For Jacob Hannis, football has been a mainstay in his life.

“I’ve been around football my whole entire life ever since I was young,” noted Hannis. “It has been for me from my dad coaching me to watching games. Football was always there for me, and I quickly realized and knew I wanted to play when I was older.”

And Hannis has done just that.

The Whitehall senior will soon begin is second year starting for the Zephyrs this fall. He saw time at linebacker, tight end, and long snapper for the Zephyrs last season. He will be in the Zephyrs scheme at linebacker and running back.

Hannis is optimistic that his team can be back in the hunt for the District 11 Class 5A crown. They lost to East Stroudsburg South in the championship game last year, and won the title in 2023.

Their championship run is one Hannis won’t soon forget.

“My favorite memory is from my sophomore year,” recalled Hannis. “It was the distract championship and it was a close game. I got an interception and put my team in great field position. We ended up scoring on that same drive and winning the game.”

Hannis has been working on his game this summer, and he likes the current state of the team. The Zephyrs host Wilkes-Barre Area in their opener Aug. 22

“My summer has been great,” beamed Hannis. “I’m trying to improve every part of my game, but one thing I’m working on is my pass rush.

“Our team’s chemistry is definitely really good and has improved a lot since the spring. On the field, we’re all communicating and knowing what each other will do and just knowing each other’s playing styles. Off the field we all have greats bonds with each other and are always doing stuff together.”

Head coach Andy Marino has high expectations for Hannis.

“Jacob was a starter at linebacker for the program’s defense last year, also featuring some time at tight end and long snapping as well,” said Marino. “He is having a great offseason and will look to build upon last season as he enters his senior year.

“He has played a lot of football. He is a great leader, and we expect a big senior year.”