Warrior Run Looks to Build on Record-Breaking Season With Experienced Core Returning
Warrior Run enjoyed one of the finest seasons in program history in 2025.
The Defenders posted a school-record 10 victories, captured a District 4 Class 2A playoff win and advanced to the district semifinals before falling to eventual champion Troy Area. Along the way, Warrior Run defeated traditional powers Lewisburg, Loyalsock Township, Hughesville, Central Columbia, Milton Area and South Williamsport, proving it belonged among the top Class 2A programs in District 4.
Now, the challenge is sustaining that success.
Head coach Derrick Zechman welcomes back six starters on offense, six on defense and one of the area’s top special teams units. While the graduation of quarterback James Keifer and standout playmakers Cohen Zechman, Tyler Ulrich, Maxwell Fogelman and Kaleb Nicholas leaves significant holes, the Defenders return an experienced offensive line, a 1,300-yard running back and several standout defensive players.
The expectation inside the program is not to rebuild.
It is to continue building on the momentum established during last year’s historic run.
Beachel Returns as One of District 4’s Top Running Backs
Everything offensively begins with senior Denyn Beachel.
The returning running back enjoyed a tremendous junior season, rushing 178 times for 1,335 yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging more than 7.5 yards per carry. He also starred defensively, recording 78 tackles and eight tackles for loss.
Few players in District 4 impact the game on both sides of the football the way Beachel does.
His vision, balance and toughness make him the focal point of Warrior Run’s offense.
The Defenders will undoubtedly lean on their veteran running back as they replace several departed offensive playmakers.
Beachel has already proven he can carry a heavy workload.
With an experienced offensive line returning in front of him, another outstanding season appears well within reach.
Veteran Offensive Line Sets the Foundation
One of Warrior Run’s greatest strengths entering the season is its offensive line.
The Defenders return four experienced linemen led by seniors Garrett Williams, Jackson Albright and Carter Robinson, along with junior Cayden Robinson.
That continuity should provide immediate stability for the offense.
Albright anchors the group at 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, giving Warrior Run one of the premier linemen in the Heartland Athletic Conference.
Williams brings experience, physicality and leadership, while both Robinsons provide valuable returning varsity experience.
The coaching staff believes winning at the line of scrimmage will once again be the key to offensive success.
With only one starter lost from last year’s line, Warrior Run expects to establish the running game while giving its new quarterback plenty of protection.
A dominant offensive front could become the identity of this football team.
Young Skill Players Ready to Step Forward
Replacing the production of Keifer, Zechman, Ulrich and Fogelman will require several young players to emerge.
The coaching staff is excited about the next wave of talent ready to assume larger roles.
Senior Liam Moore returns after catching 23 passes for 332 yards and six touchdowns last season.
His experience provides the offense with a proven receiving target capable of stretching defenses.
The Defenders expect several younger athletes to complement Moore as the season progresses.
The offense was balanced throughout last year’s record-setting campaign, and the goal remains the same in 2026.
Warrior Run wants to run the football efficiently while creating explosive plays through the passing game.
Developing new skill-position contributors early in the season will determine just how dangerous the offense becomes.
Ball Security and Time of Possession Remain Priorities
The offensive philosophy remains unchanged.
Protect the football.
Control the line of scrimmage.
Win the time-of-possession battle.
Those principles helped Warrior Run produce the best season in school history, and they remain the blueprint for continued success.
The experienced offensive line should allow the Defenders to control tempo.
Beachel gives them an elite running threat capable of wearing down defenses.
The passing game will develop around Moore and the emergence of younger receivers.
The coaching staff also understands the importance of staying healthy throughout a demanding schedule.
With several players contributing on both sides of the football, maintaining depth will be critical as the season progresses.
Albright Anchors Dominant Defensive Front
The defensive front begins with senior Jackson Albright.
After recording 56 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and four sacks last season, Albright returns as one of District 4’s premier interior defensive linemen.
At 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, he has the size to dominate the line of scrimmage while occupying multiple blockers.
His presence creates opportunities for the linebackers behind him and the defensive ends on the outside.
Albright’s combination of strength, athleticism and experience makes him one of the most important players on the roster.
Opposing offenses must account for him on every snap.
Experienced Front Seven Returns
Warrior Run’s defensive front features several proven performers.
Senior David Stiner returns after totaling 51 tackles and six tackles for loss.
Junior Cayden Robinson also returns after gaining valuable varsity experience.
Senior Garrett Williams, who recorded 49 tackles and 10 tackles for loss a year ago, provides another physical presence in the front seven.
Beachel returns at linebacker after his outstanding 78-tackle campaign, while junior Chase Wirnsberger is healthy after an injury-shortened season that still saw him register 34 tackles despite missing more than half the year.
The combination of size, experience and physicality gives Warrior Run the potential to once again field one of the area’s best defensive fronts.
Defense Focused on Physical Play and Turnovers
The Defenders lost five defensive starters to graduation, but several returning players gained meaningful varsity experience in 2025.
That experience should help ease the transition.
The coaching staff wants this defense to play aggressively while forcing turnovers.
Winning the takeaway battle often determines close games, particularly during the postseason.
Warrior Run also expects to maintain the physical style that has become a trademark of the program.
Stopping the run, creating pressure and finishing tackles remain priorities every week.
If the younger contributors develop quickly, the defense has the potential to be every bit as effective as last season’s unit.
Moore Leads Experienced Secondary
Senior Liam Moore returns to anchor the secondary after recording 40 tackles last season.
Moore’s athleticism allows him to match up against opposing receivers while also providing support against the run.
His leadership becomes even more valuable following the graduation of several veteran defensive backs.
The coaching staff expects Moore to serve as the stabilizing force in the defensive backfield.
Communication and limiting explosive plays will be essential.
If the front seven consistently pressures opposing quarterbacks, Moore and the secondary should have opportunities to create takeaways.
Special Teams Could Be Difference Maker
Few Class 2A teams return as much experience on special teams as Warrior Run.
Junior Logan Stevenson also returns after a strong season as the team’s punter.
His consistency in the kicking game provides excellent field position advantages.
Sophomore Zayas Reynolds returns as the kickoff return specialist, bringing explosive speed whenever he touches the football.
The coaching staff believes special teams can once again become a major advantage throughout the season.
Players to Watch
Denyn Beachel, Sr., RB/LB: One of District 4’s premier two-way players after rushing for 1,335 yards and 13 touchdowns while recording 78 tackles and eight tackles for loss.
Jackson Albright, Sr., OL/DT: Dominant two-way lineman who totaled 56 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and four sacks while anchoring the offensive line.
Garrett Williams, Sr., OL: Veteran offensive lineman and physical defender who finished with 49 tackles and 10 tackles for loss.
Liam Moore, Sr., WR/CB: Proven playmaker with 23 receptions for 332 yards and six touchdowns while adding 40 tackles defensively.
David Stiner, Sr., DE: Experienced defensive end returning after recording 51 tackles and six tackles for loss.
Cayden Robinson, Jr., OL/DL: Versatile returning starter expected to play a major role on both lines.
Chase Wirnsberger, Jr., LB: Athletic linebacker who returns healthy after recording 34 tackles despite missing more than half of last season.
Logan Stevenson, Jr., P: Experienced punter capable of consistently winning the field-position battle.
My thoughts on Warrior Run
Warrior Run enters 2026 with the confidence that comes from a record-breaking season and an experienced returning nucleus.
The Defenders must replace several outstanding skill players, including quarterback James Keifer and a talented senior class that helped produce the school’s first 10-win season.
However, the foundation remains firmly in place.
Beachel gives Warrior Run one of the best running backs in District 4.
The offensive line returns four experienced starters led by Albright and Williams.
Defensively, the front seven features proven veterans capable of controlling games, while Moore anchors the secondary.
Special teams may once again become a hidden advantage with McCormick and Stevenson returning.
If the new offensive playmakers develop quickly, the Defenders stay healthy and continue winning the battle at the line of scrimmage, Warrior Run has every opportunity to contend once again for the PA Heartland Athletic Conference Division III championship and make another deep run in the District 4 Class 2A playoffs.
After setting a school record with 10 victories a year ago, expectations are understandably higher.
Based on the returning talent and experience, Warrior Run appears well-positioned to meet them.
Head Coach: Derrick Zechman
Assistant Coaches:
Joe Bowman
Jeremy Betz
Jason McCormick
Dan King
Jeff Burkhart
Nathan Yohn
Chuck Kerstetter
Bill Reynolds
Garth Watson
Isaiah Betz
Cohen Zechman
Tucker McDaniel
Sam Hall
Colton Hans
Stone Allison
Team Name: Warrior Run
District: 4
Class: 2A
League: PA Heartland Athletic Conference, Division III
2025 Record: 10-2
8/22 @ Muncy (1A) 7:00 pm W 21-7
8/29 Montgomery (1A) 7:00 pm W 24-7
9/05 @ Midd-West* (3A) 7:00 pm W 48-20
9/12 Bloomsburg* (2A) 7:00 pm L 28-42
9/19 @ Lewisburg* (3A) 7:00 pm W 29-24
9/26 North Penn-Mansfield (2A) 7:00 pm W 55-6
10/03 @ Loyalsock Township* (2A) 7:00 pm W 47-42
10/10 Hughesville* (2A) 7:00 pm W 42-7 Homecoming
10/17 Central Columbia (3A) 7:00 pm W 56-0 Senior Night
10/24 @ Milton Area (3A) 7:00 pm W 31-10
10/31 South Williamsport (2A) 7:00 pm W 41-7 Dist. 4 Class 2A Quarterfinal
11/07 Troy Area (2A) 7:00 pm L 34-48 Dist. 4 Class 2A Semifinal
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Mount Carmel Area (3A) 10:00 am Scrimmage; with Montgomery
8/22 Montgomery (1A) 10:00 am Scrimmage; with Mount Carmel Area
8/28 @ Muncy (1A) 7:00 pm
9/04 Central Mountain (4A) 7:00 pm
9/11 Midd-West* (4A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Bloomsburg* (2A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Lewisburg* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Mifflinburg* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Loyalsock Township* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Hughesville* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Shikellamy (4A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Milton Area (4A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
James Keifer (QB/CB)
Cohen Zechman (WR/Safety)
Tyler Ulrich (WR/RB/LB)
Maxwell Fogelman (WR/LB)
Kaleb Nicholas (OL/DL)
Offensive Starters Returning:
Denyn Beachel SR. RB 5’10, 185
Garrett Williams SR. OL 6’2, 255
Jackson Albright SR. OL 6’5, 315
Carter Robinson SR. OL 5’8, 215
Cayden Robinson JR. OL 6’2 260
Liam Moore SR. WR 6’1 170
Defensive Starters Returning:
Jackson Albright SR. DT 6’5, 315
David Stiner SR. DE 5’8, 175
Denyn Beachel SR. LB 5’10, 185
Cayden Robinson JR. DE/DT 6’2 260
Chase Wirnsberger JR. 5’8, 150
Liam Moore SR. CB 6’1 170
Special Team Starters Returning:
Logan Stevenson JR. P 6’1, 190
Zayas Reynolds SO. KR 5’11, 165
Key Newcomers:
Emiliano Torres JR. WR/CB 5’9 165
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Denyn Beachel RB- 178 carries for 1335 yards and 13 TD’S and LB 78 tackles and 8 TFL
Liam Moore WR- 23 receptions for 332 yds and 6 TD’S and CB which he had 40 tackles
Jackson Albright DT- 56 tackles 11 TFL 4 sacks
Garrett Williams DE- 49 tackles 10 TFL
Chase Wirnsberger LB- 34 tackles (was injured for over half of the season)
David Stiner DE- 51 tackles 6 TFL
2026 Offensive Outlook: We are looking to build off the momentum from last season when we finished with a school record with 10 wins. We have six starters returning on offense this year. We have an experienced line retuning and only lost one starter on the line from last year. We look to be balanced again with a solid running and passing game. We lost some of our top skill guys from last year but excited to see some young players step up into starting roles this season. Keys on offense will be protecting the ball and winning the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Keys to a successful season is to stay healthy.
2026 Defensive Outlook: We are excited about our defense again this year. We lost five starters from last year but have a handful of players that got varsity time last year. We look to be physical, aggressive and create turnovers.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: We look to be very strong on special teams again this year.