Lakeland High School is gearing up for its 2026 football campaign, but the excitement is tempered by a significant setback: star junior quarterback Rocco Spataro will sit out the entire season after sustaining a serious arm injury.
The injury blow
Spataro, a two‑time All‑Region track athlete and the District 2 Class 2A javelin champion of last year, was slated to take over the starting role vacated by David Naniewicz. His blend of arm strength, agility and football IQ made him the centerpiece of the offense and a vocal leader on the field.
Coach David Piwowarczyk described the situation as devastating, noting that Spataro’s leadership and deep understanding of Lakeland’s offensive and defensive schemes were indispensable. ‘We’re not just missing a player; we’re losing a coach on the ground,’ Piwowarczyk said.
Quarterback reshuffle
Enter Jackson Pochas. The All‑Region defensive back and Lackawanna Football Conference Division II Coaches’ all‑star wide receiver will make the switch to quarterback. Pochas brings a knack for making big plays, having amassed 257 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in the previous season, and his defensive instincts should help shape a new‑look offense.
The season opens at home against Wellsboro on Saturday at 5:30 p.m., a matchup that will test the team’s early chemistry. Subsequent weeks will bring tests against traditional powerhouses such as Northwestern Lehigh, Allentown Central Catholic and Bethlehem Catholic, each of which brings a storied history and high expectations.
While the road ahead is uncertain, Lakeland’s coaching staff remains focused on developing Pochas and preserving the culture of resilience that defined last year’s District 2 Class 2A championship squad. The community watches closely, hopeful that the team can navigate this transition and keep its winning tradition alive.