A new era for the Tigers
For more than a decade the Tioga Tigers have been a benchmark of success in New York high school football, capturing twelve Section IV Class D titles and five state championships across sixteen seasons. Their legacy is built on relentless competition and a community that rallies around the program.
The 2025 season concluded with longtime head coach Nick Aiello stepping down after the final game, choosing to devote more time to his family. Aiello’s departure marks the end of an era that saw the Tigers consistently contend at the highest level of Section IV.
Jake Howland takes the reins
Jake Howland, a 2014 Tioga graduate who previously served as an assistant, has been promoted to head coach. Howland returns to the program with a deep understanding of its culture and expectations, bringing a fresh perspective while honoring the traditions that have defined Tioga football.
His coaching staff is composed entirely of former Tigers players, including Tyler Spires, Connor Hutchinson and John Worthing. This continuity aims to preserve the team’s identity while injecting new energy into practice routines and game preparation.
The 2026 schedule features several marquee matchups, beginning with a September 4 opener against Delaware Academy. Additional conference opponents include Chenango Forks, Sidney and a slate of regional rivals that will test the Tigers early in the season.
Chenango Forks, which reached the Class C state championship game last year before falling to Bronxville, will provide a formidable early-season challenge. The Tigers’ final regular‑season contest is slated for October 23 against Spencer‑Van Etten/Candor, a game that could determine seeding for the playoffs.
With a blend of seasoned leadership and youthful talent, the Tioga Tigers are poised to continue their storied tradition. Fans and alumni alike are eager to see how the new coaching staff will translate the program’s rich heritage into another competitive season.