Bethlehem Freedom Returns Veteran Core Looking to Rebound in 2026
Bethlehem Freedom enters the 2026 season with something every program values: experience at quarterback, a proven running back and veteran players returning at all three levels of the defense.
The Patriots finished 5-6 in 2025 against one of the most demanding schedules in District 11, but they showed flashes of what they could become. Freedom earned convincing victories over Allentown Central Catholic, William Allen, East Stroudsburg South, Bethlehem Catholic and Northampton before closing the season with three straight losses, including a District 11 Class 6A quarterfinal defeat to rival Bethlehem Liberty.
Head coach Jason Roeder now welcomes back several of the team’s most productive players, led by senior quarterback Michael Stofanak and senior running back Lashawn Johnson.
Freedom must replace Xavier Dejesus, Jacob Hauze, Geo Ledee, Dan Schiffert, Aaron James and Brian Renshaw, but the Patriots return enough experience to believe they can improve significantly.
The schedule will once again be unforgiving.
Downingtown West, Parkland and Phillipsburg open the regular season before the Patriots enter another loaded EPC Steel Division schedule featuring Nazareth, Bethlehem Catholic, Northampton, Easton and Liberty.
If Freedom’s returning veterans stay healthy and its younger defensive backs mature quickly, the Patriots have the talent to become a dangerous team in District 11 Class 6A.
Stofanak Gives Offense Stability
Senior quarterback Michael Stofanak returns after throwing for 1,465 yards and 15 touchdowns last season.
That experience gives Freedom stability at the most important position on the field.
Stofanak has already played against some of the area’s best defenses and understands the pressure that comes with navigating an EPC Steel Division schedule.
His return should allow the offense to expand rather than start over.
With an experienced running game and several returning receivers, Stofanak will be asked to manage the offense, protect the football and create explosive plays when opportunities develop.
His leadership will become especially important during the difficult opening stretch.
Johnson Returns After Knee Injury
One of the biggest storylines entering the season is the return of Lashawn Johnson.
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound senior earned All-EPC recognition after rushing for 822 yards and nine touchdowns before suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 9.
Having Johnson healthy again could significantly change the complexion of Freedom’s offense.
He brings power, vision and the ability to handle a heavy workload.
Before the injury, Johnson had established himself as one of the Patriots’ most dependable offensive players.
If he returns to form, Freedom will have a proven feature back capable of controlling games on the ground.
Hughes Adds Another Physical Runner
Senior Jahaire Hughes gives the Patriots another experienced option in the backfield.
Hughes rushed for 316 yards and six touchdowns last season.
At 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, he brings another physical running style that should complement Johnson.
Using both backs could allow Freedom to remain fresh throughout games while presenting defenses with different personnel combinations.
Johnson does not necessarily need to carry the ball 25 or 30 times every week if Hughes can continue producing.
That depth should also help protect Johnson as he returns from injury.
Moore Emerges as Big-Play Receiver
Senior Davyann Moore returns after producing one of the best receiving seasons on the roster.
Moore caught 21 passes for 487 yards and six touchdowns, averaging more than 23 yards per reception.
That explosiveness makes him one of Stofanak’s most dangerous weapons.
Moore’s ability to stretch the field should prevent defenses from loading the box against Johnson and Hughes.
If opposing safeties become too aggressive against the run, Stofanak has a proven receiver capable of making them pay over the top.
Receiving Corps Has Experience and Potential
Freedom also returns senior Evan Wahba, junior Marquis Chapman and experienced tight ends Reshaun Jones and Michael Baker.
That gives Stofanak several options.
Jones and Baker can contribute as blockers while also providing targets over the middle.
Chapman gives the Patriots another young athlete on the perimeter, while Wahba brings senior experience.
Freedom does not need one receiver to dominate every game.
A deeper group of reliable targets would make the offense much harder to defend.
Offensive Line Returns Important Pieces
The Patriots bring back experience along the offensive line with seniors Izyias Dejesus and Jaylen Hall, along with junior Ky Moore.
Hall stands 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds, while Moore adds additional size at 6-foot-3 and 280.
The offensive line will be one of the most important groups on the roster.
Freedom needs to protect Stofanak while creating consistent running lanes for Johnson and Hughes.
The coaching staff believes there is enough returning experience for the group to become a strength.
If that happens, the Patriots should have the balance necessary to compete with the top teams in the EPC.
Offensive Balance Could Be Key
Freedom’s offensive outlook begins with its returning quarterback and running back.
The Patriots can establish the run with Johnson and Hughes, then use Stofanak’s experience to attack defenses through the air.
That balance should help Freedom avoid becoming predictable.
The offense also has enough size at tight end to use multiple formations and create favorable matchups.
The biggest priority will be staying healthy and avoiding the type of injuries that altered last season.
Defense Returns Experience at Every Level
Freedom’s defense enters the season with more continuity than the offense.
The Patriots return experienced players on the defensive line, at linebacker and in the secondary.
The linebacker corps should be the strength of the unit.
Johnson, Jones, Hughes, Wahba and Baker all have the ability to contribute there, giving Freedom a deep and physical group.
That experience should allow the Patriots to communicate well and play aggressively.
Linebackers Could Set Defensive Identity
The linebacker group has the potential to become one of the strongest in the EPC.
Johnson brings physicality from his outside linebacker position.
Jones, Hughes, Wahba and Baker all provide additional size and versatility.
Many of them also play offense, meaning conditioning and depth will become important throughout the season.
Still, having that much experience in the middle of the defense gives Freedom a strong foundation.
The Patriots should be able to play fast and aggressively against the run.
Defensive Line Has Size
Dejesus, Hall and Ky Moore are all expected to contribute along the defensive front.
That group gives Freedom significant size.
The key will be converting that size into consistent pressure and gap control.
If the defensive line can occupy blockers, the experienced linebackers behind them should have opportunities to make plays.
Freedom must also develop depth to keep the front fresh against the physical offenses on its schedule.
Young Secondary Must Grow Quickly
The biggest defensive question is in the secondary.
Stofanak and Davyann Moore bring senior experience, while Chapman is another returning defensive back.
However, the coaching staff expects several talented sophomores to compete for significant playing time.
Those younger players will need to mature quickly.
Freedom’s schedule does not provide much time for gradual development.
Downingtown West, Parkland and Phillipsburg will immediately test the secondary before the Patriots reach the heart of the EPC Steel Division schedule.
The young defensive backs must communicate, tackle consistently and avoid giving up explosive plays.
Stannard Provides Special Teams Stability
Senior Nate Stannard returns as the kicker.
His experience gives Freedom stability in a phase that can decide close games.
A dependable kicker is particularly valuable against the type of competition the Patriots face every week.
Field position and extra points often become critical in rivalry games and postseason contests.
Stannard’s return gives Freedom one fewer position to worry about entering camp.
Tough Schedule Provides Immediate Test
Freedom’s 2026 schedule will reveal quickly how much the Patriots have improved.
After scrimmaging Central Bucks East, Freedom opens at Downingtown West before hosting Parkland and Phillipsburg.
The Patriots then travel to Nazareth to begin EPC Steel Division play.
The final portion of the schedule includes Bethlehem Catholic, Northampton, Easton and the annual rivalry game against Liberty.
There are few easy weeks.
That challenge can also become an advantage.
If Freedom stays healthy and develops throughout the season, it will be battle-tested by the time the District 11 playoffs arrive.
Players to Watch
Michael Stofanak, Sr., QB/DB: Returning quarterback who threw for 1,465 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Lashawn Johnson, Sr., RB/OLB: All-EPC running back returning from a season-ending knee injury after rushing for 822 yards and nine touchdowns.
Jahaire Hughes, Sr., RB/LB: Physical runner who rushed for 316 yards and six touchdowns.
Davyann Moore, Sr., WR/DB: Explosive receiver who caught 21 passes for 487 yards and six touchdowns.
Reshaun Jones, Sr., TE/LB: Experienced two-way player expected to contribute heavily on defense.
Evan Wahba, Sr., WR/LB: Senior athlete who adds experience at receiver and linebacker.
Michael Baker, Sr., TE/LB: Physical two-way player who strengthens the middle of the defense.
Izyias Dejesus, Sr., OL/DL: Veteran two-way lineman expected to help anchor both fronts.
Jaylen Hall, Sr., OL/DL: Big, experienced lineman who provides size and strength.
Ky Moore, Jr., OL/DL: Promising 6-foot-3, 280-pound lineman with an opportunity to take on a larger role.
Marquis Chapman, Jr., WR/DB: Young playmaker expected to contribute on both sides of the football.
Nate Stannard, Sr., K: Returning kicker who provides valuable special teams experience.
My thoughts on Bethlehem Freedom:
Bethlehem Freedom enters 2026 with enough returning talent to improve on last year’s five-win season.
The Patriots have stability at quarterback with Stofanak, a proven feature back in Johnson and another physical runner in Hughes.
Moore gives the passing game a legitimate big-play threat, while the offensive line returns enough experience to provide optimism.
Defensively, the linebacker corps should be the strength of the team.
Freedom returns veteran players throughout the front seven, but the secondary will need several younger players to become varsity-ready quickly.
That development will be especially important against one of the toughest schedules in eastern Pennsylvania.
If Johnson returns healthy, Stofanak continues to progress and the young secondary grows up quickly, Freedom has the pieces to compete in the EPC Steel Division and make another run at the District 11 Class 6A playoffs.
Head Coach: Jason Roeder
Assistant Coaches:
Greg Moore
Ben Reph
Kevin Kelly
Kevin Morton
Ken Wied
Sean Searfass
Mike Anthony
Charlie Heidecker
Mike Palos
Earl Jenkins
Juan Cotto
Gabe Robinson
Imad Azar
Jake Petro
Nick Stannard
Team Name: Bethlehem Freedom Patriots
District: 11
Class: 6A
League: EPC – Steel Division
2025 Record: 5-6
8/23 Downingtown West (6A) 12:00 pm L 7-47
8/29 @ Parkland (6A) 7:00 pm L 7-18
9/06 @ Allentown Central Catholic (4A) 7:00 pm W 38-27
9/12 Nazareth Area* (6A) 7:00 pm L 21-56
9/19 @ William Allen (6A) 7:00 pm W 51-13
9/26 East Stroudsburg South (5A) 7:00 pm W 42-0 Homecoming
10/02 @ Bethlehem Catholic* (4A) 7:00 pm W 28-0
10/10 Northampton* (6A) 7:00 pm W 35-14 Senior Night
10/17 @ Easton Area* (6A) 7:00 pm L 14-17
10/25 Bethlehem Liberty* (6A) 1:00 pm L 14-42
11/01 @ Bethlehem Liberty (6A) 12:00 pm L 14-26 Dist. 11 Class 6A Quarterfinal
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff Result Game Notes
8/22 @ Central Bucks East (6A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 @ Downingtown West (6A) 7:00 pm
9/04 Parkland (6A) 7:00 pm
9/11 Phillipsburg (NJ) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Nazareth Area* (6A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Louis E. Dieruff (6A) 7:00 pm
10/01 @ East Stroudsburg North (4A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Bethlehem Catholic* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Northampton* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Easton Area* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/31 @ Bethlehem Liberty* (6A) 1:00 pm
Key Starters lost:
Xavier Dejesus
Jacob Hauze
Geo Ledee
Dan Schiffert
Aaron James
Brian Renshaw
Key Returners:
Lashawn Johnson SR RB/OLB 6’1 210
Reshaun Jones SR TE/LB 6’0 210
Nate Stannard SR K 5’8 165
Jahaire Hughes SR RB/LB 5’10 210
Evan Wahba SR WR/LB 5’10 195
Michael Stofanak SR QB/DB 6’1 175
Michael Baker SR TE/LB 5’10 215
Izyias Dejesus SR OL/DL 5’10 255
Jaylen Hall SR OL/DL 6’3 260
Davyann Moore SR WR/DB 5’10 185
Marquis Chapman JR WR/DB 5’8 175
Ky Moore JR OL/DL 6’3 280
Key Newcomers:
Max Estrella SR OL/DL
Dean Herman SR WR/DB
Caleb Reiss SR OL/DL
Gabe Vazquez SR OL/DL
Jackson Christman JR WR/DB
Dylan Mease JR TE/LB
Arthur Swinton JR OL/DL
Christian Englehardt SO WR/DB
Terrell Grey SO WR/DB
Ashton Grimmer SO OL/DL
Braeden Lewes SO QB/OLB
Amory Sangster SO RB/LB
Josias Solivan SO WR/DB
Sa’Haad Strickland SO OL/DL
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Lashawn Johnson
822 yards rushing and 9 TDs
Reshaun Jones SR TE/LB 6’0 210
Jahaire Hughes
316 yards rushing and 6 TDs
Michael Stofanak
1,465 yards passing and 15 TDs
Davyann Moore
21 catches for 487 yards and 6 TDs
2026 Outlook:
Offense: Starting QB returns, All EPC RB Lasahawn Johnson returns after suffering a season ending knee injury in week 9. Some experience also returns in the WR corps and the O line.
Defense: Experience returns at all three levels of the Defense. The LB core has the most experience. The secondary could feature a number of young talented sophomores that need to get varsity game ready quickly because of the nature of our schedule.