Experienced Core Gives Camp Hill Hope for a 2026 Turnaround
Camp Hill enters the 2026 season determined to turn a difficult year into the foundation for a stronger future.
The Lions finished 0-10 in 2025, but head coach Jason Lynch returns an experienced group at several key positions, including quarterback, wide receiver, linebacker and safety. Camp Hill also came close to ending last season on a high note, falling 8-6 to James Buchanan in the finale.
With senior quarterback Colby Luther, two-way standout Owen Grove and leading tackler Sam Miller back, the Lions have proven players capable of helping the program take a step forward in the Mid-Penn Conference Capital Division.
Luther Returns to Lead the Offense
Senior quarterback Colby Luther returns after throwing for 1,448 yards and nine touchdowns last season.
His experience gives Camp Hill stability at the most important position on the field. The Lions want to build an offense that is physical, disciplined and explosive while tailoring the system to the strengths of their personnel.
Camp Hill plans to establish the running game, control the line of scrimmage and use an efficient passing attack to create big-play opportunities.
Luther’s familiarity with the offense and his returning receivers should help the Lions become more consistent through the air.
Grove Headlines the Receiving Corps
Senior Owen Grove returns as Camp Hill’s top offensive playmaker after catching 47 passes for 664 yards in 2025.
At 6-foot-3, Grove gives Luther a large target with the ability to make plays down the field and in traffic. He will be the focal point of the passing game and one of the most important leaders on the roster.
Junior Sam Miller also returns at wide receiver and running back. His versatility should allow offensive coordinator Russell Evans to move him around the formation and create favorable matchups.
The Lions must replace Alexander Serdar and M.A. Scaringi, but the return of Luther, Grove and Miller gives the offense an experienced foundation.
Veteran Linemen Must Set the Tone
Camp Hill’s offensive philosophy begins with winning the line of scrimmage.
Senior linemen Carter Sloat and Michael Lanza return after gaining valuable varsity experience. Both are listed at 220 pounds and will be counted on to provide leadership for a unit that must improve its consistency.
The offensive line will be responsible for helping Camp Hill establish a dependable running game and protecting Luther long enough for the passing attack to develop.
For the Lions to improve offensively, the front must limit negative plays, avoid penalties and create more manageable down-and-distance situations.
Miller and Grove Lead the Defense
Camp Hill’s two most productive returning defenders are Miller and Grove.
Miller recorded a team-high 93 tackles and two sacks from his strong safety position. His willingness to play near the line of scrimmage and pursue the football makes him one of the most important players in the Lions’ defensive system.
Grove was also highly productive at linebacker, finishing with 83 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
Together, Miller and Grove give Camp Hill two experienced defenders who can make plays against both the run and pass.
The Lions want to play fast, physical and aggressively while dictating the tempo rather than reacting to opposing offenses.
Secondary Returns Valuable Experience
Junior free safety Zaidyn Crandall returns after recording 22 tackles and an interception last season.
Crandall and Miller give Camp Hill experience on the back end, which should help the Lions improve their communication and limit explosive plays.
The secondary will be challenged by a schedule featuring several different offensive styles. Discipline, tackling in space and proper positioning will be critical.
Camp Hill’s goal is to have all 11 defenders pursue the football and create turnovers whenever opportunities arise.
Dawes Anchors the Defensive Front
Senior defensive end Kenneth Dawes returns after making 21 tackles and two tackles for loss.
At 6-foot-3, Dawes brings length and experience to the defensive front. He will be asked to help Camp Hill establish a more physical presence at the line of scrimmage.
Winning up front is one of the Lions’ biggest defensive priorities. Camp Hill must generate more pressure, improve against the run and keep blockers away from Grove and the other linebackers.
The development of younger linemen will be important as the coaching staff looks to create more depth.
Special Teams Remain a Major Priority
Camp Hill views special teams as an opportunity to change field position and create momentum.
The Lions will emphasize execution, discipline and effort on every kicking play. Strong coverage units can help the defense by forcing opponents to begin drives deep in their own territory, while effective returns can provide the offense with shorter fields.
For a team looking to reverse the outcome of close games, special teams could play a major role in the turnaround.
Players to Watch
Colby Luther, Sr., QB: Returning starter who threw for 1,448 yards and nine touchdowns last season.
Owen Grove, Sr., WR/LB: Productive two-way standout who caught 47 passes for 664 yards and recorded 83 tackles.
Sam Miller, Jr., WR/RB/SS: Versatile playmaker and Camp Hill’s leading returning tackler with 93 stops.
Zaidyn Crandall, Jr., FS: Experienced defensive back who recorded 22 tackles and an interception.
Kenneth Dawes, Sr., DE: Veteran defensive lineman expected to provide leadership and pressure off the edge.
Carter Sloat, Sr., OL: Returning lineman who will help anchor Camp Hill’s offensive front.
Michael Lanza, Sr., OL: Experienced blocker who will play an important role in establishing the running game.
My thoughts on Camp Hill
Camp Hill’s path forward begins with experience and execution.
The Lions return a productive quarterback, their leading receiver and two defenders who combined for 176 tackles last season. That veteran leadership should help a younger roster develop while giving the team confidence entering close games.
The biggest challenge will be improving along the line of scrimmage and developing enough depth to compete throughout a demanding schedule. Camp Hill must also limit explosive plays, protect the football and finish drives with points.
The 2025 season was difficult, but it provided valuable experience for several players who are now ready to take on larger roles.
If Luther and Grove continue to produce, Miller remains a defensive force and the Lions become more physical up front, Camp Hill has a realistic opportunity to show significant improvement and return to the win column in 2026.
Head Coach: Jason Lynch
Assistant Coaches:
Russell Evans- OC
Dan Stephen
Tig Spinelli
Gerald Taylor
Tom Sacoman
Elijah Armor
Billy Yaremchak
Colin Guisbert
Team Name: Camp Hill Lions
District: 3
Class: 2A
League: Mid-Penn Conference, Capital Division
2025 Record: 0-10
8/22 Lancaster Catholic (2A) 7:00 pm L 7-43
8/29 @ Big Spring (3A) 7:00 pm L 14-53
9/05 @ Susquenita* (3A) 7:00 pm L 12-44
9/12 Newport* (2A) 7:00 pm L 12-47
9/19 @ Juniata* (4A) 7:00 pm L 10-27
9/26 Halifax* (2A) 7:00 pm L 13-49
10/04 @ Upper Dauphin* (2A) 6:00 pm L 12-55
10/10 Steelton-Highspire* (2A) 7:00 pm L 20-48
10/17 @ Line Mountain* (1A) 7:00 pm L 13-49
10/24 James Buchanan* (3A) 7:00 pm L 6-8
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Biglerville (3A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 Lancaster Catholic (2A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ York Catholic (2A) 7:00 pm
9/11 Kutztown (4A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Newport* (2A) 7:00 pm
9/25 @ Line Mountain* (1A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Upper Dauphin* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Susquenita* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Steelton-Highspire* (1A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Halifax* (1A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Juniata* (3A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Alexander Serdar
M.A. Scaringi
Offensive Starters Returning:
Jr. WR/RB Sam Miller, 5’8 155
Sr. WR Owen Grove, 6’3 175
Sr. OL Carter Sloat, 6’1 220
Sr. OL Michael Lanza 6’0 220
Sr. QB Colby Luther 5’11 165
Defensive Starters Returning:
Jr. SS Sam Miller, 5’8 155
Sr. LB Owen Grove, 6’3 175
Jr. FS Zaidyn Crandall, 6’0 165
Sr. DE Kenneth Dawes, 6’3 175
Key Newcomers:
So. Kristian Albrecht, 6’2 180
So. Kam’Rom Hayes, 6’0 150
So, Luca Mariani, 5’11 150
So. Alijah Irving, 6’2 170
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Jr. SS Sam Miller, 5’8 155- 93 Total Tackles, 2 sacks
Sr. WR Owen Grove, 6’3 175- 664 yds Receiving,47 catches/83 Total Tackles, 3 Sacks, 6 TFL, 2 INT, 1 FF, 2 Fum Rec
Sr. DE Kenneth Dawes, 6’3 175- 21Total Tackles, 2 TFL
Jr. FS Zaidyn Crandall, 6’0 165- 22 Total Tackles, 1 INT
Sr. QB Colby Luther 5’11 165- 1448 yds, 9TDs
2026 Offensive Outlook: Our offensive identity is built around being physical, disciplined, and explosive. We want to establish the line of scrimmage, run the football effectively, and create opportunities for big plays through an efficient passing game. Success starts with execution, and we expect our players to play with confidence, toughness, and attention to detail every snap. Play to the strengths of our personnel
2026 Defensive Outlook: Our success on defense starts with playing fast, physical, and together. We have a group of experienced players returning who understand our defensive system, and our goal is to be an aggressive unit that dictates the tempo rather than reacting to offenses.
The biggest keys to a successful season will be winning the line of scrimmage, limiting explosive plays, and creating turnovers. We emphasize playing fundamentally sound football, tackling well in space, and getting all 11 defenders to the football. Communication and discipline will also be critical, especially with several opponents on our schedule that present different offensive styles
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Special teams have always been a major point of emphasis in our program because we believe they can change the outcome of a football game. We treat every special teams snap as an opportunity to gain an advantage through field position, momentum, and execution.