PHILADELPHIA, PA — Ben Johnson has been following the Philadelphia Catholic League for years. Johnson was always intrigued by the 
challenge of one day coaching in the PCL, and Neumann-Goretti will be giving Johnson that chance this coming season as the Saints’ new head taking over for the departed Albie Crosby.
Johnson comes to Neumann-Goretti after being the head coach previously at Truman from 2019-2023.
“I followed the Philadelphia Catholic League closely, and connection to Neumann-Goretti through my sister, who went to Goretti High School,” Johnson said. “I knew about the Neumann-Goretti program being competitive and the overall academic success of the program, getting kids into college. I liked the small, family-like atmosphere at Neumann-Goretti and the high standard the school has.
“Myself along with our coaching staff working together with our school staff and administration are fully committed to player development, individual attention, and real opportunities for every young man in our program.
“Our mission goes far beyond football. We strive to shape young men into strong students, leaders, husbands, fathers, and good human beings. Academics, character, and accountability are at the core of everything we do, because the habits built on the field carry into every part of life. Ultimately, we want our students to be able to leverage their football skills to earn scholarships and pursue their personal and professional goals long after their playing days.”
Johnson will inherit a team that went 8-5 overall and 4-2 in the Philadelphia Catholic League Blue Division, winning the District 12 Class 3A championship, before losing to District 3 champion Trinity in the second round of the PIAA playoffs.
The Saints have some talent back in rising junior defensive end Jayon Williams, rising sophomore wide receiver Zane Christmas, rising junior athlete Keion DeLoatch, rising junior wide receiver and first-team All-Catholic punter Luke Rachubinski, rising senior wide receiver/safety Cassius Law and rising senior wide receiver Matt Gargano.
“I like our team and I like what we have back,” Johnson said. “Our expectations are high. We want to compete for a state championship. There is a storied history of athletics here at Neumann-Goretti.”
Neumann-Goretti will be going down a classification to Class 2A this coming season. The Saints last reached the state championship in 2002, when they suffered a 9-8 loss to Belle Vernon on a goal-line stand in the 3A championship.
Nuemann-Goretti finished third in the Catholic League Blue Division (small schools), and will play only one Class 2A schools on its 2026 schedule, Catholic League Blue Division rival West Catholic. Archbishop Ryan wound up winning the Blue Division title with a 6-0 record and beat the Saints last season, 34-6.
“We challenge our players with a simple question: Do you want to ride a wave, or join a wave and help create it?” Johnson said. “We promise nothing except an opportunity—but we guarantee growth. Every athlete will be developed, challenged, and prepared to leave better than they arrived.
Neumann-Goretti last played at the Class 2A level in 2017, when the Saints reached the state quarterfinals.
Joseph Santoliquito is an award-winning sportswriter who has been covering high school football since 1992 and is the president of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Follow EasternPAFootball.com on Twitter @EPAFootball.