Chambersburg Looks to Build Around Experienced Core in Competitive Mid-Penn Commonwealth
There are no easy weeks in the Mid-Penn Conference Commonwealth Division.
Every Friday presents another challenge against some of the top Class 6A and Class 5A programs in Pennsylvania, and Chambersburg experienced that reality throughout the 2025 season.
The Trojans finished 4-6, earning victories over Gettysburg, Central Dauphin East, Carlisle and Altoona while battling one of the state’s toughest schedules. Four of their six losses came against eventual playoff teams, including Bishop McDevitt, Harrisburg, State College and Cedar Cliff.
Despite the record, Chambersburg showed signs of progress late in the season.
The Trojans shut out Carlisle 6-0, defeated Altoona 28-10 and nearly upset Central Dauphin before falling 28-20 in the season finale.
Head coach Gary Carter now enters the 2026 season with an experienced quarterback, a talented running back and several returning leaders on both sides of the football.
Replacing quarterback Ceagan Truett, two-way standouts Isaiah Tasker, Cobe Penick, Davonte Scott, Nick Pompeii and Cooper Stockslager, along with veteran offensive lineman Frank Barrientos, will not be easy.
Those players accounted for much of Chambersburg’s leadership and production.
However, the Trojans believe the returning foundation is strong enough to take another step forward.
Junior quarterback Cam Green returns after starting last season, while junior running back Malachi Tasker provides an experienced option in the backfield.
The offensive line returns several key contributors, and the defense welcomes back veteran linebackers Mason Mowen and Colton Horst along with defensive end Seth Gilliam.
The challenge now is developing the young players around those veterans.
If Chambersburg can build depth, establish a more balanced offense and create more takeaways defensively, the Trojans have the potential to become one of the Mid-Penn Commonwealth’s most improved teams.
Green Returns to Lead the Offense
Junior Cam Green enters his second season as Chambersburg’s starting quarterback after completing 115 of 188 passes for 1,266 yards and nine touchdowns.
At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Green possesses the size and arm strength to develop into one of the better quarterbacks in the conference.
The experience he gained last season should prove invaluable.
Green has already faced elite defenses from Bishop McDevitt, Harrisburg, State College, Cedar Cliff, Cumberland Valley and Central Dauphin.
Those experiences should help him play with greater confidence and composure this fall.
The coaching staff believes the quarterback room has good competition and depth, but Green enters camp as the established leader.
The next step in his development will be improving efficiency.
Chambersburg wants to become more balanced offensively, which requires Green to protect the football, complete high-percentage throws and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
His leadership will also become increasingly important with several new receivers expected to enter larger roles.
The Trojans do not need Green to force plays.
They need him to manage the offense, distribute the football and make winning decisions.
Tasker Headlines Running Game
Junior Malachi Tasker returns after carrying the football 125 times for 400 yards last season.
While those numbers may not immediately stand out, they came against one of Pennsylvania’s most demanding schedules.
Tasker now enters the season with another year of varsity experience and the opportunity to become the focal point of Chambersburg’s offense.
The Trojans believe the running back position has excellent competition and depth.
Tasker will be challenged throughout camp, creating healthy competition while ensuring the position remains productive over the course of the season.
Establishing the running game is one of Chambersburg’s biggest priorities.
The Trojans want to become more balanced offensively rather than relying too heavily on the passing attack.
A productive ground game would reduce pressure on Green while helping control the tempo against talented Mid-Penn opponents.
Tasker’s physical running style fits that philosophy.
If the offensive line develops as expected, he should have significantly more opportunities to produce explosive plays.
Rebuilt Receiving Corps Must Develop Quickly
One of the offense’s biggest challenges will be replacing Penick, Scott and Stockslager.
Those three graduates accounted for significant production and experience in the passing game.
The coaching staff believes the program has plenty of young talent at receiver.
The competition throughout camp should determine who earns those starting positions.
Developing chemistry with Green will be essential.
Timing, route precision and consistency become especially important when replacing experienced receivers.
The new group must quickly prove it can create separation, make contested catches and contribute as blockers in the running game.
The Trojans do not necessarily need one player to replace all of the lost production.
Instead, they need multiple young receivers to emerge and contribute consistently.
If that happens, Green should have enough weapons to keep defenses from focusing exclusively on Tasker and the running game.
Veteran Offensive Line Leads Transition
Chambersburg returns several experienced offensive linemen, highlighted by junior tackle Brady Lohman, senior guards Omar Hanchey and Rylan Pottle.
Lohman brings outstanding size at 6-foot-5 and 280 pounds and projects as one of the building blocks for the offense.
His ability to protect Green’s blind side and create movement in the running game will be critical.
Hanchey and Pottle provide valuable senior leadership on the interior.
Their experience should help stabilize a line replacing Barrientos while integrating younger players into larger roles.
The coaching staff believes the offensive line has considerable talent.
The challenge is determining which players earn starting positions and developing dependable depth.
Strong offensive line play will determine whether Chambersburg successfully establishes the balanced offense it desires.
If the front consistently wins at the line of scrimmage, Tasker and the running backs should benefit while Green gains additional time in the pocket.
Red-Zone Efficiency Will Define the Offense
Chambersburg’s offensive priorities are clear.
Run the football.
Become more balanced.
Finish drives.
The Trojans know they left points on the field last season.
Improving red-zone efficiency will be one of the biggest factors in determining whether close losses become victories.
Settling for field-position battles instead of touchdowns is difficult against the elite teams of the Mid-Penn Commonwealth.
Chambersburg must capitalize whenever scoring opportunities present themselves.
Ball security also remains a priority.
Turnovers become especially costly against championship-caliber opponents.
The Trojans believe their returning experience at quarterback and running back, combined with an improving offensive line, can help eliminate those mistakes.
If Chambersburg consistently runs the football, limits giveaways and finishes drives with touchdowns, the offense should take a noticeable step forward.
Veteran Linebackers Lead Defense
Senior Mason Mowen and senior Colton Horst return to anchor the linebacker corps.
Both players bring valuable varsity experience and should become the leaders of a young defensive unit.
The coaching staff believes both have all-conference potential.
Mowen’s instincts and tackling ability make him one of the defense’s most dependable players.
Horst provides another experienced presence capable of stopping the run while helping organize younger teammates.
Sophomore Deakon Snavely also returns after gaining valuable varsity experience.
At 5-foot-11 and 225 pounds, Snavely possesses impressive size and physicality for a sophomore.
His continued development could give Chambersburg another impact defender in the middle of the defense.
Together, the linebacker group should become one of the team’s greatest strengths.
Their leadership will be essential as new starters emerge throughout the defense.
Gilliam Anchors Defensive Front
Senior Seth Gilliam returns at defensive end after establishing himself as one of Chambersburg’s most important defensive linemen.
At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, Gilliam provides size, athleticism and experience.
The Trojans need him to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks while helping stop the run.
Gilliam’s leadership becomes even more important because Chambersburg must develop additional depth along the defensive line.
The coaching staff wants to return to an attacking defensive style.
That philosophy begins with the defensive front.
If Gilliam and the line consistently disrupt offenses before plays develop, the linebackers and secondary should benefit significantly.
Creating negative plays and forcing opponents into long-yardage situations will be a major emphasis throughout the season.
Young Defense Must Grow Quickly
Developing a young defense remains Chambersburg’s biggest challenge.
The Trojans return several talented veterans but must surround them with inexperienced players.
The coaching staff believes the potential exists.
Now those younger athletes must prove they are ready for varsity football.
The priorities are straightforward.
Play aggressively.
Create turnovers.
Get off the field on third down.
Last season, opposing offenses too often extended drives in critical situations.
Improving third-down defense would reduce time of possession while giving Chambersburg’s offense additional opportunities.
The secondary must also continue developing.
Strong defensive back play complements an attacking front by forcing quarterbacks to hold the football longer.
If Chambersburg creates more turnovers and consistently wins on third down, the defense should make significant progress.
Special Teams Stability Returns
Special teams enters the season in a much stronger position than a year ago.
Last season, Chambersburg opened the year without an established kicker or punter.
That uncertainty created challenges throughout the season.
Now the Trojans return senior Devon Nalewak, an all-conference punter.
His experience immediately stabilizes one of the most important special teams positions.
Winning field position often determines close games in the Mid-Penn Commonwealth.
Nalewak’s ability to pin opponents deep should help the defense throughout the season.
The Trojans also believe they have several candidates capable of handling place-kicking duties.
Identifying a dependable kicker during camp will complete the special teams unit.
If Chambersburg consistently wins the field-position battle, it can place additional pressure on opponents while helping its young defense.
Players to Watch
Cam Green, Jr., QB: Returning starting quarterback who threw for 1,266 yards and nine touchdowns last season.
Malachi Tasker, Jr., RB: Experienced running back expected to become the focal point of a more balanced offensive attack.
Brady Lohman, Jr., OT: Talented 6-foot-5 tackle expected to anchor the offensive line for years to come.
Omar Hanchey, Sr., OG: Veteran interior lineman providing leadership and physicality.
Rylan Pottle, Sr., OG: Experienced senior expected to help stabilize the offensive front.
Mason Mowen, Sr., LB: Veteran linebacker with all-conference potential who will lead the defense.
Colton Horst, Sr., LB: Experienced linebacker expected to play a major role against the run.
Seth Gilliam, Sr., DE: Athletic defensive end who anchors the front and leads Chambersburg’s pass rush.
Deakon Snavely, So., LB: Young linebacker with impressive size poised for a breakout season.
Devon Nalewak, Sr., P: Returning all-conference punter who gives the Trojans stability in the kicking game.
My thoughts on Chambersburg
Chambersburg enters the 2026 season with a veteran nucleus capable of competing every week in one of Pennsylvania’s toughest conferences.
Green and Tasker provide experience at the skill positions, while Lohman, Hanchey and Pottle give the offense a solid foundation along the line of scrimmage.
The biggest offensive question involves developing young receivers and improving consistency in the red zone.
Defensively, Mowen, Horst, Gilliam and Snavely give Chambersburg experienced leadership at linebacker and along the defensive front.
The Trojans must continue developing depth, particularly on the defensive line and in the secondary.
Creating more turnovers and improving third-down defense will determine whether the unit can consistently compete against the explosive offenses found throughout the Mid-Penn Commonwealth.
Special teams should become an advantage with Nalewak’s return and increased stability in the kicking game.
The 2025 season demonstrated how demanding the Mid-Penn Commonwealth can be, but it also showed Chambersburg’s ability to compete with quality opponents.
The Trojans were competitive in several league games and closed the season with encouraging performances.
If Chambersburg establishes a balanced offensive attack, develops its young playmakers and allows its veteran defensive leaders to set the tone, the Trojans have the opportunity to exceed last year’s record and become a dangerous team capable of challenging anyone in the Mid-Penn Conference.
Head Coach: Gary Carter
Assistant Coaches:
William Bowen
William Sensenderfer
Vincent Smith
Brock Harmon
Trent Stumbaugh
Heath Ocker
David Chlebowski
Andrew Stoner
Team Name: Chambersburg Trojans
District: 3
Class: 6A
League: Mid-Penn Conference, Commonwealth Division
2025 Record: 4-6
8/22 Gettysburg (5A) 7:00 pm W 27-15
8/29 Central Dauphin East* (6A) 7:00 pm W 26-21
9/05 @ Bishop McDevitt* (5A) 7:00 pm L 7-41
9/12 Harrisburg* (6A) 7:00 pm L 6-49
9/19 @ State College Area* (6A) 7:00 pm L 0-40
9/26 @ Cedar Cliff* (6A) 7:00 pm L 7-35
10/03 Carlisle* (6A) 7:00 pm W 6-0
10/10 @ Altoona Area* (6A) 7:00 pm W 28-10
10/17 Cumberland Valley* (6A) 7:00 pm L 0-7
10/24 @ Central Dauphin* (6A) 7:00 pm L 20-28
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 South Western (5A) 10:00 am Scrimmage; with Gettysburg
8/22 Gettysburg (5A) 10:00 am Scrimmage; with South Western
8/28 Manheim Central (5A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ State College Area* (6A) 7:00 pm
9/11 Cedar Cliff* (6A) 7:00 pm
9/18 Cumberland Valley* (6A) 7:00 pm
9/25 @ Central Dauphin* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Altoona Area* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Carlisle* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/17 @ Harrisburg* (6A) 1:00 pm
10/23 Central Dauphin East* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Bishop McDevitt* (6A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Ceagan Truett-QB
Isaiah Tasker-TE-LB
Cobe Penick-WR-DB
Davonte Scott-WR-DB
Nick Pompeii-RB-LB
Frank Barrientos-OL
Cooper Stockslager-WR-LB
Offensive Starters Returning:
Brady Lohman-Jr-OT 6-5 280
Omar Hanchey-Sr-OG 6-0 250
Malachi Tasker-Jr-RB 6-0 200
Cam Green-Jr-QB 6-3 205
Rylan Pottle-Sr-OG 5-11 235
Defensive Starters Returning:
Mason Mowen-Sr-LB 5-9 195
Seth Gilliam-Sr-DE 6-3 220
Colton Horst-Sr-LB 5-10 195
Deakon Snavely-S0-LB 5-11 225
Special Team Starters Returning:
Devon Nalewak-Sr-P 6-1 190
Key Newcomers:
Jashaun Palmer-Jr-WR- 6-0 175
Derek Adams-Jr-DE-6-4 225
Noah Kish-Jr-OT 6-3 250
Ashton Allen-Sr-LB 5-8 180
Noah Moreno-Jr- NG 5-10 235
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Cam Green-Jr-QB 115comp-188att 1266 yards 9TD
Malachi Tasker-Jr-RB 125att-400yards
2026 Offensive Outlook: We have several key returning players in our skill positions. Our quarterback and running back positions have a lot of competitors and should provide good depth. Our keys are developing our young receiving and offensive line groups.
We have a lot of talent in those groups, but we need to see who will win our starting positions. Offensively we have to be able to run the football this year and be a more balanced offense. When we have the ball in the red zone we have to put the ball in the endzone and limit our takeaways.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Defensively we have to develop our very young group. We have to get back to our attacking style and work of developing depth on our defensive line and in our secondary. We have to do a better job of getting off the field on third down and creating more turnovers.
We have several key returning starters that have the ability to be all-conference players. We just need to develop a young group around them.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Last year we started the season without a kicker or punter. This year, we have a starting all-conference punter returning and have a few options at place kicker.