Sam Bonner looks to implement a multi-dimensional offense as he enters his 20th season as the head coach of the Tamaqua Blue Raiders.
“We ran the ball really well last year,” Bonner said. “Our running game is pretty well established and has probably been for the last 15 years. We want to improve our passing game.”
On defense, he wants to be on the winning end of big plays.
“Defensively, we gave up a lot of big plays,” he said. “We’ve got to get better at stopping those third-and-ones and executing those big plays.”
Junior running back Terrence McDowell is coming off a stellar 2025 campaign, racking up 1,740 yards on the season, and is a preseason MVP contender in 2026.
“I was bummed falling short of the 2,000 mark last season, but I’m just trying to be better than I was last year,” McDowell said.
“Terrence had an incredible sophomore year on both sides of the ball,” Bonner said. “Leading the team in touchdowns and rushing yards, he carried a big load when it came to hard-earned yards and controlling the ball.”
To take some pressure off McDowell, Tamaqua is making a major change under center.
Junior Ace Schickram, a former wide receiver, will fill the role of graduated quarterback Chase Serfass.
Schickram adds an element to the Blue Raider run game. The pairing of Schickram and McDowell in the backfield creates multiple threats for opposing defenses to consider.
“Ace at quarterback adds another dimension for us,” Bonner said. “He’s been working really hard.”
“It’s honestly been a lot of fun switching,” Schickram said. “I just want to be there for my guys however I can be. I don’t think our record last season showed how good of a team we were, and I think this year we have a really good chance of doing something special.”
Bonner is also making adjustments to fill the shoes of Luke Frohnheiser, who led the team in tackles, and Brady McCabe, an impactful outside linebacker and receiver.
“It’s a big plug to fill, and they will be hard to replace,” Bonner said. “But there have been young guys stepping up and showing up.”
Bonner will turn to senior CJ Walker, senior Damian Jazowski, and junior Chance Makovec to fill those gaps.
Senior Kaden Krajcirik is projected to be a starting offensive tackle, as well as the backup quarterback. Senior linebacker Quinn Coleman is another Raider who will be seeing the field regularly this season, as well as senior tight end and defensive end Teegen Phillips, who showed promise at the end of last season.
“We have some experience coming back, but we’re going to have a lot of youth on the field as well,” Bonner said.
“Guys like Terrence, Ace and Quinn are all bigger and stronger than they were last year, and Carter Trotman and Teegen have worked hard for us on the offensive line. The core group is really showing up.”
The Raiders hope to immediately show their progression from last year against Lehighton in Week 1, showcasing more aspects to their offensive game, and increased speed and athleticism on defense.
“They are a big opener for us, and seem to give us fits every year,” Bonner said.
“We’ve always been known to be a tough running team, grinding the ball out, so we’re going to prove we are not a one-dimensional team and not give up on the big plays at hand.”
Huddle Up
Head Coach: Sam Bonner
League: Schuylkill, Division I
Last Season: 4-8 Overall; 2-6 League
Male Enrollment: 218, Class 3A
Home Field: Tamaqua Area Sports Stadium
2026 Schedule
Aug. 28 at Lehighton
Sept. 4 Schuylkill Haven
Sept. 11 Marian Catholic
Sept. 18 Executive Education Academy
Sept. 25 Blue Mountain
Oct. 1 at Pottsville
Oct. 9 at North Schuylkill
Oct. 16 Panther Valley
Oct. 23 at Selinsgrove
Oct. 30 at Pine Grove
2025 Results
Pen Argyl L 14-6
North Schuylkill L 50-7
Pottsville W 21-19
Jim Thorpe L 35-27
Salisbury W 42-6
Bangor W 20-0
Southern Lehigh L 49-6
Lehighton L 27-16
NW Lehigh L 56-16
Blue Mountain L 34-20
Saucon Valley* W 22-15
Notre Dame GP* L 59-19
(* denotes playoff game)
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