Allport- There was a time, not so long ago that West Branch football was synonymous with District 6 power programs. The tradition was a rich one, but then the Warriors’ program spiraled downward. Back to back winless seasons had the Allport faithful doubting hopes of ever seeing another win, let alone a postseason run.
Enter Coach Kenn Vandevander.
Vandevander, or simply Coach Kenn (with two N’s) took over the West Branch program in 2026 and hasn’t looked back.
He was an assistant at Tyrone for years and brought with him a positive winning tradition and a culture that the Warriors bought into.
Victories over Claysburg-Kimmel and Curwensville gave Allport hope, but in an upset win over playoff bound Glendale suddenly gave West Branch new life entering Week 10.
A season-finale win over winless Tussey Mountain and losses by Portage, Northern Cambria and Purchase Line would put the Warriors improbable season into the PIAA District 6 1A playoffs.
West Branch ran over Tussey Mountain 36-0 and the unlikely losses by all three above mentioned teams happened.
The Warriors and Coach Kenn found themselves in the PIAA District 6 1A playoff field at 4-6.
West Branch earned the seven-seed, which means a date with 8-2 Homer-Center. Yes, Bucktail fans that’s the same Homer-Center that escaped the wrath of Bucktail in the 1985 District 6 Class A title game by a 9-6 score at Painter Stadium in Lock Haven.
The 2026 rendition of the Wildcats’ program has rolled through their schedule, with their only losses coming to undefeated Cambria Heights and 7-3 Marion Center (The Stingers).
Gabe Cobaugh and Carson Arone lead a deadly rushing attack for the Wildcats. Both are closing in on 1,000-yard seasons and may hit the mark against the Warriors. Cobaugh is at 887 yards and Arone sits at 986 yards.
Arone has also thrown for 968 yards in 2026.
Coach Kenn is thrilled that his seniors earned another game, but he’s made it clear that West Branch isn’t just here for a Hallmark “Feel Good” story. They are here to win.
One of those West Branch seniors is Conner Danko. Danko could very well be the best athlete in the entire playoff field. Danko has scorched defenders for 1,077 yards through the air and 8 touchdowns. He’s also ran for 615 yards and 9 more scores.
Frankie Leskovansky is his top target with 3 touchdowns and 303 yards. Fellow seniors Justin Esposito Jr. and Brayden Williamson have had stellar seasons too in the passing game. Williamson’s 313 yards leads the all Warrior wideouts.
Neither teams have a common opponent during 2026, so this one is wide open and if the underdog Warriors head back to Allport in defeat, for Coach Kenn it’s still a success.
Kickoff from Homer-Center is set for 7pm Friday night.
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