Contenders For Pennsylvania’s 2A State Title

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below is a review of the teams we project will be contenders to win the 2026 PIAA 2A State title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To be honest, in 2026 the quest for the 2A title is a two-team race between three-time defending champion Marple Newtown and reigning District 11 champion Allentown Central Catholic.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We will start this post with a breakdown of Marple Newtown's 2026 roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marple Newtown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 2025, Marple's extraordinarily talented and highly decorated senior class led the Tigers to their third straight PIAA 2A State championship. With the Class of 2025 now in college, Marple will turn to a host of experienced 2026s to maintain their winning ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If Marple is going to bring home a fourth straight 2A title, their offense will have to carry this team back to Panzer Stadium. The centerpieces of that offense will be gifted attackmen [player_tooltip player_id='174201' first='Evan' last='Kostack'] and [player_tooltip player_id='171264' first='Augie' last='Bruder']. In 2025, Kostack's quick burst and finely tuned stick skills produced 79 goals and 37 assists. Kostack is impossible to defend 1v1 and is committed to Drexel. Bruder's unique combination of size (6'2”; 180 lbs.), speed and skills make him a match-up nightmare for opposing defenses. Plus, with his quick release and ability to change angles, Bruder is a lethal shooter from anywhere on the field. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At midfield, the dynamic duo of [player_tooltip player_id='171514' first='Jace' last='Kostack'] and PJ Fingo will provide the bulk of Marple's firepower. In 2026, J. Kostack will serve as the quarterback of the Marple offense. Last season the combination of J. Kostack's field vision and creative offensive mind produced 50 assists. Fingo capped off a standout sophomore season by recording two goals and two assists in the 2025 state championship game. We are expecting a monster season from Fingo. Keep an eye on freshman midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='172595' first='Grayson' last='DeCecco'], as he should make solid contributions on offense too.    </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the other end of the field, Marple will look to returning starter Stavros Stefanidis to anchor what will be a young defensive unit. Stefanidis tortures opposing ball carriers with his physical style and active stick. 2027 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='171836' first='Gavin' last='Bendig'] will have a positive impact for Marple's defense, too.   </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Allentown Central Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season, Allentown Central Catholic racked up 20 wins, captured the District 11 championship and advanced to the 2A state tournaments semifinals. With a host of talented and experienced offensive prospects returning for the 2026 season, this year the Vikings have their sights set on a mid-June trip to Happy Valley. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 2026, the ACCHS offense will be led by [player_tooltip player_id='29040' first='Tate' last='Shoemaker'] (Manhattan) and [player_tooltip player_id='171606' first='Jack' last='Restino'] (Stony Brook). Shoemaker is a downhill attack/middie hybrid with filthy stick skills. Last season, Shoemaker recorded 59 goals to go along with 25 dimes. At attack, Shoemaker can torch opposing defenses from that X or around the crease. In 2025, he used his quick first step and elite shooting skills to pour in 67 goals. Restino is impossible to defend 1v1 and is a master at defeating double teams with his passing skills.       </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Opposing defenses will also want to closely mark 2028 attackman [player_tooltip player_id='173465' first='Alex' last='Karetsos'] . During his stellar freshman campaign, Karetsos registered 47 goals and 30 assists. Karetsos' speed and polished stick skills enable him to excel at distributing and scoring while on the run. Running at attack with Karetsos will be perimeter sniper and DeSales University commit Liam Farrell. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Additionally, the Vikings will get significant offensive contributions from 2027 prospects Quinn Driscoll and Tommy McGorry. Driscoll's field vision and precise passing make him one of the top feeders in the state. McGorry is an athletic and shifty midfielder who excels on the fast break as well as coming out of the box. Catholic University commit Luke Walter (2026) and freshman sensation [player_tooltip player_id='172754' first='Liam' last='Lamont'] will play pivotal offensive roles in 2026, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On defense, Class of 2027 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='171213' first='Connor' last='Lawler'] will be a disruptive force. Lawler turned heads this past fall with his standout on-ball defense. Lawler is a lefty pole who can shut down ball carriers 1v1 with his ability to get into his opponents early in their dodge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Darkhorse Contenders for the PIAA 2A State Title:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scranton Prep</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Trinity</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twin Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->