JFK builds second varsity season around Wing-T run game, stronger line play

Overview

• Jeff Sabatino is back leading JFK after earlier head-coaching stints from 2005-21 and 2025-present.
• Sabatino said JFK is in its second year bringing back varsity football and wants to improve on last year's 3-5 record.
• JFK's offense is built around a true Wing-T power identity, with four returning starters on the offensive line.
• Sophomore Shayne Ciszewski is set to start at quarterback, and Sabatino said the run-first offense will ask him to control the group.
• JFK opens at Wilson on Sept. 4 and hosts Tonawanda in its home opener on Sept. 18.

JFK 2026 Football Preview

Jeff Sabatino sees JFK's 2026 season as the next step in rebuilding varsity football.

Sabatino, JFK's head coach from 2005-21 and again from 2025-present, said the program is in its second year back at the varsity level and wants to improve on last year's 3-5 record while competing for a playoff spot.

That path starts with a physical offensive identity. JFK wants to be a true Wing-T power football team, run the ball, and control tempo.

Line Sets The Foundation

Sabatino said JFK returns four starters on the offensive line, and that group is the base for the team's run-first approach.

Jayden Tirado, Dom Bruscani, Sean Moser, Jackson Warner and Cooper Collier are the offensive linemen Sabatino named as anchors. Sabatino said they have been among the team's strongest offseason weight-room performers.

Tirado, a senior OL-DT, is also one of the team's primary leaders. Sabatino called him "one of our strongest players" and said he anchors the line.

Shayan Khan and Terrell Taylor are expected to rotate on the defensive line, where Sabatino said they bring "a quicker more explosive look." Defensively, JFK plans to work from an old-school 6-2 look and wants to be more aggressive than it was last season.

Run Game And Quarterback

Sophomore Shayne Ciszewski is set to start at quarterback. Sabatino said JFK is a run-first team and will ask Ciszewski to control the offense.

The backfield has several names to watch. Tyler Piniewski is the player Sabatino identified as a potential breakout candidate. Piniewski, a sophomore RB/LB, showed defensive production as a freshman in 2025 with 19 tackles, four sacks, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Jayzell Johnson is the special-teams player Sabatino said could make a difference. Johnson also gives JFK returning rushing production after carrying 58 times for 260 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore in 2025.

Ayden White added 192 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 2025, while Luke Cipressi had 34 tackles and a fumble recovery from his fullback-linebacker spot.

Anthony Gordon is another player Sabatino wants readers to know in a larger role. Gordon, a junior FB/LB, is also one of JFK's primary leaders.

"Anthony Gordon - he is our vocal and emotional team leader in practice and game day," Sabatino wrote.

Areas To Grow

JFK's goals are tied to playing cleaner football as the season develops.

Sabatino said JFK needs to limit offensive mistakes and self-inflicted wounds. On defense, he said the group needs to become better tacklers.

The broader program story is growth. Sabatino said JFK did not have a varsity program two years ago and now has 33 players on the roster. A successful season, in his view, means reaching the playoffs.

Schedule Landmarks

JFK opens Sept. 4 at Wilson at Walter J. Hutchison Stadium, then visits Springville on Sept. 11.

JFK's home opener is scheduled for Sept. 18 against Tonawanda at John F. Kennedy High School's Turf Field.

JFK stays home Sept. 25 against Alden, then travels to Barker/Roy-Hart on Oct. 2. JFK hosts Eden/North Collins on Oct. 8, visits Cleveland Hill on Oct. 17 and closes the regular-season schedule Oct. 23 at home against Akron.

For JFK, the season is about turning a restarted varsity program into a playoff contender. If the offensive line can power the Wing-T, Ciszewski can manage the offense and the defense can tackle with more edge, Sabatino's group has a clear blueprint for moving forward.