Veteran Leadership, Dynamic Backfield Position Central Bucks East for Big 2026 Season
Central Bucks East believes it has all the ingredients to compete in one of Pennsylvania’s toughest football conferences.
After finishing 5-5 in 2025, the Patriots return an experienced quarterback, a deep stable of running backs, several proven defensive leaders and a senior class that has played meaningful football throughout its careers. Five of East’s losses last season came against conference opponents, including three by a combined 15 points, illustrating just how competitive the Patriots were in the rugged Suburban One League National Conference.
Head coach John Donnelly enters the season with a roster built around physical line play, a versatile rushing attack and a defense led by one of District 1’s strongest linebacker groups.
If the Patriots can replace several key graduates up front while continuing to improve offensively, they have the talent to challenge for a District 1 Class 6A playoff berth.
Pulford Ready for Next Step at Quarterback
One of the biggest reasons for optimism is the return of junior quarterback Hunter Pulford.
Pulford enjoyed an impressive sophomore campaign, accounting for 1,181 yards of total offense and nine touchdowns while demonstrating the athleticism to extend plays with both his arm and legs.
Now entering his second full season as the starter, Pulford is expected to have an even greater command of the offense.
His dual-threat ability gives offensive coordinator Greg Penecale flexibility in the playbook, allowing East to attack defenses with designed quarterback runs, play-action concepts and vertical passing opportunities.
His continued growth as a decision-maker will be one of the biggest factors in the Patriots’ success.
Deep Backfield Headlines the Offense
Central Bucks East returns one of the area’s deepest running back groups.
Senior Mike Price leads the way after averaging 6.5 yards per carry during his junior season while earning First Team All-League honors. At 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, Price combines power with surprising explosiveness and has the ability to wear down defenses over four quarters.
Senior Chase Ingram returns after averaging 5.57 yards per carry, giving the Patriots another dependable runner capable of producing explosive plays.
Junior Asher Green adds another dynamic element after averaging an impressive 7.8 yards per carry.
With three experienced backs available, East has the versatility to rotate fresh legs throughout games while presenting opposing defenses with multiple rushing styles.
Combined with Pulford’s mobility, the Patriots possess one of the more dangerous rushing attacks in the conference.
Experienced Skill Players Return
The Patriots also return experienced targets on the perimeter.
Senior Cole Wojnicki averaged 15.8 yards per reception last season and gives Pulford a proven vertical threat capable of stretching defenses.
Senior Tommy Seiler returns after contributing on both sides of the football and provides another reliable receiver with excellent football instincts.
Senior tight end Owen Metzger returns to provide physical blocking and another dependable option in the passing game.
The combination of experienced receivers and a mobile quarterback should allow East to create explosive plays while maintaining offensive balance.
Offensive Line Anchored by Dan Kirk
Although Central Bucks East graduated standout linemen Timmy Fuhrmeister and Magnus Figueroa, the Patriots return one of District 1’s premier offensive linemen in senior Dan Kirk.
The Monmouth University commit did not allow a sack during the 2025 season and enters his senior year as one of the top linemen in eastern Pennsylvania.
Joining Kirk are veteran linemen Tim Gulbish, Jackson Lambrecht and Damien DeRosa, giving East experience and physicality up front.
The coaching staff expects continued improvement from the offensive line after several younger players gained valuable varsity experience a year ago.
If the Patriots consistently win the line of scrimmage, their talented backfield has the potential to produce one of the conference’s top rushing attacks.
Linebackers Lead Defensive Identity
Defense begins with the linebacker corps.
Senior Liam Hoey returns after leading the team with 61 tackles and 14 tackles for loss. His instincts, toughness and ability to attack downhill make him one of the premier linebackers in District 1.
Junior Owen Grotz returns after recording 40 tackles as a sophomore and is expected to assume an even larger leadership role.
Price, Ingram and Seiler all contribute at linebacker, giving defensive coordinator Zach Nelsen exceptional depth and versatility.
The coaching staff believes this experienced linebacker group is the strength of the defense and expects it to set the tone each week.
Kirk Anchors the Defensive Front
Kirk’s impact extends well beyond offense.
The 6-foot-4, 275-pound senior returns at defensive end after posting 13.5 tackles for loss last season. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt running plays makes him one of the Patriots’ most valuable players.
Lambrecht also returns on the interior after providing valuable experience as a junior.
Although East must replace Fuhrmeister and Figueroa, the coaching staff is confident younger players are ready to step into larger roles along the defensive line.
Generating pressure without sacrificing coverage will be one of the keys to defensive success.
Experienced Secondary Looks to Improve
The Patriots return several experienced contributors in the secondary.
Green recorded 27 tackles last season while continuing to develop into a dependable defensive back.
Ingram intercepted a pass and added 28 tackles, while Seiler contributed 37 tackles, two fumble recoveries and an interception.
The combination of experience and athleticism gives East confidence that the back end of the defense can complement its aggressive front seven.
The Patriots want to eliminate explosive plays while forcing opponents into long-yardage situations.
Special Teams Provide Stability
Special teams should once again be a strength.
Wojnicki returns after a strong junior season and will again handle kicking and punting duties alongside Flavio Gramaldi, giving East excellent depth in the kicking game.
Jack Penecale returns as one of the area’s more dependable long snappers, while Alex Pollner resumes his role as holder.
The Patriots believe consistency in the kicking game and strong field position can provide an edge in the close conference games that often define the season.
Players to Watch
Hunter Pulford, Jr., QB: Dynamic dual-threat quarterback who produced 1,181 yards of total offense and nine touchdowns as a sophomore.
Mike Price, Sr., RB/OLB: First Team All-League running back who averaged 6.5 yards per carry while starring on defense.
Dan Kirk, Sr., OG/DE: Monmouth commit and one of District 1’s top linemen after allowing no sacks and recording 13.5 tackles for loss.
Liam Hoey, Sr., LB: Defensive leader who paced the Patriots with 61 tackles and 14 tackles for loss.
Chase Ingram, Sr., RB/OLB: Versatile two-way player who averaged 5.57 yards per carry and added an interception on defense.
Cole Wojnicki, Sr., WR/K/P: Big-play receiver and standout specialist who averaged 15.8 yards per catch.
Owen Grotz, Jr., TE/LB: Physical two-way contributor who returns after a 40-tackle sophomore campaign.
Tommy Seiler, Sr., WR/OLB: Reliable receiver and productive defender who finished with 37 tackles, two fumble recoveries and an interception.
Jackson Lambrecht, Sr., OT/DT: Veteran lineman who anchors both the offensive and defensive fronts.
Asher Green, Jr., RB/DB: Explosive runner who averaged 7.8 yards per carry while contributing in the secondary.
My thoughts on Central Bucks East
Central Bucks East enters 2026 with a veteran roster capable of competing with anyone in the Suburban One League National Conference.
The Patriots return a proven quarterback, a deep and talented backfield, experienced receivers and one of the area’s top linemen in Kirk. Defensively, an outstanding linebacker corps led by Hoey and Grotz provides the foundation for a unit that combines veteran leadership with developing young talent.
Replacing key graduates along both lines will be an important challenge, but the experience gained by returning players should ease that transition.
If Pulford continues to develop, the offensive line jells around Kirk and the defense creates consistent pressure, Central Bucks East has the pieces to improve on last year’s 5-5 record and emerge as a legitimate District 1 Class 6A playoff contender.
The Patriots’ motto is simple: play as hard as possible, as fast as possible and for as long as possible. If they accomplish that every Friday night, 2026 could be a memorable season in Doylestown.
Head Coach: John Donnelly
Assistant Coaches:
Greg Penecale
Joe King
Brandon Sparks
Jake Maggio
Tommy Day
STC – Tim Barno
VC – Jason Hepler
Bob McNally
DC – Zach Nelsen
Mark Vingoe
Anthony Ventresca
Strength – Jake Maggio
Speed/Agility Coach – Tom Brader
Team Name: Central Bucks East Patriots
District: 1
Class: 6A
League: Suburban One League, National Conference
2025 Record: 5-5
8/22 Ridley (6A) 7:00 pm W 20-14
8/29 @ Cheltenham (5A) 7:00 pm W 17-14 at Wissahickon HS
9/05 Council Rock North (6A) 7:00 pm W 50-7
9/12 @ Central Bucks South* (6A) 7:00 pm L 14-21
9/19 Pennsbury * (6A) 7:00 pm W 7-0
9/26 @ North Penn* (6A) 7:00 pm L 20-31
10/03 Abington* (6A) 7:00 pm W 49-7
10/10 Neshaminy* (6A) 7:00 pm L 35-41
10/17 @ Pennridge* (6A) 7:00 pm L 8-15
10/24 Central Bucks West* (6A) 7:00 pm L 21-28
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Bethlehem Freedom (6A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 @ Ridley (6A) 7:00 pm
9/04 Bethlehem Liberty (6A) 7:00 pm
9/10 @ Bensalem (6A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Neshaminy* (6A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Pennridge* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Central Bucks South* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/10 @ Pennsbury * (6A) 12:00 pm
10/16 North Penn* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Abington* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Central Bucks West* (6A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters lost:
Timmy Fuhrmeister OT/DE
Magnus Figueroa OG/DE
Reuben Bell WR/DB
Sam Piszel TE/LB
Offensive Starters Returning:
Mike Price RB 6’1 210 SR
Dan Kirk OG 6’5 275 SR
Hunter Pulford QB 6’0 205 JR
Chase Ingram RB 5’11 185 SR
Cole Wojnicki WR 6’2 190 SR
Asher Green RB 5’7 165 JR
Tim Gulbish C/OG 6’2 245 SR
Jackson Lambrecht OT 6’2 305 SR
Owen Metzger TE 6’0 225 SR
Tommy Seiler WR 5’9 165 SR
Damien DeRosa C/OG 5’11 225 SR
Defensive Starters Returning:
Liam Hoey LB 5’9 180 SR
Dan Kirk DE 6’4 275 SR
Owen Grotz LB 6’0 210 JR
Chase Ingram OLB 5’11 185 SR
Asher Green DB 5’8 160 JR
Tommy Seiler OLB 5’9 165 SR
Jackson Lambrecht DT 6’2 305 SR
Mike Price OLB 6’1 210 SR
Special Team Starters Returning:
Punter Cole Wojnicki / Flavio Gramaldi
Kicker Cole Wojnicki / Flavio Gramaldi
Long snap Jack Penecale
Holder Alex Pollner
Key Newcomers:
Zay Bell RB/DB 5’7 145 JR
Eil Jeffcoat RB/DB 6’0 175 SR
Connor O’Donnell WR/DB 5’10 165 JR
Jack Penecale WR 5’10 180 JR
Chris Yevlantyev TE/LB 6’0 205 JR
Yaro Yevlantyev WR/DB 5’9 175 JR
Gio Fego OL/DL 6’0 300 Soph
Lornzo Graziosi OL/DL 5’10 210 SR
Jason Pincus OL/DL 6’0 255 JR
Avery Srenaski 6’0 220 JR
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Offense:
Mike Price Soph-1st Team AL / Jr – 6.5 yd/carry
Dan Kirk Did not allow a sack
Hunter Pulford 1,181 Total Off – 9 TD
Chase Ingram 5.57 yd/carry
Cole Wojnicki 15.8 yd/catch
Asher Green 7.8 yd/carry
Defense:
Liam Hoey 61 tackles (team leader) – 14 TFL
Dan Kirk 13.5 TFL’s – Monmouth commit
Owen Grotz 40 tackles (2nd-returning tackles)
Chase Ingram 28 Tackles 1 INT
Asher Green 27 Tackles
Tommy Seiler 37 Tackles – 2 FR – 1 INT
2026 Outlook: The goal is to play as hard as we can, as fast we can, for as long as we can. If we do that with believe in ourselves and each other, we will have a very good season.
Offense: Dual-Threat QB Hunter Pulford returns off a strong sophomore year. There is a stable of RB’s led by Mike Price. The OL returns 2 starters (led by Monmouth commit Dan Kirk) with others gaining experience last season. Wojnicki and Seiler lead the WR’s and Grotz does the same for the TE’s.
Defense: We return excellent depth in the LB corps. There is a mix of experience and youth on the first and third levels.
Special Team: Cole Wojnicki returns off a strong junior season. Flavio Grimaldi provides great depth. Jack Penecale is a solid long snapper.