Each Friday night that Palmerton takes to the gridiron, it’s far from a one-man show.

Even though the Bombers have looked to Matt Machalik to point them in the right direction each game day, Palmerton head coach Chris Walkowiak stressed everyone knows their role on game night.

“We stress all the time about doing your job and role for the team,” said Walkowiak, who enters his 13th season as head coach. “They understand football is not a one-man show and we all need to do our parts if we want to be successful. Matt is an extremely talented player that we are very fortunate to have at Palmerton.

“However, he will be the first to tell you it is a team sport and a lot of what he has accomplished came from the help and support of his teammates. This year is no different as we have an excellent nucleus of players back that have experience upfront in the trenches along with our skill sets.”

A year after playing a part in the Bombers finishing 6-4 overall (4-3 CL Red Division) and chipping in on the team making it to the District Class 3A semifinals, there are plenty of talented individuals back this season.

Lining up behind the highly touted signal caller seniors Stephen Jones, Emilio Gonzalez and Ty Sander who will share the rushing chores.

“Our running backs this year each bring their own style to the backfield,” Walkowiak said. “Jones has experience for us and can be very explosive. Sander is coming off an injury last season where he missed the second half of the season. He brings a downhill running style element and is always looking to fight for the extra yard. Gonazalez is a big back that runs with power and has made great strides over the season to help him in all facets of his game.”

Next in line will are players looking to make themselves open for Machalik out on passing routes. They will also being taking over for a receivers who helped Machalik to write another page in the Bombers’ record books.

In addition to Jameson Trainer and Brayden Hosier, Jones, Sander and Gonzalez will often line up in the slot. Bryce Marino, Jackson Stein, Alex Keiper, Trace Stahler and Aidan Ortiz will chip in as wide receivers.

“Our wide receiver set has a bunch of receivers that are making each other better daily by the competition in practice and we are excited about what they bring to the table as a collective group,” Walkowiak said. “At slot and wide receiver, we have some nice depth, and the players can make plays and more importantly block which is key for our offense.”

Machalik should feel comfortable once again behind center, knowing how much time he has each step-back, as the majority of those in front of him return for another season.

Upfront the Bombers have three seniors, led by four-year starter Zack Anthony, who was All-Colonial League last season. Also up front are two three-year starters in Clayton Christman - a returning captain - and Alex Konze. Logan Anthony and Beau Stahler are back after starting as freshmen last season.

Defensively the Bombers return linebackers Emilo Gonzalez, Bryce Marino, Ty Sander, Jameson Trainer, Jackson Stein, James Mack, who according to Walkowiak, “has a love for defense and have a nose for the ball.”

As of the defensive line, it’s almost a mirror image of the offensive line with Zach Anthony, Logan Anthony, Clayton Christman and Alex Konze playing both lines. Beau Stahler and Trace Stahler add depth.

Machalik also “patrols the middle of the field with the best of them” in the Bombers secondary. There to compliment in the back are Stephen Jones, who is versatile enough to play linebacker as well, Alex Keiper, Brayden Hosier, Aidan Ortiz, Troy Wambold, Trace Stahler who have all had an excellent pre-season camp and add key depth to the secondary.

While all the pieces are pretty much in place for the Bombers entering opening night, Walkowiak and his Bomber squad want to focus on the obvious each week.

“We always want to put a quality product out on and off the field when you put on a Bomber uniform,” Walkowiak said. “The selfless play and willingness to learn multiple positions by many will help us as we strive to get right back to where we were in the playoffs last season and then look to take the next step in the program by playing in key meaningful games late in the season and winning them.”

POSITION BREAKDOWN

QUARTERBACKS

All eyes will be on senior signal-caller Matt Machalik, who enters his fourth and final season under center for the Bombers. Machalik returns with intentions of surpassing and extending his record-breaking career numbers. He led the team in rushing (1,216 yards, 21 touchdowns) and passing (2,554 yards, 31 touchdowns) last year. Jameson Trainer will serve once again as the Bombers’ back-up signal-caller.

RUNNING BACKS

The Bombers will rely on a triple threat in the backfield, as seniors Stephen Jones, Ty Sander and Emilio Gonzalez all look to bring their own style of running. Jones (290 yards, 4.60 yards per carry, 4 TDs), Sander (off a second half injury, 90 yards, 4.50 yards per carry) and Gonzalez will all be looked to contribute to the Bomber ground game.

WIDE RECEIVERS

The Bombers took a hit at receiver due to graduation. However, Bryce Marino (14 receptions, 129 yards), Jones (9 receptions, 92 yards), Sander (4 receptions, 50 yards) and Jackson Stein all return as potential targets for Machalik. Gonzalez and Braden Hosier will also line up on the slot, while Alex Keiper, Trace Stahler and Aidan Ortiz add depth to the receiving position.

OFFENSIVE LINE

All-league Zack Anthony returns as a four-year starter on the Bomber front, while classmate Clayton Christman is back for a third straight year. Sophomores Logan Anthony and Beau Stahler also saw a lot of action a year ago. Both senior Alex Konze and freshman Luis Santiago are also expected to make an impact in the trenches.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Brother tandem Zack and Logan Anthony, as well as Alex Konze and Clayton Christman, all return with a ton of game experience. Trace Stahler and Beau Stahler will both see action on the D-line.

LINEBACKERS

Emilio Gonzalez, Bryce Marino, Jackson Stein, Ty Sander, Jameson Trainer, Trace Stahler and James Mack all enjoy their roles on defense at linebacker. The Bombers allowed 304.9 yards per game a year ago.

SECONDARY

Matt Machalik leads the Bombers’ secondary, as he patrols the middle of the field with the best of them. Stephen Jones adds experience but is also versatile enough to play linebacker. Alex Keiper, Braden Hosier, Troy Wambold and Aidan Ortiz all add depth to the secondary.