Berks Catholic Looks to Build on District Championship Run in 2026
After another successful season that saw the Berks Catholic Saints capture a Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 5 title and advance to the District 3 Class 3A championship game, head coach Dave Stahler and his staff enter the 2026 season looking to reload rather than rebuild.
The Saints finished 9-3 in 2025, winning nine consecutive games after a 2-2 start before falling to Trinity in the District 3 Class 3A title game. While Berks Catholic must replace several standout offensive playmakers, the Saints return a strong defensive core and believe their experience on that side of the football can once again make them one of District 3’s top Class 3A contenders.
Strong Finish Fuels High Expectations
The 2025 season was one of perseverance and growth for Berks Catholic.
The Saints opened the season against a difficult non-conference schedule, dropping contests to Twin Valley and eventual District 11 champion Bethlehem Catholic before catching fire in league play.
Berks Catholic rolled through Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 5 with victories over Pequea Valley, Lancaster Catholic, Schuylkill Valley, Kutztown, Columbia, Hamburg and Annville-Cleona, capturing the section title in impressive fashion.
The Saints continued their postseason success with a dominant 37-6 victory over Bermudian Springs in the District 3 Class 3A semifinals before falling to Trinity in the district championship game.
That postseason experience provides valuable motivation entering 2026.
Replacing Offensive Production
Graduation hit the Saints particularly hard on offense.
Gone are quarterback John Sauppee, running backs Owen Schalk and Xavier Gerald, offensive tackle Anthony Zatorski, standout lineman Palmer Reber, and versatile receiver/defensive back Gio Disabitino.
Replacing that production won’t happen overnight, especially with several new faces expected to take on expanded offensive roles.
Fortunately, Berks Catholic has several talented returning athletes capable of helping ease that transition.
Cole Harter Takes Over at Quarterback
One of the biggest storylines entering camp will be the development of Cole Harter.
The junior quarterback/defensive back has the opportunity to take command of the offense after learning behind Sauppee and now steps into the role of directing an offense filled with young skill-position talent.
His ability to manage the offense and make sound decisions will be critical as the Saints develop throughout the season.
Versatile Playmakers Return
Although the offense will feature new faces, Berks Catholic still possesses plenty of athleticism.
Faith Zudie returns as one of the team’s premier two-way players. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound standout is expected to contribute as both a running back and defensive end while providing leadership on both sides of the football.
Logan Gonzalez gives the Saints another versatile weapon. The senior can impact games as both a defensive back and running back while providing explosiveness whenever the ball is in his hands.
Additional contributors include Ryan Spatz, Mason Mace, Josiah Turman and Coy Koller, all of whom are expected to play key offensive roles as the season progresses.
Defense Returns Its Foundation
While the offense develops, the defense appears ready to carry the load early in the season.
Coach Stahler believes the returning nucleus on that side of the football gives the Saints an opportunity to remain competitive against another demanding schedule.
The defensive front begins with Eric Bennethum, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound lineman who anchors both the offensive and defensive lines.
Alongside him is Jack McKeone, another physical interior presence at 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds, giving Berks Catholic a formidable pair capable of controlling the line of scrimmage.
On the edge, Zudie’s athleticism allows the Saints to generate pressure while creating opportunities for the linebackers.
Experienced Linebackers Lead the Way
The linebacker corps brings toughness and versatility.
Colton Drumheller, Ryan Spatz, and Coy Koller all return after gaining valuable varsity experience.
Their ability to stop the run and make plays in space will be a major factor in Berks Catholic’s defensive success.
With several experienced defenders returning, communication and leadership should be strengths for this group.
Athletic Secondary
The Saints also feature several experienced athletes in the secondary.
Logan Gonzalez, Mason Mace, Josiah Turman and Cole Harter all provide athleticism and versatility in the defensive backfield.
Their ability to create turnovers and limit explosive plays will be essential as Berks Catholic looks to remain one of the stronger defensive units in the Lancaster-Lebanon League.
Special Teams Could Be an Advantage
One area where Coach Stahler expects his team to excel is special teams.
“We have a good returning nucleus on defense. On offense, we will be young at the skill positions. The team should excel in the kicking game,” Stahler said.
Winning the field-position battle has long been a trademark of successful Berks Catholic teams, and the Saints expect that phase to once again provide an edge in close contests.
Players to Watch
Faith Zudie, Sr., DE/RB (6-2, 210) – Dynamic two-way standout expected to make a major impact on both sides of the ball.
Eric Bennethum, Sr., DE/OL (6-3, 270) – Physical lineman who anchors the trenches.
Cole Harter, Jr., QB/DB (5-9, 175) – New starting quarterback tasked with leading a young offense.
Logan Gonzalez, Sr., DB/RB (5-10, 175) – Versatile athlete capable of making big plays offensively and defensively.
Ryan Spatz, Sr., RB/LB (5-11, 180) – Tough, physical player expected to contribute heavily in both phases.
Jack McKeone, Sr., DT/OL (6-2, 250) – Interior lineman who brings size and strength to both lines.
Colton Drumheller, Sr., LB/OL (5-8, 190) – Veteran linebacker who provides leadership and toughness.
Josiah Turman, Jr., DB/WR (6-0, 155) – Athletic playmaker with the potential for an expanded offensive role.
Mason Mace, Sr., DB/RB (5-9, 165) – Experienced two-way contributor.
Coy Koller, Sr., LB/RB (5-10, 180) – Versatile linebacker expected to be a key defensive leader.
My thoughts on Berks Catholic
Berks Catholic enters the 2026 season with a different look offensively after graduating several key playmakers, but the Saints possess the defensive experience and leadership necessary to remain a contender in District 3 Class 3A.
If Cole Harter settles into the quarterback position and the young skill players mature quickly, Berks Catholic has enough talent to once again compete for a Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 5 title.
With a veteran defense, physical play in the trenches, and what Coach Stahler believes can be an outstanding kicking game, the Saints have the pieces in place to make another postseason run.
Head Coach: Dave Stahler
Assistant Coaches:
Defensive Coordinator: Eric Hancock
Offensive Line: Jasen Esposito
Defensive Line: Phil Bennethum Jr.
WR: Phil Bennethum III
QB: Pat Causa
Special Teams/OLB/RB: Marc Geddio
CBs/RB: Ryan Gonzalez
Safetys: Dan Christian
LBs: Tiger Lea
Tech: Jason Drumheller
Strength: Steve Schmehl
JH: Eric Trupp
Quality Control: Bill Hess
Athletic Trainers: Jordan Wissinger and Sarah Reinert
Team Name: Berks Catholic Saints
District: 3
Class: 3A
League: Lancaster-Lebanon League, Section 5
2025 Record: 9-3
8/22 @ Twin Valley (4A) 7:00 pm L 19-45
8/28 Executive Education Academy (2A) 6:00 pm W 45-20
9/05 Bethlehem Catholic (4A) 7:00 pm L 41-48
9/12 @ Pequea Valley* (3A) 7:00 pm W 41-0
9/19 Lancaster Catholic* (2A) 7:00 pm W 35-6
9/26 @ Schuylkill Valley* (3A) 7:00 pm W 55-19
10/04 @ Kutztown* (3A) 7:00 pm W 31-7
10/09 Columbia* (2A) 7:00 pm W 37-0
10/17 @ Hamburg* (4A) 7:00 pm W 38-7
10/24 Annville-Cleona* (3A) 7:00 pm W 14-7 OT
11/07 Bermudian Springs (3A) 7:00 pm W 37-6 Dist. 3 Class 3A Semifinal
11/14 Trinity (3A) 7:00 pm L 0-17 Dist 3 Class 3A Championship @ ELCO HS
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Conrad Weiser (4A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 @ Notre Dame GP (3A) 7:00 pm at Lafayette College
9/03 Executive Education Academy (3A) 6:00 pm
9/11 Bethlehem Catholic (4A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Hamburg* (3A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Schuylkill Valley* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/01 @ Annville-Cleona* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/08 Kutztown* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Columbia* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Pequea Valley* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Lancaster Catholic* (2A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters lost:
RB Owen Schalk
QB John Sauppee
RB Xavier Gerald
OT Anthony Zatorski
OT/DT Palmer Reber
WR/DB Gio Disabitino
Key Players Returning:
DE/RB Faith Zudie 6’2 210
DE/OL Eric Bennethum 6’3 270
DB/RB Logan Gonzalez 5’10 175
LB/OL Colton Drumheller 5’8 190
RB/LB Ryan Spatz 5’11 180
DT/OL Jack McKeone 6’2 250
DB/RB Mason Mace 5’9 165
DB/WR Josiah Turman 6’ 155
LB/RB Coy Koller 5’10 180
QB/DB Cole Harter 5’9 175
Key Newcomers:
OLB Joe Lanza 6’ 180
QB Kellen Bowman 6’1 175
OL Ray Johnson IV 6’3 280
2026 Outlook: We have a good returning nucleus on defense. On offense, we will be young at the skill positions. The team should excel in the kicking game.