Tyler Hartranft-Hamburg

Tyler Hartranft was the offensive coordinator at Hamburg in 2022 and 2023. After spending last season as the OC at Pottsville, Hartranft is grateful and excited to be back on Hawk Hill. “I wasn’t gonna just go for any position. It needed to be the right fit, a place I think we could find success. Hamburg checked all the boxes,” he said. The Hawks return seven starters on defense and six on offense from a team that finished (6-5, 4-3). “The kids are hungry. We have talent. I work in the building, know the culture of the school so for me it was a no-brainer. When the opportunity came, I jumped at it,” replied Hartranft. Matt Hoffert resigned after going (21-13) over the past three years. Hamburg ended up fourth in Section 5 of the Lancaster-Lebanon League last fall. The Hawks fell to North Pocono 41-0 in the Eastern Conference 4A championship. Hamburg hasn’t had a losing season since 2018.

Hartranft is a graduate of King’s College. He was the wide receivers coach there from 2015-18 before becoming the passing game coordinator at McDaniel College. Hartranft spent 2020 as the quarterbacks coach at Spring-Ford. He then helped Xander Menapace set numerous school records at Hamburg. The Hawks soared to the District 3 semifinals in 2022. This year they have to replace two of the top players in program history. Tyler Shuey set school records with 4,256 career passing yards and 37 touchdown passes. His go-to guy also graduated. Ty Werley established program records with 104 career catches and 1,788 receiving yards. Junior Isaak Stewart and freshman Isaac McFadden are competing for the quarterback position. McFadden is a name that you will want to remember. Blaise Ernst should get a heavy workload at running back. The 5’8, 170-pound junior has been getting carries since his freshman campaign. Mason Strunk (6’4, 205) is another junior to keep an eye on. “He should be on people’s radar. He’s gonna be one of the best tight ends in the league this year. I’m pretty confident in that,” stated Hartranft. Ethan Horvath, Owen Bentz, and Alex Soto will be the targets on the outside for either McFadden or Stewart. Astian Reppert (6’3, 235) and Cayden Mason (6’, 220) will be counted on in the trenches.

Section 5 is expected to be extremely competitive this fall. Schuylkill Valley won the section title outright a season ago. The 51st Frost Bowl is set for October 10th in Leesport. The Panthers won the rivalry matchup 30-21 last year. They lead the all-time series (25-24-1). “It’s extremely important…It’s been a couple years since Hamburg has had the trophy. Schuylkill Valley proudly displayed it at their basketball game and our guys didn’t forget that. That one is circled,” noted Hartranft. The Hawks will host Berks Catholic following the contest with Schuylkill Valley. Lancaster Catholic will also be a tough out in Section 5. “It’s really gonna be tough each and every week. I think it’s a great league overall,” said Hartranft. His debut as a head coach comes on August 22nd at Octorara.