WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – At the end of the 2019 season, the Lycoming College football team put together a run of three straight 40-point games for the first time since 2000. It was a highlight to a tough season that saw the team finish 4-6, and it seemed to be setting things up well for the future.
 
Well, the future is finally here, after the 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID-19, and 14^th-year head coach Mike Clark welcomed into camp one of the largest rosters in his tenure with 114 players. The team veers onto the younger side, but even after 2020 was cancelled, eight starters from that 2019 season return along with several other experienced players that have a chance to step into breakout roles this year.
 
"We're talking about teams at most college campuses, where 2/3 to 75 percent of your team, have never been to preseason camp, but at least our sophomores knew what it was like to be here for a year," Clark said. "Camp was really productive – we had the better part of two and a half weeks and it's been a great teaching experience. What we wanted to do in preseason was reestablish our expectations. There was so much uncertainty last year.
 
"We viewed last year as a developmental year and we used an old Abe Lincoln quote, 'Sharpen the Axe' – where he would say, if you give me all day to chop down a tree, I will spend most of it sharpening the axe. What we've been telling the kids is now it's time to chop. It's time to put everything to work over the last year and a half. It is a really strange scenario to know a majority of our team has never played a college football game."
 
Quarterbacks
The first freshman starter at Lycoming in 13 years is now a senior captain. Elijah Shemory (Jersey Shore, Pa./Jersey Shore Area) is one of the most prolific passers in program history already, having thrown for more than 4,000 career yards in his first two years as a starter. Without the COVID-19 pause, he might be in position to challenge for the school's career passing yards record.
 
It's not just his arm, though, that has impressed during his career. He also has rushed for 17 touchdowns in his first two years – his nine rushing touchdowns as a sophomore were the most for a Warrior quarterback since All-American Jason Marraccini '99 ran for 13 in 1997.
 
The Warriors have five other quarterbacks that had distinguished prep careers in camp, with all four from Pennsylvania winning a district title.
 
Returner: Elijah Shemory, SR, 6-2, 195, Jersey Shore, Pa. / Jersey Shore Area.
 
Newcomers: Hunter Shearer, SO, 6-0, 190, Montoursville, Pa. / Montoursville Area; Naji Campbell, SO, 5-7, 146, North Plainfield, N.J. / North Plainfield; Aiden Oliver, FY, 6-2, 205, Milford, Pa. / Delaware Valley; Noah Vogeler, SO, 6-0, 195, Coopersburg, Pa. / Southern Lehigh; Will Fish, FY, 6-0, 160, Stroudsburg, Pa. / East Stroudsburg.
 
Running Backs
As it turns out, all three of Lycoming's running backs have earned a bulk of experience during their time in uniform.
 
Senior Jacob Fimbres (La Habra, Calif./Sonora) led the Warriors with 412 rushing yards, rolling for 21 first-downs and a touchdown in 2018, but that has been the highlight of a Quixotic-journey that has included a year at a junior college, two years lost to injury and the COVID year. Finally back on the field, he has again impressed the Warriors with his hard-running ability.
 
Junior Joey Guida (Allentown, Pa./Parkland) led the Warriors with 438 yards and five touchdowns in his rookie year in 2019. A hard-runner with the ability to rack up yards in bunches, Guida will also be key on special teams in the return game, as his versatility is going to ensure that he sees plenty of touches during the season.
 
Junior Kyle Powell (Philadelphia, Pa./Lincoln) has also worked his way up the depth chart and he carried 11 times for 68 yards and a touchdown in the Warriors' spring exhibition win over Misericordia.
 
Six new running backs also join the squad looking to work their way into the depth chart.
 
Returners: Kyle Powell, JR, 5-11, 212, Philadelphia, Pa. / Lincoln; Joey Guida, JR, 5-6, 180, Allentown, Pa. / Parkland; Jacob Fimbres, SR, 5-9, 188, La Habra, Calif. / Sonora; Hunter Budman, JR, 5-10, 180, Montgomery, Pa. / Montgomery.
 
Newcomers: Dominic Fauntleroy Jr., FY, 5-6, 202, Baltimore, Md. / Forest Park; Dallas Simmons, FY, 5-6, 210, Upper Marlboro, Md. / Oxon Hill; Nick Wallaesa, FY, 5-7, 160, Palmyra, Pa. / Palmyra Area; Jace White, FY, 6-0, 225, Mifflintown, Pa. / Juniata; Terrell Holder, SO, 5-8, 192, East Stroudsburg, Pa. / Pocono Mountain East.
 
Wide Receivers
Although in many cases, the Warriors' group of six returning receivers have played behind several talented Warrior receivers like Nick Costello and Stephen Toczylousky in their careers, there is no doubt that Shemory will have plenty of talented players that he can turn to when he's in the pocket.
 
Senior Tyjah During (Accokeek, Md./Surrattsville) earned a spot in the starting lineup during his junior year in 2019 and he posted 25 catches, 330 yards and scored twice. A quick receiver with good hands, During is completing his degree this semester, and that has allowed him to take advantage of a second chance to play a full year of football.
 
Senior Tre' Leach (Middletown, Pa./Middletown) caught seven passes for 107 yards as a sophomore and he appears ready to move into a starting slot receiver spot. Senior Kevin Krawczyk (Dupont, Pa./Pittston), a smart, tough receiver, will likely move into a bigger role for the team this year after he caught six passes for 76 yards in the spring exhibition with Misericordia.
 
Senior Chase Cramer (Andover, N.J./Newton) moves from running back to wide receiver, as he will also offer good hands and toughness and senior Markus Sidwell (Glen Burnie, Md./Glen Burnie), one of the most athletic players on the team, moves from quarterback to receiver.
 
Sophomore Brandon Timothy (West Paterson, N.J./Passaic Valley) heads a group of seven new collegiate receivers.
 
Returners: Tyjah During, SR, 5-10, 150, Accokeek, Md. / Surrattsville; Tre' Leach, SR, 5-8, 165, Middletown, Pa. / Middletown; Markus Sidwell, SR, 6-1, 190, Glen Burnie, Md. / Glen Burnie; Chase Cramer, SR, 6-0, 185, Andover, N.J. / Newton; Kevin Krawczyk, SR, 5-10, 190, Dupont, Pa. / Pittston Area; Brady McClintock, JR, 6-2, 205, Littlestown, Pa. / Littlestown.
 
Newcomers: Brandon Timothy, SO, 6-0, 165, West Paterson, N.J. / Passaic Valley; Amani Ezell, FY, 6-0, 163, Glenside, Pa. / Cheltenham; Billy Coppock, FY, 5-10, 175, Collingdale, Pa. / Archbishop Carroll; Ziare Williams, SO, 6-3, 185, Matawan, N.J. / Matawan RegionalNick Kline, FY, 5-11, 170, Weatogue, Conn. / Simsbury; Owen Shedlock, FY, 5-11, 170, Bellwood, Pa. / Bellwood-Antis; Amani Ezell, FY, 6-0, 163, Glenside, Pa./Cheltenham.
 
Tight Ends
A pair of talented, tall tight ends give the Warriors a distinct weapon in the passing game. Aaron Wolcott (Woodbine, Md./Century) caught nine passes for 71 yards during his rookie season and Matt Jaeger (Woodland Park, N.J./Passaic Valley) caught one. The pair also give the Warriors the ability to play with a dual tight end set.
 
Three newcomers will also work for time at the position.
 
Returners: Matt Jaeger, JR, 6-4, 228, Woodland Park, N.J. / Passaic Valley; Aaron Wolcott, JR, 6-4, 215, Woodbine, Md. / Century.
 
Newcomers: Zach Green, SO, 6-4, 225, New Freedom, Pa. / Susquehannock; Alex Hans, SO, 5-11, 225, Montgomery, Pa. / Montgomery; Jeff Danyus, FY, 6-0, 200, Oak Ridge, N.J. / Jefferson Township.
 
Offensive Line
Three of five offensive lineman return with starting experience, with junior Daniel Jennings (Allentown, Pa./Salisbury Township), senior Jacob Estevez (Bayonne, N.J./Bayonne) and senior Brent Newton (Middletown, Pa./Middletown Area), all seeing time on the first string in 2019.
 
Estevez, a team captain, has started 21 straight games at tackle and will likely continue in that role, while Jennings and Newton will patrol the guard spots. Senior Dan Shoup (West Chester, Pa./Bayard Rustin) will step into the other tackle slot. The team will likely use a new center, with sophomore Michael Golay (Swarthmore, Pa./Strath Haven) and first-year Tyler Cygan (Lock Haven, Pa./Central Mountain) appearing in the initial two-deep.
 
The team does have some extended depth at the offensive line spot, however, with 22 players working at the position during camp.
 
Returners: Dan Shoup, SR, 6-2, 270, West Chester, Pa. / Bayard Rustin; Brent Newton, SR, 6-2, 270, Middletown, Pa. / Middletown Area; Daniel Jennings, JR, 5-11, 260, Allentown, Pa. / Salisbury Township; Jacob Estevez, SR, 6-4, 305, Bayonne, N.J. / Bayonne; Tyler Gallagher, SR, 6-0, 260, Gettysburg, Pa. / Gettysburg Area; Patrick O'Reilly, JR, 6-3, 265, Ridgefield Park, N.J. / Ridgefield Park; Logan Szabo, JR, 5-9, 255, Nazareth, Pa. / Nazareth Area.
 
Newcomers: Myles McHugh, FY, 6-0, 240, Stroudsburg, Pa. / East Stroudsburg; Ja'juan Orr, FY, 6-0, 350, York, Pa. / William Penn; Nick MacMillan, FY, 6-0, 255, Prospect Park, Pa. / Interboro; Tyler Cygan, FY, 5-10, 240, Lock Haven, Pa. / Central Mountain; Michael Golay, SO, 6-1, 250, Swarthmore, Pa. / Strath Haven; Marvin Lafrance, SO, 6-3, 315, Hatboro, Pa. / Upper Moreland; Jake Crowder, FY, 6-6, 360, Aston, Pa. / Sun Valley; Richie Davis, FY, 5-9, 235, Coopersburg, Pa. / Southern Lehigh; Alex Fedo, FY, 6-0, 310, Binghamton, N.Y. / Chenango Valley; Brandon Tirado, SO, 6-1, 325, Edwardsville, Pa. / Wyoming Valley West; Joey Trout, SO, 6-1, 245, North East, Md. / Saint Elizabeth (Del.); Mike Witt, FY, 6-1, 240, Buffalo, N.Y. / West Seneca West; Eric Vingom, SO, 6-0, 265, Coopersburg, Pa. / Southern Lehigh; Liam Mulgrave, FY, 6-3, 310, Philadelphia, Pa. / Father Judge; Zane Aschenbrenner, SO, 6-3, 275, Mendham Twp., N.J. / Randolph.
 
Defensive Line
Although the defensive line returns just one starter from 2019, there are five upperclassmen that have seen large roles during their careers.
 
Senior captain Matt Galasso (Philadelphia, Pa./Roman Catholic) had a breakthrough season as a junior in 2019, recording 36 tackles, six for a loss and three sacks as he earned a spot in the starting lineup.
 
Junior David Tomb (Jersey Shore, Pa./Jersey Shore Area), despite his 5-9, 180-pound frame, will move into a starting role as a junior after making 28 tackles, blocking a punt and posting 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks as a rookie.
 
Senior Marshall Charles (Inglewood, Calif./Verbum Dei) and Stephen Zakrzewski (Conshohocken, Pa./Roman Catholic) will step into larger roles this year after both saw time in a handful of games in their first two years. Juniors Abubakar Audu Jr. (Potomac, Md./Richard Montgomery) and Dan Beckley (Montgomery, Pa./Montgomery) both also will move into larger roles after starting to see action in their freshman years.
 
A talented group of nine newcomers also have the ability to compete for immediate snaps.
 
Returners: Dan Beckley, JR, 6-0, 220, Montgomery, Pa. / Montgomery; Matt Galasso, SR, 6-3, 240, Philadelphia, Pa. / Roman Catholic; Marshall Charles, SR, 6-2, 260, Inglewood, Calif. / Verbum Dei; Domir Brown, JR, 5-11, 230, Coatesville, Pa. / Malvern Prep; Najee Corbin, SR, 6-1, 380, Springdale, Md. / Charles H. Flowers; David Tomb, JR, 5-9, 180, Jersey Shore, Pa. / Jersey Shore Area; Abubakar Audu Jr., JR, 6-1, 286, Potomac, Md. / Richard Montgomery; Stephen Zakrzewski, SR, 5-11, 265, Conshohocken, Pa. / Roman Catholic.
 
Newcomers: Elijah Roselle, FY, 5-11, 205, North Plainfield, N.J. / North Plainfield; Trent Kithcart, FY, 6-2, 200, Towanda, Pa. / Towanda; Teddy Boothe, FY, 6-2, 230, Westminster, Md. / Westminster; Chris Kryeski, FY, 6-0, 251, Moscow, Pa. / North Pocono; Liam Smith, FY, 6-1, 240, Hawley, Pa. / Wallenpaupack Area; Tom Actisdano, FY, 6-2, 280, Milford, Pa. / Delaware Valley; Payton Pursel, SO, 6-2, 235, Catawissa, Pa. / Southern Columbia Area; Seamus Smith, FY, 6-1, 217, Hawley, Pa. / Wallenpaupack Area; Jacob Fellinger, FY, 6-2, 205, Montoursville, Pa. / Montoursville Area; Jake Welch, FY, 6-1, 330, Lock Haven, Pa. / Central Mountain; Lee Springman, FY, 5-11, 230, Jersey Shore, Pa. / Jersey Shore Area.
 
Linebackers
A pair of former defensive lineman have moved back to solidify the linebacking spots, while a former defensive back heads up the outside linebackers.
Senior Sam Pittsman (Archbald, Pa./Valley View) was an all-state linebacker at Valley View, but moved to the line as a junior. He posted seven tackles and an interception as a junior.
Junior Cole Senior (Middletown, Pa./Middletown Area) appeared in eight games as a freshman defensive end, posting 1.5 sacks, but his athleticism has seen him move back into a linebacker role this year.
 
Senior captain Andre Jackson Jr. (Paterson, N.J./Hawthorne), who entered Lycoming as a defensive back, posted three tackles and a sack as a junior. He has seen action throughout his career while dealing with some injuries, but he appears ready to take on a starting role in his fifth-year.
Junior Stephon Payne (Bronx, N.Y/Hudson Catholic) and a group of 14 newcomers will also look to make an impact.
Returners: Sam Pittsman, SR, 5-10, 210, Archbald, Pa. / Valley View; Stephon Payne, JR, 5-10, 185, Bronx, N.Y. / Hudson Catholic; Andre Jackson Jr., SR, 5-10, 205, Paterson, N.J. / Hawthorne; Taytdum Fortson, JR, 5-10, 220, Lewistown, Pa. / Mifflin County; Cole Senior, JR, 5-9, 205, Middletown, Pa. / Middletown Area.
Newcomers: Frank Johnson, FY, 6-1, 180, Coatesville, Pa. / Coatesville Area; Adam McCafferty, FY, 5-10, 200, Coatesville, Pa. / Coatesville Area; Jake Schilling, FY, 5-11, 180, Levittown, Pa. / Pennsbury; Alexander Hemans, FY, 5-11, 205, Skillman, N.J. / Montgomery; Zack McDaniels, SO, 5-10, 185, Plymouth, Pa. / Wyoming Valley West; Heath Jones, FY, 5-7, 165, Montoursville, Pa. / Montoursville Area; Brett Gasker, SO, 5-10, 207, Lehighton, Pa. / Lehighton Area; Braden Mehlig, SO, 5-7, 200, Nazareth, Pa. / Nazareth Area; Kevin Gianoni, SO, 5-9, 205, Quakertown, Pa. / Lansdale Catholic; Nick Parrella, FY, 5-9, 204, Hawley, Pa. / Wallenpaupack Area; Brody Miller, FY, 5-10, 220, Pocono Pines, Pa. / Pocono Mountain West; Joey Rivituso, FY, 5-11, 210, Easton, Pa. / Notre Dame-Green Pond; Branson Dodson, FY, 6-0, 205, Duncansville, Pa. / Central; Elan Lopez, SO, 6-2, 225, Pompton Lakes, N.J. / Pequannock Township
 
Defensive Backs
Junior Austin Rowley (Schwenksville, Pa./Perkiomen Valley) returns after posting 49 tackles, three interceptions and seven breakups in his first year with the team, moving into a starting safety role.
 
On the outside, senior Gianni Bryant-Lopez (Delran, N.J./Delran) moves into the top cornerback role in his fifth year after notching 13 tackles, two interceptions and a fumble recovery for a score as a junior in 2019.
 
The other two starting positions are likely to be filled by a large group of newcomers.
 
Returners: Gianni Bryant-Lopez, SR, 6-1, 213, Delran, N.J. / Delran; Samir Brisbon, SR, 5-9, 180, Bensalem, Pa. / Bristol; Joshua Shermeyer, SR, 5-10, 190, Harrisburg, Pa. / East Pennsboro; Austin Rowley, JR, 5-10, 160, Schwenksville, Pa. / Perkiomen Valley.
 
Newcomers: Jahiem Knox, FY, 5-8, 166, Baltimore, Md. / Forest Park; Titus Johnson, SO, 5-9, 170, Boonton, N.J. / Boonton; Randy Behn, SO, 5-11, 161, Flemington, N.J. / Immaculata; Jaquan Paige, FY, 5-11, 172, Wyncote, Pa. / Cheltenham; Hunter Campbell, SO, 6-0, 185, Enola, Pa. / East Pennsboro; Coleman Witherite, SO, 6-0, 190, Lewisburg, Pa. / Lewisburg Area; Emmanuel Assifo, SO, 6-1, 172, Monroe Twp., N.J. / Monroe Twp.; Nick Lamey, FY, 5-10, 160, Upper Chicester, Pa. / Archbishop Carroll; Gary DeGroat, SO, 5-11, 192, Mifflinburg, Pa. / Mifflinburg Area; Jeramaiah Cooper, SO, 5-10, 185, Windsor Mill, Md. / Forest Park; Johnny Day, SO, 5-9, 185, Reading, Pa. / Antietam; Anthony Bell, FY, 5-8, 150, Salisbury, Md. / Wicomico; Shawn Hoben, SO, 5-11, 160, Summit Hill, Pa. / Panther Valley; Zayd Ward-Richardson, SO, 5-5, 160, North Wales, Pa. / North Penn; Justin Burgess, SO, 5-11, 180, Havertown, Pa. / Haverford.
 
Special Teams
Junior Michael Coe (Pittston, Pa./Pittston Area) returns after averaging 35.2 yards per punt and downing 10 of his 37 punts inside the 20 as a rookie in 2019.
 
Sophomore Ian Plankenhorn (Montoursville, Pa./Montoursville Area), an all-state kicker in high school, will step into the primary kicker role.
 
Returners: Michael Coe, JR, 6-0, 205, Pittston, Pa. / Pittston Area.
 
Newcomers: Aiden Oliver, FY, 6-2, 205, Milford, Pa. / Delaware Valley; Ian Plankenhorn, SO, 5-10, 165, Montoursville, Pa. / Montoursville Area.