New Face at QB, Familiar Name in the Record Book: Lakeland Tops Wellsboro in Opener
By: Doug Noldy | SportzWire | August 29, 2026 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus
SCOTT TOWNSHIP — The Lakeland Chiefs opened the 2026 season with a 27-6 victory over the Wellsboro Hornets Saturday night, but the win was about more than just getting Week 1 in the win column.
It was also the beginning of a new chapter at quarterback and a night that saw Lakeland history made.
With starting quarterback Rocco Spataro sidelined with an injury, Jackson Pochas stepped into the starting role and looked more than comfortable in his debut.
Lakeland helped settle Pochas into the game early, orchestrating a methodical 15-play drive that ended with the junior quarterback finding the end zone on a 13-yard touchdown run.
Pochas continued to make plays in the second quarter, connecting with Jacob Passiment on a 21-yard touchdown pass to extend the Chiefs’ lead to 13-0.
Wellsboro, however, refused to go away.
On the final play of the first half, Hornets quarterback Griffin Morral scored on a 2-yard touchdown run, cutting Lakeland’s advantage to 13-6 heading into halftime.
The Chiefs answered in the second half.
Junior running back Evan Lozinski found the end zone twice, scoring on runs of 19 and 5 yards as Lakeland pulled away and Wellsboro was unable to get any closer.
Lozinski finished the night with 48 rushing yards on eight carries, with the majority of his production coming in the second half.
While Lakeland’s offense produced plenty of highlights, one of the biggest moments of the night came from senior wide receiver Chase Rosenkrans.
Rosenkrans officially became Lakeland’s all-time career receptions leader, recording his 137th career reception and moving into the top spot in program history.
The senior finished the night with 10 receptions for 52 yards.
Pochas turned in an impressive all-around performance in his first start. He led the Chiefs with 100 rushing yards and a touchdown while completing 16 of 17 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown.
For Lakeland, Week 1 brought a little bit of everything… a win, a sophomore quarterback answering the call and a senior receiver putting his name atop the program record book.
The Chiefs move to 1-0 and will hit the road next week, traveling to the Black Turf at Lake-Lehman.
Wellsboro will look to rebound at home when the Hornets host Cowanesque Valley.
Final: Lakeland 27, Wellsboro 6.
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