When competing in a track and field section with Norwin and Hempfield, the chances of making the WPIAL Class 3A team playoffs are slim.

The Penn-Trafford boys team has defied that logic that the past two seasons by qualifying for WPIALs and last year reached the finals.

But if the Warriors want to advance for a third consecutive season, then they either have to defeat Norwin or Hempfield.

“Our goal this year is to defeat Norwin,” Penn-Trafford coach Eric Reger said. “It won’t be easy. They have an outstanding team. They’ve won the section title the last couple of years.”

The Warriors return a talented group, but they did lose two key scorers: Matt Sarnowski, the returning WPIAL Class 3A discus champion, and senior sprinter Michael Cheplick, who is dealing with an injury.

Sarnowski is using his redshirt at Penn State.

They do bring back senior thrower Logan Kerstetter, the returning javelin champion, the Lett twins (Aidon and Ekoulus), senior distance runner Jake McGhee and senior sprinter Thomas Cheplick. The Letts are senior hurdlers.

“On paper, this is probably a better team that last year’s,” Reger said. “It is really tough to compete against those teams, but we have enough talent to challenge them.”

Senior Jesse Lisbon has come out for the team, and Reger says he should help in the sprints. Senior Brady Newell has reached 6 feet in the high jump.

Reger also hopes the relay teams have big seasons. The Letts, Cheplick, Lisbon and McGhee are some of the candidates in the 400- and 1,600-meter relay teams.

Reger is also excited about the progress of pole vaulters Dane Mock and Matt Alaia. Mock has already cleared 13 feet.

Kerstetter has become the Warriors’ top competitor in all the throwing events: javelin, shot put and discus.

“Logan worked on his strength and technique,” Reger said. “We’re expecting big things from him.”

The girls team is not as strong overall, but it does feature some talented individuals.

Some of the top athletes include freshman Sarah Bernard (shot put and discus), senior Naavah McPherson (shot put and discus) and junior Eliyah McPherson (shot put, discus and javelin).

The Weishaar twins, Hannah and Olivia, are back. Hannah runs the 400, 800 and a relay, while Olivia competes in the 100- and 300-meter hurdles and the relays. The Weishaars are juniors.

Junior Anna Coy is a distance runner.

“I’m excited about the boys,” Reger said. “We haven’t beaten Norwin. It will be an uphill battle. I’m eager to see how we do. We’re hoping to take a few kids to states.”

Penn-Trafford was scheduled run against Norwin on April 4.