Tonawanda enters 2026 with new varsity voice, returning two-way production

Overview

• Shawn Keleman moves into the Tonawanda varsity head coaching role after three years as modified head coach and five years as a varsity assistant.
• Keleman said Tonawanda has "a lot of talent this year" as the Timberwolves look to build trust and play together.
• Nick Graf returns after a 2025 season that included 431 receiving yards, four touchdown catches, 71 total tackles, an interception, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
• Owen Ford added 139 rushing yards, 67 receiving yards, two total touchdowns, 44 total tackles and a sack as a junior in 2025.
• Tonawanda's schedule includes four home dates at Clint Small Stadium and road trips to JFK, Cleveland Hill, Springville and North Tonawanda.

Tonawanda Timberwolves Football Preview

Shawn Keleman enters the 2026 football season leading Tonawanda's varsity program after years spent inside the Timberwolves' football structure.

Keleman said he was the program's modified head coach for the past three years and also spent the past five years as a varsity assistant. Before that, he coached little league football for 12 years.

His coaching view starts with connection.

"I believe when you build trust with your team they play as a family, and are there for each other," Keleman said.

That makes the 2026 season a reset built around belief and patience. Keleman described the team's outlook simply: "We have a lot of talent this year we're looking to finally win a game."

Returning Production

Tonawanda has several two-way contributors back from 2025.

Senior WR/DB Nick Graf is one of the team's top returning producers. As a junior in 2025, he caught 20 passes for 431 yards and four touchdowns, added 76 rushing yards, and made 71 total tackles. Graf also had an interception, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown.

Senior RB/LB Owen Ford gives the Timberwolves another two-way returner. His 2025 season included 45 carries for 139 yards and two touchdowns, six receptions for 67 yards, 44 total tackles and one sack.

Junior DB/WR Collin Graf brings back defensive production after recording 48 total tackles, four passes defended and a fumble recovery as a sophomore in 2025. Junior QB/WR/DB Logan Harroun had 37 total tackles, a sack and two passes defended last fall.

Senior OL/DL Joel Will gives Tonawanda another experienced piece up front after an 18-tackle junior season in 2025.

Schedule Landmarks

Tonawanda's listed schedule begins with two home games at Clint Small Stadium: Eden/North Collins on Sept. 3 and Barker/Roy-Hart on Sept. 11.

The Timberwolves then travel to JFK on Sept. 18 before returning home to face Akron on Sept. 25. Both games are listed for 7 p.m.

October opens with a road game at Cleveland Hill on Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. Tonawanda hosts Alden on Oct. 9, then visits Springville on Oct. 15 and North Tonawanda on Oct. 23 to close the listed regular-season schedule.

For Tonawanda, the season's shape is clear: a new varsity head coach, a handful of returning two-way contributors and a schedule that gives the Timberwolves four home chances to show growth at Clint Small Stadium.