Veteran Leadership Has Spring-Ford Aiming for Another PAC Title Run
Spring-Ford’s 2025 season was a story of resilience.
The Rams opened the year with four consecutive losses against a demanding nonleague schedule that included Souderton, Easton, Downingtown East and Downingtown West. Rather than allowing the difficult start to define the season, Spring-Ford responded by winning its next six games, capturing important Pioneer Athletic Conference victories and earning a spot in the District 1 Class 6A playoffs.
The Rams eventually finished 6-4 in the regular season before falling to Downingtown East, 20-16, in the opening round of the district tournament. Despite the postseason disappointment, the second-half turnaround reinforced the toughness and consistency that have become hallmarks of the program under head coach Mike Palmer.
Spring-Ford enters 2026 with several important starters returning on both sides of the football. Senior quarterback Kaden Pickersgill is back to lead the offense, three experienced offensive linemen return up front and the receiving corps brings back most of its production from last season.
Defensively, the Rams return much of their secondary, along with veteran leadership at linebacker and defensive end.
There are significant pieces to replace, including productive running backs Brayden Hinkle and Cole Broderick, standout two-way players Blake Turner and Ryan Kerchner, and All-League kicker and punter Ryan Reavy. Still, Spring-Ford possesses enough experience, depth and talent to again compete near the top of the PAC Liberty Division.
Pickersgill Returns to Lead the Offense
Senior Kaden Pickersgill returns after completing 100 passes for 1,123 yards and six touchdowns in 2025.
His experience gives Spring-Ford stability at the most important position on the field.
Pickersgill spent last season gaining valuable varsity repetitions against several elite District 1 opponents. That experience should help him enter 2026 with greater confidence, command and understanding of the offense.
The coaching staff expects him to take on an expanded leadership role.
Spring-Ford does not need Pickersgill to force the football or attempt to carry the offense by himself. The Rams need him to make smart decisions, distribute the ball to an experienced group of receivers and consistently put the offense in favorable situations.
With a veteran offensive line and several proven pass catchers returning, Pickersgill should have the supporting cast necessary to take a significant step forward.
Experienced Offensive Line Provides a Strong Foundation
The offensive line should be one of Spring-Ford’s most dependable position groups.
Senior Lynn Bellard, senior Matt Wright and senior Pat Clark all return after making important contributions last season.
Bellard provides excellent size at 6-foot-2 and 325 pounds and should anchor the interior of the line. Wright and Clark add experience, toughness and familiarity with the offensive system.
Their presence gives the Rams a strong starting point as the coaching staff replaces several graduated linemen, including Grant Dziedziak, AJ Moyer and Ashton Pugh.
Several newcomers are expected to compete for important roles.
Owen Heinzl, Chris Russell and Zach Garzarella have all been identified as players capable of making an impact up front.
The development of those younger linemen will be critical.
Spring-Ford returns enough experience at quarterback and receiver to produce an efficient offense, but that potential will only be realized if the line protects Pickersgill and establishes the running game.
Running Back Competition Will Be Important
The Rams must replace most of their production at running back after the graduation of Brayden Hinkle and Cole Broderick.
Junior Rowan Harmon is expected to take on a larger role after rushing for 205 yards and adding 83 receiving yards last season.
At 5-foot-9 and 184 pounds, Harmon brings versatility to the backfield. He can contribute as a traditional runner, catch passes out of the backfield and align at receiver when needed.
That versatility should make him an important piece of the offensive game plan.
Spring-Ford will also need additional backs to emerge during camp.
The offense has historically benefited from using multiple runners, allowing the Rams to keep players fresh while presenting different styles to opposing defenses.
Finding depth and consistency in the backfield will be one of the team’s biggest preseason priorities.
Veteran Receiving Corps Returns
Spring-Ford returns an experienced and productive group of wide receivers.
Senior Jackson Wickersham caught 22 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown last season.
At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, Wickersham gives Pickersgill a reliable target with good size on the perimeter.
Senior Shane Cornelison also returns after catching 20 passes for 243 yards.
Cornelison provides another experienced receiver capable of working underneath and creating yards after the catch.
Senior Aidan Lennon contributed 117 receiving yards and a touchdown while also playing a major role in the secondary.
Together, Wickersham, Cornelison and Lennon give Spring-Ford continuity in the passing game.
Their experience should allow the Rams to expand the offense and create more favorable matchups across the field.
Tight End and Fullback Groups Offer Versatility
Spring-Ford has several players competing for roles at tight end and fullback.
Senior Trent Yoder returns at fullback and brings valuable size at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds.
The Rams are also looking for contributions from Ben Delgado, Dylan Garay, Victor Vanderzille and Jake Phanhnong.
That group gives the coaching staff multiple options.
Some can serve as physical blockers in the running game, while others have the athleticism to contribute as receivers.
The ability to use different personnel packages without dramatically changing the offense could become an important advantage.
Offensive Consistency Will Be the Goal
Spring-Ford showed last season that it could score enough to win against quality conference opponents.
The Rams put up 35 points against both Norristown and Methacton, scored 30 in a victory over Perkiomen Valley and added 28 against Boyertown.
However, they also struggled offensively during several early-season losses.
The goal in 2026 will be greater week-to-week consistency.
Pickersgill’s leadership, the experience of the offensive line and the depth of the receiving corps should help the Rams become more efficient.
If Spring-Ford develops a dependable rushing attack and limits turnovers, the offense should be capable of sustaining drives and putting consistent pressure on opposing defenses.
Defensive Line Returns Experienced Ends
The Spring-Ford defense returns several important contributors along the front.
Senior Victor Vanderzille recorded 20 tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack last season.
Senior Dylan Garay also returns after contributing at defensive end.
Their experience should help stabilize the edges as the Rams replace several graduated linemen.
Senior Barrett Tyson returns at defensive tackle and provides size and toughness in the middle.
The defensive line must consistently control gaps and limit the running game.
If Vanderzille, Garay and Tyson can create pressure without requiring extra defenders, the Rams will be able to take advantage of their experienced secondary.
Onufer Leads the Linebackers
Senior Jacob Onufer returns after recording 46 tackles and two tackles for loss.
He will be expected to become the leader of the linebacker group following the graduation of Jacob McDowell and Cole Broderick.
Onufer brings experience, toughness and a strong understanding of the defense.
The Rams will need younger linebackers to develop around him, but having a veteran in the middle should help with communication and alignment.
Spring-Ford’s linebackers must pursue sideline to sideline, tackle consistently and prevent opponents from creating explosive runs.
Secondary Could Be the Strength of the Defense
The defensive backfield may be Spring-Ford’s strongest unit.
Senior Dailyn Palmer returns after recording 28 tackles and a tackle for loss.
Senior safety Jack Strzeminski finished with 50 tackles, four tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries.
Senior Aidan Lennon earned All-League recognition in his first season as a starter after recording 36 tackles, four interceptions and two tackles for loss.
That trio gives Spring-Ford an experienced and productive secondary.
Palmer and Lennon provide veteran coverage ability at cornerback, while Strzeminski brings physicality and instincts at safety.
The Rams should be able to play aggressively on the perimeter while trusting their experienced defensive backs to limit explosive plays.
Lennon’s ability to create turnovers will be especially important. Four interceptions in his first season as a starter demonstrated outstanding instincts and ball skills.
Defense Must Build on Strong Conference Performances
Spring-Ford’s defense played some of its best football during PAC competition last season.
The Rams recorded shutouts against Norristown and Boyertown, held Methacton to seven points, limited Owen J. Roberts to nine and held Upper Perkiomen to 10 in the crossover game.
Those performances helped fuel the six-game winning streak.
The defense will need to carry that confidence into 2026.
With most of the secondary returning and experienced players at linebacker and defensive end, Spring-Ford has the pieces to again field one of the stronger defenses in the Liberty Division.
The key will be replacing the lost production in the trenches and developing depth behind the returning starters.
Special Teams Must Replace Reavy
Special teams represent one of the Rams’ biggest questions entering the season.
Spring-Ford must replace All-League kicker and punter Ryan Reavy.
Reliable specialists can easily be overlooked until a close game is decided by field position, an extra point or a late field goal.
Reavy provided consistency in multiple phases, and replacing that production will require several younger players to step forward.
The coaching staff believes there are promising newcomers capable of contributing.
Training camp will be used to identify a dependable kicker, punter and coverage-unit contributors.
Clean operation and consistency will be essential, especially against a schedule where several games may be decided by one possession.
Players to Watch
Kaden Pickersgill, Sr., QB: Returning starter who passed for 1,123 yards and six touchdowns and will be expected to lead the offense.
Lynn Bellard, Sr., OL: Massive and experienced lineman who should anchor the offensive front.
Jackson Wickersham, Sr., WR: Reliable returning receiver who caught 22 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown.
Shane Cornelison, Sr., WR: Veteran pass catcher who recorded 20 receptions for 243 yards.
Rowan Harmon, Jr., RB/WR: Versatile offensive weapon expected to take on a larger role after producing 288 yards from scrimmage.
Aidan Lennon, Sr., WR/DB: All-League defensive back who intercepted four passes while also contributing offensively.
Jack Strzeminski, Sr., S: Physical safety who recorded 50 tackles, four tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries.
Dailyn Palmer, Sr., CB: Multi-year starter who provides experience and leadership in the secondary.
Jacob Onufer, Sr., LB: Returning linebacker who finished with 46 tackles and will lead the middle of the defense.
Victor Vanderzille, Sr., DE: Experienced defensive end who recorded three tackles for loss and a sack.
My thoughts on Spring-Ford
Spring-Ford enters the 2026 season with the experience and talent necessary to contend for another PAC Liberty Division championship and return to the District 1 Class 6A playoffs.
The Rams proved their resilience last season by overcoming an 0-4 start and finishing the regular season with six consecutive victories. That turnaround showed the program’s ability to remain focused and improve throughout the season.
Offensively, Pickersgill gives Spring-Ford an experienced leader at quarterback. The return of Bellard, Wright and Clark along the offensive line should provide stability, while Wickersham, Cornelison and Lennon give the passing game three proven options.
The biggest offensive question is replacing the production at running back. Harmon has the versatility to become a major contributor, but additional players must emerge around him.
Defensively, the Rams return an experienced secondary that could rank among the best in the PAC. Lennon, Strzeminski and Palmer provide production, leadership and playmaking ability, while Onufer gives the linebacking corps a veteran presence. Vanderzille, Garay and Tyson will be counted on to establish the defensive front.
Replacing Reavy on special teams will also be important, particularly in close league and district games.
Spring-Ford’s early schedule again tested the program last season, but the Rams responded by becoming one of the hottest teams in District 1 during the second half. With Pickersgill leading the offense and an experienced defense returning, Spring-Ford should enter 2026 expecting to compete for the Liberty Division title and make another run in the District 1 Class 6A postseason.
Head Coach: Mike Palmer
Assistant Coaches:
Gary Rhodenbaugh
Jim Mich
Chuck Nesley
Jim Algeo
Steve Entenman
Gary Hopkins
Ryan Brumfield
Matt Okuniewski
James Begg
Sean English
Team Name: Spring-Ford Rams
District: 1
Class: 6A
League: Pioneer Athletic Conference – Liberty Division
2025 Record: 6-4
8/22 Souderton Area (6A) 7:00 pm L 7-31
8/29 Easton Area (6A) 7:00 pm L 3-36
9/05 @ Downingtown East (6A) 7:00 pm L 17-21
9/12 @ Downingtown West (6A) 7:00 pm L 0-30
9/19 @ Norristown* (6A) 7:00 pm W 35-0
9/26 @ Methacton* (5A) 7:00 pm W 35-7
10/03 Perkiomen Valley* (6A) 7:00 pm W 30-21
10/11 Boyertown* (6A) 7:00 pm W 28-0
10/17 @ Owen J. Roberts* (6A) 7:00 pm W 21-9
10/24 Upper Perkiomen (5A) 7:00 pm W 14-10 PAC Crossover game
10/30 @ Downingtown East (6A) 7:00 pm L 16-20 Dist. 1 Class 6A 1st Round
2026 Schedules:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ West Chester Rustin (5A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 Souderton Area (6A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ Exeter Township (5A) 7:00 pm
9/10 Avon Grove (6A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Downingtown East (6A) 7:00 pm
9/25 @ Boyertown* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Methacton* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Perkiomen Valley* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/17 Pope John Paul II* (4A) 2:00 pm
10/23 Owen J. Roberts* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/30 PAC Crossover Game (Non-PIAA) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
WR/DB Blake Turner
TE/DE Ryan Kerchner
OL/DL AJ Moyer
RB Brayden Hinkle
RB/LB Cole Broderick
LB Jacob McDowell
C Grant Dziedziak
OL Ashton Pugh
K/P Ryan Reavy
Offensive Starters Returning:
Sr QB Kaden Pickersgill, 6-0, 190
Sr OL Lynn Bellard, 6-2, 325
Sr OL Matt Wright, 6-0, 221
Sr OL Pat Clark, 5-9, 235
Sr WR Jackson Wickersham, 6-2, 185
Sr WR Shane Cornelison, 5-11, 160
Sr FB Trent Yoder, 6-3, 215
Jr RB/WR Rowan Harmon 5-9, 184
Defensive Starters Returning:
Sr DE Victor Vanderzille, 6-2, 210
Sr DT Barrett Tyson, 5-9, 240
Sr DE Dylan Garay, 6-2, 205
Sr LB Jacob Onufer, 5-9, 200
Sr DB Jack Strzeminski, 5-11, 160
Sr DB Dailyn Palmer, 5-10, 170
Sr DB Aidan Lennon, 6-0, 180
Special Team Starters Returning:
None
Key Newcomers:
Jr RB/LB Randell Muluh, 5-9,185
Sr WR/DB Will Huggard, 5-9, 165
Sr RB Matt Montgomery, 5-10, 150
Jr DB Victor Desante, 5-7, 150
Sr FB Jake Phanhnong, 5-7, 180
Sr OL/DL Chris Russell, 6-3, 300
Sr LB Connor DePaol, 5-7, 172
Jr OL Zach Garzarella, 6-0, 225
Jr TE/DE Ben Delgado, 6-1, 185
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Sr QB Kaden Pickersgill, 100 Completions, 1,123 Passing Yards, 6 TD Passes
Sr WR Shane Cornelison, 20 Receptions, 243 Yards
Sr WR Jackson Wickersham, 22 Catches, 247 Yards, 1 TD
Sr WR Aidan Lennon, 117 Receiving Yards, 1 TD
Jr RB/WR Rowan Harmon, 205 Rushing Yards, 83 Receiving Yards
Sr CB Dailyn Palmer, 28 Tackles, 1 TFL
Sr S Jack Strzeminski, 50 Tackles, 4 TFLs, 2 Fumbles Recoveries
Sr CB Aidan Lennon, 36 Tackles, 4 Interceptions, 2 TFLs
Sr LB Jacob Onufer, 46 Tackles, 2 TFLs
Sr DE Victor Vanderzile, 20 Tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 Sack
2026 Offensive Outlook: We look forward to QB Kaden Pickersgill returning and taking a leadership role on our offense. Senior offensive lineman Lynn Bellard, Matt Wright, and Pat Clark returns as major contributors from last season, with newcomers Owen Heinzl, Chris Russell, and Zach Garzarella all looking to make big impacts up front.
The wide receiver core brings back lots of experience from last season, with Jackson Wickersham, Shane Cornelison, and Aidan Lennon all making major contributions last season. Several players including Ben Delgado, Dylan Garay, Victor Vanderzille, Trent Yoder, and Jake Phanhnong look to lead the TE & FB position groups.
2026 Defensive Outlook: The defense returns several starter from last season, including the majority of the defensive backfield. CB Dailyn Palmer and S Jack Strzeminski are returning as multi-year starters, along with CB Aidan Lennon who was named All-League in his first season as a start.
Senior Jacob Onufer returns to lead the linebacking core. DE’s Victor Vanderzille and Dylan Garay both return as major contributors on the defensive line last season.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: With the departure of All-League K/P Ryan Reavy, we will be searching for new contributors to our special teams units. A few promising newcomers look to make their impact.