Young but Talented Lakeland Looks to Defend District 2 Title
The Lakeland Chiefs enter the 2026 season with a championship pedigree and a roster filled with young talent eager to build on last year’s success.
Head coach David Piwowarczyk guided the Chiefs to an outstanding 11-2 record in 2025, culminating with the District 2 Class 2A championship before their season ended against eventual state power Lansdale Catholic in the opening round of the PIAA playoffs.
Although Lakeland graduated several key contributors, including quarterback David Naniewicz and a handful of veteran leaders, the Chiefs return a talented nucleus that has already gained valuable varsity experience. With many of those returning players still underclassmen, the future remains bright in Jermyn.
Young Playmakers Ready to Lead the Offense
Replacing David Naniewicz won’t be easy after he helped guide Lakeland to a district championship, but the Chiefs have confidence in sophomore Rocco Spataro, who steps into the starting quarterback role.
Spataro headlines an offense loaded with young skill-position talent.
Sophomore Jackson Pochas returns as one of the team’s top receiving threats, while junior Chase Rosenkrans gives Lakeland another athletic target capable of stretching opposing defenses. Sophomore Luke McFarland adds size and versatility at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, while sophomore Dylan Loomis provides another big target at tight end.
Coach Piwowarczyk believes the passing game can continue to be one of Lakeland’s strengths.
“We need to play mistake-free football and keep pushing the ball down the field with our passing game and talented group,” he said.
The biggest challenge offensively will be the continued development of a young offensive line.
Sophomores Cole Loomis and Austin Tuttle, along with junior Cole Hastings, return with valuable experience after helping pave the way for last year’s championship run. As the season progresses, their growth will be critical to protecting the quarterback and establishing offensive balance.
Staying healthy throughout the season is another point of emphasis as Lakeland looks to defend its district crown.
Defense Returns Strong Foundation
Lakeland’s defense has become one of the program’s trademarks, and the Chiefs expect that tradition to continue.
The unit returns experienced contributors at every level, led by McFarland and sophomore linebacker Nathan Boyarsky.
Along the defensive front, Dylan Loomis and Cole Hastings give the Chiefs a physical group capable of controlling the line of scrimmage.
The secondary returns Spataro, Pochas and Rosenkrans, giving Lakeland athletic playmakers with valuable varsity experience.
Piwowarczyk wants his defense to maintain its aggressive style while focusing on discipline and effort.
“We will need to continue to work on the small details and play aggressive football. It is important to instill the idea that all 11 guys need to swarm to the ball every play.”
With so many returning starters still early in their high school careers, Lakeland has the potential to develop into one of District 2’s top defensive units once again.
Special Teams Continue to Be a Strength
Consistency has been a hallmark of Lakeland’s special teams, and the Chiefs don’t plan on changing that approach.
Senior kicker Zach Jonosky returns to lead the kicking game, providing valuable experience in an important phase of the game.
Coach Piwowarczyk believes the formula that has helped produce consistent success in recent years remains simple.
“Playing sound fundamental football on special teams has been the ticket the last few years, and we will continue that trend this year.”
Players to Watch
- Rocco Spataro, So., QB/DB: Young quarterback takes over the offense after gaining valuable varsity experience during Lakeland’s championship run.
- Chase Rosenkrans, Jr., WR/DB: Athletic two-way standout expected to become one of the Chiefs’ top offensive weapons.
- Luke McFarland, So., WR/LB: Physical 6-foot-2 athlete who will make an impact on both sides of the football.
- Dylan Loomis, So., TE/DE: Versatile player who brings size and toughness to both the offense and defense.
- Nathan Boyarsky, So., LB: Emerging linebacker expected to become one of the leaders of the defense.
- Cole Hastings, Jr., OL/DL: Experienced two-way lineman who anchors both fronts.
My thoughts on Lakeland
Lakeland may be younger than it was a year ago, but don’t mistake youth for inexperience.
The Chiefs return nine starters on both offense and defense from an 11-win district championship team, with many of those players now ready to assume larger leadership roles. While replacing standout seniors such as David Naniewicz, Kody Miller, Gavin Roberts, Weston Loomis and Caden Cuozzo presents a challenge, the foundation of the program remains strong.
If the offensive line continues to mature, Spataro settles into the quarterback position and the defense continues to play the aggressive, swarming style that has defined Lakeland football, the Chiefs have every opportunity to repeat as District 2 Class 2A champions.
With a talented sophomore and junior class leading the way, Lakeland enters 2026 as one of the favorites in District 2—and a program positioned to contend not only this fall but for years to come.
Head Coach: David Piwowarczyk
Assistant Coaches:
Dom Esgro
Lee Romich
Riley Rovinsky
Justin Ossont
Jerry Wasilchak
Keith Galinsky
Pat Carubbe
Team Name: Lakeland Chiefs
District: 2
Class: 2A
League: Lackawanna Football Conference, Division 2
2025 Record: 11-2
8/22 @ Carbondale Area (3A) 7:00 pm W 52-14
8/29 Holy Cross (1A) 7:00 pm W 53-6
9/05 @ Riverside (2) (2A) 7:00 pm W 33-23
9/12 Wyoming Area (3A) 7:00 pm L 14-38
9/19 Susquehanna Community (2A) 7:00 pm W 42-7
9/26 @ Dunmore* (2A) 7:00 pm W 28-14
10/04 @ Honesdale* (4A) 7:00 pm W 31-6
10/10 Western Wayne* (3A) 7:00 pm W 40-14
10/17 @ West Scranton* (5A) 7:00 pm W 35-14
10/24 Mid Valley* (3A) 7:00 pm W 28-14
10/31 Holy Redeemer (2A) 7:00 pm W 49-0 District 2 Class 2A Semifinal
11/07 Dunmore (2A) 7:00 pm W 27-7 Dist. 2 Class 2A Championship
11/15 @ Lansdale Catholic (2A) 1:00 pm L 7-43 PIAA Class 2A 1st Round @ Germantown S.S.
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Schuylkill Haven (2A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 Holy Cross (1A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ Lake-Lehman (3A) 7:00 pm
9/11 Lackawanna Trail (1A) 7:00 pm
9/19 @ Susquehanna Community (2A) 1:00 pm
9/25 Carbondale Area (4A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Riverside (2)* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Honesdale* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/16 Mid Valley* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Western Wayne* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Dunmore* (2A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
David Naniewicz QB/DE
Kody Miller TE/DE
Gavin Roberts RB/DB
Weston Loomis OL/DL
Caden Cuozzo LB/RB
Offensive Starters Returning:
Rocco Spataro QB/DB 5-9 175 2028
Jackson Pochas WR /DB 5-10 170 2028
Chase Rosenkrans WR/DB 6-1 175 2027
Dylan Loomis TE/DE 6-2 225 2028
Luke McFarland WR/LB 6-2 200 2028
Cole Loomis OL 5-10 230 2028
Austin Tuttle OL 5-10 250 2028
Cole Hastings OL/DL 5-10 230 2027
Nathan Boyarsky LB 5-11 190 2028
Defensive Starters Returning:
Rocco Spataro QB/DB 5-9 175 2028
Jackson Pochas WR /DB 5-10 170 2028
Chase Rosenkrans WR/DB 6-1 175 2027
Dylan Loomis TE/DE 6-2 225 2028
Luke McFarland WR/LB 6-2 200 2028
Cole Loomis OL 5-10 230 2028
Austin Tuttle OL 5-10 250 2028
Cole Hastings OL/DL 5-10 230 2027
Nathan Boyarsky LB 5-11 190 2028
Special Team Starters Returning:
Zach Jonosky K
Key Newcomers:
Ben Supeck OL
Evan Lonzinski RB /LB
Jacob Passiment WR /DB
Thomas Chmil LB
Adam Bertocki DB
Brody Muehleisen OL/DL
Ashton Petrilak RB/DB
2026 Offensive Outlook: We need to play mistake-free football and keep pushing the ball down the field with our passing game and talented group. The OL will need to take the next step in maturity for this to happen. We will also need to find a way to stay healthy
2026 Defensive Outlook: We will need to continue to work on the small details and play aggressive football. It is important to instill the idea that all eleven guys need to swarm to the ball every play.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Playing sound fundamental football on special teams has been the ticket the last few years, and we will continue that trend this year.