NTL FOOTBALL: AFTER PRODUCTIVE SUMMER, ATHENS EXCITED TO GET READY FOR 2026 SEASON (11 PHOTOS) (August 17, 2026)

By TIM BIRNEY
Valley Sports Report
ATHENS — After a productive summer, Athens assistant coach Steve Satterly was excited to see the Wildcats back on the field Monday morning in preparation for the upcoming 2026 season.

Satterly said the team's numbers are in flux during the preseason, which began last week with heat acclimation.

"Our numbers are fluctuating," he said. "We started off with 40 to 45 kids, and now we're around 35. So the numbers, honestly, they change each day."

Satterly said head coach Shawn Bradley was pleased with the team's summer work. 

"The summer was good," he said. "The kids did a lot of productive stuff.

"We were in the weight room a lot, and did a lot of 7-on-7s," noted Satterly. "We got a chance to go down to State College, Warrior Run, and  Bloomsburg — we went all over."

Satterly also noted the Wildcats worked out with Waverly extensively over the summer.

"It was fun," said Satterly. "They're a great team, and a great coaching staff.

"It was cool to go up there and learn some new stuff, some new techniques, and some new verbiage," added Satterly. 

Satterly said the focus of the preseason has been the basics.

"We're trying to get in shape, work on our alignment, our assignments on defense, and just doing our job," he said. "Then, offensively, knowing where we move the block, going over blocking schemes, and route combinations, things like that."

Athens will host a three-team scrimmage with Bloomsburg and Waverly Saturday at 11 a.m. 

The Wildcats open the regular season Friday, Aug. 28 at Wyalusing.

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PHOTOS BY TIM BIRNEY.

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