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|---|---|---|
| Coach Matt Nawrocki | Xaiden Schock | Conan Kier |
TEAM: Wallenpaupack Buckhorns
COLORS: Purple & White
COACH: Matt Nawrocki, 1st Season
PIAA: Class 4A
2024 CONFERENCE: LFC Division I
2023 RECORD: 2-9 (0-6 in conference)
RECORD LAST FIVE SEASONS: 12-36
STADIUM: Wallenpaupack Stadium
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 4
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6
OFFENSIVE SCHEME: Multiple-I Pro Style
DEFENSIVE SCHEME: 3-4
2024 PREVIEW
Wallenpaupack is the Steelers of NEPA High School football with only two coaches in the previous 38 years. Matt Nawrocki becomes the third. The Buckhorns have struggled in recent years, so the new regime knows they have to build the program back up. They still have to play in LFC Division I which is always tough, but their non-conference schedule, which was brutal the last cycle, will allow them to be more competitive.
Nawrocki will have the luxury of an experienced quarterback in Drew Kiesendahl. He is a very good running quarterback and has improved his passing accuracy. ‘Paupack will have a new backfield behind him with Logan Caruso and Edward Kiesendahl getting touches at tailback and Mark Nilsen taking over at fullback. Mike Passenti returns at wide receiver and will be joined by Mason Gonzalez, Izzy Rodriguez, and Alex Walmsley. Xaiden Schock and George Rafferty are the new tight ends for 2024.
The Buckhorns will have to rebuild their offensive line with left guard Jamie Stiner the only returning starter. Connor Kier takes over at center, Tyler Gallo at right guard and Jake Foley at right tackle. Logan Lemin and Niko Bowers will be in the mix to be the new left tackle.
The defense is more experienced and should improve. Gallo and Stiner return on the defensive line and will be joined Christian Gutierrez and Foley. Schock and Kier are returning starters at inside linebacker while Rafferty returns at outside linebacker. Caruso and Tristan Braxton will compete of the other spot. Logan Downey will provide linebacker depth. Passenti, Rodriguez, Gonzalez, and Walmsley will compete for the cornerback positions while Nilsen is a returning starter at safety. Edward or Drew Kiesendahl will occupy the other spot.
Wallenpaupack has had a recent history of strong special teams but will have to find a new kicker and punter. Passenti is back as the long snapper.
QUOTE FROM COACH NAWROCKI: We are excited about our team for this upcoming season. We have a lot of players that we are excited about when it comes to their abilities. We have a good group of Seniors who have gotten a lot of time playing on Friday nights, and we are going to rely on them to guide the players who have not yet gotten much varsity time. Our success will rely on how well our young players do acclimating to the speed and physicality of varsity football.
RETURNING ALL-STARS – LFC Division I
Honorable Mention Linebacker – Xaiden Schock
