Experienced Lower Dauphin Group Sets High Expectations for 2026
Lower Dauphin enters the 2026 season with one of the most experienced rosters in the Mid-Penn Conference Keystone Division.
Head coach Josh Borreli’s Falcons are coming off a 7-4 season that included six wins in their final seven regular-season games and a berth in the District 3 Class 5A playoffs. Lower Dauphin showed an ability to win close games, defeating Mechanicsburg by one point and Hershey in overtime before closing the regular season with four consecutive victories.
With nine offensive starters and eight defensive starters returning, the Falcons have the veteran foundation needed to contend for a division championship and make another postseason run.
Experienced Offensive Line Sets the Tone
Lower Dauphin’s greatest strength may be its offensive line.
Senior tackles Hunter Stoak and Grant Watts return alongside senior lineman Chris Armenta and senior center Jonah Lewis. All four bring size, varsity experience and familiarity with the Falcons’ offensive system.
Stoak is listed at 6-foot-2 and 280 pounds, while Lewis weighs 275 pounds. Armenta and Watts are both listed at 250 pounds, giving Lower Dauphin a physical and experienced group across the front.
That unit should help the Falcons establish the running game, protect the quarterback and control the tempo of games.
The offensive line’s continuity will be especially valuable as Lower Dauphin replaces several important graduates, including Hunter Strohm, Matteo Cangialosi, DeVon Jackson, Zac Cooke, Ethan Tanner and Mike Schumacher.
Newman Brings Versatility to the Offense
Senior Tyler Newman is one of the most versatile returning players on the roster.
Newman contributed as a quarterback, receiver, runner and defensive back last season. He completed 20 of 35 passes for 246 yards and a touchdown, caught 14 passes for 242 yards and rushed 30 times for 169 yards and three scores.
His ability to line up in multiple positions gives the Falcons flexibility as they build their offense around a veteran group.
Whether Newman handles the majority of the quarterback duties or continues to move around the formation, his athleticism and experience will be central to Lower Dauphin’s offensive plans.
Junior wide receiver Chase Goddard also returns after catching 10 passes for 116 yards and rushing eight times for 89 yards. His ability to contribute as both a receiver and runner gives the Falcons another versatile option.
Big Targets Return in the Passing Game
Lower Dauphin returns two experienced and physical targets in senior Cohen Pollock and senior Nathan Fortenberry.
Pollock caught 12 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns last season. At 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds, he can contribute as both a blocker and receiver.
Fortenberry gives the Falcons an imposing target at 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds. His size should create matchup problems, especially in the red zone and on third downs.
Senior Connor Kreiser also returns at running back and H-back. At 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds, Kreiser provides another physical presence who can contribute as a runner, blocker and short-yardage option.
The combination of a veteran line, versatile skill players and multiple large targets should allow Lower Dauphin to attack defenses in several ways.
Defensive Front Could Be a Major Strength
Lower Dauphin returns an experienced and productive defensive line.
Armenta recorded 23 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and five sacks last season. His ability to penetrate into opposing backfields makes him one of the Falcons’ top returning defenders.
Pollock added 36 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks from defensive end, while Stoak contributed 16 tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack.
Junior defensive tackle Colin Udelhoven adds size at 6-foot-1 and 285 pounds.
Together, that group gives Lower Dauphin the ability to control the line of scrimmage, pressure quarterbacks and create negative plays.
The defensive front should also make life easier for the linebackers by occupying blockers and limiting rushing lanes.
Dugan Leads the Linebackers
Senior Michael Dugan returns as the leader of the linebacker unit.
Dugan recorded 46 tackles and three tackles for loss in 2025. His experience and consistency will be important as the Falcons replace several graduated defenders.
Playing behind such a deep defensive line should allow Dugan and the other linebackers to pursue the football aggressively.
Lower Dauphin’s ability to stop the run and force opponents into obvious passing situations will be critical against the varied offenses in the Keystone Division.
Ballhawking Secondary Returns
The Falcons also return several experienced playmakers in the secondary.
Senior Nick Hengst recorded 36 tackles, four tackles for loss, four interceptions and a forced fumble last season. His ability to create turnovers makes him one of the most dangerous defenders on the roster.
Newman added 25 tackles and two interceptions at cornerback, while Goddard finished with 32 tackles, one tackle for loss and two interceptions at safety.
That group gives Lower Dauphin experience, athleticism and proven ball production on the back end.
The Falcons should be able to play aggressively in coverage because of the pressure generated by their defensive front.
Special Teams Return Multiple Options
Lower Dauphin returns several experienced specialists.
Senior Ethan Amici is back at kicker and punter, while Kreiser can also handle kicking duties. Pollock provides another option at punter, and senior Cayden Brassell returns as the long snapper.
That experience gives the Falcons stability in the kicking game and should help them avoid the special teams mistakes that often decide close contests.
With multiple options available, Lower Dauphin should be able to adapt its approach based on game situations.
Players to Watch
Tyler Newman, Sr., QB/WR/CB: Versatile three-way contributor who passed, rushed and received for more than 650 combined yards while intercepting two passes.
Cohen Pollock, Sr., TE/DE/P: Productive two-way standout who caught two touchdown passes and recorded nine tackles for loss and three sacks.
Chris Armenta, Sr., OL/DL: Veteran lineman who finished with 10 tackles for loss and five sacks.
Hunter Stoak, Sr., OT/DT: Experienced 280-pound lineman who will anchor both fronts.
Chase Goddard, Jr., WR/S: Athletic two-way playmaker who contributed on offense and intercepted two passes.
Michael Dugan, Sr., LB: Returning defensive leader who recorded 46 tackles.
Nick Hengst, Sr., WR/CB: Ballhawking defensive back who intercepted four passes and forced a fumble.
Connor Kreiser, Sr., RB/HB/K: Physical and versatile contributor who can impact the offense and special teams.
My thoughts on Lower Dauphin
Lower Dauphin enters 2026 with the experience of a team capable of competing for championships.
The Falcons return nine starters on offense and eight on defense, including four experienced offensive linemen, several versatile skill players and a disruptive defensive front.
The biggest question will be replacing the production and leadership of the graduated senior class. However, the number of returning starters should allow Lower Dauphin to make that transition more smoothly than many of its opponents.
The Falcons proved last season that they can win tight games and respond after early setbacks. Their late-season surge showed the potential of the program when it plays with consistency.
If Lower Dauphin protects the football, continues to control the line of scrimmage and creates turnovers defensively, the Falcons should be one of the top contenders in the Mid-Penn Keystone Division and District 3 Class 5A.
Head Coach: Josh Borreli
Assistant Coaches:
Don Fureman
Dave Gourley
DJ Sechrist
Greg Kratzer
Lance Baird
Steff Chortanoff
Luke Longenecker
Phil Greene
Pablo Beltran
Brandon Fritz
Rick Borreli
Team Name: Lower Dauphin Falcons
District: 3
Class: 5A
League: Mid-Penn Conference, Keystone Division
2025 Record: 7-4
8/22 Cedar Crest (6A) 7:00 pm L 21-25
8/29 @ Red Land* (5A) 7:00 pm L 6-14
9/05 @ Northern York* (5A) 7:00 pm W 35-24
9/12 Mechanicsburg* (5A) 7:00 pm W 22-21
9/19 Hershey* (5A) 7:00 pm W 27-24 OT
9/25 Shippensburg Area* (5A) 7:00 pm L 20-23
10/03 @ Palmyra* (5A) 7:00 pm W 41-7
10/11 Mifflin County* (5A) 11:00 am W 35-26
10/17 @ Waynesboro* (6A) 7:00 pm W 41-17
10/24 @ Gettysburg* (5A) 7:00 pm W 35-14
10/31 @ Exeter Township (5A) 7:00 pm L 0-35 Dist. 3 Class 5A 1st Round
2026 Schedule
Date Opponent Kickoff
9/04 @ Waynesboro* (6A) 7:00 pm
9/11 Northern York* (5A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Mechanicsburg* (6A) 7:00 pm
9/25 @ Red Land* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Gettysburg* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Shippensburg Area* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Palmyra* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Mifflin County* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Hershey* (5A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Hunter Strohm
Matteo Cangialosi
DeVon Jackson
Zac Cooke
Ethan Tanner
Mike Schumacher
Offensive Starters Returning:
Hunter Stoak (Sr. – OT – 6’2, 280)
Chris Armenta (Sr. – OL – 6’3, 250)
Grant Watts (Sr. – OT – 6’1, 250)
Jonah Lewis (Sr. – C – 5’11, 275)
Cohen Pollock (Sr. – TE/WR – 6’1, 230)
Nathan Fortenberry (Sr. – TE – 6’6, 235)
Connor Kreiser (Sr. – RB/HB – 6’1, 230)
Tyler Newman (Sr. – QB/WR – 5’10, 175)
Chase Goddard (Jr. – WR – 5’11, 180)
Defensive Starters Returning:
Cohen Pollock (Sr. – DE – 6’1, 230)
Hunter Stoak (Sr. – DT – 6’2, 280)
Chris Armenta (Sr. – DL – 6’3, 250)
Colin Udelhoven (Jr. – DT – 6’1, 285)
Michael Dugan (Sr. – LB – 5’9, 190)
Tyler Newman (Sr. – CB – 5’10, 175)
Chase Goddard (Jr. – SAF – 5’11, 180)
Nick Hengst (Sr. – CB – 5’9, 170)
Special Team Starters Returning:
Ethan Amici (Sr. – K/P)
Connor Kreiser (Sr. – K)
Cohen Pollock (Sr. – P)
Cayden Brassell (Sr. – LS)
Key Newcomers:
Liam Brinser (Jr. – RB/DB – 5’9, 170)
Isaac Medlin (Sr. – WR/DB – 6’1, 190)
Ace Andrews (Sr. – TE/LB – 6’1, 190)
Cayden Brassell (Sr. – TE/LB – 6’2, 205)
Adaham Harbi (Sr. – WR/SAF – 6’1, 195)
Ben Velez (Sr. – OL/DL – 5’9, 245)
Jake Jayne (Jr. – HB/LB – 5’9, 205)
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Tyler Newman (Sr. QB/WR/CB) – Passing (20/35, 246yds, 1 TD) + Receiving (14 rec – 242yds) + Rushing (30 carries – 169yds – 3TDs) Defense (25 Tackles – 2 Ints)
Chase Goddard (Jr. WR/DB) – Rushing (8 carries – 89 yards) + Receiving (10 rec – 116yds) + Defense (32 Tackles – 1 TFL – 2 Ints)
Cohen Pollock (Sr. TE/DE) – Receiving (12 rec – 178yds – 2 TDs) + Defense (36 Tackles – 9 TFLs – 3 Sacks)
Hunter Stoak (Sr. OL/DL) – Defense (16 Tackles – 2 TFLs – 1 Sack)
Chris Armenta (Sr. OL/DL) – Defense (23 Tackles – 10 TFLs – 5 Sacks)
Michael Dugan (Sr. LB) – Defense (46 Tackles – 3 TFLs)
Nick Hengst (Sr. WR/DB) – Defense (36 Tackles – 4 TFLs – 4 INTs – 1 FF)
2026 Outlook: The Falcons are an experienced group that are returning nine starters on offense & eight starters on Defense.