Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/11/26
One of a series of scholastic previews for the 2026 season
Pennridge High School
League: Suburban One – National
Head Coach: Chris Pianko (11th year at Pennridge, 5th Year as head coach, 58-27 as head coach)
Assistants: Charlie Pianko, Stephen Hogan, Nicholas Fanelli, Adam Fantaskey, Aaron Kennedy
2025 Record: 17-6 (15-3 Regular Season)
2025 Team Honors: AAA State Playoff Berth, Suburban One -National Conference Champion
Opener date & opponent: March 13th vs. Southern Lehigh
Key returners: Reid Moyer, Tyler Borneman, Rocco Fanelli, Cole Nitterour, Sean Leuthe
Key newcomers: Matteo Fanneli
Coach’s Outlook for 2026: “We have a very small roster after losing many seniors the last few years, but our players are ready to compete and grow together to hopefully be playing our best lacrosse in May.”
Central Bucks East
League: Suburban One National Conference
Head Coach: Bruce Garcia – 29 years with CB East, 385 career wins
Coaching Staff: Joe Brodzik – Offensive Coordinator (17th year with CB East)
Billy Waldron – Defensive Coordinator (3rd year at CB East; former Wilson Head Coach)
Jim Mithofer – Goalie Coach
Zach Sharman – Assistant Coach & JV Coach (1st year with CB East; former CB East player who played collegiately at Providence College)
2025 Record: 13–5
2025 Team Honors: 3rd Place – Suburban One National Conference
District 1 Playoffs – Advanced to the 2nd Round
Season Opener: Friday, March 13 vs. Downingtown West – 3:45 PM
Key Returners:
Jackson Jagoda (Sr., SSDM/Mid – All-Conference)
Luke Walter (Sr., Defense)
Jack Williams (Sr., Attack)
Aiden Zimmerer (Sr., Midfield)
Grant Bullard (Sr., Midfield)
Oliver Rennie (Jr., LSM)
Ryan Williams (So., Attack)
Key Newcomers:
Joe O’Leary (Sr., SSDM – missed the 2025 season due to injury)
Eight talented freshmen expected to add depth to the roster.
Coach’s Outlook for 2026: “Last season we graduated 19 seniors, so this group looks different — but in a really exciting way. We have a strong core of returning starters, and we’re seeing a great balance of talent across every class.
“The Suburban One National Conference is always extremely competitive, and we know every game will be a challenge.
“The younger players have stepped up, our leadership has grown, and the chemistry within the team has been outstanding.
“What stands out most about this group is their togetherness. They’ve bought into the work, they support one another every day, and they’re playing with a shared sense of purpose this season.
“These players understand that this season is about more than wins and losses — it’s about representing something bigger than themselves every time they step on the field.
“I’m proud of how this group has handled the challenges over the past six months, and I truly believe that if we stay committed to each other and the process, this can be a special season for everyone in our program.
“Our program is also playing this season in memory of Frankie Pacitti, who meant a great deal to our team and community. His spirit and love for the game will remain part of our program moving forward.”
