Experienced Front Seven Leads Central Dauphin Into Rebuilding Season
Central Dauphin enters the 2026 season with a roster undergoing significant change, particularly on offense and in the secondary.
The Rams finished 5-7 last season, but their record did not fully reflect the way they closed the year. Central Dauphin defeated Chambersburg in the regular-season finale, then traveled to Cumberland Valley and earned a hard-fought 7-6 victory in the opening round of the District 3 Class 6A playoffs.
The season ended with a 21-9 loss to Harrisburg in the district quarterfinals.
Head coach Glen McNamee must now replace a large senior class that included Isaac Hodgson, Mason Wydra, Collier Book, Kah’Mani Garcia, Teagun Westrick, Robby Jimenez, Andrew Carr, Daniel Okonkwo, Brandon Cooper, Jadyn Johnson, Peyton Wylie and Mark Lebo.
Only one full-time offensive starter returns, while every primary special teams position will be filled by a player receiving his first varsity action in that role.
Defensively, however, the Rams return experience along the line and at linebacker. That veteran front seven gives Central Dauphin a foundation as it develops new starters throughout the rest of the lineup.
Offense Faces Complete Overhaul
Central Dauphin will enter training camp needing to replace nearly its entire starting offense.
Senior offensive lineman Gabe Lara is the only returning full-time starter on that side of the football. Senior tight end Jaden Morgans also brings varsity experience and should become a more significant part of the offense.
The Rams must identify a new quarterback, rebuild the offensive line and develop a group of running backs and receivers capable of replacing last season’s production.
With so many new players taking on larger roles, chemistry will be one of the coaching staff’s main concerns.
The offense must learn to communicate, handle assignments and play with consistency. Missed protections, penalties and turnovers can quickly derail a young unit, particularly in the highly competitive Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division.
Central Dauphin may need time to establish its offensive identity, but the Rams will look to accelerate that process by leaning on their experienced seniors.
Quarterback Competition Will Shape the Offense
The quarterback position will be one of the most important competitions during preseason camp.
Central Dauphin must replace its primary varsity passer and identify a player capable of managing the offense against one of the most challenging schedules in District 3.
The new quarterback will not need to carry the entire offense immediately. Early success may come from protecting the football, completing high-percentage passes and keeping the Rams in manageable down-and-distance situations.
Developing timing with a new group of receivers will also be important.
The offensive staff will need to determine which quarterback provides the best combination of decision-making, accuracy, mobility and command of the huddle.
Whoever wins the job will benefit from having an experienced tight end in Morgans and a potential physical running threat in senior Xaivion Allen.
Allen Could Provide Early Production
Allen is best known for his work at linebacker, but he also showed promise as a runner in a reserve role last season.
At 6-foot and 210 pounds, Allen has the size to provide a physical presence in the backfield.
Central Dauphin may use him to stabilize the ground game while younger offensive players adjust to varsity competition. His ability to run through contact could be especially useful in short-yardage situations and late in games.
The Rams will need to monitor his workload because of his importance on defense, but Allen’s versatility makes him one of the most valuable players on the roster.
Finding additional running backs will be essential. Central Dauphin cannot expect Allen to handle every carry while also serving as the leader of the defense.
A committee approach could allow the Rams to keep their backs fresh and gradually identify a featured runner.
Lara Anchors Rebuilt Offensive Line
The rebuilding process begins with Lara.
At 6-foot-2 and 285 pounds, Lara gives Central Dauphin an experienced and physical presence along the offensive front. He will be responsible for helping younger linemen understand assignments, protections and adjustments.
The Rams must develop four additional starters around him.
That process will be critical because a young quarterback and inexperienced backfield will need dependable blocking. Establishing a consistent running game could help Central Dauphin control the clock and prevent its new quarterback from facing repeated obvious passing situations.
The offensive line must also develop depth. The Mid-Penn Commonwealth schedule regularly features large and athletic defensive fronts, making it difficult to navigate an entire season with only five dependable linemen.
Lara’s leadership will be central to the unit’s progress.
Morgans Provides a Dependable Target
Morgans returns as one of the offense’s most experienced players.
At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, he gives the new quarterback a large target in the middle of the field and along the sidelines.
The Rams can use Morgans as a traditional tight end, move him into the slot or keep him attached to the formation as an additional blocker.
His versatility should help a young offense disguise its intentions.
Morgans can also become an important option on third down and in the red zone. His size creates a favorable matchup against smaller defensive backs, while his experience should make him a reliable security blanket for the new quarterback.
The Rams will need younger receivers to emerge around him to prevent defenses from concentrating entirely on the middle of the field.
Defense Has Experience Up Front
While the offense begins almost from scratch, the defense returns a strong collection of experienced players in the front seven.
Central Dauphin has three defensive ends with meaningful varsity experience in Loudgy Saintil, Cameron Book and Morgans.
Lara and Donyeh Winston provide experience at defensive tackle.
That group gives the Rams the size and depth to remain physical against the run while generating pressure from multiple positions.
Saintil averaged 4.2 tackles per game last season and should be one of the unit’s top edge defenders. At 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, he has the size to set the edge and the athleticism to pursue plays into the backfield.
Morgans also gives the Rams length on the outside at 6-foot-4.
If the defensive line controls the line of scrimmage, it will ease pressure on the inexperienced secondary and allow the linebackers to play aggressively.
Allen Leads Veteran Linebacker Group
Allen returns after recording a team-leading 86 tackles last season.
His production, experience and physical style make him the centerpiece of the Central Dauphin defense.
Allen will be responsible for communicating calls, making adjustments and helping align a unit that will feature several new starters behind him.
Senior Anthony Neuhard also returns after averaging seven tackles per game. At 6-foot and 220 pounds, Neuhard provides another physical presence in the middle of the defense.
Junior Griffin Ionni gained varsity experience last season and should move into an expanded role. Cameron Coleman also saw action and gives the Rams additional depth at linebacker.
The experience at linebacker should allow Central Dauphin to remain aggressive.
The Rams need the group to tackle consistently, fill rushing lanes and help compensate for the youth in the secondary.
Secondary Will Feature First-Time Starters
The defensive backfield represents the greatest uncertainty on defense.
Central Dauphin expects every member of the secondary to be a first-time varsity starter.
That creates an immediate challenge against a schedule featuring several teams capable of attacking vertically and spreading the field.
Communication will be essential.
Young defensive backs must learn route combinations, understand their responsibilities and avoid surrendering explosive plays because of missed assignments.
The veteran front seven can help by generating pressure and preventing quarterbacks from becoming comfortable in the pocket. A strong pass rush would shorten coverage time and create takeaway opportunities.
The Rams may simplify portions of the defense early in the year while the secondary gains experience.
The development of that group will be one of the most important factors in determining Central Dauphin’s defensive ceiling.
Third-Down Success Will Be Critical
Central Dauphin’s defense will need to keep games manageable while the offense develops.
That means getting off the field on third down, limiting long drives and creating favorable field position.
The front seven has enough experience to stop the run and force opponents into passing situations. The next step will be converting those opportunities into sacks, incompletions and turnovers.
Allen, Neuhard and the experienced defensive linemen should allow the Rams to vary their pressure packages.
Creating takeaways would be especially valuable for a young offense. Short fields could reduce the burden on the new quarterback and provide easier scoring opportunities.
Special Teams Starts From Scratch
Every major special teams position will have a new starter in 2026.
Central Dauphin must identify a kicker, punter, long snapper and return specialists. Each player selected will be receiving his first varsity experience in that role.
That makes special teams one of the team’s most important preseason priorities.
Consistency will matter more than spectacular plays early in the season. The Rams need secure snaps, clean holds, dependable coverage and returners who protect the football.
Punting will be particularly important while the offense finds its footing. A reliable punter can flip field position and give the experienced defense more room to operate.
The coaching staff will likely use camp and scrimmages to evaluate several combinations before settling on permanent roles.
Players to Watch
Xaivion Allen, Sr., LB/RB: Defensive leader who recorded 86 tackles and could provide important production in the running game.
Gabe Lara, Sr., OL/DT: The only returning full-time offensive starter and an experienced two-way lineman expected to anchor both fronts.
Jaden Morgans, Sr., TE/DE: Versatile 6-foot-4 two-way player who should become a key receiving target and edge defender.
Loudgy Saintil, Sr., DE: Experienced defensive end who averaged 4.2 tackles per game and will be counted on to create pressure.
Anthony Neuhard, Sr., LB: Physical veteran who averaged seven tackles per game and gives the Rams another proven defender in the middle.
Griffin Ionni, Jr., LB: Returning linebacker expected to take on a larger role after seeing varsity action in 2025.
Cameron Book, DE: Experienced edge defender who adds depth and versatility to a veteran defensive front.
Donyeh Winston, DT: Returning interior lineman expected to help the Rams control the running game.
My thoughts on Central Dauphin
Central Dauphin enters 2026 in a rebuilding phase, but the Rams are not without strengths.
The offense will feature almost an entirely new starting lineup. Lara and Morgans provide valuable experience, while Allen could help stabilize the rushing attack. Still, the Rams must identify a quarterback, rebuild the offensive line and develop new playmakers at running back and receiver.
Progress may not be immediate.
The offense’s early goals should be protecting the football, sustaining drives and gradually building confidence. The quicker the new starters develop chemistry, the sooner Central Dauphin can become balanced and consistent.
Defense should lead the way.
The Rams return significant experience along the defensive line and at linebacker. Allen, Neuhard, Saintil, Lara and Morgans give Central Dauphin a veteran core capable of keeping the team competitive while the offense grows.
The major defensive question is the secondary. If the first-year starters limit explosive plays and improve throughout the season, the defense has the potential to become a dependable unit.
Special teams will also require patience as new players step into every major role.
Central Dauphin showed resilience at the end of last season, winning on the road at Cumberland Valley in the District 3 playoffs before challenging Harrisburg in the quarterfinals. That postseason experience demonstrated the program’s ability to compete in difficult environments.
The 2026 Rams will be younger and less experienced, but they still have a physical front seven and several senior leaders.
If the offense develops steadily, the secondary matures and the new specialists provide consistency, Central Dauphin can remain competitive in the Mid-Penn Commonwealth and position itself for another District 3 Class 6A playoff appearance.
Head Coach: Glen McNamee
Assistant Coaches:
Sean Rosler
John Harris
Denny Duttenhoffer
Mike Dougherty
Paul Linn
Marshall Fisher
Rashaun Gabriel
Nate Linn
Jon Linn
Terrell Gabriel
Steve Tecau
Jason Easter
Paul Clark
AJ Perez
Saafir Starling
Team Name: Central Dauphin Rams
District: 3
Class: 6A
League: Mid-Penn Conference, Commonwealth Division
2025 Record: 5-7
8/22 Central York (6A) 7:00 pm L 9-23
8/29 Cedar Cliff* (6A) 7:00 pm L 14-26
9/05 Carlisle* (6A) 7:00 pm W 41-0 Gold Star Mom Game
9/12 @ Altoona Area* (6A) 7:00 pm W 38-21
9/19 @ Cumberland Valley* (6A) 7:00 pm L 15-24
9/26 State College Area* (6A) 7:00 pm L 13-41 Homecoming
10/03 @ Central Dauphin East* (6A) 7:00 pm W 28-18
10/10 Bishop McDevitt* (5A) 7:00 pm L 21-48 Touchdowns for Downs Game
10/18 @ Harrisburg* (6A) 1:00 pm L 0-27
10/24 Chambersburg* (6A) 7:00 pm W 28-20 Chambersburg
10/31 @ Cumberland Valley (6A) 7:00 pm W 7-6 Dist. 3 Class 6A 1st Round
11/08 @ Harrisburg (6A) 1:00 pm L 9-21 Dist. 3 Class 6A Quarterfinal
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Hempfield (3) (6A) 11:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 @ Mechanicsburg (6A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ Altoona Area* (6A) 7:00 pm
9/11 Carlisle* (6A) 7:00 pm
9/19 @ Harrisburg* (6A) 1:00 pm
9/25 Chambersburg* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Bishop McDevitt* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ State College Area* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Cedar Cliff* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Cumberland Valley* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Central Dauphin East* (6A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Isaac Hodgson
Mason Wydra
Collier Book
Kah’Mani Garcia
Teagun Westrick
Robby Jimenez
Andrew Carr
Daniel Okonkwo
Brandon Cooper
Jadyn Johnson
Peyton Wylie
Mark Lebo
Offensive Starters Returning:
Senior OL Gabe Lara, 6’2″ 285
Senior TE Jaden Morgans 6’4″ 230
Defensive Starters Returning:
Senior LB Xaivion Allen 6’0″ 210
Senior DT Gabe Lara 6’2″ 285
Senior DE Jaden Morgans 6’4″ 230
Senior DE Loudgy Saintil 6’2″ 235
Senior LB Anthony Neuhard 6’0″ 220
Junior LB Griffin Ionni 5’10” 170
Special Team Starters Returning:
None
Key Newcomers:
Senior OL/DL I’Zereon Moon 6’3″ 320
Senior RB Brandon Pepen 5’10” 170
Junior OL/DL Cameron Book 6’3″ 245
Junior OL/LB Cameron Coleman 6’0″ 230
Sophomore WR Derrick Price 6’2″ 185
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Xaivion Allen 86 tackles
Loudgy Saintil 4.2 tackles per game
Anthony Neuhard 7 tackles per game
2026 Offensive Outlook: With only one full-time starter returning, the Rams will have a lot of new faces. Building the chemistry needed for execution will be key. Xaivion Allen ran the ball well in a backup role in 2025 and could provide some important production early.
2026 Defensive Outlook: The secondary will be comprised of first-time starters but the Rams do have some experience up front. Three defensive ends have significant experience (Loudgy Saintil, Cameron Book, Jaden Morgans) along with two defensive tackles (Gabe Lara, Donyeh Winston). At linebacker, Xaivion Allen, Anthony Neuhard, Griffin Ionni, and Cameron Coleman all saw action in 2025.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: The kicker, punter, longsnapper, and returners will all be seeing their first varsity action in those positions in 2026.