By TIM BIRNEYValley Sports Report
SAYRE — The Redskins were 0-10 last year, and have lost 14 in a row, but first-year coach Guy Kapichok expects to see a much better product on the field in 2026.
While he expects improvement over 2025, Kapichok won't judge his team by its win-loss record.
"Our expectations are to play four quarters of 100-percent football, then we'll turn around and look at the scoreboard," he said "We want to play excited through four quarters.
"And we're really looking to get to halftime with some excitement," noted Kapichok. "Last year, halftime was about picking guys up after a really rough first half.
We've been grinding to make sure we're in shape to play four quarters," he added. "The guys are in shape, and ready to go."
Kapichok said the players are ready to get the season started.
"The biggest difference from last year is excitement," he said. "We get outside and ready for practice, and we can't sit still.
"Part of it is experience, too," added Kapichok. "Our 15-year-olds and now 16, and that makes a big difference."
On the offensive side of the ball, junior Riley McGaughey will anchor the offensive line at center, while juniors Charlie Salsma and Jack Lattimer will man the guard spots.
Junior Tucker Green will start at one tackle, with juniors Blake Sindoni and Carson Dietz vying for time at the other tackle.
Senior Declan Barry will start at quarterback, but Kapichok says senior Hudson Malanoski will see snaps in certain formations.
Malanoski and junior Riley Johnson will see the majority of action in the backfield.
Juniors Mason Oldroyd and Brayden Northrup, and senior Quinn Chandler will split time at tight end, while juniors Owen Durand, Braydon Vorhis, and Tyrese Gamby will split time at wideouts.
"The offense is definitely a lot more explosive than we were last year, and it's mostly because of experience," said Kapichok.
"They look confident and can adjust on the fly," he noted. "If things aren't perfect we can adjust, where last year we were so stiff.
"The kids are flying around, and look good.
"We're looking to get it between the tackles if we can because we are so big, and have some pop hitters outside for vertical threats," added Kapichok.
The Redskins will employ a 3-4 defense.
"We like our defense," said Kapichok.
Salsman, a 340-pounder, will anchor the defensive line at nose guard, with Green and Lattimer will start at the defensive tackles.
McGaughey and Malanoski will man the inside linebacker spots, with Johnson and Oldroyd playing the outside backer spots.
Durand, Vorhis and Gamby fighting it out for the two cornerback spots, with Chandler and Northrup vying for time at safety.
Kapichok said his team must improve its tackling this season.
"We have to tackle," he said. "With our depth, it's been hard to simulate at practice. We've been tackling as many bags as possible to try and get ready.
"If we can tackle, I think we're going to do all right on Friday nights," added Kapichok.
The first-year coach said his team needs to be more resilient, too.
"If we can weather the storm and rebound from that we'll be OK, and that's something we haven't done in the past," said Kapichok. "When things started to go bad, we tumbled downhill, but this team looks good and ready to go."
Kapichok sees his team's unity as a big strength in 2026.
"The biggest strength for this team is our bond. We are a really tight group," he said.
"At our scrimmage, if we had a new freshman in there it was 'help him out, help him out,' where in year's past there hasn't been that type of team unity.
"If one kid gets blocked the wrong way, that guy is going to have 10 other guys right in his face," added Kapichok. "They stick up for each other, and they're easy to get after it."
Holding on to the football is another key in 2026.
"We have a new running backs coach in Brian Musick, who was a really good running back," he said. "Last year, we fumbled quite a bit, but Brian has been really good with ball handling.
"We've been stressing ball security," noted Kapichok. "Backs are constantly getting hit by bags when running.
"We looked good at the scrimmage, and didn't put the ball on the ground once," added Kapichok.
On special teams, Malanoski is kicker, and Green and McGaughey are the long snappers.
Lattimer is the Redskin punter, and Malanoski is the long snapper on punts.
"We have three really good long-snappers, who can get in there and snap at any time," said Kapichok.
"I am a special-teamer, that was my gig in college," said Kapichok, who played at Mansfield in the 11-man days in the PSAC.
"I know how to work specials, and I think we look pretty good," he added.
AROUND THE NTL SMALL SCHOOL
"Montgomery is so well-coached and a hammer," said Kapichok.
"South Williamsport looks great on film, and looks ready to go.
"Canton is back in the Small School, and they are always solid," noted Kapichok. "Same with Muncy.
"There are new coaches at Wyalusing, so I don't know what to expect there," he added.
Sayre opens the season Friday night when it hosts Towanda.
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IN PHOTO: Sayre's Declan Barry. ... VSR STOCK PHOTO.
