With nine returning starters and several players who gained valuable varsity experience last season, Piper football enters 2026 with optimism — and a clear understanding of the challenges ahead.
The Pirates finished 5-5 last season and will look to take the next step under third-year coach Cole Orrick. Piper returns five offensive starters and a total of nine starters from last year’s team, including a pair of players who earned All-League honors.
“The 2026 season has the potential to be a strong season for Piper football,” Orrick said. “We return 9 starters, including a couple of All-League players from 2025.”
Among Piper’s key returning players are seniors Roman Byers Jr., Jayden Correa, Easton McCarty, Mason Masloski, Kole Schaunaman and Ronin Trusskey.
Byers, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound running back and linebacker, gives the Pirates a versatile two-way senior presence. Correa, a 6-0, 175-pound wide receiver and defensive back, and McCarty, a 6-1, 180-pound wide receiver and defensive back, provide experience in both the passing game and secondary.
Up front, Masloski is a 6-2, 240-pound offensive lineman who also contributes at kicker and punter. Schaunaman, a 6-3, 230-pound tight end and defensive lineman, and Trusskey, a 6-2, 260-pound offensive and defensive lineman, give Piper a veteran presence in the trenches.
Several of Piper’s returning contributors are juniors who saw significant varsity action last season, giving the Pirates a foundation to build on as the season progresses.
“Our key returning starters, including several juniors, gained valuable varsity experience last year,” Orrick said.
The biggest question for Piper will come on offense, where three new offensive linemen will be working into the rotation.
“The challenge will be developing the offense, especially with 3 new offensive linemen working into the rotation,” Orrick said.
That development could be critical against a schedule Orrick describes as challenging. Piper will need its returning starters to provide stability while younger players adjust to expanded roles.
“The schedule is very challenging as always,” Orrick said.
The Pirates hope the combination of returning experience and continued development will allow them to build momentum throughout the season.
“This group should get better as the year progresses,” Orrick said.
Ultimately, Piper’s goal is to use its veteran core to push toward the postseason and make a run once it gets there.
“Hopefully we can lean on our returning starters to make a run into the playoffs,” Orrick said.
With nine starters back and a group of experienced seniors and juniors leading the way, Piper enters the 2026 season believing it has the pieces to turn last year’s .500 record into a postseason push.
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