The Daniel Boone High School football program has endured a rough stretch, posting a 1-9 record over the last three seasons and missing the District 3 playoffs since 2021. The Blazers have struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball, scoring challenges and defensive lapses that have kept them at the bottom of the Lancaster‑Lebanon League.
A Fresh Coaching Direction
Enter Steven Pangburn, the former Fleetwood Area High School head coach, who was announced as the new head coach after J.D. Okuniewski’s departure. Pangburn brings a 6‑5 record in his first year at Fleetwood, but his overall head‑coaching résumé sits at 13‑28. He is now tasked with turning those modest wins into a sustainable culture at Daniel Boone.
Pangburn’s philosophy centers on incremental progress. Rather than demanding immediate breakthroughs, he emphasizes small victories in practice, film sessions and daily routines. ‘We’re building from the ground up,’ he said, ‘and every rep, every drill, every piece of film is an opportunity to improve.’
The coaching staff hopes that the lessons learned from his tenure at Fleetwood will translate into a more disciplined and cohesive unit. By instilling a new mindset, the Blazers aim to shift from a reactive approach to a proactive one, focusing on fundamentals and mental toughness.
Key Returning Players
Key returning players include quarterback Dominic Stoudt, running backs Jayden Salata and Mason Murphy, as well as tight end Tiegan Rickard. Senior leaders such as Salata and Rickard have voiced confidence that the team can break out of its recent malaise, citing the hardships they’ve endured as a catalyst for growth.
Stoudt, who will spearhead the offense, wants to set a tone of collective success. ‘It’s not about individual stats; it’s about the team clicking and winning together,’ he explained. The running game, anchored by Salata and Murphy, is expected to provide balance and open up play‑action opportunities.
Defensive Focus and Schedule
Defensively, the Blazers allowed 463 points last season, averaging 46 points per game. Improving that metric is a top priority, and the coaching staff has earmarked film study and tackling drills as focal points. ‘We need to tighten up on defense to stay competitive in Section 4,’ Pangburn noted.
The schedule will test the new‑look team against traditional powerhouses such as Wyomissing, Lampeter‑Strasburg and Twin Valley, as well as other Section 4 opponents. While the annual Iron Pig Bowl against the Exeter Eagles will not be on the calendar this year, the Blazers are focused on earning respect through performance rather than tradition.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 season approaches, the Blazers remain optimistic that the cultural shift initiated by Pangburn will translate into on‑field success. If the small wins in practice materialize into wins on game day, Daniel Boone could finally break free from its recent slump and re‑establish itself as a competitive force in the league.