Hempfield Looks to Build Around Veteran Playmakers in 2026
Hempfield enters the 2026 season with an opportunity to build on a winning campaign and another District 3 Class 6A playoff appearance.
The Black Knights finished 6-5 last fall, posting notable victories over Dallastown, Exeter Township, Cedar Crest and Reading while earning a spot in the district quarterfinals.
The season included several narrow setbacks that could have changed the trajectory of the year. Hempfield lost 22-16 in overtime to William Penn and fell 20-19 to Governor Mifflin before settling into Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 1 play.
By the end of the regular season, the Black Knights had won four of their final five games to secure a postseason berth.
Head coach George Eager now prepares for 2026 with an experienced group of returning playmakers but several important positions to replace.
Quarterback Derek Katch has graduated, along with key two-way contributors Cadyn Buckwalter, Charlie Williams, Jordan Burkhart, Nate Swanger, Brady Biscoe, Zion Caban and PJ Poole.
Those losses create questions at quarterback, offensive tackle, receiver, defensive back and special teams.
Fortunately, Hempfield returns one of the area’s most productive receivers in Orion Abrams, a proven running back in Matt Talbott, veteran interior offensive linemen and a strong linebacker corps led by Gabe Buckwalter and Lucas Weisglass.
The Black Knights’ goals are clear.
Establish balance offensively.
Protect the football.
Win the line of scrimmage defensively.
Tackle consistently.
Remain sound on special teams despite introducing several new contributors.
If Hempfield accomplishes those objectives, it should again contend for a winning record and another District 3 playoff opportunity.
New Quarterback Steps Into Talented Offense
Replacing Katch will be the most significant offensive storyline entering the season.
The new quarterback will take over an offense with several experienced players around him, but the position still carries considerable responsibility.
Hempfield wants to become a balanced team capable of running and passing effectively.
That balance begins with a quarterback who can manage the offense, make sound decisions and protect possession.
The Black Knights do not need the new starter to force difficult throws or carry the offense immediately.
They need consistency.
Abrams provides an established target, Talbott gives the offense a proven runner and the interior line returns valuable experience.
That supporting cast should ease the transition.
The quarterback competition will likely be decided by command of the offense, accuracy and ball security.
Whichever player earns the job must understand that Hempfield’s best chance to succeed will come through efficient execution rather than unnecessary risk.
Abrams Returns After Breakout Season
Senior Orion Abrams returns as the centerpiece of the passing game after producing more than 80 receptions and over 1,000 receiving yards last season.
Those numbers place him among the most accomplished returning receivers in District 3.
At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, Abrams combines size, athleticism and the ability to create after the catch.
He can win on the perimeter, work across the middle and turn short completions into significant gains.
His experience will be invaluable for a new quarterback.
Abrams understands coverages, knows how to find space and has already proven he can handle a heavy target volume.
Defenses will enter each game determined to limit him.
That attention should create opportunities for other receivers and tight ends.
Hempfield must find ways to move Abrams around the formation and prevent opponents from consistently double-covering him.
His leadership will also be important as younger receivers step into larger roles following the graduation of Caban and Poole.
Talbott Leads the Ground Game
Senior Matt Talbott returns to lead the rushing attack.
At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, Talbott has the frame to run between the tackles while also possessing enough athleticism to create plays in space.
His production will be especially important early in the season as the new quarterback develops.
A reliable ground game can keep the offense out of difficult third-down situations and reduce the pressure on the passing attack.
Talbott must run with patience behind the returning interior line and take advantage of the opportunities created by defenses focused on Abrams.
The Black Knights also need depth behind him.
Developing additional running backs would allow Hempfield to keep Talbott fresh and create more flexibility within the offense.
If Talbott establishes himself as a consistent threat, defenses will have difficulty committing additional coverage to Abrams.
Weisglass Adds Versatility at Tight End
Senior Lucas Weisglass returns at tight end after also playing a major role defensively.
At 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, Weisglass provides physicality and versatility.
He can contribute as a blocker in the running game while also serving as a dependable target in the passing attack.
His presence gives the new quarterback another experienced option, particularly on intermediate routes and in the red zone.
Weisglass’ ability to stay on the field in multiple personnel groupings can help Hempfield disguise its intentions.
The Black Knights can run behind him, release him into coverage or use him to create favorable matchups against linebackers.
His two-way experience and leadership should make him one of the team’s most important players.
Interior Line Provides Experience
Senior center Jazan Godwin and senior guard Max Freed return to anchor the offensive line.
Godwin brings excellent size at 6-foot-1 and 260 pounds, while Freed adds another experienced interior presence at 5-foot-10 and 255 pounds.
Their leadership will be critical as Hempfield replaces tackles Cadyn Buckwalter and Nate Swanger.
The Black Knights must develop reliable edge protection while maintaining the strength of the interior.
Godwin will be responsible for identifying fronts, communicating assignments and helping the new quarterback manage protections.
Freed must provide consistency in both the running and passing games.
The offensive line will determine whether Hempfield can achieve its goal of balance.
If the unit creates movement in the running game and protects the quarterback, the offense has enough skill talent to become highly productive.
Balance and Ball Security Define Offensive Outlook
Hempfield does not want to become predictable.
The Black Knights plan to run and pass effectively while using their returning playmakers in multiple ways.
Abrams gives the passing game a proven star.
Talbott provides an experienced runner.
Weisglass adds versatility at tight end.
The interior line offers a strong foundation.
The offense’s success will depend on execution.
Hempfield must hold onto the football and avoid the turnovers that can change field position and momentum.
With a new quarterback, the coaching staff may initially lean on the running game and high-percentage throws.
As the season progresses, the offense can become more aggressive.
The Black Knights have the pieces to be balanced, but every player must understand his assignment and perform consistently.
Buckwalter Leads Defense
Senior Gabe Buckwalter returns after recording 117 tackles, including 66 solo stops, three tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one fumble recovery and one pass breakup.
His production makes him the clear leader of the defense.
At 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, Buckwalter combines size, instincts and range.
He consistently finds the football and has proven he can handle a significant workload in the middle of the defense.
Hempfield will rely on him to communicate alignments, diagnose plays and make sure the unit remains disciplined.
His ability to finish tackles will be central to the defensive outlook.
The Black Knights want to put teams in third-and-long situations, and that begins with preventing extra yards on early downs.
Buckwalter’s experience should help Hempfield become more consistent against both the run and pass.
Weisglass Forms Strong Linebacker Duo
Weisglass joins Buckwalter to give Hempfield one of the more experienced inside linebacker combinations in the league.
Last season, Weisglass recorded 64 tackles, including 36 solo stops, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, two pass breakups and a touchdown.
His versatility allows him to contribute in several ways.
He can fit the run, pressure quarterbacks and drop into coverage.
Together, Buckwalter and Weisglass provide toughness and leadership in the middle of the defense.
Their ability to communicate should help younger players adjust quickly.
The duo must also remain disciplined.
Aggressive linebackers can create negative plays, but they cannot abandon their assignments while chasing the football.
If Buckwalter and Weisglass consistently control the middle, Hempfield’s defense should improve.
Hernandez Adds Physical Presence
Senior Caleb Hernandez returns as another experienced defensive contributor.
At 5-foot-9 and 220 pounds, Hernandez brings strength and physicality.
He can help Hempfield against the run and provide additional support near the line of scrimmage.
The Black Knights need their experienced front-seven players to set the tone.
Graduation claimed multiple defensive linemen and edge defenders, increasing the responsibility placed on Hernandez, Buckwalter and Weisglass.
Hernandez must help younger linemen remain aligned and disciplined.
His ability to occupy blockers and finish tackles will be important as Hempfield attempts to win the line of scrimmage.
German Returns at Cornerback
Senior Koen German returns at cornerback and will be expected to help lead a secondary replacing Williams, Caban and Poole.
At 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds, German brings valuable varsity experience.
His role will include covering opposing receivers, supporting the run and helping organize the back end.
Hempfield must develop new starters around him.
Communication will be critical, especially against teams that use motion, bunch formations and play-action.
German’s experience should give the Black Knights confidence on one side of the field.
The secondary must limit explosive plays and capitalize when the front creates pressure.
If the new defensive backs develop quickly, Hempfield can remain aggressive with its calls.
Winning the Line of Scrimmage Is Essential
The defensive outlook begins up front.
Hempfield wants to win the line of scrimmage and force opponents into third-and-long situations.
That requires the defensive line to control gaps and prevent blockers from reaching Buckwalter and Weisglass.
The Black Knights must replace Cadyn Buckwalter and Jordan Burkhart, creating opportunities for new contributors.
Those players do not need to match the departed starters immediately, but they must play with discipline and effort.
A strong defensive front will allow the linebackers to use their instincts and speed.
It will also create more opportunities for the pass rush on later downs.
If Hempfield struggles to control the line, opposing teams will be able to dictate tempo.
Developing the front will therefore be one of the most important tasks of preseason camp.
Tackling Must Be Consistent
Hempfield’s second defensive priority is tackling.
The Black Knights cannot allow short gains to become explosive plays.
Proper angles, leverage and pursuit will be emphasized throughout the season.
The first defender must finish the play or slow the ball carrier until help arrives.
Buckwalter and Weisglass provide proven tackling in the middle, but every level of the defense must contribute.
The secondary must also become more dependable in open space.
Sound tackling can change the complexion of a game.
It creates longer drives for opponents, increases third-down opportunities and gives the defense more chances to force mistakes.
If Hempfield tackles consistently, the unit should be much more difficult to move against.
Abrams Provides Experience in Return Game
Abrams returns as the primary kick returner and gives the special teams unit a proven playmaker.
His receiving skills translate well to the return game.
He tracks the ball cleanly, sees blocks develop and possesses the athleticism to create field-position advantages.
Hempfield will need to balance his workload, but placing the ball in Abrams’ hands creates immediate possibilities.
Opponents may try to kick away from him, which could still provide the Black Knights with favorable field position.
The blockers around him must avoid penalties and maintain their assignments.
New Specialists Must Emerge
The graduation of Biscoe creates openings at kicker and punter.
Those competitions will be important throughout camp.
Hempfield wants special teams to remain solid despite introducing new faces.
That means dependable snaps, clean holds, consistent coverage and secure returns.
The Black Knights cannot afford to take a step backward in this phase.
Field position often determines close games, and Hempfield played several one-possession contests last season.
The new specialists do not need to be spectacular.
They need to be reliable.
If the unit performs with discipline, special teams can continue complementing the offense and defense.
Players to Watch
Orion Abrams, Sr., WR/KR: Elite returning receiver who produced more than 80 catches and 1,000 yards while also serving as the team’s primary return threat.
Gabe Buckwalter, Sr., ILB: Defensive leader who recorded 117 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a fumble recovery last season.
Lucas Weisglass, Sr., TE/ILB: Valuable two-way contributor with 64 tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown.
Matt Talbott, Sr., RB: Experienced running back expected to lead the ground game and help create offensive balance.
Jazan Godwin, Sr., C: Veteran center who will direct the offensive line and help a new quarterback manage protections.
Max Freed, Sr., OG: Experienced interior lineman who provides size and physicality.
Caleb Hernandez, Sr., Defensive Front: Physical returning defender expected to play an important role near the line of scrimmage.
Koen German, Sr., CB: Returning cornerback who will provide leadership in a rebuilt secondary.
My thoughts on Hempfield
Hempfield enters the 2026 season with enough proven talent to remain competitive in Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 1 and return to the District 3 Class 6A playoffs.
The Black Knights must replace a starting quarterback, several offensive tackles, multiple defensive backs and their kicker and punter.
Those are meaningful losses.
However, the returning foundation is strong.
Abrams gives Hempfield one of District 3’s top receivers.
Talbott provides stability in the backfield.
Godwin and Freed anchor the interior offensive line.
Buckwalter and Weisglass form an excellent linebacker combination, while German brings experience to the secondary.
The biggest questions involve quarterback, offensive tackle, defensive line depth and special teams.
If the new quarterback protects the football and distributes it efficiently, the offense should remain productive.
If the defensive front develops and the entire unit tackles consistently, Hempfield has the potential to improve on last season.
The Black Knights showed in 2025 that they can win close games and produce strong offensive performances.
With another year of experience for their returning core, they should again challenge for a winning season and a place in the District 3 postseason.
Head Coach: George Eager
Assistant Coaches:
John Ridinger -Offensive Coordinator, OL/DL
Ethan Martin – Wrs/OLBs
Edwin Heisey – Running backs/ILBs
Brady Mathias- ILBs
Jason Lindsley – OL/DL
George Eager Sr – OLBs
Mark Cheyney – Ks/Ps and Dbs
Jay Ridinger – Defensive Coordinator and Dbs
Robert De La Rosa – DL
RJ Ryan – TEs
Team Name: Hempfield Black Knights
District: 3
Class: 6A
League: Lancaster-Lebanon League, Section 1
2025 Record: 6-5
8/22 Dallastown (6A) 7:00 pm W 16-7
8/29 @ William Penn (3) (6A) 7:00 pm L 16-22 OT
9/05 @ Governor Mifflin (6A) 7:00 pm L 19-20
9/12 @ J.P. McCaskey* (6A) 7:00 pm W 56-6
9/19 Manheim Township* (6A) 7:00 pm L 13-35
9/26 @ Penn Manor* (6A) 7:00 pm W 34-7
10/03 Wilson West Lawn* (6A) 7:00 pm L 28-38
10/10 Exeter Township (5A) 7:00 pm W 30-28
10/17 Cedar Crest* (6A) 7:00 pm W 43-13
10/24 @ Reading* (6A) 7:00 pm W 43-6
11/07 @ Manheim Township (6A) 7:00 pm L 7-49 Dist. 3 Class 6A Quarterfinal
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Central Dauphin (6A) 11:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 @ Dallastown (6A) 7:00 pm
9/04 William Penn (3) (6A) 7:00 pm
9/11 Governor Mifflin (5A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Cedar Crest* (6A) 7:00 pm
9/25 @ Spring Grove (5A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Penn Manor* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Wilson West Lawn* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Reading* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/23 J.P. McCaskey* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Manheim Township* (6A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Derek Katch – QB
Cadyn Buckwalter – DE, RT
Charlie Williams – Safety
Jordan Burkhart – DE, TE
Nate Swanger – LT
Brady Biscoe – K/P
Zion Caban – WR/DB, Return man
PJ Poole – WR/DB
Offensive Starters Returning:
RB: Matt Talbott 6’1 190 lbs
WR: Orion Abrams 6’1 190 lbs
TE: Lucas Wesiglass 6’1 210 lbs
C: Jazan Godwin 6’1 260 lbs
OG: Max Freed 5’10 255 lbs
Defensive Starters Returning:
Caleb Hernandez 5’9 220 lbs
ILB: Lucas Weisglass 6’1 210 lbs and Gabe Buckwalter 6’1 210 lbs
Corner: Koen German 5’10 165 lbs
Special Team Starters Returning:
Kick Returner Orion Abrams 6’1 190 lbs
Key Newcomers:
Kirubel Paulos – WR/DB 6’1 170 lbs
Carson Landis – OL/DL, 6’3 250 lbs
Dylan Rearick – TE/DL, 6’1 220 lbs
Sam Roettger – TE/ILB, 5’10 205 lbs
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Orion Abrams over 80 catches for over 1000 yards.
Gabe Buckwalter 117 tackles (66 solo), 3 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 1 FR, 1 PBU.
Lucas Weisglass 64 tackles (36 solo), 2 sacks, 2 FR, 2 PBU, 1 TD.
2026 Offensive Outlook: Offensively, we must be a balanced football team with the ability to run and pass. We must hold onto the ball and execute at a high level.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Defensively, we must be able to tackle. We want to win the line of scrimmage and put teams in 3rd and long situations.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Special team wise we must be solid in this phase of the game. We have some new faces in this area but we intend to move forward and not take a step back.