Experienced Palmyra Core Looks to Turn Close Losses into Wins in 2026
The Palmyra Cougars enter the 2026 season believing experience, depth and improved execution can help them take a significant step forward in the Mid-Penn Conference Keystone Division.
Head coach Chris Pavone’s team finished 3-7 in 2025, but the record does not fully reflect how close the Cougars were to a much stronger season. Palmyra lost four games by nine points or fewer, including one-point defeats against Shippensburg and Northern York and a two-point loss to Mifflin County.
With an experienced quarterback, all five starting offensive linemen and a deep defensive front returning, Palmyra has the foundation needed to turn some of those narrow losses into victories.
Russek Returns to Lead the Offense
Senior quarterback Roman Russek returns as the leader of the Palmyra offense after gaining more than 15 varsity starts during his career.
Russek completed 88 of 155 passes for 975 yards and six touchdowns last season. He also contributed 257 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 77 carries, giving the Cougars a proven dual-threat presence behind center.
His experience should be especially valuable as Palmyra replaces several graduated skill-position players, including Travis McDannell, Brayden Hoover, Braxtin Risser, Talon Speck and Riley Litzenberger.
Senior running backs Aaron Villafane and Alex Csongradi are expected to take on larger roles.
Villafane rushed for 124 yards and a touchdown on 35 carries while also emerging as one of Palmyra’s defensive leaders. Csongradi added 100 rushing yards, 111 receiving yards and a touchdown while also returning a kickoff for a score.
Sophomore athlete Jaxin Robinson gives the offense another versatile option. Robinson rushed for 172 yards and a touchdown last season and completed 16 of 35 passes for 117 yards when called upon at quarterback.
Sophomore wide receiver Mason Kyper and junior tight end Anthony Pinko will be among the players asked to become larger parts of the passing game.
Offensive Line Provides Stability
Palmyra’s greatest offensive strength may be its experience up front.
All five starting offensive linemen return, giving the Cougars continuity in an area that is often difficult to replace.
Senior linemen Braeden Basehore and Jackson Kipp return alongside juniors Ryan Craig, Chris Kleinfelter and Jackson Smith. Smith brings excellent size at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, while Craig, Kleinfelter, Basehore and Kipp give the Cougars a physical and experienced interior.
That group will be responsible for protecting Russek and creating running lanes for Villafane, Csongradi, Robinson and Palmyra’s other developing backs.
The Cougars want to play with speed and physicality while limiting negative plays and turnovers. Finishing drives will also be an important point of emphasis after Palmyra was held to 13 points or fewer in seven games last season.
Deep Defensive Front Leads the Way
Palmyra returns an unusually deep and experienced group along the defensive line.
Basehore recorded 22 tackles, seven tackles for loss and two sacks last season. Junior Kyler Sparks was one of the team’s most disruptive defenders, finishing with 35 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and three sacks.
Junior Greg Stoak contributed 18 tackles, five tackles for loss and one sack, while Noah Krupko added 14 tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack.
Jackson Smith, Chris Kleinfelter, Ryan Craig, Jackson Kipp, sophomore Garrison John and several other returning linemen give Palmyra the ability to rotate players and remain fresh throughout games.
John showed his playmaking potential as a freshman by recording 19 tackles, six tackles for loss and an interception.
The Cougars want their defensive identity to be built around speed, physicality and aggression. With so much experience returning in the trenches, Palmyra should be better equipped to pressure quarterbacks, control the running game and create negative plays.
Pinko and Villafane Anchor the Linebackers
Junior linebacker Anthony Pinko returns after leading the Cougars with 55 tackles. He also recorded three tackles for loss, recovered two fumbles and returned one recovery for a touchdown.
Villafane added 61 tackles from his linebacker position and will be counted on as a senior leader on both sides of the football.
Junior Cadin Smith also returns after making 16 tackles and should see an expanded role within the defense.
The linebackers will benefit from playing behind one of the most experienced defensive fronts in the Keystone Division.
Young Secondary Features Proven Ballhawks
Palmyra’s secondary includes several young players who gained valuable varsity experience in 2025.
Kyper recorded four interceptions while contributing 16 tackles and one tackle for loss. Junior Sid Harrison added three interceptions and 12 tackles, giving the Cougars two proven defensive backs capable of creating turnovers.
Senior Wyatt Fogleman, junior Louis Loew and Robinson also return in the secondary. Loew contributed two tackles for loss among his six stops, while Robinson provides size and athletic ability at defensive back.
Palmyra’s focus will be on limiting explosive plays while continuing to create takeaways and other momentum-changing opportunities.
Special Teams Return Valuable Experience
The Cougars return several experienced specialists.
Senior kicker Brenden Crout converted two of four field-goal attempts last season, with a long of 29 yards, and made nine of 12 extra points.
Pinko returns as the punter, Craig is back as the long snapper and Csongradi gives Palmyra an explosive option in the return game after scoring on a kickoff return in 2025.
The Cougars view special teams as a potential weapon that can change field position, generate scoring opportunities and create momentum.
Players to Watch
Roman Russek, Sr., QB: Experienced dual-threat quarterback who accounted for 1,232 total yards and 10 touchdowns last season.
Aaron Villafane, Sr., RB/LB: Two-way leader who recorded 61 tackles and is expected to take on a larger role in the running game.
Anthony Pinko, Jr., TE/LB/P: Versatile contributor who made 55 tackles, recovered two fumbles and scored a defensive touchdown.
Kyler Sparks, Jr., DL: Disruptive defensive lineman who totaled 15 tackles for loss and three sacks.
Braeden Basehore, Sr., OL/DL: Veteran two-way lineman who recorded seven tackles for loss and two sacks.
Jaxin Robinson, So., Athlete/DB: Versatile young player capable of contributing as a runner, passer, receiver and defensive back.
Mason Kyper, So., WR/DB: Emerging two-way playmaker who intercepted four passes as a freshman.
My Thoughts on Palmyra
Palmyra enters 2026 with more experience than its 3-7 record might suggest.
The return of Russek, all five starting offensive linemen and several versatile skill players should give the Cougars a more consistent offense. Defensively, Palmyra’s depth along the line and its proven playmakers at linebacker and defensive back provide plenty of reasons for optimism.
The Cougars must replace several experienced receivers and offensive contributors, but a promising group of younger players is ready to assume larger roles.
After losing several close games in 2025, Palmyra’s next step will be learning how to finish. If the Cougars protect the football, capitalize on scoring opportunities and continue creating disruptive plays defensively, they have the ability to become one of the most improved teams in District 3 Class 5A.
Head Coach: Chris Pavone
Assistant Coaches:
Zach Stuart
Noah Reale
Trent Baker
Tim Robinson
Matt Bleiler
Josh McGaw
Mason Blanchard
Danny Byrd
Shane Herbe
Garrett Kohr
Mason Chandler
Micah Kunkle
Tyler Baker
Team Name: Palmyra Cougars
District: 3
Class: 5A
League: Mid-Penn Conference, Keystone Division
2025 Record: 3-7
8/22 @ Lebanon (6A) 7:00 pm W 30-0
8/30 Mechanicsburg* (5A) 12:00 pm L 7-35
9/05 @ Hershey* (5A) 7:00 pm L 0-48
9/12 Shippensburg Area* (5A) 7:00 pm L 12-13
9/19 @ Waynesboro* (6A) 7:00 pm W 9-7
9/26 @ Mifflin County* (5A) 7:00 pm L 6-8
10/03 Lower Dauphin* (5A) 7:00 pm L 7-41
10/11 Gettysburg* (5A) 12:00 pm W 43-35
10/17 Red Land* (5A) 7:00 pm L 13-22
10/24 @ Northern York* (5A) 7:00 pm L 21-22
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Annville-Cleona (3A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 Garden Spot (5A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ Red Land* (5A) 7:00 pm
9/11 Mifflin County* (5A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Hershey* (5A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Waynesboro* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Northern York* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Mechanicsburg* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/16 Lower Dauphin* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Gettysburg* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Shippensburg Area* (5A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Travis McDannell (RB)
Brayden Hoover (TE)
Braxtin Risser (WR)
Talon Speck (WR)
Nate Holt (WR/DL)
Riley Litzenberger (FB)
Peter Diguardia (DB)
Jake Schelhorn (LB)
Offensive Starters Returning:
Roman Russek (Sr. QB, 6-2, 200)
Aaron Villafane (Sr. RB, 5-8, 190)
Alex Csongradi (Sr. RB, 5-9, 170)
Jaxin Robinson (So. Athlete, 6-1, 160)
Mason Kyper (So. WR, 5-10, 145)
Braeden Basehore (Sr. OL, 5-10, 220)
Jackson Kipp (Sr. OL, 5-9, 230)
Ryan Craig (Jr. OL, 6-0, 255)
Chris Kleinfelter (Jr. OL, 6-1, 230)
Jackson Smith (Jr. OL, 6-4, 260)
Anthony Pinko (Jr. TE, 6-0, 200)
Defensive Starters Returning:
Braeden Basehore (Sr. DL, 5-10, 220)
Greg Stoak (Jr. DL, 5-9, 330)
Kyler Sparks (Jr. DL, 5-8, 180)
Jackson Kipp (Sr. DL, 5-9, 230)
Ryan Craig (Jr. DL, 6-0, 255)
Jackson Smith (Jr. DL, 6-4, 260)
Chris Kleinfelter (Jr. DL, 6-1, 230)
Noah Krupko (Jr. OL/DL, 6-0, 220)
Garrison John (So. OL/DL, 6-0, 260)
Anthony Pinko (Jr. LB, 6-0, 200)
Cadin Smith (Jr. LB, 5-7, 160)
Aaron Villafane (Sr. LB, 5-8, 190)
Sid Harrison (Jr. DB, 5-8, 145)
Wyatt Fogleman (Sr. DB, 5-9, 150)
Mason Kyper (So. DB, 5-10, 145)
Louis Loew (Jr. DB, 5-8, 140)
Jaxin Robinson (So. DB, 6-1, 160)
Special Team Starters Returning:
Brenden Crout (Sr. Kicker, 5-6, 125)
Anthony Pinko (Jr. Punter, 6-0, 200)
Alex Csongradi (Sr. Returner, 5-9, 170)
Ryan Craig (Jr. Long Snapper, 6-0, 255)
Key Newcomers:
Geno Doone (Sr. TE/LB, 5-10, 210)
Adam McKelvey (Sr. FB/LB, 5-9. 185)
Josh Tshudy (Sr. TE/DL, 6-5, 230)
Joey White (Sr. WR/DB, 5-11, 180)
Tyler Craig (So. OL/DL, 6-1, 225)
Brayden Buffington (So. WR/DB, 6-2, 170)
Owen Kupstas (So. TE/LB, 5-10, 215)
Coda Jones (Fr. FB/LB, 5-11, 170)
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Roman Russek (88/155 for 975 yds, 6 TD. 77 carries for 257 yards, 4 TD)
Aaron Villafane (35 carries for 124 yards, 1 TD. 61 tackles)
Alex Csongradi (17 carries for 100 yards, 10 catches for 111 yards, 1 TD, 1 Kickoff Return TD)
Jaxin Robinson (26 carries for 172 yards, 1 TD. 16/35 for 117 yards)
Mason Kyper (6 catches for 31 yards. 16 tackles, 1 TFL, 4 INT)
Braeden Basehore (22 tackles, 7 TFL, 2 sacks)
Chris Kleinfelter (5 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 INT)
Jackson Smith (5 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack)
Anthony Pinko (55 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 FR. 1 FR for TD)
Greg Stoak (18 tackles, 5 TFL, 1 sack)
Kyler Sparks (35 tackles, 15 TFL, 3 sacks)
Noah Krupko (14 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack)
Garrison John (19 tackles, 6 TFL, 1 INT)
Cadin Smith (16 tackles)
Sid Harrison (12 tackles, 3 INT)
Louis Loew (6 tackles, 2 TFL)
Brenden Crout (2/4 on FG, long of 29. 9/12 on extra points)
2026 Offensive Outlook: Heading into 2026, we return a strong core of experienced starters across the offensive front, at quarterback, and throughout the skill positions. All five starting offensive linemen are back, complemented by improving depth that will strengthen the unit. At quarterback, Russek returns with more than 15 varsity starts under his belt, providing valuable leadership and experience.
We are also excited to incorporate several new faces into key roles as they continue to develop and contribute. Offensively, our focus remains consistent: executing assignments at every position, finishing drives with points, minimizing negative plays while protecting the football, and playing with speed, physicality, and relentless aggression.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Like our offense, we return a strong core of experienced players at all three levels of the defense. We are also excited about several new faces who have tremendous potential and are ready to take on larger roles this season.
Defensively, our identity will continue to be built on playing fast, physical, and aggressive football. Our focus will be on limiting explosive plays and points, while creating takeaways, tackles for loss, and other game-changing opportunities that put our team in position to succeed.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Our goal on special teams is to create explosive plays while preventing our opponents from doing the same. We return a solid foundation of experience in both the kicking and return game, along with several players who contributed on multiple special teams units last season.
Special teams will continue to be a critical weapon for our program. Our emphasis will be on winning the field position battle, creating momentum-changing plays, and generating scoring opportunities that give both our offense and defense an advantage.