Troy's had a historically good run of seasons over the last  four years - either winning the state title or losing to the eventual state champion - but this year will be a tough test to keep that streak going.

The Trojans say good-bye to big playmakers Mason Smith and Brendan Gilliland, who, for three years, have vexed defenses across the state. Those two combined for 2,396 yards on the ground and 41 touchdowns.

Smith threw for over 1,000 yards last year, as well. Throw in Kael Millard's 585 yards and eight touchdowns at fullback, and that's a lot of production to replace.

"We have some really standout athletes that we lose," said Troy coach Jim Smith. "It's going to be exciting to see where some of the younger guys are stepping in, and just getting them comfortable with the plays, and confident in what they do."

On the ground they're going to be handing the ball over Jayden Kutt. Kutt ran for 267-yards and three touchdowns on 46 carries last season.

"Jayden's a kid that would have started on most teams for the past two years," Smith said. "He's been behind some really special kids, and it's his time. He's been working hard, and we're really excited to see what Jayden can do."

Kutt, for his part, has been patiently waiting for his turn.

"I kind of got a taste of it last year," he remarked. "I've got big shoes to fill with Brendan and Mason, they're two great players, but I wouldn't want to put anybody else in that position. I feel like I'm able to step up into those shoes. I have a lot of experience doing it, so I'm looking forward to it."

They do return one of the best receiving corps in the league with Trey Teribury (24 catches, 451 yards, eight touchdowns), Reed Palmer (nine catches, 111 yards, five touchdowns), and Josiah Pesesky (10 catches, 116 yards, three touchdowns).

"It's good for the quarterback, it's good for the team," Palmer said about those targets coming back. "We're missing a big chunk of our offense this year, but I think we'll come back maybe not quite as strong, but we'll be fine."

As for under center it looks like junior Spencer Martin has the lead for that job. He saw spot duty the last two seasons, and has shown flashes of what he can do.

"Spencer, I'm feeling he's the most prepared and ready," Kutt said. "He'll step in those shoes fine."

The Trojans, though, have always been about their offensive line. It's what got them to a state title in 2024, and it's the one spot they pride themselves most on.

If Troy has to go to 3-yards and a cloud of dirt to sustain drives they're prepared.

"We're going to do a lot more drives, we're going to gain three and four yards every play," center Micah Pesesky said. "That's our goal. We're just going to have to stick with our blocks, have a good mentality, and try to protect our guys."

Of course, as a team that prides itself on blocking, pounding teams into submission is the ultimate feeling of satisfaction.

"It's a good feeling wearing them down," said Pesesky. "We try having good stamina so that we can do that to these teams."

Smith sees other benefits to it, as well.

"I think our offense could protect our defense a little bit, as well with some longer, established drives," he said. "Our defense was on the field a long time the last couple of years just because of how quickly we were scoring, so I feel really confident about how good our defense could be as it develops."

Kutt had 56 tackles a year ago with a team leading 14 tackles for loss. Palmer had 45 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and two fumble recoveries, with Max Randall adding 45 tackles himself.

In the defensive backfield Logunn Heasley and Martin combined for seven interceptions.

And the immortal JP Fletcher always seems to get his nose in on a couple tackles a game.

"We have a lot of kids coming back off our defense, I'm hopeful that it could be the strength of our team," said Smith. 

The Trojans believe that experience will be key until they can get their offense firing on all cylinders.

"We're going to know a lot," said Palmer. "We're going to know what to do in certain situations. Experience always helps in everything."

Just like on offense, everything starts up front on defense for the Trojans.

"We're going to have to stop the run," Senior Seth Feldmeier said. "Our secondary is coming back, but we're going to definitely hav veto stop the run this year."

That'll be key for Troy as they have a tough start to the season.

They'll be at Jersey Shore for their scrimmage, then take on Class AAA power Montoursvile at Alparon Park for week one.

Then comes league games against Athens and Towanda.

"We have a tremendously tough start, but it's about seeing that competitions and being able to rise to that competition level more than it is winning every game," Smith said. 

Troy's used to getting other team's best with that bulls-eye on their back after winning three straight league titles.

"I feel like the standard hasn't changed," Kutt said. "Obviously, we're a whole different team, but I feel like we've got a lot of potential. We can do and do the same things we did the last two years."

They certainly got Southern Columbia's best in their district title loss a year ago as the Tigers looked for revenge from the district semifinals in 2024.

"A lot of seniors have a bad taste in their mouth," Smith said about that loss. "They didn't feel like they competed well against Southern. They were state champs, albeit, but they would like to have another opportunity at that."

ROSTER

James Roy (12)

Trey Teribury (12)

Jayden Kutt (12)

Seth Feldmeier (12)

Micah Pesesky (12)

Reed Palmer (12)

Logunn Heasley (12)

Max Randall (12)

Gavin Lykon-Leffler (12)

Evan Allen (11)

Spencer Martin (11)

Lucas Norton (11)

Vinnie Colton (11)

Anson Harris (11)

Bridon Putnam (11)

Toby Stanton (11)

Haden Ballard (11)

Jasper Miller (11)

Thomas Moon (11)

Mo Barnes (11)

Griffin Schanbacher (11)

Josiah Pesesky (10)

Landon Cole (10)

Eli Putnam (10)

Hale Houseknecht (10)

Brody Ayers (10)

Wyatt Geer (10)

Jim Deakin (10)

Anthony Jordan (10)

Michael Belawske (10)

Logan Schrader (10)

Hunter Watson (10)

Lucas Kress (9)

Wyatt Judson (9)

Blake Putnam (9)

Bentley Curtis (9)

Blaine Fish (9)

Landon Snay (9)

Larry Dean (9)

Jarrett Root (9)

Gavin Trick (9)

Gunner Purcell (9)

Lucas Dyer (9)

SCHEDULE

Aug. 28 vs Montoursville, 7 p.m.

Sep. 4 vs Athens, 7 p.m.

Sep. 11 vs Towanda, 7 p.m.

Sep. 18 vs Montgomery, 7 p.m.

Sep. 25 at Wellsboro, 7 p.m.

Oct. 2 at NP-Mansfield, 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 vs CV, 7 p.m.

Oct. 16 at Sayre, 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 at Wyalusing, 7 p.m.

Oct. 30 vs Canton, 7 p.m.