Chris Walkowiak knows that low numbers in his football program won’t prevent success.

As he enters his 11th year at Palmerton, Walkowiak accepts the fact that a 28-player roster might be an inconvenience, but it’s not going to be an excuse.

“We have experienced small rosters before,” Walkowiak said. “As a staff, we are creative in practices on how to accomplish the necessary items for us to be competitive week in and week out.”

Several players have stepped up and have helped ease the worries for the Bombers during offseason and early season workouts.

Lucas Heydt is showing true senior leadership in taking on as many as four different positions this season. Classmates James Denicola, Harrison Dailey and Jeremy Mooney lend a helping hand, taking on three different positions.

“Our players embrace the challenges and do their part by learning multiple positions,” said Walkowiak. “For some of these players, this is nothing new and it keeps things interesting for them while allowing us to utilize many of their talents.”

Sophomore skill players Ty Sander and Stephen Jones, along with linemen Clayton Christman and Zack Anthony, may be young, but they’re all experienced and will chip in when needed.

“This is a huge credit to them on how they adapt to our teaching of schemes and their willingness to learn them so they can play each position with confidence and at a high level,” Walkowiak said. “I have total faith and belief in the players and coaching staff to get the job done.”

One Bomber has already staked claim to a key position this season. A year after sharing the role, sophomore Matt Machalik will take exclusive reigns of the quarterback position.

“He had an extremely productive freshman season and made tremendous strides each and every week last season,” Walkowiak said. “He is a great competitor with a refuse-to-lose attitude. He can make plays with his arm and his feet.”

Machalik’s co-quarterback a year ago was Cole Serfass, who led the team with 141 rushes for 964 yards and 11 touchdowns. Serfass has decided to devote himself to baseball this fall and will not play football.

Machalik displayed last year that he is up to the task of playing under center as he led Palmerton in completions (39), attempts (95), yards (664), and touchdowns (nine) last year. Machalik also showed the ability to run the ball as he carried 80 times for 451 yards and four TDs.

“We have many talented players that can be called on at any time to play effectively in our backfield,” Walkowiak said. “Each has a unique running style, which will allow us to be creative with our packages and plays.”

Heydt and Denicola will join Machalik as dangerous offensive weapons, giving the Bombers three athletic playmakers. Daniel Lucykanish is also being counted on at the receiver position.

The Bombers did take a hit in the trenches. But Jeremy Mooney and Zack Anthony return to lead the offensive line, while Anthony and Shade Klotz will be keys on the defensive line.

“We were definitely hit hard up front by graduation - losing veteran players like Owen Buck, Tim Iles, Hunter Connell, Brody Muniz will be a challenge,” Walkowiak said. “However, I’m confident that we have a hungry bunch of linemen ready to step up and establish themselves on both sides of the ball.”

Heydt, Denicola and Dailey will lead a group of linebackers that “can move and cover ground” according to Walkowiak.

Lucykanish returns in the secondary after a solid performance a year ago. Dalton Drake, Machalik and Robinson will also play in the defensive backfield.

“We need to control what we can control,” Walkowiak said. “We need to play disciplined, do our assigned job, accept our roles, and play selfless football.”

A year ago, the Bombers played a pair of District 11 playoff games and finished with 3-5 overall record.

What does Walkowiak think this year’s team can accomplish?

“We break things down into one play at a time - we want our kids to win their play. If we win enough plays during the game, we should be in a pretty good position at the end of the game,” he said. “Ultimately we want to be playing meaningful games at the end of the season and into the playoffs.”

QUARTERBACKS

After sharing time at the position last year, Matt Machalik steps into sole possession of the quarterback spot this season. Lucas Heydt and Harrison Dailey can also play the position.

RUNNING BACKS

Coach Walkowiak has many talented players that can be called on to carry the ball this season, and some of those include Lucas Heydt, James Denicola, Stephen Jones, Emilio Gonzalez and Ty Sander. All five Bombers have taken reps and have done some impressive things during the preseason.

WIDE RECEIVERS

The Bombers’ air attack took off last season, and Walkowiak has the talent at wide receiver and the slot position to make the most of it once again. Expected to contribute are Lucas Heydt, James Denicola, Daniel Lucykanish and Harrison Dailey, who all return from last year. Dalton Drake, Stephen Jones, Ty Sander and Kendall Robinson add plenty of depth.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The Bombers took a hit up front due to graduation. The staff hopes Jeremy Mooney and Zack Anthony, who have the most returning experience, can fill some of those shoes and get things done in the trenches. The Bombers do have a solid cast learning and working hard to bulk up the OL, including Clayton Christman, Shea Finney, Shade Klotz, Dan Haskins and Alexander Konze.

DEFENSIVE LINE

The Bombers return familiar pieces on the defensive line in Zack Anthony and Shade Klotz, who are two high-motor lineman that have plenty of talent. Clayton Christman, Shea Finney, Dan Haskins and Jeremy Mooney are others the Bombers will look to for some significant contributions on the DL.

LINEBACKERS

Walkowiak welcomes back a number of talented linebackers, as Lucas Heydt, James Denicola, Harrison Dailey, Emilio Gonzalez, Ty Sander and Stephen Jones are individuals who can all move and cover ground.

SECONDARY

Last season, Daniel Lucykanish was a key factor in the secondary, and he’s back to do it again. Looking to assist Lucykanish this season are Dalton Drake, Matt Machalik, and Kendall Robinson. If needed, plenty of the linebackers can also transition into secondary roles.