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|---|---|---|
| Coach Dave Shimkosky | Patrick Donahue | Donovan Gregorski |
TEAM: Western Wayne Wildcats
COLORS: Black & Gold
COACH: Dave Shimkosky, 1st Season
PIAA: Class 3A
2026 CONFERENCE: LFC Division II
2025 RECORD: 2-8 (0-5 in conference)
RECORD LAST FIVE SEASONS: 33-24
STADIUM: Sharkey Rosetti Sports Complex
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 9
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 8
OFFENSIVE SCHEME: Pro
DEFENSIVE SCHEME: 3-4
2026 PREVIEW
With a young and inexperienced roster, Western Wayne posted its first losing season since 2021. Although the Wildcats endured some growing pains, the experience gained by those younger players should pay dividends in 2026. The program also enters a new era with longtime assistant Dave Shimko taking over as head coach. While he’ll put his own stamp on the program, the transition should be a smooth one thanks to his familiarity with both the players and the system.
The good news is that nearly the entire offense returns, including junior quarterback Jake Grodack, which should help a unit that struggled at times last season. Quinn Swartz is back at tailback after rushing for 635 yards, while Austin Elias returns as the starting fullback. Jason Sparks and Patrick Donahue are back at wide receiver after both earning starting roles in 2025. Donovan Gregorski also returns with experience at tight end.
Four starters are back along the offensive line, including left tackle George McHugh, left guard Aiden Albert, center Andrew Boandl, and right guard Vinny Donnini. A.J. Lamb and Angelo Pyatt are expected to compete for the starting job at right tackle.
The defense also returns plenty of experience. Albert and McHugh are back at defensive end, while Andrew Michaud, Boandl, Lamb, and Pyatt are expected to compete for playing time at nose tackle.
Linebacker should be a strength with Griffin Cello and Elias returning on the inside. Swartz is back at outside linebacker, while Ashton Jones and Gregorski will compete for the opposite spot.
The secondary returns several experienced contributors, including Gavin Ortiz, Hunter Rodgers, Sparks, and Donahue, all of whom saw significant playing time last season. Grodack is also expected to be in the mix at safety.
Swartz returns as the team’s punter, while the starting kicker will be determined during preseason camp.
QUOTE FROM COACH SHIMKOSKY: We had a young team last year. All of those guys are back and they worked hard in the offseason. We want to get better every week and compete, but we need to stay healthy.
RETURNING ALL-STARS – LFC Division II
Honorable Mention Running Back – Quinn Swartz
Honorable Mention Punter – Quinn Swartz
