Even though the Parkland High School football team won an Eastern Pennsylvania Conference South Division crown last season, the Trojans had their season cut shorter than they’re used to. They fell in the District 11 6A semifinals by one score to rival Emmaus.

Parkland finished the regular season at 9-2 overall last year with both losses coming by just 15 points combined.

There will be a ton of new faces on the field this year for the Trojans. They had 21 seniors graduate last season, including Ty Tremba, Nico Medlar, Brock Boyer, Noah Rode, Dahlir Adams, Marko Galetovic, Jesse Ruisch, Andrew Khalife, Marc Ramos and Adler Billig.

Returning players that the coaching staff is excited about include junior running back/wide receiver Trey Tremba, senior offensive/defensive lineman Nate Kemmerer, junior linebacker/fullback Victor Pagan, senior wide receiver/defensive backs Nakhi Bullock and Jack Harrison, junior wide receiver/defensive back Jendel Sanchez and senior kicker Gryffin Mitstifer.

Some newcomers that the coaches will be relying on include junior quarterback Luke Spang, junior offensive/defensive linemen Russell Clark and Kale Kumernitsky, junior linebacker/fullback Jake Beidleman, junior offensive lineman/linebacker Nick Kleckner, senior running back/safety Mason Hollis and freshman running back/defensive back Marquez Wimberly.

“The guys are motivated from how last season ended,” said assistant coach Mike Facchiano. “We are young at a lot of positions, but the guys are committed to playing hard and having a strong season.”

While some teams like to ease into a new season, Parkland won’t be able to do that. The 2022 schedule will be challenging to start the season as the Trojans’ first five opponents are EPC South teams that qualified for districts last year, including two District 11 champions. Parkland opened at home against Easton last week, and follows with games against Nazareth, Freedom, Central Catholic and Whitehall.

To get through the tough first half of the schedule, Parkland will need to utilize its strengths and work on its weaknesses.

“Game experience last year for Luke Spang to build on this year as a starter, along with our offensive skill players and the experience of defensive backfield,” said Facchiano. “The offensive and defensive lines were mainly seniors in the 2021 season, so we have new starters in those positions and they will need to step up early on.”

The Trojans know what they want to do on both sides of the ball to be successful.

“On offense, maintain balance on all downs between run and pass while minimizing turnovers,” said Facchiano. “On defense, rely on the experience of our defensive backs and leadership of Nate Kemmerer and Victor Pagan to have defense play fast and physical.

“Our expectation is to progress each week and compete in the very competitive EPC South division and contend in the District 11 playoffs.”