Thursday, October 1, 2026
A senior-heavy Mepham team that came within a game of the Conference II finals last season returns with an experienced roster determined to make the most of one final run together.
The Pirates went 8-2 and reached the conference semifinals a year ago, and enter this fall seeded fourth. Head coach Tom Mazeika, now in his 23rd year coaching football at Mepham, believes a group that has enjoyed success together since middle school is ready to take another shot at its ultimate goal.
Leading the offense is junior quarterback Adam Erlichman, who began last season as the backup before taking over in Week 2. Erlichman made an immediate impact by leading a 90-yard touchdown drive and continued to improve from there.
“I’ve been at Mepham a while and he’s got a shot to be as good of a quarterback we’ve had,” Mazeika said.
Mazeika praised Erlichman’s poise and work ethic, along with his ability to make plays both through the air and with his legs. With an experienced group of receivers around him, Mazeika believes the Pirates can be more explosive offensively and throw the ball more frequently.
Senior Lucas Eagleston headlines that receiving corps after earning All-County honors. An explosive playmaker who Mazeika said can score anytime he touches the ball, Eagleston will also take on a larger role in the secondary.
Joining him is Ryan McCabe, another senior who gives Erlichman a big target capable of going up and getting the football, while classmate Tyler Gaskin will contribute at receiver and cornerback after a strong offseason.
At linebacker, Paul Genovese is one of the leaders of the defense and will also receive carries at running back. Mazeika called the senior “the heart of our team,” praising his toughness and effort.
Senior William Braun provides another veteran presence at linebacker and on the offensive line, while James Condoulis, also a senior, will start on both lines. Mazeika praised Condoulis for his technique and considers him one of the team’s physically strongest players.
Another physical presence on both lines is senior William Entler. “He’ll get a little bit nasty,” Mazeika said. “Which is what you want from a lineman.”
The Pirates graduated several players up front, creating opportunities for others to take on larger roles. Senior Connor Flynn has a chance to start on both lines, with Mazeika impressed by his size and footwork. Senior William Ragone brings toughness and physicality after seeing time last season.
Senior Andrew Fleming will contribute at receiver and defensive end, where he brings good hands and blocking ability on offense and is an effective pass rusher defensively. Kellen Franquiz, also a senior, returns to football after not playing the past two seasons and has emerged as one of the surprises of camp with his athleticism and ball skills in the secondary.
Sophomore John Cloudman is another versatile option after moving up from junior varsity. He will back up Erlichman and could see time as a Wildcat quarterback, running back and defensive back.
Mepham’s depth in the secondary gives Mazeika flexibility to experiment with different defensive packages, while a reshaped offensive line is expected to bring plenty of physicality. That gives this year’s team a different makeup than recent Pirates squads, and Mazeika plans to play to those strengths.
Mepham opens against MacArthur, faces local rival Calhoun in Week 2 and top seeded Garden City in Week 5 before a Week 6 rematch with Long Beach. The Pirates defeated the Marines handily earlier last season before Long Beach won the rematch in the county semifinals. Mepham then closes the regular season against a tough Carey squad.
For a senior class accustomed to winning, the goal is to make sure its final season lasts as long as possible.
“This senior group is a group of kids that, from middle school, they’ve won a lot of games,” Mazeika said. “They’re used to winning. They expect to win. They want to hopefully be playing for a county championship when it’s all said and done.”
To read more from the Herald's 2026 High School Football Preview, click here.
