BY CHRIS MANNINGNorthern Tier Sports Report
The Fall sports season proved as exciting as in year’s past. Troy volleyball and Towanda golfers claimed district banners, Troy football and girls’ soccer came up just short, while plenty of other teams made memories they won’t soon forget.
TOP 7 MOMENTS
7. Wyalusing rallies from 0-2 deficit to beat Wellsboro: The Rams had one of their best wins in recent memory early in the season. Down 0-2 they won three straight sets to stun the defending district champions, Wellsboro, for a win that propelled the Hornets to the district playoffs.
6. Towanda volleyball tops Wellsboro to qualify for districts: The Knights needed a win in their final match to make districts, and did it against perennial powerhouse Wellsboro, at the Hornet’s Nest. It was a 5-set thriller that propelled them to a district opener win, too.
5. Troy volleyball holds off strong charge from Loyalsock to claim district title: The Lancers, just a couple years into their program, were looking for a fairytale run. Troy, though, wouldn’t be denied what they felt they should have had last season. With the match tied 1-1 the Trojans won two straight to claim the D4 title.
4. NEB boys rally to win District IV title: It was a free for all between three teams - NEB, Sullivan County, and Canton - for the D4 title. Early on it looked like Sullivan was going to get it, but somewhere around the second mile NEB’s young team rallied, and edged out the Griffins at the line for their fourth straight title.
3. Brendan Gilliland’s big day at Warrior Run: Gilliland ran for 330 yards and five touchdowns in a night few Troy football fans will forget. The fact that he did it in the district semifinal against Warrior Run made it all the more special.
2. Towanda boys, girls golf have thrilling days at District IV Team Championships: Both teams came in with high hopes. The boys started slow, rallied to take the lead in the middle, then fended off Mifflinburg late to claim the team title. The girls needed to hit 300 strokes to make states, and they did it on the last hole, claiming the D4 title, and punching their ticket to the state tournament.
1. Troy girls top Hughesville in district semifinals on McRoberts’ free kick: Troy was looking for revenge after last year’s loss to the Spartans. A stalemate ensued as Izzy Renzi’s goal keeping kept it 0-0 when, late in the second half, a McRoberts free kick from outside 40-yards bounce over the keeper and into the net, making Troy history in the process.
TOP 7 STORYLINES
7. Canton’s Lawrence Halbfoerster has a strong season: Halbfoerster went undefeated in the NTL to be Runner of the Year, then took second at districts. He finished things off on a high with a state medal, Canton’s first since 2012.
6. NEB boys’ have a strong soccer season: The Panthers went 13-5 on the season, coming up just short of an NTL title thanks to a 1-0 loss to Athens early in the year. They did beat perennial powerhouse Wellsboro, and got sweeps of Williamson, Towanda, and Troy.
5. Troy girls soccer goes undefeated in NTL: For the second straight year Troy went undefeated in the NTL, for the third straight year they went unbeaten, and they hadn’t lost a match since their league opener back in 2022. They had few challenges around the league as they stayed on top.
4. Towanda cross-country dominates NTL: Both teams went undefeated in the NTL to claim titles. It was the second straight for the Lady Knights, who weren’t challenged, while for the boys its their second in three years, holding off NEB and Troy to claim the title.
3. Troy football runs through NTL: It was another dominating league season for Troy. They mercy ruled all league opponents minus Athens, which they pulled away from after three quarters of a barn burner.
2. Towanda golf ends Athens’ dominance: Few teams had been able to keep up with the Wildcats this decade, but the Knights finally knocked them off as they rolled to an NTL title, being undefeated in league play.
1. Troy volleyball claims two titles: The Trojans fended off all comers during the regular season to hold on to their league title, then went 9-2 through three matches in the district playoffs to get that elusive D4 title.
TOP 7 COACHES
7. Cassie Smith, Towanda, Volleyball: It was quite the roller coaster but Smith got the Black Knight volleyball program back to the district playoffs, and they even won a match for good measure.
6. Dillon Lockwood, NEB, Cross-country: Despite quite a bit of turnover from last year’s team the Panthers repeated as District IV, Class A boys champions on the strength of five freshmen.
5. Mike Maurer, Towanda, Cross-country: Both Black Knight teams rolled to undefeated NTL titles this season, he had four runners qualify for states, and one state medalist - with no seniors.
4. Jimmy Smith, Troy, Football: The Trojans rolled to a third straight NTL title, their only close game to Athens. They also went 9-1 on the year, and reached the district finals for the third straight season.
3. Paul Lantz, Towanda, Golf: Both golf squads claimed NTL, and team district, titles, while three golfers qualified for states.
2. Wayne Pratt, Troy, Girls’ Soccer: Troy made program history as they reached their first district final, and made their first trip to states. The Trojans also went unbeaten in league play for their sixth straight title.
1. Abby Herman-Deitrick, Troy, Volleyball: The Trojans repeated as NTL champs, and did one better in districts this year, finishing on top to be D4 champions for the first time in a decade.
NOTABLES: Renee Broschart, Wyalusing, Volleyball…Casey Aylesworth, Canton, Cross-country
TOP 7 FEMALE NEWCOMERS
7. Lia Fischer, Wyalusing, Girls’ Soccer - Fischer proved to be a solid mid-fielder for the Rams, whether it was controlling the ball or on the attack.
6. Lila Larson, Towanda, Cross-country - Larson was Towanda’s fifth runner as a freshman this year, helping the team claim the NTL title.
5. Jaylyn Herda, Wyalusing, Volleyball - As a sophomore Herda had over 50 aces, and 100 kills to help the Rams return to postseason play.
4. Olivia Heath, Towanda, Girls’ Golf - The freshman golfer had the lowest average for the Knights as they claimed an NTL title.
3. Alexa Lawrence, Troy, Volleyball - Playing volleyball for the first time, Lawrence stepped up as an outside hitter with nearly 100 kills, and over 200 digs, helping Troy to NTL and district titles.
2. Izzy Renzi, Troy, Girls’ Soccer - The freshman keeper solidified the backline for Troy, and wasn’t afraid of the big moment, considering her two big saves to get the shutout in the district semifinal win over Hughesville.
1. Maris Cobb, Towanda, Cross-country - One of the best freshmen in the state, she helped Towanda dominate their way to a league title, while also earning a third place finish at districts, and a state medal.
NOTABLES: Liana Lyon, Troy, Volleyball…Elli Cook, Towanda, Girls’ Soccer…Izzy Kapr, NEB, Girls’ Soccer
TOP 7 MALE NEWCOMERS
7. Levi Dewing, NEB, Cross-country - One of several freshmen to step up for the Panthers this season as they repeated as District IV, Class A champions.
6. Phillip Spinney, Towanda, Cross-country - A freshman runner for the Knights whose consistency as their number four man helped them claim the NTL title.
5. Josiah Pesesky, Troy, Football - Pesesky proved to be a rare freshman 2-way contributor. He used his size and athleticism to be a receiving threat, while also defending some of the opponent’s best weapons.
4. Dayton Russell, NEB, Boys’ Soccer - Russell came to soccer as a senior and fit in as a talented defenseman who used his size to head crosses away. He was also a threat to head balls in on corner kicks.
3. Trey Teribury, Troy, Football - Teribury stepped in as Troy’s top receiver this year, using his size and athleticism to give opponents fits.
2. Marcus Solomon, Canton, Football - The newcomer led Canton in tackles during a rebuilding season as he was a consistent contributor on the defensive side of the ball.
1. Emmett Klees, Towanda, Cross-country - Klees formed a tough 1-2 punch for the Knights as they claimed the NTL title. He was also the rare state qualifier as a freshman.
NOTABLES: Christian Pazzaglia, Troy, Football…Logunn Heasley, Troy, Football…Keagan Netherton, NEB, Cross-country…Xavier Lockwood, NEB, Cross-country..Josiah Russell, NEB, Cross-country
TOP 7 FEMALE ATHLETES
7. Izzy Larson, Towanda, Cross-country - Larson was a state qualifier for the third straight season, and a top five finisher at the District IV Championships. She also teamed with Maris Cobb to lead the Lady Knights to a second straight NTL title.
6. Brooklyn Evans, Towanda, Volleyball - Evans had over 200 kills, and 200 digs this season to lead the Knights back to the playoffs, including a district win.
5. Saydi Renzo, Troy, Girls’ Soccer - Renzo ruled the midfield during the NTL season for the Lady Trojans as they went undefeated in the NTL, while also making states as District runners-up. She finished her career with over 50 goals, and 50 assists.
4. Maris Cobb, Towanda, Cross-country - See above.
3. Brenna Jackson, Troy, Volleyball - Jackson had over 600 assists, reaching 1,000 for her career, to go with over 200 digs as she helped the Trojans to league and district titles this season.
2. Aryana Andrus, Troy, Volleyball - Along with Jackson, Andrus co-lead Troy to two titles as she finished with over 400 kills, and 90 blocks on the season.
1. Alexis McRoberts, Troy/Canton, Girls’ Soccer & Football - McRoberts led Troy in goals this year as they claimed the NTL title, and earned their first state berth. She also finished with over 50 goals for her career. On the grid-iron she was a consistent kicker for Canton football.
Notables: Josie Ferris, Wyalusing, Volleyball…Cailyn Van Noy, Canton, Volleyball…Clara Glantz, Towanda, Girls’ Golf…Giana Renzi, Troy, Girls’ Soccer…Leah Beebe, NEB, Girls’ Soccer…Haidyn Watson, Troy, Volleyball
TOP 7 MALE ATHLETES
7. Tyler Kuhn, NEB, Boys’ Soccer - Kuhn had more goals than some teams as he led the Panther attack this past fall. He could attack from long range, slice into the box, and find the running teammate to help NEB to one of their best seasons in recent memory.
6. Graham Welles, Towanda, Boys’ Golf - Welles was key on the links this season as the Knights claimed the NTL, and team District IV titles. He was also a state qualifier for the first time.
5. Eli Stanton, NEB, Boys’ Soccer - Stanton was the best defensive player in the NTL this past year, anchoring NEB’s defense. He was also a strategic attacker, using his speed to get in on breakaways.
4. Lawrence Halbfoerster, Canton, Cross-country - Halbfoerster posted a strong senior season, earning a state medal, while also a silver medalist at the District IV Championships. During the regular season he went undefeated in dual meets to be the NTL Runner of the Year.
3. Brendan Gilliland, Troy, Football - Gilliland was a 2-way star for the Trojan football team. He ran for 1,000-yards this year despite missing a few games due to injury, while he proved to be a stout linebacker. His 300-yard performance against Warrior Run in the playoffs is one of the best in Trojan history.
2. Mason Smith, Troy, Football - Smith was a mode of consistency for the Trojans, and, when called upon, brilliance. He threw and ran for over 1,000-yards, and had big games against South Williamsport, and Central Mountain when Gilliland was on the med.
1. Boom Thompson, Towanda, Boys’ Golf & Cross-country: Thompson was a 2-time NTL team champion, a District IV Golf Team champion, and a 2-time state qualifier in both sports this year. He led the Black Knights on the links in average, and was the number one runner for the cross-country team, putting together one of the best dual sport seasons in NTL history.
Notables: Micah Pesesky, Troy, Football…Emmett Klees, Towanda, Cross-country…Jackson Martin, NEB, Cross-country…Jonathan Earle, Wyalusing, Football
A LOOK AHEAD
FOOTBALL
TROY will have some big shoes to fill with Brendan Gilliland, and Mason Smith leaving with along with a talented senior class. It’ll be next man up for Troy, which brings back some talented skill players, and defensive backs, along with linemen Micah Pesesky, and Seth Feldmeier to build around…Early season injuries put TOWANDA in a hole but they rallied in the second half of the season to keep the Bronze Helmet. With few seniors they bring back most of their team, while they wait the return of Gage Evans, who missed all of last year with an injury…It was another tough season for WYALUSING, who lost a few close games early and never quite recovered. They were a senior heavy group though they return tight end Andrew Taylor to try and build an offense around…It was a rebuilding year for CANTON, one in which injuries played a big part. A win over Sayre late in the year showed what they can do going forward behind quarterback Owen Moore, and their passing attack.
GIRLS’ SOCCER
It’s the end of an era for TROY girls’ soccer as the senior class - featuring Alexis McRoberts, and Saydi Renzo - dominated the NTL like nobody has since Athens teams a decade ago. This group only lost one league match, their first to NEB as freshmen. They return scorer Giana Renzi, along with key defensive player Jaylee Ward to build around for next season…It was a bit of confounding year for WYALUSING; they made districts but had plenty of 1-loss games that they felt they should have won. They say good-bye to some talented seniors, but return key players in Alysha Botts, Vayda Rought, and Lia Fischer…TOWANDA battled this year but couldn’t quite get enough wins to make it to district play. They featured a strong senior class, so have some holes to fill, but also return key players in Elli Cook, Kiera Robinson, and Mya Maynard return a team with plenty of depth to fill them…NEB was a little slow out of the gate as they figured out a brand new roster, but showed marked improvement by season’s end. They say good-bye to their stalwart keeper in Leah Beebe but return a talented junior class in Mallorie Maynard, Katrina Russell, and MacKenzie Clark
BOYS’ SOCCER
A senior heavy NEB team played like it, though they came up just short of raising an NTL banner. Now they’ll have to find replacements in several key spots, including for Tyler Kuhn and Eli Stanton. They do return Dan Barrett, and Anthony Pousen to build around for 2026…TOWANDA bookended the year with some success but struggled in the middle. They’ll look to build on that as they return a big junior class of eight kids, including Ben Shrawder, Blaiz Nichols, Brayden Spencer, and Hudson Stevens…It was a tough one for TROY as the short handed was competitive but couldn’t quite pull out a win. They say good-bye to some talent on the field, including longtime keeper Timothy Hornung, but return Gavin Lykon-Leffler amongst others, along with expecting an infusion of talent from the junior high ranks
VOLLEYBALL
It was a double banner raising year for TROY with NTL and district titles. However, they say good-bye to their fearsome two-some of Aryanna Andrus, and Brenna Jackson. They will look to reload around Haidyn Watson, and Alli Bailey as they defend those titles…WYALUSING was able to hit a milestone they’d been building towards for the past few seasons - a playoff berth. While they lose some key seniors they return Josie Ferris, Emily Johns, and Jaylyn Herda to try and go one step further…A lot can be said about TOWANDA’s season, but boring isn’t one of them. In the end they got to districts, and got win to set up next year’s team of Karis Flynn, Lariah Long, and Brynsen Vargason will be looking to take the next step in 2026…It was an up-and-down season for CANTON as they worked to find some consistency. They fell in the district final, but with key returnees Cailyn Van Noy, and Makenna Seachrist leading a talented junior class they’ll look to get over that hill…It was a rebuilding year for NEB as they look to move on to a new era. Their youngsters began to show later in the year, and they’ll look to get further next year behind Orissa Gardner, Ella Cooley, and others
CROSS-COUNTRY
Both TOWANDA teams were dominant this season as they swept the competition for league titles. They saw four runners make it to states, and Maris Cobb bring back a medal. With no departing seniors they’ll look to get one step further next season - making it to states as a team…NEB boys peaked at the right time, hitting their stride at districts to take their fourth straight title. Led by Jackson Martin, they’ll look to keep the streak going next year. The girls will be looking to join then as they get an infusion of talent…CANTON saw Lawrence Halbfoerster get that long awaited medal, while their boys challenged for the league title. They lose Lawrence, but return enough to try and make a go for it again, while the girls should be adding some junior high runners up to varsity to form a team…TROY boys tried to pack their way to another league title but came up just short. They say good-bye to some talented seniors, but RJ Bellinger and company will be looking to give Towanda some competition…It was a rebuilding year for WYALUSING but it wasn’t one without some success. While the girls will be looking to rebuild, the boys return plenty, led by Aidan Neiley, to try and make some noise.
GOLF
Not much more could have gone right for TOWANDA on the links as both teams won league and district titles. The boys should have a good shot at repeating next season as they bring back their team, while the girls will have some holes to fill. Individually, Boom Thompson and Graham Welles will be playing for that elusive state medal…It was a rebuilding year for WYALUSING, but one that saw them get better as the season went on. With a young team they’ll be looking to get back to district team play next year…CANTON’s first year saw them get a couple wins, and even had a golfer make districts. They’ll be looking to do better next season as they return much of their roster.
