Experienced Offensive Line Gives Pottsgrove a Foundation for 2026
Pottsgrove enters the 2026 season with experience along the offensive and defensive lines, but the Falcons must develop a new group of playmakers after losing a large senior class.
Head coach William Hawthorne’s team finished 4-6 last season, earning victories over Methacton, Pottstown, Upper Merion and Phoenixville. The Falcons also came within one score of Owen J. Roberts, Oxford and Pope John Paul II.
Pottsgrove showed improvement down the stretch by winning three of its final five Pioneer Athletic Conference games. That stretch included a 35-7 victory at Upper Merion and a 27-0 shutout of Phoenixville.
The Falcons now must replace several important contributors, including quarterback Chase Hawthorne and skill players Mikhi Dargan, Jackson Wescoat, Deymein Doctor, Isaiah Rivera, Brady Funk and Kevin Robinson.
The graduation losses are particularly significant on defense, where Pottsgrove must replace eight starters.
However, the Falcons return four experienced offensive linemen, three defensive linemen, a quarterback with varsity experience and several young players who gained meaningful snaps last season.
The challenge will be turning that returning experience into consistent production while new starters adjust to expanded roles.
Lucci Steps Into Larger Role at Quarterback
Senior Ryan Lucci is expected to lead the Pottsgrove offense after gaining valuable experience last season.
Lucci was listed among the Falcons’ returning skill players and will now be asked to provide stability following the graduation of Chase Hawthorne.
The new starting quarterback will benefit from having an experienced offensive line in front of him.
Pottsgrove returns four of its five starters up front, giving Lucci a veteran group capable of providing protection and helping establish the running game.
His early responsibilities will include protecting the football, managing the offense and making efficient decisions. With several new receivers and running backs taking on larger roles, Lucci’s leadership will be important.
The Falcons do not need him to force difficult throws or carry the entire offense. They need him to distribute the football, keep the unit on schedule and take advantage of favorable matchups.
If Lucci plays with confidence and limits turnovers, Pottsgrove should have an opportunity to develop a balanced attack.
Four Offensive Linemen Return
The offensive line should be the strength of the Pottsgrove offense.
Junior Nolan Coons, junior Henry McConnell, junior Patryk Coffland and junior Izaiah Moreira-Gonzalez all return after gaining starting experience.
Having four returning starters provides continuity that many teams do not possess.
That group has already played together, understands the blocking schemes and has experience facing the physical defensive fronts found throughout the Pioneer Athletic Conference.
The Falcons must replace Finlay Tabor and Luke Stofflet, but the returning juniors give the unit a strong foundation.
Coons, McConnell, Coffland and Moreira-Gonzalez will be expected to set the tone for the offense. Pottsgrove wants to run the football, control possession and avoid placing too much pressure on its quarterback.
The offensive line must create consistent running lanes and prevent negative plays. It must also improve its ability to finish drives after the Falcons were held to seven points or fewer in four games last season.
If the line develops into the team’s most dependable unit, Pottsgrove should be able to remain competitive while its younger skill players gain experience.
Sclafford Expected to Lead Running Game
Elijah Sclafford is expected to shoulder much of the workload in the backfield.
The Falcons must replace several experienced runners, including Dargan, Rivera and Robinson. Their departures create a significant opening in an offense that has traditionally relied on a physical rushing attack.
Sclafford will have the advantage of running behind four returning offensive linemen.
Pottsgrove will look for him to provide dependable production between the tackles, protect the football and help keep the offense out of difficult third-down situations.
The Falcons will also need additional backs to emerge.
A committee approach would allow Pottsgrove to use different running styles while keeping Sclafford fresh throughout the season. Younger players will have opportunities to earn carries during training camp and the early portion of the schedule.
The success of the rushing attack will be one of the most important factors in Pottsgrove’s season.
A productive ground game would help Lucci, control the clock and reduce the pressure on a rebuilding defense.
White Brings Speed and Versatility
Sophomore Marquise White returns after earning varsity experience as a freshman.
White is expected to contribute from the slot and at cornerback, making him one of Pottsgrove’s most important young two-way players.
His athleticism gives the Falcons an option in space.
Pottsgrove can use White on quick passes, jet motion, screens and designed carries. Getting him the football in different ways could help replace some of the production lost from last season’s senior skill players.
White’s development will be important because the Falcons need new explosive-play threats to emerge.
He already has varsity experience, but his role should increase considerably in 2026. With that expanded opportunity will come greater responsibility in route running, ball security and blocking.
If White continues to progress, he could become one of the offense’s most dangerous playmakers.
New Receivers Must Emerge
Pottsgrove lost several receivers and defensive backs from last year’s team.
Wescoat, Doctor and Brady Funk were among the experienced players who graduated, creating openings throughout the receiving corps.
Lucci returns with offensive experience, but the Falcons must identify dependable targets around White.
The new receivers must develop timing with their quarterback and show they can create separation against varsity defensive backs.
Pottsgrove does not need an overly complicated passing game. High-percentage throws, play-action passes and occasional deep shots could complement the rushing attack.
The offense will become much more difficult to defend if one or two receivers emerge as consistent threats.
Training camp will be important for determining which players earn those opportunities.
Offense Must Finish Close Games
Pottsgrove was competitive in several losses last season.
The Falcons lost to Owen J. Roberts by seven points, Oxford by one point and Pope John Paul II by seven. They also trailed Pottstown before eventually earning a 33-20 victory.
Turning close losses into wins will require improved execution in key situations.
The offense must protect the football, convert manageable third downs and finish drives inside the red zone.
Pottsgrove scored at least 27 points in each of its four victories but was held to 13 points or fewer in five of its six losses.
That contrast shows the importance of offensive consistency.
With four linemen returning, the Falcons should have the ability to control the line of scrimmage. The next step is translating that advantage into sustained drives and points.
Defense Faces Major Rebuilding Project
Defense presents Pottsgrove’s greatest challenge.
The Falcons must replace eight starters, including several experienced defensive backs and linemen.
Dargan, Wescoat, Doctor, Hawthorne, Rivera, Tabor, Funk, Robinson and Stofflet all contributed defensively or on special teams.
That leaves significant openings at linebacker and in the secondary.
The returning starters will be responsible for leading a young unit through the adjustment period.
Junior Sam Funk returns at linebacker, while White is back at cornerback. Junior Chase Wiley also returns after contributing at fullback and linebacker.
The Falcons have slightly more experience along the defensive line, where three starters return.
Pottsgrove’s success will depend on whether the defensive front can help protect the inexperienced players behind it.
Funk Expected to Lead Defense
Sam Funk will be one of the central figures on defense.
The junior returns at linebacker and is expected to serve as the unit’s leader.
Linebacker is a demanding position in any defense. Funk will be responsible for communicating calls, helping align younger teammates and making plays against both the run and pass.
His experience will be especially valuable after the loss of so many senior defenders.
Pottsgrove needs Funk to become a consistent tackler and an active presence around the football.
He will also be expected to help establish the defense’s attitude.
A young unit will experience mistakes, but strong leadership can prevent those mistakes from affecting the next play. Funk’s ability to remain composed and communicate will be essential.
Wiley Adds Experience at Linebacker
Junior Chase Wiley returns as another experienced linebacker.
Wiley gives Pottsgrove an additional player who understands the defensive system and has faced varsity competition.
His presence alongside Funk should provide stability in the middle of the field.
The Falcons need their linebackers to play with discipline, particularly while several new defensive backs adjust to larger roles.
Strong gap control and reliable tackling will help prevent short runs from becoming explosive plays.
Wiley can also contribute offensively at fullback, giving Pottsgrove another physical option in short-yardage situations.
His two-way role makes conditioning and depth important, but his experience will be difficult to replace.
Defensive Line Could Become a Strength
Pottsgrove returns three of its four starters along the defensive line.
Coons and Moreira-Gonzalez are expected to be key interior contributors, while McConnell and Coffland also provide experience in the trenches.
That returning group gives the Falcons a chance to build the defense from the inside out.
The defensive line must control the point of attack and keep opposing blockers away from Funk and Wiley.
Pottsgrove will face several teams capable of running the football effectively. If the defensive front struggles to maintain its gaps, the younger secondary could be placed in difficult situations.
The Falcons need their linemen to create pressure without requiring constant blitzes.
Consistent interior disruption would allow the linebackers to play faster and help the defensive backs by reducing the amount of time opposing quarterbacks have to throw.
The returning experience up front is one of the biggest reasons for optimism on defense.
Secondary Must Develop Quickly
White is the most experienced returning player in the secondary.
The sophomore gained valuable varsity snaps at cornerback and will now take on an expanded role.
Pottsgrove must replace several defensive backs, including Dargan, Wescoat, Doctor, Hawthorne, Brady Funk and Robinson.
That means multiple younger players will be asked to contribute immediately.
The secondary’s priorities will be communication, tackling and limiting explosive plays.
Inexperienced defensive backs can sometimes struggle with route recognition and assignments. Pottsgrove needs its new starters to stay disciplined and avoid allowing coverage mistakes to become long touchdowns.
White will be expected to help lead the group despite being only a sophomore.
The defensive line can assist by generating pressure, but the secondary must show it can hold up against the passing attacks on the schedule.
Defense Must Improve Against the Run
Pottsgrove allowed 218 points last season, an average of nearly 22 per game.
The Falcons produced their best defensive performance in a 27-0 victory over Phoenixville and also held Oxford to seven points.
However, they allowed at least 28 points in four games.
Improving defensive consistency will begin with stopping the run.
A strong rushing defense would allow Pottsgrove to create longer third-down situations and use its experienced defensive line more aggressively.
The Falcons must also reduce missed tackles.
With so many new starters, assignment discipline will be important. Players must trust the system rather than trying to do too much individually.
The defense may need time to develop, but the experience along the line gives it a chance to improve as the season progresses.
Palladino Returns as Kicker and Punter
Sophomore Josh Palladino returns to handle both kicking and punting duties.
Having an experienced specialist provides valuable stability while Pottsgrove rebuilds several other areas.
Palladino will be responsible for extra points, field goals, kickoffs and punts.
Consistency in those roles could help the Falcons win the field-position battle.
A dependable punter is particularly important for a young defense. Well-placed punts can force opponents to drive the length of the field and give the defense more margin for error.
The kicking game will also be important in close contests.
Pottsgrove lost three games by seven points or fewer last season. Reliable special teams execution could help turn similar games in the Falcons’ favor.
Players to Watch
Ryan Lucci, Sr., QB/WR/DB: Experienced senior expected to lead the offense at quarterback and provide stability after the graduation of Chase Hawthorne.
Marquise White, So., Slot/CB: Athletic two-way playmaker who gained varsity experience as a freshman and should take on a much larger role.
Elijah Sclafford, RB: Expected to shoulder much of the workload in the rushing attack.
Sam Funk, Jr., TE/LB: Returning linebacker expected to serve as the leader of the Pottsgrove defense.
Chase Wiley, Jr., FB/LB: Physical two-way contributor who provides experience in the middle of the defense.
Nolan Coons, Jr., OL/DL: Returning two-way lineman expected to play an important role in the interior.
Henry McConnell, Jr., OL/DL: Member of an experienced junior group that will anchor both lines.
Patryk Coffland, Jr., OL/DL: Returning starter who gives Pottsgrove continuity and versatility in the trenches.
Izaiah Moreira-Gonzalez, Jr., OL/DL: Key interior lineman expected to help lead the running game and defensive front.
Josh Palladino, So., K/P: Returning specialist who will handle both kicking and punting responsibilities.
My thoughts on Pottsgrove
Pottsgrove enters 2026 with experience in the trenches but significant questions at the skill positions and throughout the defense.
The Falcons must replace a productive senior class that handled major responsibilities on offense, defense and special teams.
The offensive line gives Pottsgrove its clearest strength.
Coons, McConnell, Coffland and Moreira-Gonzalez return after starting last season. Their experience should allow the Falcons to establish a physical running game and provide protection for Lucci.
Sclafford is expected to lead the backfield, while White gives the offense a young playmaker capable of contributing in several roles.
The offense’s success will depend on how quickly new receivers emerge and whether Lucci can provide efficient quarterback play.
Defensively, Pottsgrove faces a larger rebuilding project.
Funk, Wiley and White provide experience, while the defensive line returns three starters. The Falcons must use that experience up front to help a young secondary and linebacker rotation.
Palladino’s return gives the special teams unit an established kicker and punter.
Pottsgrove showed last season that it can compete in close games. The Falcons were only a handful of plays away from a winning record, with three losses decided by seven points or fewer.
Turning those close defeats into victories will require better execution, fewer mistakes and consistent production from the returning offensive line.
If the Falcons establish the running game, protect the football and develop their young defense throughout the season, they should have an opportunity to improve in the Pioneer Athletic Conference Frontier Division and contend for a District 1 Class 4A playoff position.
Head Coach: William Hawthorne
Assistant Coaches:
Ryan Okuniewski
Brian Peoples
Jason Heflin
Jimmy Regan
Maxton Wickward
Matt Morton
Chris Bieler
Jack Thomas
Team Name: Pottsgrove Falcons
District: 1
Class: 4A
League: Pioneer Athletic Conference – Frontier Division
2025 Record: 4-6
8/22 @ Methacton (5A) 7:00 pm W 34-28
8/28 Owen J. Roberts (6A) 7:00 pm L 7-14
9/05 @ Oxford Area (5A) 7:00 pm L 6-7
9/12 West Chester East (5A) 7:00 pm L 20-35
9/19 Upper Perkiomen* (5A) 7:00 pm L 0-31
9/26 Pottstown Area* (4A) 7:00 pm W 33-20
10/03 @ Pope John Paul II* (4A) 7:00 pm L 13-20
10/10 @ Upper Merion* (5A) 7:00 pm W 35-7
10/17 7:00 pm
10/17 Phoenixville* (5A) 7:00 pm W 27-0
10/24 @ Perkiomen Valley (6A) 7:00 pm L 6-21 PAC Crossover game
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Penn Wood (6A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 @ Methacton (5A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ Sun Valley/Northley (4A) 7:00 pm
9/11 West Chester Henderson (5A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Oxford Area (5A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Pottstown Area* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Upper Merion* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Upper Perkiomen* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Norristown* (6A) 6:30 pm
10/23 Phoenixville* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/30 PAC Crossover Game (Non-PIAA) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Mikhi Dargan, SR, RB/DB,
Jackson Wescoat, SR, WR/DB
Deymein Doctor, SR, WR/DB
Chase Hawthorne, SR, QB/DB
Isaiah Rivera, SR, RB/FB
Finlay Tabor, SR, OL/DL
Brady Funk, SR, WR/DB
Kevin Robinson, SR, RB/DB
#13 Brady Funk, SR, WR/DB
Luke Stofflet, SR OL/DL
Offensive Starters Returning:
#4 Marquise White, SO, RB/DB
#18 Ryan Lucci, SR, WR/DB
#56 Nolan Coons, JR, OL/DL
#58 Henry McConnell, JR, OL/DL
#51, Patryk Coffland, JR, OL/DL
#77 Izaiah Moreira-Gonzalez, JR, OL/DL
Defensive Starters Returning:
#4 Marquise White, FR, RB/DB
#2 Chase Wiley, JR, FB/LB
#24 Sam Funk, JR, TE/LB
Special Team Starters Returning:
#31 Josh Palladino, SO, K/P
2026 Offensive Outlook: Offensively, Pottsgrove returns quarterback Ryan Lucci, who gained valuable experience last season. Marquisse White is back at the slot position, and the Falcons return four of their five starting offensive linemen, giving the offense an experienced group up front. The Falcons will also look to Elijah Sclafford to shoulder much of the workload in the running game, while several other players are expected to take on larger roles as the season progresses.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Defensively, the Falcons have the challenge of replacing eight starters from last year’s team. Returning starters Sam Funk at linebacker and Marquisse White at cornerback will provide experience as younger players settle into expanded roles. Funk will look to serve as the leader of the Falcons’ defense this season. Along the defensive line, Pottsgrove returns three of its four starters, with Nolan Coons and Izaiah Moreira-Gonzalez expected to be key contributors on the interior.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Josh Palladino returns to handle both the kicking and punting duties, giving the Falcons an experienced option in those roles.