-2 and 270 pounds, is the Falcons’ lone returning starter on the offensive line.
But Gnall is hardly an inexperienced junior. He earned a starting role as a freshman and enters his third season as a varsity starter.
His experience and leadership will be crucial as Salisbury rebuilds the rest of its offensive front.
Nathan Young, Jadrian Morcelo, Gabe Gnall, Tallon Liggitt, Aedyn Bartholomew and Xavier Tua are among the players competing for starting roles.
How quickly that group comes together could be one of the biggest factors in Salisbury’s season.
If the Falcons can protect Frye and create running lanes consistently, the offense has enough athleticism at the skill positions to cause problems.
New-Look Backfield
Salisbury will have to replace running back Jacob Watson, leaving opportunities for several players to emerge.
Jazavier Oquendo, Elijah Rodas and Isaac Gross are expected to form the core of the new backfield.
The Falcons don’t necessarily need one player to carry the entire workload. Developing a rotation that complements Frye’s running ability could give Salisbury multiple ways to attack defenses.
That versatility could become increasingly important as the young offensive line gains experience.
Moren Headlines the Secondary
Moren’s biggest impact may come on defense.
The senior free safety has recorded an impressive 11 interceptions over the past two seasons, establishing himself as one of the Falcons’ top defensive playmakers.
His experience and instincts will be valuable for a young defense.
Gonzalez also returns in the secondary after starting last season, giving Salisbury two experienced defensive backs to build around.
With several new players stepping into significant roles, Moren and Gonzalez will be counted on to provide communication and leadership on the back end.
Gnall Leads Defensive Front
Gnall will be another cornerstone defensively.
Capable of playing along the defensive line or at linebacker, his size and varsity experience give Salisbury flexibility in the front seven.
Junior Isaac Gross also returns as a starter on the defensive line.
The Falcons expect to use a rotation up front, which could allow them to keep players fresh while giving younger linemen valuable Friday night experience.
The goal throughout the offseason has been to build a defense that plays fast, physical and assignment-sound.
For a young unit, consistency will be critical.
Young Linebackers Get Their Opportunity
Salisbury will have several new faces taking on larger roles at linebacker.
Sophomore Joshia Cubera returns as a starter and will be joined in the competition by Elijah Rodas, Aiden Daney, Ezekiel Rodas, Kivon Price-Perry and Colin Fejes.
That group will be tested early, but the Falcons believe the talent is there.
Gnall, Moren and Gonzalez will play important roles in helping the younger defenders adjust to varsity football.
If the linebackers develop quickly and the defensive front holds up, Salisbury could make significant strides on this side of the football.
New Kickers Highlight Special Teams Competition
Salisbury must replace kicker Jude Fitzgerald, but the Falcons have two young candidates who made positive impressions during the summer.
Freshman Nick Lazaridis and sophomore Kaiden Conrad will compete for opportunities in the kicking game.
Frye returns as the punter, providing experience at an important position.
Moren and Damon Heard also return with experience as kick and punt returners, giving Salisbury proven options capable of creating field position.
Special teams will also provide an opportunity for several of the Falcons’ younger players to earn roles early in the season.
Challenging 2026 Schedule
Salisbury will get its first test with an August 22 scrimmage at Kutztown before opening the regular season on August 29 at South Philadelphia.
The Falcons host Roxborough the following week before Colonial League Division 1 play begins with a difficult trip to Notre Dame-Green Pond at Lafayette College.
Salisbury then hosts Northwestern Lehigh before facing Northern Lehigh, Palmerton, Palisades, Pen Argyl and Catasauqua.
The regular season concludes with another major challenge when the Falcons host Southern Lehigh on October 30.
That schedule will test Salisbury’s young roster, but it will also provide plenty of opportunities to measure its progress.
Players to Watch
Keaton Frye, Sr., QB/P — Dual-threat quarterback who accounted for more than 1,000 yards before an injury shortened his 2025 season. His health and development as a passer will be critical.
Alexander “AJ” Moren, Sr., WR/FS — Two-way standout who caught four touchdowns last season and has collected 11 interceptions over the past two years.
Grayson Gnall, Jr., OL/DL/LB — Three-year starter who will anchor a young offensive line while playing a major role in the defensive front seven.
Jadiel Gonzalez, Jr., WR/DB — Experienced two-way starter who has been contributing at the varsity level since his freshman season.
Isaac Gross, Jr., RB/DL — Returning defensive line starter who is also expected to compete for carries in the offensive backfield.
Joshia Cubera, So., LB — Young returning starter who should take on increased responsibility in the linebacker corps.
Damon Heard, KR/PR — Experienced return specialist who could provide an important big-play element on special teams.
My thoughts on Salisbury:
Salisbury enters 2026 with plenty of youth, but the Falcons also have experienced players at some of the most important positions on the field.
It starts with Frye.
Getting their senior quarterback back after his injury-shortened junior season gives the Falcons an experienced leader and dynamic athlete around whom they can build the offense. Moren and Gonzalez provide proven targets, while Gnall gives the offensive line an experienced anchor.
The biggest offensive question is how quickly the new linemen and skill players develop.
Defensively, Salisbury will lean heavily on Gnall, Moren and Gonzalez while asking a young group to mature quickly around them. Playing fast and physical while limiting assignment mistakes will be essential.
After losing several close games last season, improvement doesn’t necessarily require a complete transformation. Turning a few of those one-score losses into victories could quickly change the direction of the season.
The Falcons have a veteran quarterback, an experienced core of two-way standouts and a large group of younger players eager for an opportunity.
If Salisbury can stay healthy, develop its offensive line and get its young players comfortable with Friday night football, the Falcons have a chance to be a much more dangerous team in 2026.
Head Coach: Kevin DiZenzo
Assistant Coaches:
Nicholas Trask
Joseph Gnall
Leon Kukura
Brock Kovacs
Jonah Miller
Vince Wimberley
Andrew Nemeh
Arnaldo Lopez
Tom Spinner
Brad Brinker
Jason Marcante
Team Name: Salisbury Falcons
District: 11
Class: 3A
League: Colonial League, Division 1
2025 Record: 2-9
8/22 @ Panther Valley (3A) 7:00 pm W 28-6
8/29 Notre Dame GP (3A) 7:00 pm L 0-63
9/06 @ Wilson Area (4A) 12:00 pm W 16-8
9/12 Catasauqua (2A) 7:00 pm L 7-33
9/19 @ Tamaqua Area (3A) 7:00 pm L 6-42
9/26 Pen Argyl (2A) 7:00 pm L 19-20
10/03 @ Saucon Valley (3A) 7:00 pm L 13-40
10/10 Palmerton Area (3A) 7:00 pm L 25-26
10/17 Northern Lehigh (2A) 7:00 pm L 7-27
10/24 @ Palisades (2A) 7:00 pm L 27-56
10/30 @ Notre Dame GP (3A) 6:30 pm L 6-56 Dist. 11 Class 3A Quarterfinal
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Kutztown (4A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/29 @ South Philadelphia (6A) 12:00 pm
9/04 Roxborough (4A) 7:00 pm
9/11 @ Notre Dame GP* (3A) 7:00 pm at Lafayette College
9/18 Northwestern Lehigh (3A) 7:00 pm
9/25 @ Northern Lehigh* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/03 Palmerton Area* (3A) 1:00 pm
10/09 @ Palisades* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/16 Pen Argyl* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Catasauqua* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Southern Lehigh (5A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Jamanni Cruz — WR
Jacob Watson — RB/LB
Jadan Claudio — DE/TE
Samuel Krauss — OL/DL
Elijah Garriga — C/LB
Griffin Lakics — OL/DL
Jeremiah Bell — DB/WR
Dominic Natosi — DB/RB
Jude Fitzgerald — K
Offensive Starters Returning:
Keaton Frye — Senior — QB — 6’1″, 185 lbs
Alexander “AJ” Moren — Senior — WR — 5’11”, 180 lbs
Grayson Gnall — Junior — OT — 6’2″, 270 lbs
Jadiel Gonzalez — Junior — WR — 5’8″, 145 lbs
Defensive Starters Returning:
Grayson Gnall — Junior — DL/LB — 6’2″, 270 lbs
Alexander “AJ” Moren — Senior — FS — 5’11”, 180 lbs
Jadiel Gonzalez — Junior — DB — 5’8″, 145 lbs
Isaac Gross — Junior — DL — 5’8″, 175 lbs
Joshia Cubera — Sophomore — LB — 5’7″, 150 lbs
Special Team Starters Returning:
Keaton Frye — P
Alexander “AJ” Moren — KR/PR
Damon Heard — KR/PR
Key Newcomers:
Gabe Gnall — Junior — OL/DL — 5’10”, 210 lbs.
Nathan Young — Senior — OL/DL — 6’0″, 260 lbs.
Jazavier Oquendo — Junior — RB/LB — 5’8″, 170 lbs.
Kivon Price-Perry — Sophomore — WR/LB — 5’11”, 160 lbs.
Aiden Daney — Junior — TE/LB — 5’10”, 165 lbs.
Logan Ramirez — Junior — WR/DB — 5’11”, 170 lbs.
Tallon Liggitt — Freshman — OL/DL — 5’9″, 250 lbs.
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Keaton Frye, QB, Sr. — Accounted for more than 1,000 yards of total offense in 2025 despite having his season cut short due to injury. Averaged more than seven yards per carry.
Alexander “AJ” Moren, WR/FS, Sr. — Has recorded 11 interceptions over the past two seasons and caught four touchdown passes in 2025.
Grayson Gnall, OL/DL/LB, Jr. — A three-year starter entering his junior season after earning a starting role as a freshman.
Jadiel Gonzalez, WR/DB, Jr. — Two-way returning starter who also saw varsity action as a freshman.
2026 Offensive Outlook: Senior QB Keaton Frye returns to lead our offense after accounting for more than 1,000 yards of total offense before an injury cut his junior season short. Keaton averaged over seven yards per carry last year and has continued to develop as a passer throughout the offseason. We also have experience behind him in sophomore Iovani Lopez, who was forced into action and started games at quarterback following Keaton’s injury last season.
We will be a younger group overall, particularly along the offensive line, where junior Grayson Gnall is our lone returning starter. Nathan Young, Jadrian Morcelo, Gabe Gnall, Tallon Liggitt, Aedyn Bartholomew and Xavier Tua are among the players competing to fill those roles up front.
Our backfield should feature a combination of Jazavier Oquendo, Elijah Rodas and Isaac Gross. At receiver, we feel we have the potential to develop good depth around returning starters AJ Moren and Jadiel Gonzalez. Kivon Price-Perry, Logan Ramirez, Damon Heard, Ethan White, Demetrius Heard, Ezekiel Rodas and Henry Pina are all players we expect to contribute.
There is plenty of youth in this group, so how quickly we mature and find our rhythm will be important. If we can do that early, we believe this offense has the potential to develop into a dangerous unit.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Defensively, we will lean on veterans Grayson Gnall, AJ Moren and Jadiel Gonzalez to help lead a young group. All three have significant varsity experience and will be important in helping bring along a number of players who will be taking on larger roles this season.
Our linebacker group will feature Joshia Cubera, Elijah Rodas, Aiden Daney, Ezekiel Rodas, Kivon Price-Perry and Colin Fejes. Up front, we expect to use a rotation of several linemen, led by returning starter Isaac Gross.
Much like our offense, we are excited about a number of players who will experience Friday night football in significant roles for the first time this fall. Throughout the offseason, our emphasis has been on playing fast, physical and assignment-sound defense. Our success will depend on how quickly our younger players adjust to varsity football and how consistently we can play with those three qualities.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: We will have two new kickers this season in freshman Nick Lazaridis and sophomore Kaiden Conrad. Both have impressed us throughout the summer and will have opportunities to contribute.
Keaton Frye returns with experience at punter, while AJ Moren and Damon Heard both have experience in the return game. Beyond those veterans, we will look to a number of our new names to establish roles and make their mark on special teams this season.