11/6/2021
Nanticoke wins the Eastern Conference 3A Championship over Schuylkill Valley
Written by: John Kotsko
After an 0-3 start, the Trojans could’ve very easily have given up and called it a lost season but they ended up winning 4 of their last six games gave them a chance of playing for the Eastern Conference Championship game at home. In front of their home crowd, Nanticoke would use their running attack en route to an Eastern Conference Championship in a 28-21 victory over Schuylkill Valley. Trojans Head Coach Ron Bruza on his team finishing the season winning five of their final seven games after an 0-3 start. “It comes with a young team and we had a tough schedule the last two years and these guys pulled through. You just keep believing and good things will happen.” “We got pushed harder in practice and coach didn’t like the 0-3 start but we came back to win a Championship.” Trojans quarterback Payton Kepp said.
Nanticoke started with the ball and on the second play, Kepp’s pass ended being intercepted by Colby Crills at their own 35. Schuylkill Valley faced a third and 7 and Drew Campbell went for 10 yards for a first down. The Trojans defense ended up forcing a punt on the drive. Nanticoke drove down the field as the first quarter came to an end. Four different Trojans carried the ball as Kepp scored from two yards out for a 7-0 Nanticoke lead with 11:52 remaining in the second quarter.
The Panthers faced a fourth and 4 at their own 42 yard line. They gambled and went for it and was rewarded as Campbell just barely got the first down. Campbell found Julian Kemmerer for 11 yards on second and 11. They faced a fourth and 3 at the Nanticoke 31 yard line and Michael Goad’s pass fell incomplete and the Trojans took over. Nanticoke used their running attack of Zach Fox and Mykal Julian to drive down the field and ended with a three yard touchdown run by Fox for a 13-0 Trojan lead with 50.1 seconds remaining in the first half. Schuylkill Valley attempted to get points on the board before half and got all the way to the Nanticoke 39 with 0.1 seconds left. The pass fell incomplete as we got to halftime.
The Panthers started with the ball to start the second half. They faced a fourth and 6 at their own 38 yard line and gambled once again. Campbell found Crills behind the Trojans secondary for a 62 yard touchdown pass to cut the Nanticoke lead to 13-7 with 10:36 remaining in the third quarter. The Trojans got two straight first down on a 10 yard run by Julian and a 30 yard run by Kepp. Nanticoke faced a third and 3 at the Schuylkill Valley 28 yard line. Kepp got four yards to keep the drive going. The Trojans faced a fourth and 8 at the SV 22 yard line. Nanticoke ran some trickery where lineman Ryan Wiaterowski threw a pass to Payton Kepp in the end zone and it looked like he could come down with it but it fell incomplete and the Panthers forced a turnover on downs.
Schuylkill Valley got a first down on a second and 2 on a Campbell run but the drive stalled and punted the ball away. The Trojans took over at their own 48 yard line. After a six yard run by Fox, he went for a 40 yard run to the six yard line and finished the drive on the next play with a six yard touchdown run for his second score of the game. He also got the two point conversion to make it 21-7 with 1:51 remaining in the third quarter.
The Panthers on the next drive faced a fourth and 1 at their own 44 yard line and Campbell went for 17 yards to the Nanticoke 39 yard line as we headed to the fourth quarter. Schuylkill Valley faced a fourth and 5 at the Nanticoke 34 yard line. Campbell’s pass fell incomplete as the Trojans took over. Nanticoke went fourth and out after a fake punt ended up being one yard short and the Panthers took over at the Nanticoke 44.
Campbell went for 11 yards on second and 4 for a first down. Schuylkill Valley faced a fourth and 1 at the Trojan 19 yard line and Campbell gained three yards. They faced a fourth and 12 and Campbell’s pass incomplete but Nanticoke was called for pass interference which made it fourth and 4 at the Trojans 10 yard line. Michael Goad went to Campbell for a 10 yard score to cut the Trojan lead to 21-14 with 4:11 remaining in the fourth quarter.
The Trojans got the ball back after Schuylkill Valley’s onside kick attempt didn’t go ten yards. Zach Fox sealed the game with two first downs as Nanticoke took the 3A Eastern Conference Championship with a 21-14 victory over Schuylkill Valley. It was the second Eastern Conference title in four years for the Trojans. Trojans Offensive Lineman and captain Braden Zaremba was part of both Championship teams. “I’m just happy to finish my career the same way I started.” Zaremba said. “I’ve been smiling from ear to ear since the clock ran out. I’m just overwhelmed. It feels great.”
Sophomore QB Payton Kepp on winning the Eastern Conference Championship. “We worked as a team all season. Coming in at quarterback as a sophomore. It just feels great.” Sophomore running back Zach Fox on winning the Eastern Conference title and his breakout season. “We were working hard all season and I started picking up in practice doing good and got the starting position and started going crazy.” Fox finished with 167 yards on the ground,
Nanticoke ends their season at 5-6 on the season and Bruza talked about how it was important for their program to have this extra week. “We got alot of young guys playing. Our top three rushers are all sophomores. It was nice to have an extra week and play a competitive program.” Schuylkill Valley ends their season at 2-9.
Sans Souci Struggle goes to Nanticoke @GNAAthletics @area_hanover
Written by: Billy Splain on Friday, October 29th, 20212
The Sans Souci Struggle trophy stays with the Trojans
As far as rivalries go, there are many between neighboring towns but there are few that are as close as Nanticoke and Hanover Area. The districts are connected geographically and it’s a short trip from Nanticoke high school to Hanover Area down what’s known as the Sans Souci Highway. Hence the name on the trophy, the “Sans Souci Struggle”. Last night at Hanover’s Gayewski Memorial field, named after a player who passed away in 1949, it was Hanover that had the struggle. The Hawkeye defense had a hard time containing the Trojan run game, led by Zach Fox who ran for 196 yards and two scores leading Nanticoke to a 36-12 win and securing Nanticoke a spot in the Eastern Conference Championship.
“We have a bunch of sophomores and it gives us another week to play and something to play for in Week 11,”said Nanticoke head coach Ron Bruza. Fox got things rolling quickly, ripping off chunks of yards to get the Trojans inside the 20, then it was Alex Fine, who also ran for two scores, who put Nanticoke up 6-0 on the first drive of the night with a 14 yard td run. For Hanover, it wasn’t just their offense that struggled. Held on three plays, the Hawkeyes attempted a punt from deep in their own territory. The punt was “shanked” and Nanticoke took just two plays after a holding call to hit paydirt again. Quarterback Payton Kepp hit Seth Raymer for a 30 yard gain and Fox finished it off with an punishing 11 yard run. The two pointer was good and the Trojans had a 14-0 lead with 6:32 left in the first quarter.
The struggles continued for Hanover in the second quarter. The Hawkeye offense managed just a net 15 yards on their next series giving the ball back to Nanticoke on downs at the Trojan 40 after reaching the Trojan 20. Two huge sacks drove them out of scoring range. Fine put the Trojans up 22-0 with a 10 yard td run. On the ensuing kick, the Hawkeye’s lost the ball and Nanticoke recovered at the 34. One play later Fox had his second score, racing down the sidelines to put the Trojans in control with a 28-0 lead.
Hanover came out in the second half and had a chance to gain some momentum, but a wide open receiver dropped a flea flicker pass on the first play of the third quarter. They gave the ball up on downs and the Trojans made it a running clock game with a three yard run by Aidan Jaskulski.
Hanover’s Jeremy Vega ran the ensuing kick back 77 yards to put the Hawkeyes on the board, and Adien Shamaski scored from 3 yards out. Hanover’s season ends with a 2-7 record. Nanticoke, 4-6, awaits the yet to be determined Eastern Conference opponent.
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8/27/2021
GAMEFACE 2021: Trojans hoping to be more dimensional on offense
Steve Bennett – Citizens Voice
Using the Wing-T as his base offense, there were years when Nanticoke Area head coach Ron Bruza had a stable of running backs, but an inexperienced offensive line.
There were other times where the backs were inexperienced, but the line was filled with veterans. Rarely have both matched.
This is one of those seasons when the math adds up for the Trojans and they can feature an experienced group of backs to go along with an offensive line that has been around for a while.
“We have experience on the offensive line. Braden Zaremba is a three-year starter going into his fourth year,” Bruza said. “Our running backs have some game experience. It is the first time we have had this. There have been years where are backs are seasoned and the line is young. We have some size up front that can move. If we stay healthy, I think we will be all right.”
The Trojans navigated their way through last season’s eight-game schedule without any postponements or cancellations. That afforded Bruza the opportunity to see his team develop a rhythm. There were nights he was able to get a look at his depth, especially at the running back position.
Ashton Brozusky averaged 5.1 yards per carry, Ayden Everett rushed for 101 yards on 31 carries and Aidan Jaskulski was second on the team in rushing with 301 yards, while averaging 7.3 yards per carry.
All ingredients for optimism heading into this season.
Along with the experience in the backfield and up front, Bruza’s offense will receive a spark with athlete Payton Kepp, transfer Jaylin Collins, and wideout Jaidyn Johnson, who makes the move from tight end to receiver.
Kepp, who primarily played defense last season, scored the team’s only special teams touchdown on a 70-yard kick return.
The Trojans will have a new quarterback, who may look more like a lineman or tight end. Bruza will go with strong-armed sophomore Seth Raymer, who checks in at 6-foot-6, 230 pounds. Raymer completed his only pass attempt last season for a 50-yard touchdown.
“He’s the biggest quarterback with the best arm,” Bruza said. “He sees the field. He is a big kid, but won’t be much of a run threat. We are going to find out early in camp what we are made of.”
With Raymer, Bruza has the potential to do multiple things on the offensive and plans to utilize his athletes based on the best scenario for the team.
While this has the potential to be one of Bruza’s most diverse teams, it does not mean he is going to scrap the base offense entirely.
“The Wing-T will still be our foundation offense,” Bruza said. “We should be able to do some other things to get to the edge. The backs have good vision, and we have to take advantage of our athletes.
“Last season, we went to the shotgun for a bit. I think we have some different things we can do this year. We have a lot of athletes on the field, but Seth is young.”
Defensively, Bruza hopes the Trojans can be aggressive, but still play within their assignments. He wants to be physical and be able to take advantage of the size up front and the athletes in the back end. How they reacted during camp will go a long way in helping him determine just how physical they will be on the defensive side.
“Bend but not break,” Bruza said. “We have to know who is going to stick their nose in there.
“For our weight room not being open, they did a good job taking care of their bodies. This is the best we have looked starting camp in a while. It is just a matter of getting our heads right and our bodies right.”
QUARTERBACKS
Seth Raymer will be the starter. He has a strong arm and can see the field. He brings a different dimension to the offense with his 6-foot-6, 230-pound frame. Payton Kepp and Jaylin Collins could also take some snaps at various times.
RUNNING BACKS
Aidan Jaskulski, who was second on the team in rushing last season with 301 yards and Kepp will be the halfbacks. Ashton Brozusky, who averaged 5.1 yards per carry and Ayden Everett will be the fullbacks.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Frankie Torres, Jaidyn Johnson and JJ Kus will be the receivers. None of the three caught a pass last season, so this group is pretty green in terms of actual game experience.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The tight ends will be Josh Pashinski and JJ Kochanski. Dylan Shires will be the right tackle, while Brandon Brojakowski will be the right guard. Ryan Wiaterowski is the left guard, with Jeff Ultsh playing left tackle. Braden Zaremba is the center.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Johnson, Kochanski and Raymer will be the ends. Ryan Fisher, Zaremba and Wiaterowski are the tackles.
LINEBACKERS
Alex Fine and Brozusky will play inside. On the outside will be Kus, Everett and Mykal Julian.
SECONDARY
Jaskulski, Collins and Torres are the corners. Kepp will be the safety.
SPECIAL
Sophia Lukowski, who kicked eight extra points and made one field goal from 22 yards will kick the PATs. Kus will do the punting.
8/25/2021
NEPAFootball.com
2021 Preview
TEAM: Nanticoke Trojans
COLORS: Navy, White & Scarlet
COACH: Ron Bruza, 12th Season (43-68)
PIAA: Class 3A
2021 CONFERENCE: WVC 3A
2020 RECORD: 2-6 (2-4 in conference)
RECORD LAST FIVE SEASONS: 21-30
STADIUM: Frank Chicknoski Stadium
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6
OFFENSIVE SCHEME: Wing-T
DEFENSIVE SCHEME: 4-4
2021 PREVIEW
A lot of new faces and a lot of young talent will be the calling card for the 2021 Nanticoke Trojans. The offensive line will be the key on how fast they can mature. The coaching staff feels this is a hard-working group and will see progress sooner rather than later.
Seth Raymor comes in as the new quarterback and the Trojans think he can take control of the offense despite the lack of experience. A.J. Jakulski returns at running back and Payton Kepp should also get carries. Ayden Everett, Ashton Brozusky, and Alex Fine are the fullbacks. Jaydon Johnson and Frank Torres will be the wide receivers. John Pashinski and J.J. Kochanski will be the new tight ends.
The offensive line consists of left tackle Ryan Fisher, left guard Brandon Brojakowski, center Braden Zaremba, right guard Ryan Wiaterwoski and Dylan Shires at right tackle.
On defense, Johnson and Pashinski will play at the ends in the 4-4 with Wiaterowski and Fisher at the defensive tackle. Mykal Julian, J.J. Kus are the outside linebackers while Fine and Brozusky man the inside. Jaskulski and Torres will be the starting cornerbacks. Kepp will start a safety with help from Collins.
QUOTE FROM COACH BRUZA: With a strong weight room and a lot of young guys getting experience last season, we are looking to surprise some teams this season.
RETURNING ALL-STARS – WVC DIVISION 2
None
2021 Nanticoke Schedule
Date
|
Event
|
Time/Results
|
Venue
|
August 27, 2021
|
Nanticoke at Scranton Prep
|
7:00 pm
|
Dunmore Veterans Memorial Stadium
|
September 3, 2021
|
Lake-Lehman at Nanticoke
|
7:00 pm
|
Frank Chicknoski Stadum
|
September 10, 2021
|
Nanticoke at Wyoming Area
|
7:00 pm
|
Jake Sobeski Stadium
|
September 17, 2021
|
Shamokin at Nanticoke
|
7:00 pm
|
Frank Chicknoski Stadum
|
September 24, 2021
|
Susquehanna at Nanticoke
|
7:00 pm
|
Frank Chicknoski Stadum
|
October 1, 2021
|
Nanticoke at Pittston Area
|
7:00 pm
|
Charley Trippi Stadium
|
October 8, 2021
|
Montrose at Nanticoke
|
7:00 pm
|
Frank Chicknoski Stadum
|
October 16, 2021
|
Nanticoke at Holy Redeemer
|
7:00 pm
|
McCarthy Stadium
|
October 22, 2021
|
Honesdale at Nanticoke
|
7:00 pm
|
Frank Chicknoski Stadum
|
October 29, 2021
|
Nanticoke at Hanover Area
|
7:00 pm
|
Hanover Memorial Stadium
|
2021 Nanticoke Roster
#
|
Player
|
Position
|
Grade
|
Height
|
Weight
|
1
|
Payton Kepp
|
DB, LB, RB, WR
|
10
|
6'0
|
165
|
4
|
Alex Fine
|
LB, RB
|
11
|
5'10
|
195
|
5
|
Owen Brown
|
K
|
11
|
6'1
|
175
|
6
|
Chris Benjamin
|
LB, QB
|
11
|
6'0
|
195
|
7
|
Cameron Fox
|
DB, WR
|
12
|
6'3
|
175
|
8
|
Sebastian Kryznewski
|
LB, QB
|
12
|
5'10
|
165
|
9
|
Jaylin Collins
|
DB, LB, RB, WR
|
11
|
5'10
|
175
|
10
|
Frank Torres
|
DB, WR
|
11
|
6'0
|
180
|
11
|
Nakyi Williams
|
DB, WR
|
11
|
6'0
|
205
|
13
|
John Kus
|
LB, TE
|
11
|
6'0
|
180
|
14
|
Lucas Stachowiak
|
LB, RB
|
11
|
5'10
|
170
|
17
|
Aidan Jaskulski
|
DB, RB
|
12
|
6'0
|
175
|
20
|
Sam Petrini
|
LB, RB
|
10
|
5'9
|
165
|
22
|
Zach Fox
|
DB, RB
|
10
|
5'9
|
150
|
23
|
Mykai Julian
|
LB, RB
|
10
|
5'10
|
180
|
24
|
Lucas Jaskulski
|
DB, WR
|
10
|
5'9
|
175
|
25
|
Jayden Helset
|
DB, WR
|
9
|
5'8
|
150
|
26
|
Ayden Everett
|
LB, RB
|
12
|
6'0
|
205
|
27
|
Braden Emel
|
LB, TE
|
10
|
6'0
|
185
|
32
|
Sophia Lukowski
|
K
|
11
|
5'9
|
145
|
34
|
Joseph Krieger
|
LB, RB
|
12
|
5'11
|
175
|
35
|
Gene Gyle
|
LB, RB
|
9
|
5'10
|
185
|
36
|
Jesses Helset
|
DB, WR
|
9
|
5'8
|
155
|
38
|
Jason O’Borski
|
LB, RB
|
9
|
5'8
|
160
|
39
|
John Pashinski
|
DL, TE
|
11
|
6'0
|
205
|
40
|
Ashton Brozusky
|
LB, RB
|
11
|
6'1
|
210
|
43
|
Nemico Sosa
|
DB, WR
|
9
|
5'10
|
180
|
49
|
Owen Atkins
|
LB, RB
|
9
|
5'9
|
180
|
50
|
Stephen Armstrong
|
LB, OL
|
10
|
6'0
|
185
|
53
|
Ryan Wiaterowski
|
DL, OL
|
10
|
6'1
|
265
|
56
|
Dylan Shires
|
DL, OL
|
11
|
6'0
|
245
|
59
|
Kevin Lokuta
|
DL, OL
|
11
|
6'1
|
290
|
60
|
Austin Blank
|
DL, OL
|
12
|
6'4
|
295
|
62
|
Nick Colianni
|
DL, OL
|
11
|
6'0
|
265
|
65
|
Brandon Brojakowski
|
DL, OL
|
12
|
5'10
|
210
|
66
|
Michael Park
|
DL, OL
|
10
|
5'9
|
250
|
67
|
Jeffery Ultsh
|
DL, OL
|
11
|
5'10
|
267
|
68
|
Jadon Guszak
|
DL, OL
|
11
|
5'10
|
230
|
70
|
Ryan Fisher
|
DL, OL
|
12
|
6'3
|
265
|
71
|
Brandon Thrash
|
DL, OL
|
9
|
6'0
|
265
|
72
|
Aiden Zwiebel
|
DL, OL
|
11
|
6'0
|
225
|
74
|
Braden Zaremba
|
DL, OL
|
12
|
6'4
|
330
|
75
|
Joseph Waichulis
|
DL, OL
|
9
|
6'1
|
218
|
80
|
Seth Raymor
|
QB, TE
|
10
|
6'5
|
250
|
84
|
Chase Pierontoni
|
DB, WR
|
12
|
6'1
|
185
|
86
|
Jonathn Kochanski
|
DL, TE
|
12
|
6'0
|
205
|
88
|
Jaidyn Johnson
|
DL, WR
|
10
|
6'6
|
220
|