Nativity BVM Looks to Turn Experience Into Progress in 2026
Nativity BVM enters the 2026 season with a young but increasingly experienced roster and a belief that last year’s growing pains can translate into improvement.
The Green Wave finished 4-7 in 2025 and reached the District 2/11 Class 1A Subregional semifinals, where their season ended against Lackawanna Trail. Along the way, Nativity picked up victories over Holy Redeemer, Pine Grove, Shenandoah Valley and Mahanoy Area while several younger players gained valuable varsity experience.
Head coach Pat Mason now welcomes back an experienced group at running back and linebacker, but the Green Wave must replace several major contributors, including quarterback Colt Mason and All-State defensive lineman George Shimko.
The biggest questions entering the season will be at quarterback, along the offensive line and in the kicking game.
There is plenty of reason for optimism, however, with several returning starters ready to take on larger roles.
Holley Takes Over at Quarterback
The most significant offensive change will come at quarterback.
Nativity must replace Colt Mason, but the coaching staff is excited about Owen Holley, who is expected to take over the offense after being forced to sit out his entire sophomore season.
Holley impressed the staff throughout the offseason with his arm talent and willingness to learn.
“Owen throws the ball really well and is very coachable,” Mason said.
While Holley will be inexperienced at the varsity level, he will not be asked to carry the offense by himself.
Nativity returns three experienced running backs and several receivers who could help ease his transition.
The early goal will be getting Holley comfortable in the offense, protecting the football and allowing him to build confidence as the season progresses.
Experienced Backfield Should Lead the Offense
The Green Wave’s greatest offensive strength may be the backfield.
Bentley Werez, Cooper Felty and Connor Felty all return after seeing meaningful action last season.
Werez rushed 28 times for 105 yards and two touchdowns while also catching 13 passes for 156 yards and two more scores.
His versatility gives Nativity a weapon who can contribute as both a runner and receiver.
Connor Felty also returns after rushing for 219 yards and a touchdown.
The coaching staff believes all three running backs made significant progress during the offseason.
“Our three running backs return and they all worked extremely hard over the summer,” Mason said. “They should all have a great year for us.”
With a new quarterback taking over, Nativity could lean heavily on this group early in the season.
Receivers Expected to Take a Step Forward
The Green Wave also believe the receiving corps has the potential to become much more productive.
Jacob Williams, Aiden Clews, Liam Garrity, Frankie Uhrin and sophomore Cole Felty are all expected to compete for significant roles.
Cole Felty, listed at 6-foot and 165 pounds, gives Holley a young target with size on the outside.
Williams brings senior experience and could become one of the leaders of the group.
If the receivers develop as expected, Nativity should be able to create better balance between the run and pass.
That balance would make life considerably easier for Holley.
Offensive Line Must Rebuild
Nativity must replace three offensive linemen in Aidan Ricard, Dalton Seisler and George Shimko.
That creates one of the biggest challenges for the offense.
Senior Sean Kramer returns at 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, while junior Marshall Dolbin is expected to become a major factor after returning from injury.
Dolbin, listed at 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, gives the Green Wave size and experience up front.
His return could be especially important as younger linemen work their way into the lineup.
The development of the offensive line will determine how effectively Nativity can establish its running game and protect Holley.
Bulino Provides Versatility
Senior Noah Bulino returns as a two-way starter at tight end and defensive back.
At 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, Bulino gives Nativity an experienced target in the passing game while also contributing as a blocker.
His ability to play on both sides of the football makes him one of the team’s more valuable returning veterans.
Bulino will also be expected to provide leadership to a roster featuring several young starters.
Defense Must Improve Against the Run
The defensive priority is clear.
Nativity must become better at stopping the run.
The Green Wave struggled in that area during portions of the 2025 season, and the coaching staff knows improvement up front will be essential.
“We struggled to stop the run last year, so we will need to make big improvements up front if we want to be successful,” Mason said.
The good news is that several defenders return with significant experience.
Dolbin, Vaughn Vesay, Kramer and Bulino all saw substantial playing time and should be better prepared this season.
Vesay, listed at 6-foot and 266 pounds, gives Nativity valuable size on the defensive line.
Junior Jace Bedway also returns up front and should play a larger role.
Trezise Emerging as Defensive Leader
Sophomore linebacker Danny Trezise is one of the most productive returning defenders.
Trezise recorded 67 tackles, five tackles for loss and one sack last season.
Those numbers are especially impressive considering his youth.
With another offseason of development, Trezise could become one of the leaders of the defense.
His ability to diagnose plays, tackle consistently and attack downhill will be critical as Nativity looks to improve its run defense.
Felty Brothers Give Linebacker Corps Experience
Cooper and Connor Felty also return at linebacker.
Cooper Felty recorded 66 tackles, four tackles for loss and two interceptions last season.
Connor Felty added 56 tackles, five sacks and four tackles for loss.
Together with Trezise, they give Nativity an experienced and productive linebacker group.
That trio should be one of the strengths of the defense.
If the defensive front improves and keeps blockers away from the linebackers, Nativity should be much more difficult to run against.
Williams Leads Secondary
Senior Jacob Williams returns after recording 55 tackles and two interceptions last season.
With All-State defensive back Colt Mason gone, Williams will be asked to assume a larger leadership role.
His experience and playmaking ability give Nativity an important veteran presence in the secondary.
Bulino and Werez also return in the defensive backfield, providing additional experience.
The secondary will need to limit explosive plays and capitalize on turnover opportunities.
Replacing Two All-State Defenders
The graduation of Colt Mason and Shimko leaves significant holes.
Both earned All-State recognition and were major contributors to the defense.
Replacing that production will require a team effort.
Nativity does not expect one player to duplicate everything they provided.
Instead, the Green Wave will rely on its experienced linebackers, improved defensive front and veteran secondary to collectively make up the difference.
Special Teams Remain a Question
Nativity must also replace kicker and punter Aaron Sinko.
The Green Wave are still looking for players to take over both positions.
That competition will be important during preseason camp.
Reliable kicking and punting can make a major difference for a Class 1A team, particularly in close games where field position becomes critical.
Finding dependable specialists will be one of the final pieces Nativity needs to settle before the regular season.
Players to Watch
Owen Holley, QB: New quarterback with a strong arm who returns after sitting out last season.
Bentley Werez, So., RB/DB: Versatile young playmaker who scored four total touchdowns last year.
Cooper Felty, Jr., RB/LB: Productive two-way player who recorded 66 tackles, four tackles for loss and two interceptions.
Connor Felty, Sr., RB/LB: Experienced runner and linebacker who totaled 56 tackles and five sacks.
Danny Trezise, So., LB: Rising defensive standout after recording 67 tackles and five tackles for loss.
Jacob Williams, Sr., WR/DB: Veteran secondary leader who finished with 55 tackles and two interceptions.
Marshall Dolbin, Jr., OL/DL: Returns from injury and should be one of the most important players in the trenches.
Vaughn Vesay, Sr., DL: Physical interior defender who provides valuable size against the run.
Noah Bulino, Sr., TE/DB: Experienced two-way player expected to provide leadership in both phases.
Sean Kramer, Sr., OL/DL: Returning lineman who will help anchor a rebuilding offensive front.
Cole Felty, So., WR: Young receiver with the potential to become an important target in the passing game.
My thoughts on Nativity BVM
Nativity BVM enters 2026 with more experience than its young roster might initially suggest.
The Green Wave must replace their quarterback, three offensive linemen, two All-State defenders and their kicker/punter, but several important building blocks remain.
Holley gives Nativity an intriguing new quarterback, while Werez, Cooper Felty and Connor Felty provide an experienced three-man backfield.
The offense’s biggest challenge will be developing the line quickly enough to protect Holley and establish the running game.
Defensively, Nativity may be strongest at linebacker, where Trezise and the Felty brothers return after combining for significant production last season.
Improving against the run will be essential, and the return of Dolbin, Vesay, Kramer and Bulino should help.
The Green Wave also need to identify reliable kicking and punting options.
If the offensive line develops, Holley settles into the quarterback position and the defense makes the expected improvement against the run, Nativity BVM has the potential to improve upon last year’s four-win campaign and once again compete for a District 11 Class 1A postseason berth.
Head Coach: Pat Mason
Assistant Coaches:
Mike Downey
Josh Dolbin
Jason Albon
Frank Horvath
Joe Opolsky
Jacob Hoffman
TJ Wagner
Jake Kuperavage
Christopher Opolsky
Liam Reiley
Cody Miller
Team Name: Nativity BVM Green Wave
District: 11
Class: 1A
League: Schuylkill League – Division 2
2025 Record: 4-7
8/23 @ Holy Redeemer (2A) 7:00 pm W 36-0 at WVW Spartan Stadium
8/29 @ Pine Grove Area (3A) 7:00 pm W 12-6
9/05 @ Williams Valley (2A) 7:00 pm L 0-49
9/12 Tri-Valley (1A) 7:00 pm L 13-42
9/19 Panther Valley (3A) 7:00 pm L 24-41
9/26 @ Shenandoah Valley (2A) 7:00 pm W 14-6
10/03 Mahanoy Area (2A) 7:00 pm W 20-6
10/10 Minersville Area (2A) 7:00 pm L 0-34
10/17 Schuylkill Haven (2A) 7:00 pm L 0-57
10/23 @ Marian Catholic (1A) 7:00 pm L 14-41
10/31 @ Lackawanna Trail (1A) 7:00 pm L 6-50 District 2/11 Class 1A Subregional Semifinal
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Minersville Area (2A) 10:00 am Scrimmage; with Shenandoah Valley
8/28 @ Montrose Area (3A) 7:00 pm
9/03 Holy Redeemer (2A) 7:00 pm
9/11 @ Halifax (1A) 7:00 pm
9/18 Williams Valley* (1A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Schuylkill Haven* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/01 @ Mahanoy Area* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Marian Catholic* (1A) 7:00 pm
10/16 Shenandoah Valley* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Tri-Valley* (1A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Minersville Area* (2A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Colt Mason
George Shimko
Aidan Ricard
Dalton Seisler
Aidan Becker
Evan Ritter
Aaron Sinko
Offensive Starters Returning:
Sr. OL Sean Kramer, 5’10” 190
Sr. TE Noah Bulino, 6’1″ 180
So. RB Bentley Werez, 5’7″ 150
Jr. RB Cooper Felty, 5’8″ 185
Sr. RB Connor Felty, 5’10” 185,
So. WR Cole Felty, 6′ 165
Jr. OL Marshall Dolbin, 6’2″ 230
Defensive Starters Returning:
Sr. DB Noah Bulino, 6’1″ 180
So. DB Bentley Werez, 5’7″ 150
Jr. LB Cooper Felty, 5’8″ 185
Sr. LB Connor Felty, 5’10” 185,
Sr. Jacob Williams, 5’9 170
Sr. DL Vaughn Vesay, 6′ 266
So. LB Danny Trezise, 5’8″ 180
Jr. DL Jace Bedway, 5’8″ 165
Special Team Starters Returning:
None
Key Newcomers:
Jr. WR Aiden Clews
Jr. QB Owen Holley
Jr. LB Jacob Fletcher
Jr. OL Luke Strausser
So. WR Liam Garrity
So. OL Carson KIllian
So. WR Frankie Uhrin
So. DL Jordan Chladek
Fr. WR Jacob Ziegmont
Fr. RB Matthew Mercuri
Fr. LB Levi Sophy
Fr. OL Bennett Setlock
Fr. OL Jonathan Harrison
Fr. OL Wyatt Hosler
Fr. WR John Lutzkanin
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Connor Felty, 63 carries, 219 yards, 1 TD
Bentley Werez, 28 carries, 105 yards, 2 TDs, 13 rec 156 yards, 2 TDs
Connor Felty, 45 carries, 174 yards, 1 TD
Danny Trezise, 67 tackles, 5 TFL, 1 sack
Cooper Felty, 66 tackles, 4 TFL, 2 INTs
Connor Felty, 56 Tackles, 5 sacks, 4 TFL
Jacob Williams, 55 tackles, 2 INT
2026 Offensive Outlook: We will have to replace our quarterback, Colt Mason, and 3 offensive linemen (Aidan Ricard, Dalton Seisler, and George Shimko). I am really excited about incoming quarterback Owen Holley who was forced to sit out his entire sophomore season. Owen throws the ball well and is very coachable.
Our three running backs return (Bentley Werez, Cooper Felty, and Connor Felty) and they all worked extremely hard over the summer and should all have a great year for us. I am looking for our receivers to make major strides this year, Jacob Williams, Aiden Clews, Liam Garrity, Frankie Uhrin, and Cole Felty all can contribute. Marshall Dolbin will return from injury and will be a major factor for us up front.
2026 Defensive Outlook: We will have to replace all-state defensive players Colt Mason (DB) and George Shimko (DL). Jacob Williams and Danny Trezise return and I am looking for both of them to make a significant impact. We struggled to stop the run last year so we will need to make big improvements up front if we want to be successful. Marshall Dolbin, Vaughn Vesay, Sean Kramer, and Noah Bulino all saw a lot of action last season so we will be better. Linebackers Cooper Felty and Connor Felty also return.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: We are currently looking for a kicker and a punter to replace Aaron Sinko.