Young Bangor Squad Looks to Build on Experience Entering 2026
After enduring a difficult 0-11 campaign in 2025, Bangor enters the 2026 season focused on growth, development and establishing a stronger foundation under head coach Vinnie Andrews.
While last year’s record was disappointing, the Slaters gained valuable varsity experience from several underclassmen, including quarterback Lincoln Rehrig, who returns for his sophomore season. Bangor also welcomes back an experienced offensive line and several key defenders as it looks to become more competitive in the Colonial League Division 2 and District 11 Class 4A.
The coaching staff understands improvement won’t happen overnight, but there is optimism that another offseason in the weight room and a simplified approach on both sides of the ball will help the Slaters take meaningful steps forward.
Rehrig Returns to Lead the Offense
One of Bangor’s biggest reasons for optimism is the return of sophomore quarterback Lincoln Rehrig.
After gaining valuable varsity experience as a freshman, Rehrig enters his second season with a much better understanding of the offense and the speed of the varsity game.
The coaching staff expects his continued development to be one of the biggest factors in the team’s progress this fall.
Improving his timing, decision-making and command of the offense should allow Bangor to become more efficient while creating more opportunities for explosive plays.
The Slaters enter preseason camp with several position battles still to be decided, making Rehrig’s leadership even more important as the offense comes together.
Offensive Line Must Set the Tone
Bangor believes improvement begins in the trenches.
The Slaters return senior linemen Hunter Hopstetter, Daniel Zheng and Kyle Bonopane, giving the offense an experienced core up front.
Offensive line coach Bill Brong has emphasized improving technique, strength and consistency throughout the offseason, and the coaching staff believes that work is beginning to pay off.
Creating more movement at the line of scrimmage will be critical to establishing the running game and giving Rehrig additional time in the pocket.
If the offensive line continues to develop, Bangor should become a much more balanced offense than it was a season ago.
Hurd and Karasek Headline the Ground Game
Senior Lucas Hurd returns to lead the rushing attack after gaining valuable experience last season.
Hurd’s combination of toughness and experience gives Bangor a dependable option in the backfield, while junior Cooper Karasek provides another versatile weapon at halfback.
The Slaters want to establish a more consistent running game that complements Rehrig’s development through the air.
Success on the ground will also help control the clock and reduce pressure on a young offense.
Replacing graduated playmakers Kamal Crockett, Riley Waldron and Jacob Hillis will not be easy, but Bangor hopes its returning players can assume larger offensive roles.
Simplified Defense Aims to Play Faster
One of the biggest offseason changes has come on defense.
The coaching staff simplified the defensive scheme with the goal of allowing players to react instead of thinking.
The expectation is that a less complicated system will help the Slaters play faster, pursue the football more aggressively and improve overall execution.
Physicality and tackling remain the top priorities.
Bangor knows reducing missed tackles and limiting big plays will be essential if it hopes to stay competitive against a challenging Colonial League schedule.
Veteran Front Looks to Improve Run Defense
The defensive line returns Michael Zheng and Johnny Yepez, giving Bangor experience at the point of attack.
Their ability to control blockers and create penetration will play a major role in the success of the defense.
The Slaters struggled at times against the run last season, making improvement along the defensive front a major emphasis throughout the offseason.
If Zheng and Yepez can consistently occupy blockers, the linebackers should have more opportunities to make plays in space.
Hopstetter Anchors the Defense
Hopstetter returns as one of Bangor’s defensive leaders at linebacker.
His experience and toughness provide stability in the middle of the defense, where communication and tackling are critical.
The coaching staff expects Hopstetter to set the tone with his physical style of play while helping younger defenders adjust to expanded roles.
Bangor’s defensive improvement will depend on playing with greater confidence, eliminating missed assignments and consistently getting multiple defenders to the football.
Experienced Secondary Returns
The Slaters also return valuable experience in the defensive backfield.
Rehrig returns at defensive back, giving him an opportunity to impact the game on both sides of the football.
Hurd also returns in the secondary, while Jon-Erik Ingram provides another experienced defender.
The secondary will face several talented passing offenses throughout the season, making communication and discipline essential.
If Bangor can generate more pressure up front, its defensive backs should have greater opportunities to create turnovers.
Players to Watch
Lincoln Rehrig, So., QB/DB: Returning sophomore quarterback expected to take a major step forward after gaining valuable varsity experience as a freshman.
Lucas Hurd, Sr., RB/DB: Veteran two-way player who will lead the running game while contributing in the secondary.
Hunter Hopstetter, Sr., OL/LB: Experienced leader who anchors both the offensive line and linebacker corps.
Daniel Zheng, Sr., OL: Veteran lineman expected to play a key role in improving the offensive front.
Kyle Bonopane, Sr., OL: Returning starter who brings experience and leadership to the offensive line.
Cooper Karasek, Jr., HB: Versatile back expected to become an important part of the offense.
Michael Zheng, DL: Returning defensive lineman who will help strengthen Bangor’s run defense.
Johnny Yepez, DL: Experienced defensive lineman expected to provide physicality at the point of attack.
Jon-Erik Ingram, DB: Returning defensive back who gives the secondary valuable varsity experience.
My thoughts on Bangor
Bangor’s record from 2025 does not tell the entire story of where the program is headed.
The Slaters return a young quarterback with valuable experience, an experienced offensive line and several veteran defenders who have another year in the system. The emphasis this offseason has been on improving the fundamentals—particularly blocking, tackling and physical play—while simplifying the defense to allow players to react faster.
Replacing three key graduated playmakers will be a challenge, and several position battles remain unresolved heading into training camp.
The biggest keys to improvement will be the continued development of Rehrig, better play in the trenches and a defense that tackles more consistently.
If those areas continue to progress throughout the season, Bangor has an opportunity to show significant improvement, become more competitive each week and lay the foundation for sustained success in the years ahead.
Head Coach: Vinnie Andrews
Assistant Coaches:
Bill Brong
Donnie Hawk
Will Cameron
Dan Muir
Ryan Pysher
Jared Reto
Tom Toth
Team Name: Bangor Slaters
District: 11
Class: 4A
League: Colonial League, Division 2
2025 Record: 0-11
8/22 @ Saucon Valley (3A) 7:00 pm L 21-42
8/28 Lehighton (4A) 7:00 pm L 7-38
9/04 @ Northwestern Lehigh (3A) 7:00 pm L 14-54
9/12 @ Pottsville Area (4A) 7:00 pm L 13-44
9/19 Blue Mountain (4A) 7:00 pm L 0-35
9/26 Tamaqua Area (3A) 7:00 pm L 0-20
10/03 @ North Schuylkill (3A) 7:00 pm L 22-52
10/10 @ Southern Lehigh (4A) 7:00 pm L 0-48
10/17 Jim Thorpe Area (4A) 7:00 pm L 21-35
10/24 Pen Argyl (2A) 7:00 pm L 21-32
10/30 @ Southern Lehigh (4A) 6:30 pm L 0-56 Dist. 11 Class 4A Quarterfinal
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Catasauqua (2A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 @ East Stroudsburg North (4A) 7:00 pm
9/03 Pocono Mountain East (5A) 7:00 pm
9/10 @ Northwestern Lehigh* (3A) 7:00 pm
9/18 Jim Thorpe Area* (3A) 7:00 pm
9/25 @ Palisades (2A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Lehighton* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Southern Lehigh* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/17 Saucon Valley* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Wilson Area* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/31 @ Pen Argyl (3A) 1:30 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Kamal Crockett (WR/DB)
Riley Waldron (RB/LB)
Jacob Hillis (WR/DE)
Offensive Starters Returning:
So. QB Lincon Rehrig
Sr. OL Hunter Hopstetter
Sr. OL Daniel Zheng
Sr. OL Kyle Bonopane
Sr. RB Lucas Hurd
Jr. HB Cooper Karasek
Defensive Starters Returning:
DL- Michael Zheng
DL- Johnny Yepez
LB- Hunter Hopstetter
DB- Lucas Hurd
DB- Lincoln Rehrig
DB- Jon-Erik Ingram
Key Newcomers:
So.K/P Nate Jiorle- K/P
Jr. OL Brady Kale
Jr. DL Jared Andrus
So. LB Ben Kennedy
Fr. DL RJ Gonzalez
2026 Offensive Outlook: We have many improvements to make. We have several key position battles that will need to be solidified in camp. The improvements needed most will be up front. Coach Brong has been working hard our line and we feel like we have made some significant improvement there. Lincoln Rehrig will be returning as the starting QB. We are looking forward to his continued development in his Sophomore year.
2026 Defensive Outlook: We simplified the defense this year to allow our guys to play fast. We need to improve on our physicality and tackling.