Two is better than one.

That could be especially true for the Palmerton football team this season as the Blue Bombers return two experienced players at one of the game’s most important positions.

After gaining valuable experience as sophomores, TK Gursky and TJ Weller are both expected to help lead Palmerton through Colonial League play in 2026.

The Blue Bombers finished 3-8 last season, but head coach Chris Walkowiak said the focus is less on the record and more on the development the team showed throughout the year.

“T.K. and T.J. gained a wealth of experience last year, and that experience has helped them grow in many ways as players,” Walkowiak stated. “This season, both have had strong offseasons and have grown in size and arm strength. The biggest improvement has come with their experience reading defenses. We are very fortunate to have two capable players to play QB for us, and both will continue to battle things out.

“At the current moment, we have not named a starter. However, we liked what we have seen from both players. We are no doubt excited about our QB play this season.”

Palmerton also returns experienced talent in the backfield after losing both Vincent Taglieri and Caleb Sagastume to graduation. Junior Mikey Garey and senior Cale Young are both expected to shoulder much of the rushing workload.

Garey led the team with 90 carries and five touchdowns, while finishing second with 420 rushing yards and averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Young is looking to bounce back after an injury-shortened season that limited him to 80 yards on 28 carries.

“Mikey had a very solid year for us at the running back position,” Walkowiak said. “He came on very strong midway through last season, and was a big part of our success in the run game. Complementing Mikey, we have Cale Young, who provides a different running style. He returns from an injury, and we are looking forward to seeing him remain healthy because we think he can provide a much-needed spark to the offense.”

Freshman Carson Eckhart is also expected to contribute in the backfield, while junior Ryan Sammy impressed the coaching staff during the offseason and preseason.

“Carson is a big, powerful back with very good speed and excellent hands. Getting Carson comfortable and up to varsity speed has been our primary goal this offseason,” Walkowiak said. “Ryan has shown flashes of some very good things in our offense, and we’re looking for him to continue to develop while learning the offense and being consistent in all facets. He’s capable of big plays with his speed and agility.”

Walkowiak also believes the Blue Bombers can make strides in the passing game. With an experienced quarterback group and a talented group of receivers, he expects the aerial attack to play a larger role this season.

That effort begins with junior Ben Negley, one of the team’s primary targets a year ago and a reliable red-zone threat.

“Ben Negley was our leading receiver last year and is very impressive winning the 50-50 balls thrown his way,” Walkowiak said. “He has a great skill set and a great set of hands. We are excited for what Ben brings to our offense.”

Negley may be the top target, but Walkowiak said other receivers are capable of making an impact. That group includes Gaven Meixsell, Jacob Walkowiak, Chris Collier, Steele Zalik Connor Lawless and Connor Buck.

“Meixsell has had an outstanding offseason as he has dedicated himself to football, and it has shown,” Walkowiak said. “Lawless and Walkowiak are solid and consistent in the effort and energy they display on the field. They are total team players who do what is asked of them and are always looking for work.”

“Collier, Zalik and Buck have made big strides from last year and will be very effective with their blocking and receiving skills.”

While much of the attention goes to the offense, Walkowiak said success will also depend on the play in the trenches and on the defensive side of the ball. Seniors Mason Konze, Mason Heilman, Colson Ruzicka and Cooper Henry are all expected to play key two-way roles as Palmerton looks to take a step forward.

“First off, we need to remain healthy,” said Walkowiak, who enters his 16th season at the helm. “Last season, it seemed like we had key injuries each and every week. But our primary goals are to be a disciplined team that plays fundamentally sound while playing complementary football.

“If we can do those three things consistently, then we can put ourselves in a position each week to win. Each day, our goal is to improve and get better.”

POSITION BREAKDOWN QUARTERBACKS

TK Gursky and TJ Weller both received plenty of playing time as sophomores. The seasoned juniors are back and will share time again at the quarterback position. Freshmen Cade Serfass and Luke Machalik are there back up.

RUNNING BACKS

Vincent Taglieri, who ran for a team-high 473 yards and averaged 5.31 yards per carry, has graduated. Michael Garey ran for 420 yards a year ago and will start in the backfield. Senior Cale Young, junior Ryan Sammy and freshman Carson Eckhart will also get opportunities to run the ball.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Taglieri was also a weapon in the passing game, while Alex Keiper (19.08 yards per catch) has also moved on. Junior Ben Negely caught four TD passes a year ago and leads the receiving corp. Others expected to contrinute include seniors Connor Lawless, Jake Walkowiak and Chris Collier. Adding depth are juniors Gaven Meixsell and Connor Buck, as well as sophomore Steele Zalik.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The Bombers took a hit in the trenches with the loss of Logan Anthony and Beau Stahler. But a number of upperclassmen do return – seniors Mason Konze, Mason Heilman, Colson Ruzicka and Cooper Henry. Also back with experience are juniors Wyatt Gable and Parker Davis, and sophomore Colby Kohler.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Konze, Heilman, Ruzicka, Henry, Gable, Davis and Kohler will be two-way players filling the trenches on the defensive side too. Looking to chip in will be freshman Caleb Eckhart.

LINEBACKERS

Anderson Garcia and Caleb Sagastume have both graduated, but seniors Connor Lawless and Chris Collier are back to lead this year’s linebackers. Juniors Mike Garey, TK Gursky and Ryan Sammy, and sophomores Steele Zalik and John Bishop, will also see time at the position. Freshman Carson Eckhart may also see time.

SECONDARY

Seniors Cale Young, Jake Walkowiak and Dawson Takerer, and returning players in juniors Gaven Meixsell and Ben Negley will man the defensive backfield. Junior Lucas Mertz is looking to also contribute in the secondary.