Experienced Offense Raises Expectations for Hanover Area in 2026
Hanover Area enters the 2026 season with experience at quarterback, proven production in the backfield and one of its strongest offensive lines in recent years.
The Hawkeyes finished 6-4 during the 2025 regular season and earned a spot in the District 2 playoffs. Hanover Area showed the ability to overwhelm opponents, posting five shutouts and scoring at least 40 points in six victories.
The season ended with a 49-9 loss to Berwick in the District 2 Class 3A semifinals, but the Hawkeyes return eight offensive starters and six defensive starters from that team.
Head coach Eric Richardson believes the returning experience should allow Hanover Area to play faster and execute at a higher level. Junior quarterback Logan Richardson enters his third season as a starter, senior running back Dewayne Downey returns after approaching 900 rushing yards, and several experienced linemen are back to lead the offense.
Hanover Area will compete in Class 4A in 2026 and face a difficult schedule, placing added pressure on a veteran offense to produce points consistently. Defensively, the Hawkeyes want to become more aggressive and disruptive after allowing several explosive performances against the strongest teams on last year’s schedule.
The pieces are in place for Hanover Area to remain competitive in the Wyoming Valley Conference Division 2 and challenge for another postseason appearance.
Richardson Returns for Third Season at Quarterback
Junior Logan Richardson gives Hanover Area valuable stability at the most important position on the field.
Richardson passed for 1,824 yards and 20 touchdowns last season while adding one rushing score. His experience and knowledge of the offense should allow the Hawkeyes to operate at a faster pace in 2026.
As a three-year starter, Richardson understands the system, recognizes defensive looks and knows where to distribute the football. That command should benefit an offense returning most of its top skill players.
Hanover Area scored 40 or more points six times last season, including 63-point performances against Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech and Greater Nanticoke. Richardson’s ability to stretch the field and capitalize on favorable matchups was a major reason for that production.
The next step will be performing with greater consistency against the strongest opponents on the schedule.
The Hawkeyes were held below 20 points in losses to Berwick and Wyoming Area. Better protection, improved execution on early downs and avoiding turnovers will be important if Hanover Area wants to close the gap against the top programs in District 2.
Downey Leads Productive Running Game
Senior Dewayne Downey returns after rushing for 890 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. He also caught a touchdown pass, giving him 17 total offensive scores.
At 5-foot-6 and 160 pounds, Downey may not be the biggest back on the schedule, but his quickness, balance and ability to find running lanes make him difficult to contain.
He gives Hanover Area a proven option who can carry the football consistently and turn a small opening into a significant gain.
With an experienced offensive line returning, Downey should have an opportunity to push beyond the 1,000-yard mark as a senior.
The Hawkeyes also return junior fullback and tight end Brody Richardson, who rushed for 85 yards and two touchdowns last season. His physical style gives the offense another option in short-yardage situations.
Brody Richardson can lead block, carry the football between the tackles or line up at tight end. That versatility should help Hanover Area maintain balance and create different looks without changing personnel.
Conor Richardson Leads Receiving Corps
Junior Conor Richardson returns as Hanover Area’s most productive receiver.
He caught 31 passes for 480 yards and five touchdowns last season, emerging as a dependable target in the passing game. At 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, he has the size and athleticism to work outside or move into the slot.
His familiarity with Logan Richardson should help the passing game maintain continuity.
Sophomore Angel Tejeda provides another intriguing target. Tejeda caught six passes for 122 yards last season, averaging more than 20 yards per reception.
At 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds, Tejeda gives the Hawkeyes a large target with significant big-play potential. His combination of size and athleticism could make him one of the team’s breakout players.
Hanover Area will need additional receivers to emerge after losing Deacon Eisenbaugh, Matthew Curry, Chase Hall and Al-Amin Keshino. However, the return of Conor Richardson, Tejeda and Brody Richardson gives the passing game a solid foundation.
Offensive Line Could Be Team’s Strength
Hanover Area believes its offensive line may be the most sound group the program has had in several years.
Junior left tackle John Boehm, senior left guard Ricardo Feliciano and senior center and guard Jackson Yancey return as experienced starters.
Boehm provides size on the edge at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds. Feliciano brings strength and senior leadership at 240 pounds, while Yancey offers versatility and experience on the interior.
The returning linemen should help Hanover Area protect its experienced quarterback and create running lanes for Downey.
The line’s ability to control the line of scrimmage will be particularly important against the stronger defensive fronts on the schedule. Hanover Area cannot rely entirely on explosive plays. The Hawkeyes must also be able to sustain drives, convert short-yardage situations and control the clock.
If the offensive line performs as expected, Hanover Area should have the balance needed to attack defenses through the air and on the ground.
Offense Must Produce Against Difficult Schedule
The Hawkeyes demonstrated considerable offensive potential last season, but their production varied greatly depending on the opponent.
Hanover Area scored 290 points in its six regular-season victories, averaging more than 48 points per win. In four regular-season losses, the Hawkeyes averaged 22 points and were held below 20 twice.
That difference illustrates the primary challenge entering 2026.
Hanover Area must become more efficient and productive against physical, disciplined teams. The Hawkeyes will face several strong programs capable of controlling possession and creating pressure.
The returning experience should help.
Logan Richardson understands the offense, Downey is a proven runner and the offensive line has continuity. Hanover Area should be able to play faster and make adjustments more effectively than it did a year ago.
Limiting turnovers and avoiding penalties will be essential. The Hawkeyes cannot afford to give strong opponents short fields or waste scoring opportunities.
Defensive Line Returns Size and Experience
Hanover Area returns experience in the middle of its defensive front.
Sophomore Urijah Rivas returns at defensive tackle after gaining important varsity experience as a freshman. At 5-foot-11 and 255 pounds, he provides size and strength inside.
Junior Jose Mercado also returns at defensive tackle. Mercado is listed at 5-foot-11 and 235 pounds and gives Hanover Area another physical presence in the middle.
The Hawkeyes need Rivas and Mercado to control gaps, occupy blockers and prevent opposing offenses from consistently reaching the linebackers.
Hanover Area allowed 56 points to Berwick and 49 points to Wyoming Area during the regular season before surrendering another 49 points to Berwick in the playoffs. Improving against physical rushing attacks will be a major priority.
The defensive line must play with greater aggression and create more disruption behind the line of scrimmage.
Cruz and Richardson Lead Linebackers
Senior Lucas Cruz returns after recording 75 tackles, six tackles for loss and one fumble recovery.
Cruz is one of Hanover Area’s most experienced defenders and will be expected to provide leadership in the middle of the defense. His ability to diagnose plays and finish tackles should help stabilize the front seven.
Brody Richardson also returns at linebacker after a productive sophomore season.
He recorded 51 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries. His ability to create turnovers made him one of the defense’s most impactful players.
Conor Richardson returns at outside linebacker after totaling 48 tackles, four tackles for loss and one sack.
Together, Cruz and the Richardson brothers give Hanover Area a strong core of experienced linebackers.
The coaching staff wants the defense to become more aggressive and chaotic. That means attacking gaps, creating pressure and forcing opponents into mistakes rather than waiting for plays to develop.
Tejeda Gives Secondary a Proven Playmaker
Tejeda returns at cornerback after recording 27 tackles and three interceptions last season.
He returned one of those interceptions for a touchdown, demonstrating the playmaking ability Hanover Area wants throughout its defense.
His size allows him to match up with bigger receivers, while his ball skills make him a threat when quarterbacks challenge him.
The secondary will need additional players to step into larger roles following the loss of several starters. Communication and discipline will be critical, particularly against teams capable of attacking vertically.
Hanover Area wants its experienced defenders to keep the unit organized and prevent explosive plays.
A stronger pass rush would help the secondary by forcing quarterbacks to make quicker decisions.
Defense Wants to Create More Chaos
The Hawkeyes posted five shutouts last season, holding Holy Cross, Old Forge, Tunkhannock, Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech and Lake-Lehman scoreless.
Those performances showed what Hanover Area can accomplish when it controls the line of scrimmage and plays with confidence.
The challenge is producing that same level of execution against stronger competition.
Hanover Area wants its defense to become more aggressive, disruptive and opportunistic. Returning players must play with greater urgency and help younger teammates understand their assignments.
The Hawkeyes need to create more tackles for loss, sacks and turnovers.
That approach carries some risk, particularly if defenders lose gap discipline or overrun plays. The key will be combining aggression with sound fundamentals.
Cruz, Brody Richardson and Conor Richardson will be important in maintaining that balance.
Special Teams Must Replace Standout Kicker
Special teams is one of Hanover Area’s biggest questions entering the season.
The Hawkeyes must replace one of the top kickers in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Finding a dependable option at placekicker will be an important focus during training camp.
Consistency on extra points, kickoffs and field goals can determine close games, particularly against stronger opponents.
The Hawkeyes must also settle their punting responsibilities and coverage units.
Conor Richardson provides an experienced return option after scoring on a punt return last season. His ability to create field position and produce explosive plays gives the special teams unit a proven weapon.
The coaching staff will look for a new kicker who can provide confidence and prevent special teams from becoming a weakness.
Players to Watch
Logan Richardson, Jr., QB: Three-year starter who passed for 1,824 yards and 20 touchdowns last season.
Dewayne Downey, Sr., RB: Productive runner who gained 890 yards and scored 17 total offensive touchdowns.
Conor Richardson, Jr., WR/OLB/Returner: Two-way playmaker who caught 31 passes for 480 yards and five touchdowns, recorded 48 tackles and returned a punt for a score.
Brody Richardson, Jr., FB/TE/LB: Versatile and physical player who recorded 51 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks and three fumble recoveries.
Angel Tejeda, Soph., WR/CB: Promising two-way athlete who intercepted three passes and averaged more than 20 yards per reception.
Lucas Cruz, Sr., LB: Returning defensive leader who totaled 75 tackles and six tackles for loss.
John Boehm, Jr., LT: Experienced offensive tackle who will help anchor a veteran line.
Ricardo Feliciano, Sr., LG: Physical senior lineman expected to provide leadership and consistency.
Jackson Yancey, Sr., C/G: Versatile interior lineman who gives Hanover Area experience at center and guard.
Urijah Rivas, Soph., DT: Young interior defender with the size and strength to become a disruptive force.
Jose Mercado, Jr., DT: Returning defensive tackle expected to help improve Hanover Area’s run defense.
My thoughts on Hanover Area
Hanover Area enters the 2026 season with the offensive experience needed to remain one of the more dangerous teams in the Wyoming Valley Conference Division 2.
The Hawkeyes return their three-year starting quarterback, leading rusher, top receiver and three experienced offensive linemen. That continuity should allow the unit to play faster and execute with greater confidence.
Logan Richardson gives Hanover Area stability under center. Downey provides proven production in the backfield, while Conor Richardson and Tejeda give the passing game big-play potential.
The offensive line may be the key to the season. If that group controls the line of scrimmage, Hanover Area should be capable of sustaining drives and producing points against stronger opponents.
Defensively, the Hawkeyes return six starters and experienced players at every level. Cruz, Brody Richardson and Conor Richardson give the linebacker unit leadership and playmaking ability, while Rivas and Mercado provide size inside.
The defense must become more consistent against top competition. Hanover Area showed it could dominate less experienced opponents, but it struggled to slow down Berwick and Wyoming Area.
Becoming more aggressive and creating turnovers could help close that gap.
Special teams remains the greatest uncertainty following the loss of an accomplished kicker. Identifying a reliable replacement will be important in close games.
Hanover Area has enough experience and offensive talent to improve on last season’s six-win regular season. If the defense becomes more disruptive, the offensive line performs as expected and the new specialists provide consistency, the Hawkeyes should contend in the conference and return to the District 2 Class 4A postseason.
Head Coach: Eric Richardson
Assistant Coaches:
Tony Marcincavage
Robert Stelma
Brandon Chafin
Jarod Jones
Brandon Francis
Robert Baker
Charles Romanowski
Edward Lewis
Jamie Nardone
Team Name: Hanover Area Hawkeyes
District: 2
Class: 4A
League: Wyoming Valley Conference, Division 2
2025 Record: 6-4
8/22 Marian Catholic (1A) 7:00 pm L 24-42
8/29 @ Riverside (2) (2A) 7:00 pm L 31-34
9/06 @ Holy Cross (1A) 1:00 pm W 47-0
9/12 Old Forge (1A) 7:00 pm W 40-0
9/19 Berwick Area* (3A) 7:00 pm L 19-56
9/26 @ Tunkhannock* (3A) 7:00 pm W 42-0
10/03 @ Wyoming Area* (3A) 7:00 pm L 14-49
10/10 Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech (4A) 7:00 pm W 63-0
10/17 @ Lake-Lehman* (3A) 7:00 pm W 35-0
10/24 Greater Nanticoke* (4A) 7:00 pm W 63-0
10/31 @ Berwick Area (3A) 7:00 pm L 9-49 District 2 Class 3A Semifinal
2026 Schedules:
Date Opponent Kickoff Result Game Notes
8/22 Tunkhannock (3A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 @ Crestwood* (4A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ Wyoming Area (3A) 7:00 pm
9/11 Pittston Area (5A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Wyoming Valley West (6A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Lake-Lehman (3A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Berwick Area* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Northwest Area (1A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Shamokin (4A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Dallas* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Greater Nanticoke (4A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Deacon Eisenbaugh (Transfer)
Matthew Curry
Chase Hall
Al-Amin Keshino
Dawin Downey (injury)
Offensive Starters Returning:
Jr. QB Logan Richardson 6-0 180
Jr. FB/TE Brody Richardson 5-11 200
Sr. RB Dewayne Downey 5-6 160
Jr. WR Conor Richardson 6-1 180
So. WR Angel Tejeda 6-3 175
Jr. LT John Boehm 6-3 245
Sr. LG Ricardo Feliciano 5-10 240
Sr. C/G Jackson Yancey 5-10 230
Defensive Starters Returning:
So. DT Urijah Rivas 5-11 255
Jr. DT Jose Mercado 5-11 235
Sr. LB Lucas Cruz 5-11 195
Jr. LB Brody Richardson 5-11 200
Jr. OLB Conor Richardson 6-1 180
So. CB Angel Tejeda 6-3 175
Key Newcomers:
Sr. OL/DL Ronny Santos 6-0 205
So. WR/DB Elijah Hickenson 5-9 160
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Logan Richardson – 1824 yards 20 TDS / 1 rush TD
Dewayne Downey – 890 yards 16 TDS / 1 Rec TD
Conor Richardson – 31 rec 480 Yds 5 TDS / 48 tackles 4 TFL’s 1 sack / 1 punt return TD
Angel Tejeda – 6 rec 122 yds / 27 tackles 3 ints / 1 int return TD
Brody Richardson – 85 yds rushing 2 TDs / 51 tackles 2 sacks 7 TFL’s 1 int 1 FF 3 FR
Lucas Cruz – 75 tackles 6 TFL’s 1 fumble recovery
2026 Offensive Outlook: Returning eight starters from last season should help our offense play faster. Three year starter at QB, who understands the offense, will help ensure our skills are productive. The offensive line is the most sound group we’ve had in years. Having a very difficult schedule, this group will be pressured to produce points.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Returning six starters and facing some strong programs this season, the defense needs to be more aggressive and chaotic. The seasoned players need to step up and ensure we sound and smart.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Having lost one of the top kickers in NEPA, we look to find a replacement that will give us confidence in our specials.