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|---|---|---|
| Coach Scott Sacco | Ashton Karlick | Jake Zapoticky |
TEAM: Hazleton Area Cougars
COLORS: Scarlet, Silver & White
COACH: Scott Sacco, 1st Season
PIAA: Class 6A
2025 CONFERENCE: WVC Division 1
2024 RECORD: 5-6 (3-2 in conference)
RECORD LAST FIVE SEASONS: 27-24
STADIUM: Harman-Geist Memorial Field
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 3
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 4
OFFENSIVE SCHEME: Pro
DEFENSIVE SCHEME: 4-4
2025 PREVIEW
Former Cougar standout Scott Sacco takes over the Hazleton Area program and already likes what he sees. Numbers are up, optimism is high, and the Cougars are determined to climb back to the top of the WVC. While there are some key pieces in place, several new players will need to prove they can contribute at the varsity level.
At quarterback, Hazleton is in good hands with Freddy Corrado stepping in as the full-time starter. After seeing action in different roles his first two seasons, Corrado is ready to take control of the offense. J.J. Lantigua and Zach Wilson will serve as his backups. The running game will feature Ashton Karlick at tailback, with Xavier Heck and Matt Burke also expected to see carries. At fullback, candidates include Jaxson Johnson, Hayden Nenstiel, and Jason Zamudio. The receiving corps is wide open, with Logan Gennaro, Jose Lopez, Danny Colon, Lantigua, and Connor Bacon in the mix. Tight end options include Sam Heller, Markus West, and Nolan Heller.
On the offensive line, center Jake Zapoticky and right guard Andrew Gensel return as starters. Left tackle will be decided between George Nenstiel and Joel Vasquez, while left guard comes down to Scott Mooney or Mitchell Chicalese. At right tackle, Russell Schmidt and Agmelth De La Cruz are competing for the spot. Ryan Welch and Jeremy Ziller add depth to the unit.
Defensively, Vasquez and Sam Heller return at defensive end, with West and De La Cruz providing support. Inside, Mooney, Gensel, Chicalese, Nenstiel, Ezequiel Estrella, and Jonathan Mota are candidates at defensive tackle. Karlick is back at outside linebacker, joined by Bacon, Zamudio, or Burke. Inside linebacker options include Johnson, Nenstiel, and Daniel Zola. In the secondary, Gennaro, Lopez, Lantigua, Wilmington Fabre, and Taitum Juneau are competing for spots at cornerback, while Heck returns as the starting safety with Andrew Lucarino and Nolan Heller providing depth.
On special teams, Gianni Turse will handle duties in the kicking game.
QUOTE FROM COACH SACCO: We’re a young team with a few seasoned leaders sprinkled in — plenty to learn, but even more to prove. We’re fast, fearless, and focused on getting better every day. This group isn’t just growing — we’re ready to turn heads and make some noise.
RETURNING ALL-STARS – WVC DIVISION 1
Honorable Mention Running Back – Ashton Karlick
Honorable Mention Linebacker – Ashton Karlick
