 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Coach Matt Nawrocki | Ed Kiesendahl | Niko Bowers |
TEAM: Wallenpaupack Buckhorns
COLORS: Purple & White
COACH: Matt Nawrocki, 3rd Season (8-13)
PIAA: Class 4A
2026 CONFERENCE: LFC Division I
2025 RECORD: 4-7 (1-5 in conference)
RECORD LAST FIVE SEASONS: 15-38
STADIUM: Wallenpaupack Stadium
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 5
OFFENSIVE SCHEME: Pro
DEFENSIVE SCHEME: 3-4
2026 PREVIEW
The Buckhorns continue to grow under head coach Matt Nawrocki, and they hope that development finally shows up in the win column in 2026. Wallenpaupack was much more competitive last season, but the Buckhorns will have to take another significant step forward to compete with the top teams in LFC I and Class 4A. This could be the year they make that jump.
The offense returns several key playmakers, led by quarterback Jake Rafferty, who fell just shy of 1,000 passing yards as a sophomore. Ed Kiesendahl is one of the top returning running backs in the LFC after accounting for more than 1,000 yards of total offense last season. His brother, Anthony Kiesendahl, will provide depth at the position. Max Fisakov takes over at fullback.
The wide receiver position will feature several new faces, with Jevin Folk, Kenny Morrison, Chris Camardesi, and Jeff Klikus competing for playing time. Ryan Vargo returns at tight end after a breakout season.
The offensive line returns three starters, including left tackle Niko Bowers, center Pedro Earl, and right tackle Charlie Gallagher. Rocco Emilio is expected to take over at left guard, while Tyson Goldman, Max Lopes-Torres, and Alden Abbott will compete for the starting job at right guard.
Bowers and Gallagher return along the defensive front, while Jamie Bermudez, Santiago Farfan, and Goldman will also be in the rotation.
Fisakov and Tyler Preston are the new outside linebackers. Ed Kiesendahl returns as a starting inside linebacker and will be paired with either Nick Klima or Billy Motz.
The secondary should be a strength with three starters returning, including both safeties in Anthony Kiesendahl and Rafferty. Jaxton Pouliot is back at cornerback and will be joined by either Klikus or Morrison.
Colby Bonagura and Dawid Morska take over the kicking and punting duties, while Camardesi will be the new long snapper.
QUOTE FROM COACH NAWROCKI: Our team is working hard on the field and in the weight room to get ready to go for the 2026 season. We are excited for the season to get underway. Our success will rely on how well our young players will develop and get ready to play on the varsity level. We must build depth at every position to have sustained success throughout the season. If we are able to do this we are really excited about what this team can achieve.
RETURNING ALL-STARS – LFC Division I
Second Team Running Back – Ed Kiesendahl
Honorable Mention Defensive Line – Niko Bowers
