Loaded Notre Dame-Green Pond Aims to Finish the Job in 2026
Notre Dame-Green Pond enters the 2026 season with unfinished business.
The Crusaders were one of District 11’s most dominant teams in 2025, finishing 12-1, winning the Colonial-Schuylkill League White Division championship and advancing to the District 11 Class 3A title game. Their only loss came against Northwestern Lehigh in the district final after Notre Dame had opened the season with 12 consecutive victories.
Head coach Philip Stambaugh begins his 16th season with a 133-45 career record and another roster capable of competing for championships.
Although the Crusaders must replace a large and accomplished senior class, they return most of their offensive production, several experienced defensive leaders and one of the area’s strongest special teams groups.
With playmakers throughout the lineup, Notre Dame-Green Pond expects to remain among the top teams in District 11 Class 3A.
Murphy Takes Over at Quarterback
The biggest offensive question is replacing graduated quarterback Matt Bodnar, who helped direct one of the area’s most productive offenses.
Junior Tommy Murphy appears ready for the opportunity.
Murphy made the most of his limited chances last season, completing 17 of 19 passes for 273 yards and five touchdowns. He also rushed 27 times for 412 yards and four scores while catching nine passes for 117 yards and another touchdown.
He finished with 529 all-purpose yards and 10 total touchdowns, displaying the versatility and explosiveness that could make him one of District 11’s breakout players.
Murphy’s experience at quarterback, receiver and defensive back should help him understand the entire offense. His continued development, decision-making and ability to protect the football will be central to Notre Dame’s success.
Boyd and Striba Headline Explosive Skill Group
Few teams return a more productive group of playmakers than the Crusaders.
Senior Drew Boyd caught 41 passes for 780 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He finished with 1,240 all-purpose yards and nine total touchdowns while also contributing as a defensive back and return specialist.
Senior Jonathan Striba was equally productive. He rushed for 415 yards and 10 touchdowns, caught 46 passes for 770 yards and seven scores and accumulated 1,477 all-purpose yards.
Striba finished with 19 total touchdowns, including a kickoff return for a score.
Their ability to line up in multiple positions gives Notre Dame flexibility. Both can stretch the field, make defenders miss in space and turn short touches into explosive gains.
Deep Receiving Corps Creates Matchup Problems
The Crusaders return much more than Boyd and Striba.
Senior CJ Diaz caught 19 passes for 290 yards and six touchdowns, while senior Clemente Cintron turned eight receptions into 109 yards and four scores.
Senior Nyechay “Chay” Lawless II added 11 catches for 141 yards, and senior Caden Ditze gives the offense another experienced option.
That depth will allow Notre Dame to rotate receivers, attack defenses from multiple formations and maintain its fast-paced offensive style.
Senior tight end John Hull also returns. His blocking ability and experience should make him an important part of the running game, while his size gives Murphy another dependable target.
Gordon and Frederick Strengthen the Running Game
Senior Aaron Gordon returns after rushing 50 times for 341 yards and five touchdowns. He also caught 13 passes for 129 yards and another score while finishing with eight total touchdowns.
Gordon’s versatility allows him to contribute as a runner, receiver, defensive back and return specialist.
Senior Jason Frederick provides additional depth after producing 253 all-purpose yards, three touchdowns and a passing score.
Murphy’s running ability adds another dimension. His speed and athleticism will force defenses to account for the quarterback on every snap.
Notre Dame wants to establish the running game while maintaining the balance and explosiveness that helped it average more than 40 points per game during the 2025 regular season.
Offensive Line Faces Important Transition
The Crusaders return senior Noah Snyder, senior Josh Scherer and junior Marco Azzolina along the offensive line.
Their experience will be important following the graduation of several key contributors, including Alex Clark, Austin Casal, Daniel Higgins, Tom Kosiba, Garrett Grants, Brett Bruckman, Cody Driscoll and Logan Hancik.
Scherer is one of the team’s most important two-way players. His strength, experience and physical style should help establish the identity of the offensive front.
The development of the line may determine just how quickly the offense reaches its potential. Notre Dame must protect Murphy, avoid negative plays and create consistent movement in the running game.
Scherer and Hull Lead the Defense
Notre Dame’s defense was outstanding in 2025, allowing only 143 points in 13 games—an average of 11 points per contest.
Scherer returns as the leader of the defensive line after recording 68 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 19 quarterback hurries, a sack, a pass breakup and a forced fumble.
His ability to disrupt plays from the interior will be essential as Notre Dame replaces several graduated linemen.
Hull returns to anchor the linebacker unit after collecting a team-high 86 tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, four quarterback hurries, an interception and a fumble recovery.
The Crusaders will rely heavily on both seniors to establish a physical presence and provide leadership for younger defenders.
Experienced Secondary Brings Playmaking Ability
Notre Dame returns several defensive backs with varsity experience.
Boyd led the group with five interceptions while adding 46 tackles, four tackles for loss and a forced fumble. His instincts and ability to create turnovers make him one of the top returning defensive backs in the league.
Gordon recorded 41 tackles, three tackles for loss, two interceptions, six pass breakups, a sack and a forced fumble.
Junior Madden Roselli returns after making 27 tackles, breaking up six passes and forcing a fumble.
Diaz, Lawless and Ditze also return in the secondary. Ditze recorded an interception that he returned 28 yards for a touchdown.
The Crusaders want to remain disciplined on the back end, eliminate explosive plays and capitalize on pressure generated by the defensive front.
Defense Must Replace Major Contributors
Notre Dame graduated a significant group of defensive standouts, including Faustie Capobianco, Sammy Morici, Kalet Wilson, Cody Hartman, Giancarlo Guadagnino and Mark Perone.
Replacing that leadership and production will not be easy.
However, the returning players have participated in meaningful games and understand the program’s expectations. The Crusaders will continue to emphasize relentless pursuit, physical tackling, communication and third-down execution.
Controlling the line of scrimmage and creating takeaways will once again be major priorities.
Cintron Anchors Outstanding Special Teams
Notre Dame returns one of the top specialists in District 11 in Cintron.
He averaged 46.7 yards on 13 punts last season, placing six inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. He also scored 71 kicking points, converting 62 of 68 extra-point attempts and three of five field goals.
That combination of accuracy and field-position ability gives the Crusaders a major advantage.
Boyd and Striba return as dangerous punt and kickoff returners, while Gordon also provides experience in the return game.
Boyd accumulated 410 kickoff-return yards and scored on a punt return. Striba added 288 kickoff-return yards and returned one for a touchdown.
Notre Dame expects special teams to remain a strength and provide momentum-changing plays throughout the season.
Players to Watch
Tommy Murphy, Jr., QB: Dynamic dual-threat quarterback who accounted for 10 touchdowns in limited action last season.
Drew Boyd, Sr., WR/DB/PR: Three-phase standout who produced 1,240 all-purpose yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions.
Jonathan Striba, Sr., RB/WR/KR: Explosive playmaker who finished with 1,477 all-purpose yards and 19 total touchdowns.
Josh Scherer, Sr., OL/DL: Physical two-way lineman who recorded 68 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 19 quarterback hurries.
John Hull, Sr., TE/LB: Defensive leader who collected 86 tackles while contributing as a blocker and receiver.
Aaron Gordon, Sr., RB/DB/KR: Versatile two-way player who scored eight touchdowns and intercepted two passes.
Clemente Cintron, Sr., WR/K/P: Elite specialist who averaged 46.7 yards per punt and scored 71 kicking points.
CJ Diaz, Sr., WR/DB: Big-play receiver who caught six touchdown passes.
Madden Roselli, Jr., WR/DB: Experienced defensive back who recorded six pass breakups and forced a fumble.
Marco Azzolina, Jr., OL: Returning lineman whose development will be important to the offense’s consistency.
My thoughts on Notre Dame Green Pond
Notre Dame-Green Pond has the talent and experience to remain one of the premier programs in District 11.
The Crusaders must replace an outstanding quarterback, several linemen and numerous defensive leaders, but the returning roster is filled with proven playmakers. Boyd, Striba, Gordon, Cintron, Diaz and Lawless give Murphy an exceptional group of weapons, while Scherer and Hull provide leadership in the defensive front seven.
The biggest keys will be developing the offensive line, receiving consistent quarterback play and replacing the physicality lost to graduation on defense.
Notre Dame must also remain healthy, protect the football and execute in critical situations against a challenging schedule.
The Crusaders dominated most of their opponents in 2025 but fell one victory short of a district championship. With a veteran senior class, explosive offensive talent and an experienced coaching staff, Notre Dame-Green Pond enters 2026 determined to return to the District 11 Class 3A final—and finish the job.
Head Coach: Philip Stambaugh (16TH Year. Overall, 133-45)
Assistant Coaches:
Nino Morici
Roobhenn Smith
Mike Kaulius
Rob Irving
Zach Bergstresser
AJ Long
Bill Bergstresser
Matt Blazofsky
Mike Corpora
Mike Stambaugh
John C. Smith
Jordon Hildabrant
Mark Napierkowski
John Graham
Paul Sofhauser [JV]
Scott Horton [JV]
Anthony Silfani [JV]
Nick Basenese [JV]
Dante Bonanni [JV]
Team Name: Notre Dame Green Pond Crusaders
District: 11
Class: 3A
League: Colonial-Schuylkill League, Division B
2025 Record: (12-1) / District XI Class “AAA” Runners-Up & Colonial-Schuylkill League | White Division Champions (8-0, 1st)
8/22 @ Garden Spot (5A) 7:00 pm W 21-3
8/29 @ Salisbury* (3A) 7:00 pm W 63-0
9/05 North Schuylkill (3A) 7:00 pm W 21-20 at Lafayette College
9/12 @ Saucon Valley* (3A) 7:00 pm W 55-13
9/20 @ Catasauqua* (2A) 1:30 pm W 58-0
9/26 @ Northern Lehigh* (2A) 7:00 pm W 40-21
10/04 @ Pen Argyl* (2A) 2:30 pm W 59-7
10/10 Palisades* (2A) 7:00 pm W 34-22 at Lafayette College
10/17 @ Palmerton Area* (3A) 7:00 pm W 56-0
10/24 Wilson Area* (4A) 7:00 pm W 62-0 at Lafayette College
10/30 Salisbury (3A) 6:30 pm W 56-6 Dist. 11 Class 3A Quarterfinal
11/07 Tamaqua Area (3A) 7:00 pm W 59-16 Dist. 11 Class 3A Semifinal @ Lafayette College
11/14 Northwestern Lehigh (3A) 7:00 pm L 14-35 Dist. 11 Class 3A Championship @ Catasauqua MS
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ East Stroudsburg South (5A) 9:30 am Scrimmage; with Scranton Prep
8/28 Berks Catholic (3A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ North Schuylkill (4A) 7:00 pm
9/11 Salisbury* (3A) 7:00 pm
9/19 @ Pen Argyl* (3A) 1:30 pm
9/24 Catasauqua* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Palisades* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Palmerton Area* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/16 Southern Lehigh (5A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Northern Lehigh* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/31 @ Wilson Area (3A) 12:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Matt Bodnar
Faustie Capobianco
Alex Clark
Austin Casal
Sammy Morici
Daniel Higgins
Tom Kosiba
Garrett Grants
Brett Bruckman
Cody Driscoll
Kalet Wilson
Cody Hartman
Logan Hancik
Giancarlo Guadagnino
Mark Perone
Offensive Starters Returning:
SR., WR DREW BOYD
SR., WR JONATHAN STRIBA
SR., WR CLEMENTE CINTRON
SR., RB AARON GORDON
SR., WR NYECHAY LAWLESS II
SR., WR CJ DIAZ
SR., TE JOHN HULL
SR., WR CADEN DITZE
SR., RB JASON FREDERICK
SR., OL NOAH SNYDER
SR., OL JOSH SCHERER
JR., QB TOMMY MURPHY
JR., OL MARCO AZZOLINA
Defensive Starters Returning:
SR., DB DREW BOYD
SR., DB AARON GORDON
SR., DB NYECHAY LAWLESS II
SR., DB CJ DIAZ
SR., LB JOHN HULL
SR., DB CADEN DITZE
SR., DL JOSH SCHERER
JR., DB MADDEN ROSELLI
Special Team Starters Returning:
SR., KR/PR DREW BOYD
SR., KR/PR JONATHAN STRIBA
SR., P/K CLEMENTE CINTRON
SR., KR AARON GORDON
Key Newcomers:
SR., WR/LB JEFF CEMELLI
SR., TE TAHIR SMITH
SR., DB-LB XAVIER HYNDMAN
SR., OL/DL SANTINO MILIOTO
SR., OL BEN HARDIN
SR., OL/DL PHILIP LABELLA
JR., DB JACKSON WALLACE
JR., WR/DB LUCA LUISE
JR., LB JOSEPH NEHME
JR., OL/DL DOMINIC MORICI
JR., K DREW SALAKI
SO., TE/LB ZACH HUBER
SO., RB/LB DOM TOCCI
SO., OL NATE HORTON
SO., OL JOEY RANERI
FR., WR/DB PATRICK BEDICS
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Drew Boyd (WR/DB/PR) 41 receptions, 780 receiving yards, 7 TDs; 1,240 all-purpose yards, 9 total TDs; 46 tackles, 4 TFL, 5 INT, 1 forced fumble; 410 KR yards, 1 PR TD
Jonathan Striba (RB/WR/KR) 59 carries, 415 rushing yards, 10 rush TDs; 46 receptions, 770 receiving yards, 7 receiving TDs; 1,477 all-purpose yards, 19 total TDs; 11 tackles, PD; 288 KR yards, 1 KR TD
Josh Scherer (DL/OL) 68 tackles, 10 TFL, 1 sack, 19 QB hurries, PD, forced fumble
Aaron Gordon (RB/DB) 50 carries, 341 rushing yards, 5 rush TDs; 13 receptions, 129 receiving yards, 1 TD; 8 total TDs; 41 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 INT, 1 sack, 6 PD, forced fumble
John Hull (LB/TE) 86 tackles, 5 TFL, 1 sack, 4 QB hurries, 1 INT, 1 fumble recovery
Clemente Cintron (K/P/WR) 8 receptions, 109 receiving yards, 4 TDs; 46.7-yard punt average (13 punts, 607 yards, 6 inside the 20); 71 kicking points (62/68 PAT, 3/5 FG)
CJ Diaz (WR/DB) 19 receptions, 290 receiving yards, 6 TDs; 15 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 PD
Nyechay (Chay) Lawless (WR/DB) 11 receptions, 141 receiving yards; 9 tackles
Caden Ditze (WR/DB) 19 tackles, 1 INT (28-yard TD return)
Jason Frederick (RB) 253 all-purpose yards, 3 TDs, 1 passing TD
Madden Roselli (WR/DB) 27 tackles, 1 TFL, 6 PD, 1 forced fumble
Tommy Murphy (QB/WR/DB) 17/19 passing, 273 passing yards, 5 passing TDs; 27 carries, 412 rushing yards, 4 rushing TDs; 9 receptions, 117 receiving yards, 1 TD; 529 all-purpose yards, 10 total TDs; 7 tackles, PD
2026 Offensive Outlook: We return an experienced group with the majority of our offensive production back from a team that finished 12-1, won the Colonial-Schuylkill League White Division Championship, and advanced to the District XI Class 3A Championship Game. While we must replace an outstanding senior quarterback and several key leaders, we believe we have the experience, depth, and versatility to remain a productive offense. The continued development of our offensive line, consistency at quarterback, protecting the football, establishing the running game, and executing in critical situations will be the keys to our success. We will continue to emphasize playing fast, being physical, and creating explosive plays while maintaining balance and efficiency on offense.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Our defense returns a strong foundation from a unit that helped lead us to a 12-1 record while allowing just 143 points (11.0 points per game) during the 2025 season. Although we graduated several outstanding seniors, we return a number of experienced starters and contributors who have played meaningful varsity football. Our emphasis will continue to be on playing with relentless effort, physicality, discipline, and great communication. The keys to our success will be controlling the line of scrimmage, limiting explosive plays, winning on third down, and creating takeaways. If we continue to play fundamentally sound football and pursue the ball with great effort, we expect our defense to once again be one of the strengths of our football team.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Special teams has been a strength of our program for many years, and we expect that tradition to continue in 2026. We return experience in all phases of the kicking game and will continue to place a strong emphasis on field position, coverage units, and the return game. Our goal is to win the hidden-yardage battle every week by executing fundamentally, minimizing mistakes, and capitalizing on opportunities to create momentum-changing plays. Consistency in the kicking game, disciplined coverage, and explosive returns will be key components to our overall success this season.