Scotch Plains-Fanwood Football Opens at Westfield on Thursday

Head coach Shawn Johnson has three words for what Scotch Plains-Fanwood football focused on this offseason: bigger, faster, stronger. The Raiders open their 2026 season Thursday, August 27, at 4:00 p.m. at Westfield's Kehler Stadium.

"We do have our opening game on Thursday vs. Westfield that we are definitely looking forward to," Johnson said. "It will be good to get back to playing our rivals on the football field."

The Raiders finished last season 2-7 overall and 1-3 in the Big Central Conference's United Gold Division. Several key contributors from that squad have since graduated, including starting quarterback Logan Weiss, leading receiver and defensive back Dan McArdle, and defensive contributors Paul Boyle, Alexander Chen, and Callum Fynes.

Johnson pointed to the youth of last year's roster as context heading into 2026. "We were very young as a squad last year, and we're hoping that the experience that these players received last season, assisted in their growth for this coming season," he said.

Senior Nick Marranca is set to contribute on both the offensive and defensive lines. Senior Andrew Lourenco is expected to take on expanded responsibilities at linebacker and running back, while seniors Yassir Oates and JJ Robinson are each expected to step into larger roles at wide receiver and cornerback, and wide receiver and linebacker, respectively. Junior Marcus Schomberg will see time at quarterback.

Among the younger contributors, sophomores Joey Reeves (wide receiver/linebacker), Avery Snow (free safety/running back), and Lyric Snow (linebacker/running back) are expected to see action, as are freshmen Pat Boyle (offensive line/defensive line) and Anthony Kriznauski (linebacker/running back). Junior Ryan McCann will see time at cornerback and wide receiver.

"We expect quite a few players to step up this season," Johnson said. "My expectation for this year's team is to come out and compete to the best of their abilities every single game as well as in practice."

The schedule continues with Linden at home on Thursday, September 3, at 7:00 p.m., then at Cranford Memorial Field on Thursday, September 10, at 7:00 p.m. Home games follow against Carteret on Friday, September 18, at 7:00 p.m., and North Hunterdon on Friday, September 25, at 7:00 p.m. Road games are scheduled at South Plainfield on Friday, October 2, at 6:00 p.m., and at Gov. Livingston on Friday, October 9, at 7:00 p.m. The Raiders host Summit on Friday, October 16, at 7:00 p.m., before closing at New Brunswick on Friday, October 23, at 6:00 p.m.

"We have so much to prove as a program, so all of our games are important to us," Johnson said.

Union County Life covers Scotch Plains sports and community news. Find more Scotch Plains events, businesses, and local news on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: When does Scotch Plains-Fanwood football open the 2026 season?
A: The Raiders open Thursday, August 27, at 4:00 p.m. at Westfield's Kehler Stadium.

Q: What is Coach Johnson's focus for the 2026 season?
A: Head coach Shawn Johnson emphasizes three priorities: bigger, faster, stronger.

Q: What was last season's record?
A: The Raiders finished 2-7 overall and 1-3 in the Big Central Conference's United Gold Division.

Q: Which key players graduated?
A: Starting quarterback Logan Weiss, leading receiver and defensive back Dan McArdle, and defensive contributors Paul Boyle, Alexander Chen, and Callum Fynes have graduated.

Q: Who are the returning seniors?
A: Senior Nick Marranca, Andrew Lourenco, Yassir Oates, and JJ Robinson are expected to contribute significantly.

Q: Who is the quarterback this season?
A: Junior Marcus Schomberg will see time at quarterback.

Q: What does Coach Johnson say about the young roster?
A: Johnson noted, "We were very young as a squad last year, and we're hoping that the experience that these players received last season, assisted in their growth for this coming season."

Q: Which sophomores will contribute?
A: Sophomores Joey Reeves, Avery Snow, and Lyric Snow are expected to see action.

Q: When is the next game after Westfield?
A: The Raiders host Linden at home on Thursday, September 3, at 7:00 p.m.

Q: When is the season finale?
A: The season closes at New Brunswick on Friday, October 23, at 6:00 p.m.