Bishop Shanahan Begins Title Defense With New-Look Roster
Bishop Shanahan enters the 2026 season with a championship standard to protect and a much different roster expected to carry it forward.
The Eagles finished 8-5 last fall, captured the District 1 Class 4A championship and advanced to the opening round of the PIAA playoffs. Their season included dominant victories, a memorable district title run and a narrow 40-36 loss to North Pocono in the state tournament.
Head coach Paul Meyers now faces the challenge of replacing a large and accomplished senior class.
Anthony Aquila, Dan Keenan, Owen McGrory, Aidan Civitella, Nate Bracken, Michael Cleary and Brian Whelan all graduated after helping Bishop Shanahan produce one of the program’s strongest seasons.
Only two offensive starters and three defensive starters are listed as returning, meaning the Eagles will enter camp with competition at nearly every position.
Senior offensive lineman Ryan Denlinger and senior receiver Zach Reilly provide the offensive foundation. Junior defensive lineman Lachlan Sherwin, senior defensive back Jason Guerin and junior linebacker Nic Cipriano give the defense experience at each level.
The lack of returning starters creates uncertainty, but the program’s expectations remain high.
Bishop Shanahan showed last season that it could respond to adversity. The Eagles lost three consecutive games to Downingtown West, Downingtown East and Coatesville before regrouping in the postseason.
They defeated Interboro 38-7 in the District 1 semifinals and avenged an earlier loss to Pope John Paul II with a convincing 42-21 victory in the district championship game.
That postseason run demonstrated the program’s toughness and ability to improve over the course of a season.
The 2026 team will need to develop those same qualities quickly.
Replacing a Productive Offense
Bishop Shanahan averaged more than 33 points per game last season and scored at least 35 points in nine contests.
The Eagles opened the year by outscoring Roxborough, School of the Future and Methacton by a combined margin of 132-7. They later produced 49 points against West Chester Henderson, 41 against Sun Valley and 42 in the district championship game.
Much of that offensive production graduated.
The Eagles must identify a new quarterback, replace several experienced skill players and rebuild most of the offensive line.
The coaching staff does not expect the new group to immediately reproduce last year’s scoring totals.
Instead, Bishop Shanahan plans to establish a more controlled and balanced identity.
The Eagles want to run the football, mix in efficient passing concepts and control possession.
Winning time of possession could become especially important while the roster gains experience.
Long drives would protect a developing defense, limit opponents’ possessions and help the offense build confidence.
Quarterback Competition Will Shape the Offense
The starting quarterback position will be one of the most important competitions during camp.
Bishop Shanahan needs a player capable of managing the offense, protecting the football and remaining composed against a challenging schedule.
The new quarterback will not be asked to carry the offense alone.
The coaching staff wants to support him with a dependable running game, controlled passing concepts and experienced leadership from Denlinger and Reilly.
Decision-making will matter more than statistics.
The Eagles must avoid turnovers that give opponents short fields or allow games to get away from them early.
A young or inexperienced quarterback can still succeed if the offensive line protects consistently and the running game remains productive.
The winner of the competition must also earn the confidence of the players around him.
With so many new starters, leadership and communication will be essential.
Denlinger Anchors Rebuilt Offensive Line
Senior Ryan Denlinger returns as the most experienced offensive lineman.
At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Denlinger will be expected to provide leadership and stability to a group replacing several starters.
The offensive line’s development will determine how quickly the offense finds its identity.
Bishop Shanahan wants to control the clock and maintain balance between the running and passing games. That approach requires consistent blocking at the point of attack.
The line must create manageable third-down situations, protect the quarterback and avoid penalties that disrupt drives.
Denlinger’s experience will be especially important during preseason camp.
He will help organize the group, communicate assignments and guide younger players through the transition to varsity football.
The Eagles do not need the new linemen to dominate immediately.
They need the group to improve each week and play with consistency.
If the offensive front develops quickly, Bishop Shanahan will have a much better chance of maintaining possession and keeping games close.
Reilly Becomes Primary Receiving Threat
Senior Zach Reilly returns at wide receiver and is expected to become one of the offense’s central playmakers.
At 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, Reilly gives the new quarterback a tall and experienced target.
His size should make him valuable on the outside, over the middle and in the red zone.
Reilly’s role will extend beyond catching passes.
He must provide leadership for a young group of receivers and help establish the standard expected from the position.
Bishop Shanahan graduated several experienced offensive contributors, creating opportunities for younger players to emerge around Reilly.
The Eagles need receivers who can create separation, block on the perimeter and consistently execute their assignments.
Reilly’s presence should help stabilize the passing game while those players develop.
Running Game Must Become Reliable
Bishop Shanahan’s offensive outlook emphasizes controlling the clock.
That begins with establishing the running game.
The Eagles must identify a dependable group of running backs capable of producing positive yardage, protecting the football and contributing in pass protection.
No returning offensive starter is listed at running back, making the competition one of the most important during camp.
The coaching staff may use a rotation rather than relying on one featured player.
A committee approach could help younger backs gain experience while keeping players fresh.
Regardless of who earns the carries, Bishop Shanahan needs the rushing attack to remain efficient.
The Eagles do not need a touchdown on every possession.
They need first downs, sustained drives and enough balance to prevent defenses from focusing entirely on the new quarterback.
A productive running game would also help Bishop Shanahan manage the demanding portion of its schedule against larger Class 6A opponents.
Balance and Possession Will Define the Offense
The offensive plan is straightforward.
Run the football effectively, mix in the pass and control the clock.
That approach fits a team replacing most of its starters.
The Eagles can reduce pressure on inexperienced players by keeping the system manageable and emphasizing execution.
Ball security will be critical.
A young offense cannot afford turnovers, especially against teams capable of scoring quickly.
Bishop Shanahan also must improve throughout the season.
The 2025 team developed into its best form during the district playoffs. The 2026 group may follow a similar path as players gain experience and roles become more clearly defined.
The offense may not begin the year as an explosive unit, but it can become dependable if the line develops and the skill players protect the football.
Sherwin Leads the Defensive Front
Junior Lachlan Sherwin returns as the leading experienced player along the defensive line.
At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Sherwin will be expected to help anchor a rebuilt front.
Bishop Shanahan’s defensive outlook begins with stopping the run.
That responsibility falls heavily on Sherwin and the new defensive linemen around him.
The Eagles will face physical rushing attacks throughout the schedule. If the front cannot control the line of scrimmage, the linebackers and secondary will be placed under constant pressure.
Sherwin must set the tone with effort, discipline and physical play.
As a junior, he also represents an important piece of the program’s future.
His development into a leader could help Bishop Shanahan stabilize the defense during a season of significant transition.
Cipriano Provides Experience at Linebacker
Junior Nic Cipriano returns at linebacker.
At 5-foot-10 and 195 pounds, Cipriano gives the Eagles an experienced defender in the middle of the unit.
His responsibilities will include stopping the run, communicating alignments and helping organize the younger players around him.
The linebacker group must become reliable tacklers.
Bishop Shanahan’s defensive outlook stresses the importance of getting off the field. That means limiting yards after contact and preventing manageable third downs from becoming extended drives.
Cipriano’s experience should help the Eagles make adjustments during games.
He will also be expected to become one of the defense’s vocal leaders.
The coaching staff needs players who can recognize formations, communicate checks and maintain discipline when opponents use motion or misdirection.
Guerin Leads Athletic Secondary
Senior Jason Guerin returns at defensive back after gaining important varsity experience.
At 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, Guerin provides size and athleticism in the secondary.
Bishop Shanahan believes it has several athletes capable of covering.
That could allow the defense to play more aggressively if the secondary proves it can consistently handle one-on-one assignments.
Guerin’s leadership will be essential because the Eagles must replace several experienced defensive backs.
The new secondary must communicate effectively and avoid giving up explosive plays.
Coverage ability is only part of the responsibility.
The defensive backs must also tackle in space and support the run.
If Bishop Shanahan succeeds in forcing opponents into third-and-long situations, Guerin and the secondary should have opportunities to make plays on the football.
Stopping the Run Is the Defensive Priority
The Eagles’ defensive objectives are clear.
Stop the run.
Play disciplined coverage.
Get off the field.
Bishop Shanahan cannot allow opponents to control possession with long rushing drives.
The new defensive front and linebackers must maintain gap discipline and finish tackles.
That challenge becomes even greater against the Class 6A teams on the schedule, where size and depth can wear down a young defense.
Improved run defense would allow the Eagles to dictate situations.
If opponents are forced into obvious passing downs, Bishop Shanahan can take advantage of its athletic secondary and create pressure.
The defense does not need to dominate every possession.
It needs to avoid extended drives and give the offense opportunities to control the game.
Third-Down Defense Will Be Critical
Getting off the field is one of Bishop Shanahan’s biggest defensive priorities.
A defense can play well on first and second down, but allowing third-down conversions erases that work.
The Eagles must improve their situational awareness.
Defenders need to understand down and distance, tackle near the sticks and avoid penalties that extend drives.
Communication will be especially important for a young unit.
The returning players must make sure everyone understands the call before the snap.
Strong third-down defense would have a positive effect on the entire team.
It would reduce the number of snaps played by the defense, improve field position and give the offense more opportunities to establish its clock-control approach.
Entirely New Special Teams Unit
Bishop Shanahan will feature new starters throughout special teams.
The Eagles must replace their kicker, punter, returners and several experienced coverage players.
That creates uncertainty, but the coaching staff believes soccer players within the program can strengthen the kicking game.
Developing a dependable kicker will be an important part of camp.
Extra points and field goals can determine close games, while consistent kickoffs can improve field position.
The Eagles also need to identify a punter capable of helping the defense by flipping the field.
Coverage units will require discipline and depth.
Young players often earn their first significant varsity roles on special teams, and Bishop Shanahan will need several newcomers to embrace those opportunities.
The return game could also provide a spark for an offense still developing its identity.
Special teams may require time to become consistent, but the phase could become a strength if the new specialists develop quickly.
Players to Watch
Ryan Denlinger, Sr., OL: Returning offensive lineman expected to anchor a rebuilt front and provide leadership for a young offense.
Zach Reilly, Sr., WR: Experienced receiver who should become the primary target for Bishop Shanahan’s new quarterback.
Lachlan Sherwin, Jr., DL: Returning defensive lineman expected to lead the effort against the run.
Jason Guerin, Sr., DB: Veteran defensive back whose size and athleticism make him an important part of the secondary.
Nic Cipriano, Jr., LB: Returning linebacker expected to provide communication, tackling and leadership in the middle of the defense.
My thoughts on Bishop Shanahan
Bishop Shanahan enters the 2026 season as the defending District 1 Class 4A champion, but the Eagles will look dramatically different from the team that lifted the trophy last November.
Most of the offensive production graduated, and several important defensive leaders must also be replaced.
Only five total offensive and defensive starters are listed as returning.
That lack of experience creates obvious challenges.
The new quarterback must develop quickly, the offensive line must find several starters and the Eagles need new playmakers to emerge at running back and receiver.
Defensively, Bishop Shanahan must rebuild around Sherwin, Cipriano and Guerin.
The good news is that each level of the defense has at least one experienced player capable of helping younger teammates adjust.
The offensive approach should help the transition.
By controlling the clock, establishing the running game and limiting turnovers, Bishop Shanahan can remain competitive while its young players develop.
The defense must stop the run and become dependable on third down.
Special teams will be entirely new, but the addition of soccer players could provide useful options in the kicking game.
The Eagles proved last season that they can respond to adversity and improve when the games matter most.
That experience belongs to the program, even if many of the players responsible for it have graduated.
The 2026 season will be about creating a new identity while maintaining the expectations established by the district championship team.
If the offensive line comes together, the quarterback protects the football and the defense develops quickly around its returning leaders, Bishop Shanahan can remain a District 1 Class 4A contender and give itself an opportunity to defend its championship.
Head Coach: Paul Meyers
Assistant Coaches:
Gary Molineaux
Bryan McKee
Doug Costin
Bill McDonald
Brett Weinhardt
Bob Iannello
Matt Decker
Ryan Egolf
Steve Sweeney
Tyler Neuhaus
Brett Bergey
Tom Seifert
Ian Lekawa
Kevin Jones
Team Name: Bishop Shanahan Eagles
District: 1
Class: 4A
League: Ches-Mont League, North Division
2025 Record: 8-5
8/22 Roxborough (4A) 7:00 pm W 51-0
8/29 School of the Future (3A) 7:00 pm W 35-0
9/05 Methacton (5A) 7:00 pm W 46-7
9/12 @ Pope John Paul II (4A) 7:00 pm L 21-28
9/19 Unionville (5A) 7:00 pm W 35-34
9/26 West Chester Henderson (5A) 7:00 pm W 49-14
10/03 @ Sun Valley/Northley (4A) 7:00 pm W 41-7
10/10 Downingtown West* (6A) 7:00 pm L 21-33
10/17 @ Downingtown East* (6A) 7:00 pm L 26-35
10/24 @ Coatesville* (6A) 7:00 pm L 7-28
10/31 Interboro (4A) 7:00 pm W 38-7 Dist. 1 Class 4A Semifinal
11/07 @ Pope John Paul II (4A) 7:00 pm W 42-21 Dist. 1 Class 4A Championship
11/14 North Pocono (4A) 7:00 pm L 36-40 PIAA Class 4A 1st Round @ Bishop Shanahan
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Upper Darby (6A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 John Bartram (3A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ School of the Future (4A) 7:00 pm
9/10 @ Phoenixville (5A) 7:00 pm
9/18 Pope John Paul II (4A) 7:00 pm
9/25 @ Avon Grove* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Downingtown East* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Great Valley (5A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Sun Valley/Northley (4A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Downingtown West* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Coatesville* (6A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Anthony Aquila
Dan Keenan
Owen McGrory
Aidan Civitella
Nate Bracken
Michael Cleary
Brian Whelan
Offensive Starters Returning:
Sr., OL, Ryan Denlinger, 6’2″ 205
Sr., WR, Zach Reilly, 6’2″ 180
Defensive Starters Returning:
Jr., DL, Lachlan Sherwin, 6’2″ 205
Sr., DB, Jason Guerin, 6’1″ 180
Jr., LB, Nic Cipriano 5’10” 195
Special Team Starters Returning:
None
Key Newcomers:
Jr., QB, Michael Miller, 5’10” 180
Sr., DB, Jordan Guerin. 5’10” 165
Sr., DL, Avery Burke, 6’2″ 200
Sr., RB/DB, Don Belfie, 5’8″ 150
2026 Offensive Outlook: We”ll need to control the clock while mixing it up with runs and passes.
2026 Defensive Outlook: We have some athletes who can cover. We have to be able to stop the run and get off the field
2026 Special Teams Outlook: We have all new guys on Special teams. We have some soccer players who will help us with the kicking game.