Veteran Leadership Fuels Pennsbury’s Push to Rebound in 2026
After enduring one of the most difficult seasons in recent program history, Pennsbury believes the foundation is in place for a return to its trademark brand of football.
The Falcons finished 1-9 in 2025, but the record was deceiving. Week after week, Pennsbury battled one of the toughest schedules in Pennsylvania, facing the gauntlet of the Suburban One League National Conference. Six of the Falcons’ nine losses came by two touchdowns or fewer, including one-score defeats to Northampton, Quakertown and Central Bucks East.
The season also ended on a positive note when Pennsbury traveled to Abington and earned a convincing 42-16 victory, showing what the program could become when all three phases clicked together.
Head coach John Greiner believes that momentum, coupled with an outstanding offseason in the weight room and a veteran roster, has positioned the Falcons to take a significant step forward in 2026.
Pennsbury returns experienced players at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end and throughout its defense. The coaching staff expects those veterans to reestablish the physical, disciplined identity that has defined Falcon football for decades.
The challenge, however, remains the same.
Competing every week in one of the state’s premier conferences leaves little margin for error, and Pennsbury knows consistency—not potential—will determine whether it can return to postseason contention.
Arndt Ready to Lead the Offense
Junior Jack Arndt enters the season as Pennsbury’s starting quarterback after gaining valuable varsity experience.
The Falcons are looking for more offensive consistency in 2026, and Arndt’s development sits at the center of that goal.
With a full offseason as the projected starter, Arndt has benefited from additional work with quarterbacks coach Bill Ferrar while building chemistry with an experienced group of receivers.
Pennsbury doesn’t need spectacular quarterback play every Friday night.
The Falcons need efficient decision-making, ball security and the ability to sustain drives.
If Arndt consistently gets the offense into the correct play, distributes the football effectively and avoids costly mistakes, Pennsbury’s offense should become much more productive than it was a year ago.
The junior also benefits from having experienced skill players surrounding him, allowing the offense to expand rather than relying solely on inexperienced contributors.
Beighley Headlines the Ground Game
Senior Luke Beighley returns as the centerpiece of Pennsbury’s rushing attack.
A physical runner with experience on both sides of the football, Beighley embodies the Falcons’ traditional identity.
Pennsbury has always been at its best when establishing the running game, controlling possession and allowing its defense to dictate field position.
Beighley gives the Falcons the type of dependable runner capable of carrying that philosophy forward.
His ability to gain tough yards between the tackles should also create favorable situations for Arndt and the passing game.
Beighley’s leadership extends beyond offense.
Returning as the starting strong safety, he provides toughness and experience to one of the team’s deepest position groups.
Few players will have a larger impact on Pennsbury’s overall success than the senior captain.
Veteran Targets Return
One of the biggest advantages for Arndt is the experience returning at receiver.
Senior Luke Moyer and senior Connor Randolph headline the receiving corps.
Both have gained valuable varsity experience and understand the physical nature of competing in the Suburban One League.
Their familiarity with the offense should help Arndt become more comfortable throughout the season.
Senior Sam Comer also returns after contributing at tight end.
Comer gives Pennsbury another dependable target while providing physical blocking in the running game.
The Falcons are not built around throwing the football 40 times a game.
Instead, they want an efficient passing attack capable of complementing the running game.
Moyer, Randolph and Comer provide the experience necessary to make that balance possible.
If opposing defenses focus too heavily on stopping Beighley, the Falcons have enough veteran receivers to capitalize through the air.
Offensive Line Must Set the Tone
Senior Jimmy Coons returns to anchor the offensive line.
Pennsbury has traditionally built its program around physical line play, and that philosophy remains unchanged.
Coons provides experience, leadership and toughness in the interior.
The Falcons expect their offensive line to establish the identity of the football team.
Creating consistent running lanes, protecting Arndt and limiting negative plays will all begin with the offensive front.
The coaching staff spent the offseason emphasizing strength and conditioning, believing the work accomplished in the weight room will translate directly onto the field.
Pennsbury understands that improved offensive production starts up front.
If the line consistently wins the battle at the line of scrimmage, the Falcons should see dramatic improvement in both time of possession and scoring opportunities.
Offensive Consistency Is the Priority
Pennsbury’s biggest offensive objective is straightforward.
Become more consistent.
The Falcons were held to one touchdown or fewer in seven games last season despite playing several competitive contests.
Defensive performances often kept games within reach, but the offense struggled to sustain drives against elite competition.
Returning six experienced starters gives Pennsbury a chance to change that narrative.
The coaching staff expects improved execution, fewer penalties and better situational football.
Long drives that end with points—not turnovers or stalled possessions—will become the measuring stick.
The offense does not need to become explosive overnight.
It simply needs to consistently complement a defense that has long been the program’s trademark.
Defense Continues Pennsbury Tradition
Defense has always been synonymous with Pennsbury football.
That expectation remains unchanged entering 2026.
The Falcons return seven experienced defensive starters led by a veteran linebacker corps.
The coaching staff’s goal is to continue building the physical, disciplined defense that has defined the program for years.
Despite last season’s record, Pennsbury remained competitive in several games because of its defensive effort.
The Falcons held Central Bucks East to only seven points, Pennridge to 14 and Central Bucks West to 17.
Those performances demonstrated the unit’s ability to keep games within reach.
Now Pennsbury hopes an improved offense will allow those defensive efforts to translate into more victories.
Veteran Linebackers Lead the Way
The heart of the defense resides at linebacker.
Senior Justin LaRue, senior Henry Garlits and senior Jacob Depew all return after gaining valuable varsity experience.
That trio provides leadership, communication and physicality in the middle of the defense.
Linebackers often dictate the identity of a defense, and Pennsbury expects its veterans to establish the tone every Friday night.
Their ability to diagnose plays quickly and finish tackles will be critical against the physical rushing attacks throughout the National Conference.
The experience returning at linebacker should also allow defensive coordinator Christian Day to incorporate more pressure packages while maintaining discipline behind the blitz.
Defensive Front Features Experience
Junior Jackson Coons and senior Sam Comer return along the defensive line.
Comer once again demonstrates his versatility by contributing on both sides of the football.
The defensive front must consistently occupy blockers and create opportunities for the linebackers to make plays.
Physical line play has long been a Pennsbury trademark, and that expectation remains.
The Falcons do not necessarily need overwhelming sack numbers.
Instead, they want consistent gap discipline, strong run defense and enough pressure to force opposing quarterbacks into hurried decisions.
If the front controls the line of scrimmage, Pennsbury’s experienced linebackers become even more effective.
Secondary Looks to Build on Experience
The Falcons return veteran defensive backs capable of leading the secondary.
Beighley provides physicality at strong safety, while senior Sly Jones returns at cornerback after another year of varsity experience.
Their leadership will be especially valuable against several high-powered passing offenses within the conference.
Communication remains the key.
Pennsbury wants its secondary to eliminate explosive plays while creating more takeaways.
A veteran secondary combined with experienced linebackers should allow the Falcons to play aggressively without sacrificing discipline.
The defense’s ability to force turnovers could become one of the biggest differences between last season and this year’s team.
Defense First Mentality
Pennsbury embraces its defensive identity.
Rather than changing philosophies after last season, the Falcons have doubled down on what has traditionally made the program successful.
Physical football.
Disciplined tackling.
Winning at the line of scrimmage.
The coaching staff believes those characteristics remain the fastest path back to success.
The offense is expected to improve, but the defense will continue setting the tone.
If Pennsbury consistently limits opponents to manageable point totals, the veteran offense should have more opportunities to finish games.
Special Teams Seeking Consistency
Another offseason emphasis has been special teams.
The Falcons want greater consistency throughout the kicking game.
Whether it’s field position, kickoff coverage, punting or extra points, Pennsbury believes eliminating mistakes in special teams can directly impact close games.
Competing in the Suburban One League often means every possession matters.
Winning the field-position battle can be the difference between victory and defeat.
The coaching staff expects improved execution throughout training camp as players compete for roles across every special teams unit.
Players to Watch
Jack Arndt, Jr., QB: Returning starting quarterback expected to take a major step forward after a full offseason as the projected starter.
Luke Beighley, Sr., RB/SS: Physical two-way leader who anchors both the running game and secondary.
Sam Comer, Sr., TE/DT: Versatile veteran who contributes as both a reliable tight end and interior defensive lineman.
Luke Moyer, Sr., WR: Experienced receiver expected to become one of Arndt’s favorite targets.
Connor Randolph, Sr., WR: Veteran pass catcher who gives Pennsbury another dependable receiving option.
Jimmy Coons, Sr., OG: Offensive line leader expected to anchor the interior of the Falcons’ front.
Justin LaRue, Sr., LB: Veteran linebacker who provides leadership and toughness in the middle of the defense.
Henry Garlits, Sr., LB: Experienced defender expected to play a major role against the run.
Jacob Depew, Sr., LB: Returning starter who completes one of the Falcons’ deepest position groups.
Jackson Coons, Jr., DT: Young defensive tackle expected to continue developing into a disruptive interior presence.
Sly Jones, Sr., CB: Veteran cornerback who anchors the secondary against the conference’s top passing attacks.
My thoughts on Pennsbury
Pennsbury enters the 2026 season believing last year’s record does not accurately reflect the direction of the program.
The Falcons battled one of the state’s toughest schedules and remained competitive in several close games before finishing the season with an impressive victory over Abington. That experience, combined with an outstanding offseason in the weight room and one of the roster’s strongest senior classes in recent years, has created optimism throughout the program.
Offensively, the development of Arndt will determine how high the Falcons can climb. With Beighley leading the running game, experienced targets such as Moyer, Randolph and Comer returning, and Coons anchoring the offensive line, Pennsbury has the pieces to become a much more balanced and productive offense.
Defensively, the Falcons should once again be built around physicality and discipline. The returning linebacker trio of LaRue, Garlits and Depew gives Pennsbury one of the more experienced second levels in District 1, while Beighley, Jones, Comer and Jackson Coons provide veteran leadership throughout the rest of the defense. If the unit continues the program’s tradition of strong defensive football, Pennsbury should remain competitive every Friday night.
Special teams consistency remains another point of emphasis, particularly in a conference where field position often determines close games.
The Suburban One League National Conference rarely offers an easy week, but Pennsbury believes its veteran leadership, improved offensive consistency and defense-first mentality provide the ingredients for a turnaround season. If the Falcons capitalize on their experience, protect the football and continue to play the physical brand of football that has defined the program for generations, they have the opportunity to significantly improve upon last year’s record and compete for a District 1 Class 6A playoff berth.
Head Coach: John Greiner
Assistant Coaches:
Cliff Stout – Director of Football Operations
Shane Oros – Offensive Coordinator
Christian Day – Defensive Coordinator
Bill Ferrar – QB Coach
Jeff Arndt – Running Back Coach
Matt Rosso – Offensive and Defensive Line
Joe Cavanaugh – Offensive and Defensive Line
John Daidone – Cornerbacks
Zach DeMarchis – Defensive Backs
Dalton Johnson – Linebackers
David Gray – Linebackers
Elijah Slaughter – Freshman
Braden Kotter – Freshman
Team Name: Pennsbury Falcons
District: 1
Class: 6A
League: Suburban One League, National Conference
2025 Record: 1-9
8/22 Northampton (6A) 7:00 pm L 14-20
8/28 Quakertown Community (6A) 7:00 pm L 7-14
9/05 @ Council Rock South (6A) 7:00 pm L 6-20
9/12 Pennridge* (6A) 7:00 pm L 0-14 Hall of Fame Game
9/19 @ Central Bucks East* (6A) 7:00 pm L 0-7
9/26 @ Central Bucks South* (6A) 7:00 pm L 3-17
10/03 @ Central Bucks West* (6A) 7:00 pm L 7-17
10/11 North Penn* (6A) 12:00 pm L 0-20 Homecoming
10/17 @ Abington* (6A) 7:00 pm W 42-16
10/24 Neshaminy* (6A) 7:00 pm L 14-35 Senior Recognition Night
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Harry S. Truman (6A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 Trenton Central (NJ) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ Easton Area (6A) 7:00 pm
9/10 Archbishop Ryan (3A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ North Penn* (6A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Abington* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Pennridge* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/10 Central Bucks East* (6A) 12:00 pm
10/16 Central Bucks South* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Central Bucks West* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Neshaminy* (6A) 7:00 pm
Offensive Starters Returning:
Luke Beighley – Sr. – Running Back
Jack Arndt – Jr. – Quarterback
Sam Comer – Sr. – Tight End
Luke Moyer – Sr. – Wide Receiver
Connor Randolph – Sr. – Wide Receiver
Jimmy Coons – Sr. – Offensive Guard
Defensive Starters Returning:
Justin LaRue – Sr. – Linebacker
Luke Beighley – Sr. – Strong Safety
Henry Garlits – Sr. – Linebacker
Sly Jones – Sr. – Cornerback
Jacob Depew – Sr. – LineBacker
Jackson Coons – Jr. – Defensive Tackle
Sam Comer – Sr. – Defensive Tackle
Key Newcomers:
Michael Leahy – Jr. – Offensive Tackle
Evan Appleton – Sr. – Wide Receiver
John Zurick – Jr. – Offensive Guard
Shane Mulvey – Jr. – Wide Receiver
Noah McArdle – Jr. – Running Back
Nate Ketchum – Sr. – Linebacker
Dylan Brosovich – Sr. – Center
Carmelo Simmons – Sr. Defensive Line
Zay Garrett – Sr. – Defensive Back
Garland Dockery – Sr, Defensive Back
2026 Outlook: Pennsbury enters the season with optimism after an aggressive off season in and out of the weight room while looking to build on its physical, defense-first identity while competing in the always-challenging Suburban One League National Conference. The Falcons will rely on experienced leadership, disciplined line play, and steady quarterback play to contend playing against a demanding schedule.
Offense: The goal is to generate a more offensive consistency to complement our traditionally strong defense.
Defense: The goal is to continue to build the traditional physical and strong defense that has been built year after year.
Special Team: The goal is to create consistency for our special teams.