Experienced Backfield and Veteran Defense Give Western Wayne Hope for a Turnaround in 2026 
Western Wayne endured a challenging 2025 season, finishing 2-8 against a difficult schedule that featured several District 2 playoff teams. While the Wildcats struggled to consistently put points on the board, the season also provided valuable experience for a young roster that now returns a significant number of contributors on both sides of the football.
Head coach David Shimkosky enters the 2026 season believing that experience, coupled with a strong senior class, can help the Wildcats take an important step forward.
Western Wayne returns starters at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and several key positions along both the offensive and defensive lines. The Wildcats also welcome back an experienced linebacker corps and secondary after several juniors were forced into major varsity roles as sophomores last season.
The challenge now is turning experience into victories.
The Wildcats know success begins with improving in the trenches, limiting explosive plays defensively and staying healthy throughout a season where depth could once again become a factor.
If those pieces come together, Western Wayne believes it can compete for a much better finish in the Lackawanna Football Conference.
Grodack Returns with Valuable Experience
One of the biggest advantages entering the season is the return of junior quarterback Jake Grodack.
After taking over as the starter last year, Grodack gained valuable experience against one of the toughest schedules in District 2.
He finished the season with 440 passing yards and a touchdown while demonstrating the mobility to extend plays with both his arm and his legs.
The coaching staff expects significant growth after a full offseason as the unquestioned starter.
Quarterback is often the position that benefits most from experience, and Grodack now enters the season with a better understanding of defensive coverages, timing and leadership responsibilities.
Western Wayne believes his dual-threat ability gives the offense additional flexibility.
Whether throwing from the pocket, rolling outside or creating yards with his legs, Grodack has the athleticism to keep defenses honest.
His continued development could become one of the biggest reasons for offensive improvement.
Swartz Leads Physical Running Attack
Senior Quinn Swartz returns as the centerpiece of the Wildcats’ offense.
Swartz rushed for 637 yards and six touchdowns last season while also serving as one of the team’s top defensive players.
His physical running style perfectly matches the identity Western Wayne wants to establish.
The Wildcats intend to build their offense around the running game, controlling the clock and allowing their defense to stay fresh.
Swartz’s ability to consistently gain tough yards between the tackles will be critical.
He also provides valuable leadership as one of the team’s senior captains.
Few players in District 2 will have a greater impact on both sides of the football than Swartz.
Experienced Skill Players Return
Western Wayne returns experience throughout its offensive skill positions.
Senior Patrick Donahoe provides size at wide receiver, standing 6-foot-1 while giving Grodack a dependable target on the perimeter.
Sophomore Jason Sparks emerged as one of the team’s bright spots during his freshman season.
Sparks caught 12 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown while demonstrating the athleticism to become a much larger part of the offense this fall.
His continued development gives the Wildcats another explosive option capable of stretching opposing defenses.
Senior Donovan Gregorski returns at tight end, providing toughness as both a blocker and receiver.
Junior Austin Elias adds versatility from the fullback position.
Together, the returning skill players give Grodack familiarity and allow the offense to build upon last season rather than starting over.
The coaching staff, however, knows another playmaker must emerge.
Finding additional offensive weapons remains one of the biggest priorities entering training camp.
Offensive Line Will Determine Success
If there is one position group that will define Western Wayne’s season, it is the offensive line.
The Wildcats return experienced seniors Aiden Albert, George McHugh and Vinny Donnini, along with junior center Andrew Boandl.
Albert and McHugh provide size and physicality on the left side of the line, while Boandl returns with valuable varsity experience after seeing significant action last season.
The coaching staff has been clear throughout the offseason.
Everything begins with the offensive line.
The Wildcats want to establish the running game, but that goal depends upon the line developing chemistry and consistency.
Strong communication, improved technique and physical play must become the identity of the unit.
If the offensive line takes the next step, the rest of the offense should naturally improve.
Consistency Is the Offensive Goal
Western Wayne’s offensive philosophy remains straightforward.
Run the football.
Control the clock.
Create manageable passing situations.
The Wildcats have experience returning at every skill position, but consistency remains the biggest question.
The coaching staff believes health and offensive line development will largely determine whether the offense reaches its potential.
Limiting turnovers, avoiding penalties and sustaining drives will become major points of emphasis throughout the season.
The Wildcats do not necessarily need to score 40 points every Friday night.
They simply need to complement a defense that has enough experience to keep games competitive.
Albert Anchors the Defensive Front
Senior Aiden Albert returns after one of the most productive defensive seasons on the roster.
Albert finished with 63 tackles, five sacks and 10 tackles for loss while establishing himself as one of the Wildcats’ leaders.
His ability to control the line of scrimmage will once again be critical.
Joining him is senior George McHugh, giving Western Wayne an experienced defensive tackle combination capable of occupying blockers and creating opportunities for the linebackers.
The Wildcats know they must hold their ground against the run.
If Albert and McHugh consistently win inside, the speed of the linebackers and defensive backs becomes much more effective.
Swartz Leads Athletic Linebackers
Swartz once again headlines the linebacking corps after recording 54 tackles, one sack and an impressive 14 tackles for loss.
His instincts and physical style allow him to make plays throughout the field.
Junior Austin Elias returns after recording 52 tackles and an interception during his sophomore season.
Junior Griffin Cello also gained valuable experience and gives the Wildcats another athletic linebacker capable of running sideline to sideline.
That combination provides Western Wayne with one of its strongest position groups.
The linebackers will be expected to clean up running plays while helping eliminate explosive gains.
Experienced Secondary Looks to Create Turnovers
The Wildcats also return several experienced defensive backs.
Senior Patrick Donahoe provides veteran leadership, while juniors Gavin Ortiz and Hunter Rodger both gained valuable experience last season.
Rodger finished with 59 tackles and an interception, demonstrating his willingness to support the run while making plays in coverage.
Sophomore Jason Sparks returns after gaining varsity experience as a freshman.
The coaching staff believes the secondary’s speed gives the defense an opportunity to improve significantly.
However, limiting big plays remains the primary objective.
The Wildcats want opponents to earn every yard rather than allowing quick scoring drives.
If the secondary communicates effectively and tackles consistently, Western Wayne should become much more difficult to attack through the air.
Health Will Be Critical
One of the realities facing Western Wayne is roster depth.
The Wildcats simply do not have the numbers to absorb multiple injuries throughout the season.
That reality places added importance on conditioning, recovery and player development.
The coaching staff has emphasized staying healthy because many players contribute on both sides of the football.
Maintaining depth throughout a demanding schedule could become one of the biggest keys to a successful season.
If the Wildcats keep their experienced players on the field, they have enough talent to compete every week.
Replacing a Reliable Specialist
Special teams present another significant challenge.
Western Wayne must replace a three-year starting kicker with a powerful leg.
Finding consistency in the kicking game will be a priority throughout preseason camp.
Fortunately, Swartz returns as the team’s punter, providing stability in field-position situations.
The Wildcats also return an experienced long snapper, giving the special teams unit a solid foundation despite the graduation of the starting kicker.
Winning close games often comes down to hidden yardage, and Western Wayne understands that special teams can become the difference in a competitive Lackawanna Football Conference schedule.
Players to Watch
Quinn Swartz, Sr., RB/LB/P: Two-way leader who rushed for 637 yards and six touchdowns while adding 54 tackles and 14 tackles for loss.
Jake Grodack, Jr., QB: Returning starter expected to take a major step forward after gaining valuable varsity experience in 2025.
Aiden Albert, Sr., OG/DT: Dominant interior lineman who recorded 63 tackles, five sacks and 10 tackles for loss.
George McHugh, Sr., OT/DT: Veteran two-way lineman expected to anchor both offensive and defensive fronts.
Patrick Donahoe, Sr., WR/DB: Experienced receiver and defensive back who provides leadership throughout the roster.
Austin Elias, Jr., FB/LB: Physical two-way contributor who finished with 52 tackles and an interception last season.
Hunter Rodger, Jr., DB: Reliable defensive back who recorded 59 tackles and an interception.
Jason Sparks, So., WR/DB: Emerging sophomore playmaker who caught 12 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown as a freshman.
Donovan Gregorski, Sr., TE: Veteran tight end expected to play a larger role in both the running and passing games.
Andrew Boandl, Jr., C: Returning center whose development will be vital to the offensive line’s success.
My thoughts on Western Wayne
Western Wayne enters the 2026 season with optimism rooted in experience and continuity.
The Wildcats return starters at nearly every key offensive skill position, including Grodack at quarterback and Swartz at running back, while also bringing back a veteran offensive line that has the potential to become one of the team’s biggest strengths. If that group develops the chemistry the coaching staff expects, Western Wayne should establish a more consistent rushing attack and give Grodack the protection needed to expand the passing game.
Defensively, the Wildcats have a solid foundation led by Albert and McHugh in the trenches, Swartz, Elias and Cello at linebacker, and an experienced secondary featuring Donahoe, Rodger, Ortiz and Sparks. The emphasis on limiting explosive plays and forcing opponents to drive the length of the field fits the strengths of this veteran defense. Staying healthy will be just as important as execution, however, because the Wildcats do not have the depth to withstand significant injuries.
Replacing the starting kicker will be another challenge, but with Swartz returning as the punter and an experienced long snapper already in place, Western Wayne has pieces to build around on special teams.
The Wildcats may have finished 2-8 a season ago, but the record does not tell the entire story. A young team gained valuable experience against quality competition, and that experience now forms the backbone of the 2026 roster. If the offensive line matures, Grodack continues his development and the defense plays to its potential, Western Wayne has the opportunity to take a significant step forward and compete for several more victories in the Lackawanna Football Conference.
Head Coach: David Shimkosky
Assistant Coaches:
Donnie McDonough
John Boandl
Mike Nardone
Team Name: Western Wayne Wildcats
2025 Record: 2-8
8/22 Susquehanna Community (2A) 7:00 pm W 32-0
8/29 @ Lackawanna Trail (1A) 7:00 pm L 3-35
9/05 @ Wyoming Area (3A) 7:00 pm L 0-50
9/12 Crestwood (4A) 7:00 pm L 7-49
9/19 @ Old Forge (1A) 7:00 pm W 21-14
9/26 Honesdale* (4A) 7:00 pm L 0-36
10/03 West Scranton* (5A) 7:00 pm L 7-28
10/10 @ Lakeland* (2A) 7:00 pm L 14-40
10/17 @ Mid Valley* (3A) 7:00 pm L 0-38
10/24 Dunmore* (2A) 7:00 pm L 14-35
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Lake-Lehman (3A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 Lackawanna Trail (1A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ Old Forge (1A) 7:00 pm
9/11 @ Wallenpaupack (4A) 7:00 pm
9/18 Holy Redeemer (2A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Wyoming Area (3A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Honesdale* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Dunmore* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/16 Riverside (2)* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Lakeland* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Mid Valley* (3A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Vinny Baldini
Paul Borowski
Landon Visceglia
Jacob Wells
Offensive Starters Returning:
Sr. OG Aiden Albert, 6-0, 270
Sr. OT George McHugh, 6-2, 250
Sr. OG Vinny Donnini, 5-9, 180
Sr. TE Donovan Gregorski, 6-0, 215
Sr. RB Quinn Swartz, 5-9, 210
Sr. WR Patrick Donahoe, 6-1, 180
Jr. C Andrew Boandl, 5-9, 220
Jr. FB Austin Elias, 5-8, 190
Jr. QB Jake Grodack, 6-1, 175
Soph, WR Jason Sparks, 5-10, 170
Defensive Starters Returning:
Sr. LB Quinn Swartz, 5-9, 210
Sr. DT Aiden Albert, 6-0, 270
Sr. DT George McHugh, 6-2, 250
Sr. DB Patrick Donahoe, 6-1, 180
Jr. LB Austin Elias, 5-8, 190
Jr. LB Griffin Cello, 5-9, 175
Jr. DB Gavin Ortiz, 5-9, 165
Jr. DB Hunter Rodger, 5-8, 170
Soph. DB Jason Sparks, 5-10, 170
Special Team Starters Returning:
Sr. Punter Quinn Swartz, 5-9, 210
Key Newcomers:
Sr. OT AJ Lamb, 6-5, 330
Sr. WR Josef Tscheschlog, 5-10, 170
Soph DB Wyatt Butrim, 5-10, 170
Fr. OL Mayson Aleckna, 5-9, 185
Fr. RB Josh Figueroa, 5-8, 170
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Quinn Swartz, OFFENSE – 637 yds rushing, 6 td, DEFENSE – 54 tackles, 1 Sack, 14 Tackles for loss
Jake Grodack, 440 yds passing, 1 td
Jason Sparks, 12 receptions 133 yds, 1 td
Aiden Albert, 63 tackles, 5 sacks, 10 TFL
Hunter Rodger, 59 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT
Austin Elias, 52 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT
2026 Offensive Outlook: We return 2 starters and 2 part time starter on the OL so everything will come down to how our OL develops and meshes. We want to build everything off of our run game. We have returning starters at all of the skill positions so we have some experience. Jake Grodack has a year of starting experience at QB under his belt and run/pass ability, but we need to find some playmakers on offense. Consistency and health are key to us having a successful year on offense.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Defensively we have a few juniors who played a lot as sophomores with some solid seniors sprinkled in. We have to hold our ground up front and allow our speed at LB and in the secondary to make plays. We need to limit big plays and make teams earn yards. We do not have a lot of depth, so health is always a key to success.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: To be successful on special teams we need to find a reliable kicker. Our kicker that just graduated was a 3 year starter with a big leg, so replacing him will be difficult. We return our punter and an experienced long snapper.