A check of the Palmerton parking lot in the mornings in August will reveal more drop-offs than those parking in a space.
That’s because this year’s Blue Bombers football team has more players in need of a driver’s license than in recent seasons.
“I can tell how young we are by the number of cars parked in the lot,” head coach Chris Walkowiak joked.
It is no joke about how good Palmerton has been recently, including last year’s record-setting 12-1 run to a second District 11 championship game in the last three seasons.
This year, however, Walkowiak was greeted by 10 freshmen and 14 sophomores among his 36-man roster.
“The 2024 [graduating] class was a great class,” Walkowiak said. “We had a lot of leadership and won a lot of games. But I’m excited about this group coming up.”
The big question is: Who replaces record-setting quarterback Matt Machalik, who is at Lehigh after becoming one of the best players in Colonial League history.
Senior four-year starter Jameson Trainer is the starting QB this season after catching 11 passes last season, four for touchdowns as Palmerton racked up 524 points.
“He’s very athletic and agile,” junior two-way lineman Logan Anthony said. “It might be tougher for receivers because he’s a lefty and his spiral rotates differently. But he’s very elusive in the open field.”
“Jameson has backed up Matt the last couple years and made plays for us,” Walkowiak added. “Now he’s got to make the transition. He can play anywhere on the field, but he’ll be running the show for us.”
Trainer also will start on defense after registering 58 tackles and two interceptions last season.
Many youngsters will have to quickly transition to varsity football with so many opportunities for playing time with only four seniors on the roster.
Senior four-year starter Aidan Ortiz will be at wide receiver and defensive back.
Junior Caleb Sagastume and sophomore Cale Young will be part of the running back by committee for Walkowiak’s bunch. Sagastume ran for 112 yards and two scores last season.
“Our skill kids are young and athletic,” Walkowiak said. “They are learning on the fly and building confidence. They are working up to Friday night speed.”
Three things to know about the Blue Bombers
1. College football now in his sights : Anthony always enjoyed playing football. He just never thought playing Division I college ball would be an option.
It is now an option for the 6-foot-4, 320-pounder who is in his third year as a Blue Bombers starter. Kent State and Temple have offered him scholarships. Coastal Carolina, Cornell, Rutgers and Penn State have also shown interest.
“I’m feeling it out right now, enjoying it” Anthony said of the college recruiting process. “It’s overhyped but still nice. It’s fallen into my lap. It’s not something I thought would happen. But I feel I don’t have a big head, am a down-to-earth guy. I’m not a top recruit that everyone wants.
“But [playing Division I football] definitely is a goal now.”
Anthony had 59 tackles last season, 16 for loss. He added four sacks and three pass breakups.
“Logan is a great role model and is battle tested,” Walkowiak said.
Anthony said Olympic weightlifting is a hobby, so he made the most of the offseason by getting stronger and quicker with his feet.
“I definitely like offense more than defense,” he said. “But I’m getting faster and better with my hands on defense, so we’ll see.”
2. Strength up front : Anthony will anchor an offensive line that has the most experience of any group in 2024.
Sophomores Mason Konze, Mason Heilman and Colson Ruzicka were given baptism by fire in last season’s playoffs against perennial powers North Schuylkill and Northwestern.
“What they did in the offseason was work hard and get stronger,” Walkowiak said. “I think our offensive line will be solid.”
“The young guys are fast learners,” Anthony added. “They are picking up the slack. The offensive line is meshing really well.”
Junior Alex Keiper (27 tackles), Vince Taglieri and Jacob Walkowiak are among others who will get chances to shine on both sides of the ball.
“Our fourth day of heat acclimatization we turned a corner,” Walkowiak said. “It was our best day. They know what to expect. Success to me this year will be if everyone can play one level up. A freshman playing like a sophomore, etc. If we do that, we’ll be all right.”
3. Palmerton’s 2024 schedule
(at 7 p.m. unless noted; home games in CAPS)
Friday, Aug. 23 : at Jim Thorpe
Friday, Aug. 30 : PEN ARGYL
Friday, Sept. 6 : at Saucon Valley
Friday, Sept. 13 : at Lehighton
Friday, Sept. 20 : NORTHERN LEHIGH
Saturday, Sept. 28 : at Wilson, noon
Friday, Oct. 4 : PALISADES
Friday, Oct. 11 : SALISBURY
Friday, Oct. 18 : at Notre Dame-GP
Friday, Oct. 25 : CATASAUQUA
Morning Call reporter Tom Housenick can be reached at 610-820-6651 or at thousenick@mcall.com
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