Gridiron openers
Ike travels to Iroquois, Warren hosts Seneca
Times Observer File Photo by Steve Younger In this 2025 file photo, Eisenhower’s Nolan Gesing looks for room to run.
Times Observer File Photo by Steve Younger In this 2025 file photo, Eisenhower’s Joe Gigliotti breaks a long run.
Times Observer File Photo by Steve Younger In this 2025 file photo, Eisenhower’s Nolan Gesing looks for room to run.
Times Observer File Photo by Steve Younger In this 2025 file photo, Eisenhower’s Joe Gigliotti breaks a long run.
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If the Eisenhower football team, which opens its season at 7 tonight at Iroquois, wants to make another playoff run as it has done for the past seven years, the younger players will have to fill some big shoes.
Lost to graduation are 2025 Region 3 Player of the Year Caleb Jakubczak, who has taken his skills to Division I Mercyhurst University; all-region tight end/defensive end Gavin Lindemuth, who will be playing at Edinboro; and all-region running back/linebacker Logan Penley. Penley and Jakubczak, a quarterback and defensive back, accounted for nearly 6,600 yards and 58 touchdowns during their careers. Eisenhower will also need to replace all-region lineman Grayson Linkerhof.
The cupboard is far from bare, though, as the Knights return five all-region players.
Assuming the quarterback duties will be senior Joe Gigliotti, who in limited reps last season threw for 123 yards with a pair of touchdowns. A dual-threat, he has also rushed for 475 yards in his career, was named to the all-region team as an athlete and is the District 10 mile champion in track.
Other returnees include running back/linebacker Nolan Gesing; wide receiver/defensive back Ollie Boozer; all-region offensive linemen Bryce Coleson and Jacob Stuart, along with Carson Sobkowski, who was a two-way starter last season.
Head coach Jim Penley, who enters his 23rd season with a 118-113 overall record, including 87-56 in the region, is optimistic about the Knights this fall.
"We lost several talented and record-breaking players to graduation," he said. "While they will be tough to replace, we do return some very capable players who have gained a lot of experience over the past couple of years as far as close games, in addition to gaining valuable playoff experience.
"We have a large number of freshmen. While they may be young, they are a talented group who are starting to make a mark on the program."
The key for the Knights will be developing depth and staying healthy.
"We have moved up to AAA and, with a smaller roster compared to most schools, health and depth can often be the difference," Penley said. "But with a talented group of underclassmen we certainly have the potential to be competitive."
WARREN TAKES ON SENECA
Warren opens its 2026 season at 7 tonight against Seneca at War Memorial Field.
It will also be the first game under new head coach Jodi Baum, who brings 30 years of coaching experience.