After winning the 2024 WPIAL Class 4A championship and narrowly missing the playoffs last season, the Trojans enter 2026 with something to prove. They recently returned from a spring training trip to IMG Academy in Florida, where they faced strong competition and prepared for the season ahead.
“It’s the mecca of high school sports,” head coach Andy Przybylek said prior to the trip.
With that tradition as the backdrop, the Trojans are preparing for the 2026 season with high expectations. The narrow playoff miss from last year is something they’re eager to put behind them.
In a recent interview with The 228 Times, head coach Andy Przybylek shared his outlook for the upcoming season. The regular-season opener is set for March 20 against Chartiers-Houston.
Young Talented Team
Andy Przybylek and his coaching staff are emphasizing one thing above all else: fundamentals.
“Fundamentals are going to win some games for us this year,” he acknowledged.
The Trojans may be young, but they play with toughness and discipline beyond their years—a combination that has stood out throughout the offseason.
“It’s been fun watching these guys work hard,” Przybylek said. “Most of the returning varsity players have taken a big step forward and could make a major impact this year.”
This isn’t a team built on power alone. Instead of relying on three-run home runs, North Catholic expects to win with strong defense, timely hitting, and smart base running—while still having enough power throughout the lineup to capitalize when opportunities arise.
“We’re not the ’70s Orioles where a three-run homer is coming all the time,” stated Przybylek. “We’re going to be a fielding-first team with timely hitting, but we still have multiple guys who can put the ball over the wall. We’re going to be well-rounded.”
With a senior class that understands the responsibility of leadership, the Trojans are focused on playing hard, staying disciplined, and executing the fundamentals that define their approach.
“The kids know that when they play for me that I’m discussing fundamentals and hustling. We don’t have the depth that we’ve had in the past, but we do have some high-level talent,” said Przybylek.
Lessons from Last Season
For all of North Catholic’s success, last season served as a reminder that reaching the WPIAL 4A playoffs requires more than talent—it demands strength and conditioning.
The team spent spring training at the state-of-the-art IMG Academy in Florida where they took full advantage of classroom training from an Olympian, conditioning and strength training and playing their spring games on the IMG Stadium Field.
The team has focused on strength and conditioning during the winter months to help to minimize injuries.
The coaching staff believes that this team is prepared for the 2026 season both mentally and physically.
“These kids are prepared for the high-pressure moments. They have played a lot of baseball in their lives and have played high-end travel ball,” explained Przybylek.
“We throw a tremendous number of strikes,” Przybylek said. “If we control the defensive fielding aspect, we control the game.”
Players to Watch
Several seniors are expected to lead the Trojans this season, including Adam Mashuda, Ryker Kennedy and Peyton Varley.
“Left fielder, Ryker Kennedy, a football player, has started basically every game that he has played at North Catholic. He is a tough, high-energy kid and a player I really like,” Przybylek explained.
“Another senior leader is pitcher Peyton Marley. He has been outstanding for us the past two seasons. I’m excited to see how he is going to complete his career at North Catholic. Terrific kid,” said Przybylek.
“Versatile senior Adam Mashuda, an outstanding baseball player, who can consistently put the bat on the ball,” added Przybylek.
Several juniors could also play key roles, including Landon Eifler, Luca Guzowski, Brady Trout, Shane Erdlejac, and Will Trapani.
Younger players could also make an impact.
“We have sophomore catcher Matthew Madonna. Matthew will be a division one catcher at the next level,” said Przybylek.
Other notable young players that coach Przybylek is expecting to contribute that he mentioned during our discussion were sophomores Landon Petok, Matthew Curtis and Ashton Mosby.
“We are really excited to watch Luca, Shane, and Landon among a few starters that will be starting for the first time,” explained Przybylek.
Early Schedule
Opening game March 20th at Chartiers-Houston, March 24th a two-game series versus Ambridge, which will be an early test from a program that is expected to take a step forward this year. Home Friday March 27th versus Obama Academy and Monday March 30th against Carrick.
The team plays its home games at the set of quad synthetic turf fields at No Offseason in Russellton, PA.
“You can watch four games at once. A lot of college scouts are there all the time. It’s a great atmosphere,” remarked Przybylek.
The Trojans will be featured on two Game Day Broadcasts: Hopewell on April 7th and Beaver on May 4th. Fans will have the ability to stream both games on the North Catholic Athletics’ website and the NCSN YouTube channel.
With a blend of leadership, young talent, and a renewed focus on fundamentals, the Trojans believe they have the pieces to return to the postseason—and make another run.
And if the season opener is any indication, that preparation is already paying off.
Season Opener: Trojans Make a Statement
The North Catholic Trojans opened their season defeating the Chartiers-Houston Buccaneers 13-0 on Saturday March 21 at EQT Park.
The Trojans collected eleven hits and seven walks in the game, showing patience at the plate. Sophomores Matthew Curtis and Matthew Madonna led the team with two free passes each.
Junior Luca Guzowski led the way going four for four. His consistent timely hitting provided a spark for the Trojans. He singled in the first, second, fourth and fifth innings.
“Luca went four for four. He only saw 5 pitches all day while getting four hits,” added Przybylek.
The Trojans got on the board in the top of the first inning after Luca Guzowski singled down the right field line and sophomore Landon Petok grounded out, each scoring a run.
In the top of the second inning, the Trojans continued to manufacture runs. Junior Shane Erdlejac tripled, sophomore Matthew Madonna hit a sacrifice fly, and Luca Guzowski singled down the left field line.
In the third inning, the Trojans added another run when senior Peyton Varley grounded out making the score 6-0.
The Trojans broke the game open in the fifth inning by scoring six runs on four hits. Junior Landon Eifler singled, scoring two runs, Landon Petok doubled scoring three runs, and senior Ryker Kennedy singled, scoring one run.
Trojans senior starting pitcher Peyton Varley pitched a no hitter, dominating the strike zone. He gave up zero hits and zero runs over four innings, striking out two and walking one. Landon Eifler pitched one inning of shutout ball for the Trojans in relief. Eifler allowed zero hits, struck out two Buccaneers and walked none.
“Peyton dominated the strike zone only needing to throw 40 pitches, 27 were for strikes. He stayed on the fastball using his off-speed pitches only twice,” Przybylek explained.
Dominic Cumer started on the hill for the Chartiers-Houston Varsity Buccaneers. The right-handed pitcher allowed five hits and six runs, four of which were earned over two and one-third innings, walking four and striking out only one batter.
Third baseman, Landon Petok anchored the middle of the Trojans lineup going two for four with five runs batted in. Landon Eifler and Ryker Kennedy chipped in with multiple hits. The Trojans ran wild on the bases collecting six steals, Ryker Kennedy had two.
The North Catholic Trojans will face Ambridge, Tuesday March 24, for a two-game series.
If this performance is any sign, the Trojans may be ahead of schedule in their quest to return to the postseason.