A numerical look at the 2026 Times News football season

9

Teams make up the Times News football coverage area: Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, Marian, Northern Lehigh, Northwestern, Palmerton, Panther Valley, Pleasant Valley and Tamaqua.

46-2

Northwestern’s record over the past three seasons, a remarkable stretch that includes three consecutive appearances in the PIAA Class 3A championship game.

4

Consecutive District 11 Class 3A championships won by Northwestern. The Tigers enter 2026 looking to continue one of the most successful runs in program history.

1,740

Rushing yards accumulated by Tamaqua’s Terrence McDowell last season, the highest total among Times News area players. McDowell did it as a sophomore while carrying the ball 313 times and scoring 19 rushing touchdowns.

1,129

Rushing yards for Lehighton’s Lukas Croizier in 2025. The senior averaged 6.31 yards per carry while becoming the Indians’ first 1,000-yard rusher in several seasons.

924

Rushing yards for Northwestern’s Chase Sukanick on only 117 carries last season. Sukanick averaged 7.9 yards per attempt and scored 12 rushing touchdowns before moving into the Tigers’ featured role this fall.

3,303

Career passing yards for Northern Lehigh quarterback Garrett Smoyer entering his senior season. The four-year starter already owns the Bulldogs’ career records for passing yards, completions (237) and attempts (436).

956

Receiving yards for Northwestern’s Brady Zimmerman last season, the highest total in the Times News area. Zimmerman averaged more than 21 yards per catch and earned Football Writers All-State honors at wide receiver.

48

Receptions by Northwestern’s Michael Lagowy last season, the most among Times News area players. The returning senior accumulated 704 receiving yards while also earning All-State recognition in the defensive backfield.

91

Tackles recorded by Northern Lehigh’s Bill Slattery last season. The Times News Defensive Lineman of the Year also produced 18 tackles for loss and seven sacks.

27

Players in uniform for Marian entering the season. With depth at a premium, versatility will be important for a Colts team that returns experience at several key positions.

76

Games involving Times News area teams on the 10-week regular-season schedule, which begins Aug. 28 and concludes Oct. 30.

29

Seasons Mark Rosenberger has been the head coach at Jim Thorpe entering 2026. The longtime Olympians mentor has won more than 180 games during his tenure.

21

Seasons Joe Tout has been at the helm of Northern Lehigh. The Bulldogs enter this fall with a veteran senior class and experience throughout the lineup.

13

Seniors on Northern Lehigh’s 47-player roster, providing the Bulldogs with an experienced core on both sides of the football.

410.5

Yards of offense per game averaged by Northwestern last season. The Tigers accumulated 6,568 yards in 16 games, including 3,671 on the ground and 2,897 through the air.

6

Times News area teams involved in head-to-head matchups on Oct. 16. Lehighton visits Jim Thorpe, Northern Lehigh travels to Palmerton and Panther Valley heads to Tamaqua on a Friday night filled with familiar opponents.