Palmyra Cougar Football – 2024 Season Outlook

Below, you will find several pieces of information about the upcoming season for Palmyra Football, including our Outlook, the Schedule, and the full Team Roster.

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Mid Penn Conference – Keystone Division (AAAAA)

Head Coach: Chris Pavone – 3rd season

Top Returners: Ryan Kowalski (Sr., QB/DB); Justin Kaplan (Sr., RB/LB); Braxtin Risser (Jr., RB/DB); Tyler Comarnitsky (Jr., OL/DL); Beau Toler (Sr., OL/DL); Joseph Altebrando (Sr., RB/LB); Charlie Stewart (Sr., WR/DB); Hayden LeVan (Sr., WR/DB); Travis McDannell (Jr., RB/DL); Xavier Smith (So. RB/LB); Roman Russek (So., QB)

Key Losses: Nathan Eisenhooth (East Coast Prep, WR/DB); Jon McDannell (Mansfield University, WR/DL); Matthew Bordner (K); Logan Howard (OL/DL); Kadin Jones (OL/LB); Keagen Kleinfelter (WR/DB); Kyle Koennecke (RB/LB); Andrew Manning (OL/DL); Jason McCurdy (TE/P); Titus Orlando (TE/DL); Kadan Readinger (WR/DB)

2023 Results: 2-8

On the Radio: Palmyra Cougar Football can be heard on WLBR/Froggy Valley three times this season: August 23rd’s season opener at home against Lebanon, a September 6th clash with Hershey, and on September 27th when they host Mifflin County. Click for the full radio schedule.

Palmyra Football Season Outlook

The Palmyra Cougars were a two-win team last year, but do not mistake their record for the fight they showed in each contest. They now enter 2024 in a newly revamped Mid Penn Keystone Division that features ten teams. The big story is that Bishop McDevitt moved up to the large-school, Commonwealth Division, but their departure should not overshadow the high level competition the Cougars will face each week. A steady improvement over the past couple of years indicates that Palmyra is ready for the challenge of the new-look Keystone.

Coach Chris Pavone’s squad will have to embark on the season, having lost several talented seniors from 2023. That group included Nathan Eisenhooth and Jonathon McDannell, who are each playing collegiately this fall. Although several members of their team walked across the stage to accept their diplomas, the good news is that several other key players from last season will still suit up this season for the orange and black.

After stepping in to fill the role of quarterback last season, Ryan Kowalski will be back to steady the offense during his senior year. Fellow senior Justin Kaplan will be returning alongside junior Braxtin Risser after the two running backs combined for over 1,000 rushing yards last season. Speedster Travis McDannell, now a junior, could also factor into the offensive scheme for the Cougars.

On defense, Palmyra is also bringing back several key pieces that could pose problems for the opposition. While senior Beau Toler is the top name along the line, look for Palmyra’s weight room culture to continue to show its progress. At linebacker, seniors Joseph Altebrando and Kaplan bring experience and talent, while sophomore Xavier Smith will seemingly play a more significant role. There is also a core group of defensive backs, led by the aggressive Charles Stewart, a senior who made several big plays last season after working hard to improve his game during the off-season.

In terms of the culture of improvement, Coach Pavone lauds his team’s buy-in to the mantra of “Change the Culture.” “With several examples within their locker room of young men working to improve, the Cougars should be ready to show their progress when they get on the field to begin 2024.

Palmyra begins its 90th season at home on Friday night against the Lebanon Cedars, a hungry group who are also looking to change the culture of their program and snap a long losing streak.

2024 Palmyra Football Schedule

8/23       v Lebanon  7:00 PM

8/29       @ Mechanicsburg*  7:00 PM

9/6          v Hershey*  7:00 PM

9/13       @ Shippensburg*  7:00 PM

9/20       v Waynesboro*  7:00 PM

9/27       v Mifflin County*  7:00 PM

10/4       @ Lower Dauphin*  7:00 PM

10/11      @ Gettysburg*  7:00 PM

10/18      @ Red Land*  7:00 PM

10/25      v Northern York*  7:00 PM

* Keystone Division game

2024 Palmyra Football Roster

LebCo Football Season Outlooks

Annville-Cleona

Cedar Crest

ELCO

Lebanon

Northern Lebanon

Palmyra