2025 Team Preview: Southern Columbia Tigers (4)

Head Coach: Jim Roth (42nd season)

Assistant Coaches:
Andy Mills
Mike Johnston
Brandon Traugh
Wes Tillett
Ardie Kissinger
Ken Ruckle
Sean Smith
Alex Carawan
Josh Tripp

Team Name: Southern Columbia Tigers

2024 Record: 7-5

8/24 @ Wyomissing Area (4A) 1:30 pm L 21-35
8/30 Loyalsock Township (2A) 7:00 pm W 47-0
9/06 @ Milton Area* (3A) 7:00 pm W 49-7
9/13 @ Mount Carmel Area* (3A) 7:00 pm L 6-7
9/20 Central Columbia* (3A) 7:00 pm W 54-12
9/27 @ Danville* (3A) 7:00 pm L 8-34
10/04 Mifflinburg* (3A) 7:00 pm L 26-34
10/11 Montoursville* (3A) 7:00 pm W 19-16
10/18 @ Bloomsburg (2A) 7:00 pm W 53-28
10/25 Shikellamy (4A) 7:00 pm W 53-6
11/01 Hughesville (2A) 7:00 pm W 39-0
11/08 @ Troy Area (2A) 7:00 pm L 28-69

District: 4

Class: 2A

League: PA Heartland Athletic Conference, Division II

Key Starters Lost:
Dominic Fetterolf
Jude Bremigen

Offensive Starters Returning:
#13 Ayden Hockenbroch – Jr. 5-11, 180
#24 HB Brayden Andrews – Sr. 5-7, 165
#23 HB Grady Garcia – So. 5-8, 140
#6 FB Joey Williams – Jr. 5-8, 180
#10 WR Blaise Kissinger – Jr. 6-1, 180
#8 TE Jace Malakoski – Jr. 6-3, 210
#67 RT John Quinton – Sr. 6-2, 245
#66 RG Braylin Smith – So. 6-2, 290
#74 C Aidyn McHale – Jr. 5-11, 255

Defensive Starters Returning:
#41 DE Ethan Makowski – Sr. 6-1, 235
#57 DT Jaden Carter – Jr. 6-4, 320
#43 DE Chase Williams – Jr. 6-4, 195
#7 OLB Anthony Martino – Sr. 6-2, 170
#25 OLB Brady Arnold – Sr. 5-11, 170
#10 CB Blaise Kissinger – Jr. Jr. 6-1, 180
#14 S Kaden Zachman – Jr. 6-0, 145

Special Team Starters Returning:
#39 K/P Preston Shadle – Sr. 5-8, 165
#24 KR/PR Brayden Andrews – Sr. 5-7, 165
#23 KR/PR Grady Garcia – So. 5-8, 140

Key Newcomers:
#50 LG Greg Fulmer – Sr. 6-0, 195
#58 ILB Nolan Wittig – Jr. 5-11, 185

2025 Returning Player Stats:
Passing:
Ayden Hockenbroch
83-165, 1,358 yds, 16 TDs – 8 INTs.

Rushing:
Brayden Andrews
1,054 yds & 14 TDs

Grady Garcia
482 yds & 7 TDs

Joey Williams
445 yds & 6 TDs

Caden Hopper
410 yds & 7 TDs

Receiving:
Blaise Kissinger
27-465 & 4 TDs

Jace Malakoski
22-352 & 4 TDs

Brayden Andrews
15-234 & 4 TDs

2025 Offensive Outlook: Blocking. The offensive line has size & all five of the top rushers return from last year including senior Talon Piatt who was a short-yardage back when the tough yards were needed. Having execution on the offensive line and the backs blocking will be crucial. With a returning starting QB and a nucleus of returning pass catchers, senior Nate Gallagher will be another receiver after making the move from the backfield.

2025 Defensive Outlook: The defensive line will be a strength. Three of the four guys up front return. The linebackers and defensive backs all have shown bright spots in the offseason. John Quinton will be a new defensive lineman after last season saw him playing just on the offensive line as he dealt with an injury. Not giving up as many completions on third and fourth down will be crucial. Nolan Wittig, Braydon Griscavage & Caius Morrow will be some guys at LB spots that will help bolster the depth of the returning guys.

2025 Special Teams Outlook: Executing on the basics will be essential. Last year, there were times that mistakes proved costly. Having guys returning with another year of experience should help eliminate the majority of those mistakes.