Returning Experience Gives Susquehanna Hope for a Turnaround in 2026
Susquehanna enters the 2026 season with a young but experienced roster determined to turn last year’s struggles into progress.
The Sabers finished 1-9 in 2025, but they closed the season on a positive note with a 21-20 victory over Holy Cross. That win provided a much-needed reward for a team that continued to compete through a difficult Lackawanna Football Conference schedule.
Head coach Kyle Cook now welcomes back several experienced players on both sides of the football, including three returning offensive linemen and eight defensive starters.
The Sabers must replace Ryder Hobart, William Hobart, Chris Serra and Michael Smith, but the returning core gives Susquehanna a stronger foundation entering the fall.
The key will be turning experience into consistency.
Quarterback Competition Gives Offense Options
Susquehanna returns two players with varsity experience at quarterback.
Junior Gabe Maby contributed as both a quarterback and running back last season. He rushed 107 times for 348 yards and five touchdowns while completing 11 of 35 passes for 102 yards and one score.
Maby’s mobility gives the Sabers a dual-threat option capable of extending plays and creating yardage on the ground.
Junior Cade Stone also returns after completing 19 of 57 passes for 205 yards and one touchdown.
The competition between Maby and Stone should give the coaching staff flexibility. Susquehanna could use one as the primary quarterback or find ways to put both players on the field in different roles.
Regardless of who earns the majority of the snaps, improved efficiency in the passing game will be important. The Sabers need to complete more high-percentage throws, avoid negative plays and keep the offense in manageable down-and-distance situations.
Offensive Line Will Set the Tone
Susquehanna’s offensive improvement begins up front.
Junior tackles Cam Hawley and Chad Benson, along with junior guard Alex Rink, return after starting last season.
Hawley, listed at 6-foot-2 and 308 pounds, and Benson, at 5-foot-11 and 283 pounds, give the Sabers valuable size at tackle. Rink provides experience and physicality on the interior.
The coaching staff also returns three additional linemen who played significant varsity snaps.
That depth should create competition and give the unit a chance to develop into one of the team’s strengths.
The biggest challenge will be replacing Serra at center and William Hobart at guard. Communication and cohesion will be especially important as the line learns the offense and adjusts to any new responsibilities.
If the line develops quickly, Susquehanna should be able to run the football more consistently and give its quarterbacks additional time in the pocket.
Allen Ready for Expanded Role
Sophomore fullback Joey Allen returns after gaining valuable varsity experience as a freshman.
Allen carried 22 times for 53 yards last season, but his role should expand considerably in 2026.
At 5-foot-10 and 189 pounds, he has the size to run between the tackles and contribute as a lead blocker. His physical style could help the Sabers establish a more dependable inside running game.
With Ryder Hobart graduating, Susquehanna needs another runner to emerge alongside Maby.
Allen’s development will be one of the most important offensive storylines of the season. If he becomes a consistent short-yardage and early-down option, the Sabers will have more balance and flexibility.
Keyes Leads the Passing Game
Senior Mason Keyes returns as Susquehanna’s top receiving threat.
Keyes caught 13 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns last season. His 16.4 yards per reception showed his ability to create explosive plays when the Sabers connected through the air.
At 6-foot-1 and 188 pounds, Keyes gives Susquehanna good size on the perimeter. He should be a primary target for both Maby and Stone.
The Sabers will also need younger receivers to emerge after the graduation of Smith.
Developing additional targets would prevent defenses from focusing too heavily on Keyes and help Susquehanna become more consistent on third downs.
Offense Must Improve Its Consistency
Susquehanna was held scoreless in three games last season and scored 14 points or fewer in eight contests.
The Sabers showed improvement in several competitive games, including a six-point loss to Montrose, a seven-point loss to Holy Redeemer and the season-ending win over Holy Cross.
The next step is sustaining drives and finishing more possessions with points.
Susquehanna must reduce penalties, avoid turnovers and become more efficient on early downs. The offense cannot afford to put itself in repeated third-and-long situations.
The returning offensive line provides reason for optimism. If that group improves and the quarterbacks become more consistent, the Sabers should be more productive.
Defense Returns Eight Starters
Defense should be the more experienced side of the football.
Susquehanna returns eight starters, giving defensive coordinator Kyle Cook and his staff a strong group to build around.
The Sabers must replace the Hobart’s, who were two of the team’s top defensive players. Ryder Hobart was a standout linebacker, while William Hobart contributed at defensive end.
Replacing their production and leadership will not be easy.
However, the returning experience at every level should help the defense become more consistent.
Rink and Martel Anchor the Interior
Rink returns at defensive tackle and will be one of the key players along the front.
Sophomore Malakai Martel also returns after gaining varsity experience as a freshman. At 5-foot-11 and 243 pounds, Martel gives the Sabers size in the middle.
Senior Kadin Welch returns at nose guard, while junior Donovin Baldwin provides experience at defensive end.
That group gives Susquehanna several proven players across the defensive line.
The Sabers need the front to control gaps, occupy blockers and prevent opponents from consistently reaching the second level.
Improved line play would allow the linebackers to make more plays downhill and help the defense get off the field.
Allen and Barber Lead Linebackers
Allen returns at linebacker after starting as a freshman.
His ability to contribute on both sides of the football makes him one of the team’s most important young players.
Senior Xaiver Barber also returns and provides experience in the middle of the defense.
The graduation of Ryder Hobart creates a major opening at linebacker, but Susquehanna believes its younger players are capable of stepping into larger roles.
The coaching staff is encouraged by several freshmen and sophomores who showed promise during the offseason.
Creating depth at linebacker will be important, particularly against physical rushing teams in the Lackawanna Football Conference.
Keyes and Maby Give Secondary Experience
The secondary returns two of the team’s most athletic players.
Keyes returns at cornerback, where his size and speed allow him to match up with opposing receivers.
Maby returns at free safety and gives the Sabers an experienced player in the middle of the secondary.
Their leadership will be essential for a defense that allowed several explosive plays last season.
Susquehanna must improve its communication, tackling and pursuit angles. Limiting long touchdowns will be one of the defense’s biggest priorities.
If the front seven produces more pressure, Keyes and Maby should have additional opportunities to create turnovers.
Baldwin Returns as Kicker
Junior Donovin Baldwin returns to handle the kicking duties.
Having an experienced specialist provides stability for a team looking to improve in every phase.
Baldwin will also contribute at defensive end, making him an important two-way player.
The Sabers will need to identify reliable options at punter and in the return game during training camp.
Strong special teams play could help Susquehanna shorten the field and create better scoring opportunities for the offense.
Players to Watch
Gabe Maby, Jr., QB/RB/FS: Versatile athlete who rushed for 348 yards and five touchdowns while contributing at quarterback and safety.
Cade Stone, Jr., QB: Returning quarterback with varsity passing experience who will compete for the starting job.
Joey Allen, Soph., FB/LB: Physical young two-way player expected to take on a larger role after starting as a freshman.
Mason Keyes, Sr., WR/CB: Big-play receiver who caught 13 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns.
Cam Hawley, Jr., OT: Returning 308-pound tackle who will help anchor the offensive line.
Alex Rink, Jr., OG/DT: Experienced two-way lineman expected to play a major role in the trenches.
Chad Benson, Jr., OT: Returning starter who adds size and experience to the offensive front.
Xaiver Barber, Sr., LB: Veteran linebacker expected to provide leadership in the middle of the defense.
Malakai Martel, Soph., DT: Promising young lineman who gained important varsity experience as a freshman.
Donovin Baldwin, Jr., DE/K: Two-way contributor who returns on the defensive line and as the team’s kicker.
My Thoughts on Susquehanna
Susquehanna enters 2026 with more experience, improved depth and a clear understanding of what must change.
The offense returns three starting linemen, two experienced quarterbacks and its top receiver. The defense brings back eight starters and several promising underclassmen.
The Sabers still face important questions.
They must replace the Hobart’s, improve their offensive consistency and develop additional playmakers around Maby, Stone, Allen and Keyes.
The offensive line will be central to the team’s progress. If that group learns the system quickly and controls the line of scrimmage, the Sabers should be able to sustain more drives and produce more points.
Defensively, Susquehanna has enough returning experience to make a noticeable improvement. Better tackling, stronger gap discipline and fewer explosive plays would give the team a chance to remain competitive deeper into games.
The 2025 season ended with a victory, and the Sabers hope that finish can carry into the new year.
If Susquehanna’s returning players continue to develop and the younger talent provides quality depth, the Sabers have an opportunity to take a meaningful step forward in 2026.
Head Coach: Kyle Cook
Assistant Coaches:
Carl Zukus
Nate Williams
Dustin Dailey
Dave Conklin
Brody Ace
Brad Allen
Team Name: Susquehanna Sabers
District: 2
Class: 2A
League: Lackawanna Football Conference, Division 3
2025 Record: 1-9
8/22 @ Western Wayne (3A) 7:00 pm L 0-32
8/30 Montrose Area (3A) 1:00 pm L 14-20
9/05 @ Dunmore (2A) 7:00 pm L 0-50
9/12 Holy Redeemer (2A) 7:00 pm L 20-27
9/19 @ Lakeland (2A) 7:00 pm L 7-42
9/27 Riverside (2)* (2A) 1:00 pm L 7-55
10/03 @ Old Forge* (1A) 7:00 pm L 0-30
10/11 Lackawanna Trail* (1A) 1:00 pm L 14-54
10/18 Carbondale Area* (3A) 1:00 pm L 13-32
10/25 @ Holy Cross* (1A) 1:00 pm W 21-20
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/28 @ Riverside (2) (2A) 7:00 pm
9/03 Montrose Area* (3A) 7:00 pm
9/12 @ Holy Redeemer (2A) 7:00 pm
9/19 Lakeland (2A) 1:00 pm
9/26 Dunmore (2A) 1:00 pm
10/02 @ Carbondale Area* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/10 Lackawanna Trail* (1A) 1:00 pm
10/17 Old Forge* (1A) 1:00 pm
10/23 @ Tunkhannock (3A) 7:00 pm
10/31 @ Holy Cross* (1A) 1:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Ryder Hobart- TB/LB
William Hobart- G/DE
Chris Serra- C
Michael Smith- WR/CB
Offensive Starters Returning:
Jr. QB/RB Gabe Maby, 5-9, 155
Jr. QB Cade Stone, 6-0, 178
Soph. FB Joey Allen, 5-10, 189
Sr. WR Mason Keyes, 6-1, 188
Jr. OT Cam Hawley, 6-2, 308
Jr. OG Alex Rink, 6-1, 234
Jr. OT Chad Benson, 5-11, 283
Defensive Starters Returning:
Sr. CB Mason Keyes, 6-1, 188
Jr. FS Gabe Maby, 5-9, 155
Soph. LB Joey Allen, 5-10, 189
Sr. LB Xaiver Barber, 5-8, 182
Sr. NG Kadin Welch 6-1, 176
Jr. DE Donovin Baldwin, 5-10, 160
Jr. DT Alex Rink, 6-1, 234
Soph. DT Malakai Martel 5-11, 243
Special Team Starters Returning:
Jr. K Donovin Baldwin 5-10, 160
Key Newcomers:
Jr. LB Travis Towner 5-7, 145
Jr. DT Aiden Kelsey 5-8, 215
Soph. DE Owen Cook 6-0, 191
Soph. OT Max Kowalewski 6-1, 288
Soph. WR Keegan Reese 5-10, 155
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Gabe Maby- 107 for 348 rushing yards 5 TD’s, 11-35 passing, 102 yards 1 TD
Cade Stone- 19-57 for 205 passing yards, 1 TD
Joey Allen- 22 for 53 yards rushing
Mason Keyes- 13 receptions for 213 yards 3 TD’s
2026 Offensive Outlook: We return several players on offense who worked hard in the offseason. It all starts up front where we return 3 starters and 3 others who played significant snaps. How quick they learn the playbook and develop will depend how our offense runs.
2026 Defensive Outlook: We lost two all star players in the Hobarts but return 8 starters. With some young promising Freshman and Sophomores we expect our defense to be imporved and have good depth at all positions.