Veteran Line and Explosive Playmakers Have Haverford School Ready to Challenge in the Inter-Ac
The Inter-Academic League annually ranks among the premier high school football conferences in the Northeast, where every Friday night presents a battle against some of the region’s top programs.
Haverford School understands that challenge better than anyone.
The Fords finished 4-6 in 2025, but the record only tells part of the story. They defeated Gilman School (Md.), Bonner-Prendergast and Germantown Academy while suffering narrow losses to Wyomissing Area and Georgetown Prep. Every week, Haverford faced playoff-caliber competition, a schedule designed to prepare the program for championship football.
Head coach Brian Martin enters the 2026 season with an experienced and physically imposing roster that could make significant strides.
Although the Fords graduated several key contributors, including Zach Faralli, Stephen Cobb, Cole Lisowski, Jaidyn Rivera, Matt Jones and Quinn Gallagher, they return one of the area’s most experienced offensive and defensive lines, an explosive group of skill players and virtually the entire core of their defense.
The formula is straightforward.
Protect the football.
Control the line of scrimmage.
Play aggressive defense.
If Haverford consistently accomplishes those three objectives, the Fords have the talent to contend with anyone in the Inter-Ac.
Experienced Offensive Line Sets the Foundation
Everything begins up front.
Few teams in Pennsylvania return a more experienced offensive line than Haverford School.
Senior Preston Bernard (6-foot-3, 290), senior Owen Bernard (6-foot-3, 290), senior Oliver Andrewson (6-foot-6, 245) and senior Brennan Apple (6-foot-2, 280) all return after gaining valuable varsity experience.
Collectively, they give the Fords size, strength and continuity that few opponents can match.
Having four veteran linemen returning together provides tremendous advantages.
Communication becomes second nature.
Double teams develop naturally.
Pass protection improves because players understand each other’s tendencies.
Perhaps most importantly, an experienced line allows the coaching staff to expand the offensive playbook.
The Fords expect this unit to become the identity of the offense.
If they consistently control the line of scrimmage, Haverford’s talented skill players will have opportunities to flourish.
Balanced Running Attack Returns
Haverford also returns two talented running backs who gained valuable experience last season.
Junior Simeon Cobb led the returning backs with 261 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 72 carries.
At 6-foot-1, Cobb combines size with athleticism and has the ability to break tackles while creating explosive plays in space.
Sophomore Mick Slachta also returns after rushing for 220 yards and a touchdown as a freshman.
His emergence gives the Fords another dependable option in the backfield.
Rather than relying on a single feature back, Haverford has the opportunity to utilize a two-back rotation capable of keeping both runners fresh throughout games.
Behind an experienced offensive line, the running game has the potential to become one of the team’s biggest strengths.
Controlling the football and protecting possession begins with establishing that physical ground attack.
Jones Headlines Passing Game
Senior Marcus Jones returns after establishing himself as one of the premier receivers in the Inter-Ac.
Jones caught 38 passes for 542 yards and four touchdowns while consistently making plays against elite competition.
Standing 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, he presents matchup problems for virtually every defensive back.
His size, catch radius and experience make him the focal point of Haverford’s passing attack.
His speed complements Jones’ physical style, giving the offense balance on the perimeter.
Junior tight end Jason Talley also returns after becoming an important contributor.
At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, Talley provides versatility as both a blocker and receiver while creating difficult matchups against linebackers.
The combination of Jones and Talley gives the offense one of the league’s better receiving groups.
Ball Security Remains Priority
The coaching staff’s offensive message entering the season is remarkably simple.
Protect the football.
Play within the system.
Those principles become even more important in the Inter-Ac, where mistakes are routinely magnified against elite opponents.
The Fords don’t believe they must score on every possession.
Instead, they want sustained drives, smart decisions and efficient execution.
An experienced offensive line and veteran skill players should help reduce mistakes while allowing the offense to play with greater confidence.
If Haverford consistently wins the turnover battle, it will put itself in position to compete every week.
Defensive Line Could Dominate
While the offensive line is impressive, Haverford’s defensive front may be even better.
The same four veterans—Preston Bernard, Owen Bernard, Oliver Andrewson and Brennan Apple—return to anchor the defensive line.
That combination gives the Fords outstanding size and experience across the front.
Senior Zayd Jones adds another athletic defensive lineman after recording 33 tackles and a sack last season.
The coaching staff wants the defensive line to dictate games by controlling the line of scrimmage and creating constant disruption.
Few opponents will match Haverford’s size in the trenches.
If the front consistently pressures quarterbacks and limits opposing rushing attacks, the rest of the defense becomes significantly more dangerous.
Talley and Jodz Lead Linebackers
Junior Jason Talley returns after leading the defense with 66 tackles while adding a sack and an interception.
Talley has developed into one of the program’s most complete defensive players.
His ability to diagnose plays, pursue sideline to sideline and contribute in pass coverage makes him invaluable.
Senior Topher Jodz enjoyed an outstanding 2025 campaign, finishing with 59 tackles, a sack, two interceptions and a defensive touchdown.
Jodz provides leadership and playmaking ability in the middle of the defense.
Senior Mason Braun also returns after recording 36 tackles.
The trio gives Haverford an experienced linebacker corps capable of matching the physical style of the defensive line.
Athletic Secondary Returns
The Fords also bring back an experienced secondary.
Marcus Jones returns after recording 52 tackles while contributing as both a receiver and defensive back.
Junior Simeon Cobb provides another athletic defensive back capable of matching up with opposing playmakers.
Senior Christian Joachim produced three interceptions last season, demonstrating outstanding instincts and ball skills.
Senior Logan Evans added an interception that he returned for a touchdown while contributing 15 tackles.
Together, the secondary combines athleticism, experience and playmaking ability.
The coaching staff wants this group to capitalize on the pressure generated by the defensive front.
If quarterbacks are forced into hurried throws, Haverford believes its defensive backs can create game-changing turnovers.
Flying to the Football
The defensive philosophy entering 2026 is aggressive.
Fly around.
Be disruptive.
Those words define how defensive coordinator and the coaching staff expect the unit to play.
Disruption comes in many forms.
Quarterback pressures.
Tackles for loss.
Forced fumbles.
Pass breakups.
Turnovers.
The Fords want every defender attacking the football rather than reacting.
An experienced defense should allow players to trust their assignments and play with greater confidence.
Special Teams Must Be Precise
Senior Logan Camp returns to lead the special teams unit.
The coaching staff has emphasized flawless execution throughout every phase of the kicking game.
In a league where many contests are decided by one possession, hidden yardage often becomes the deciding factor.
Reliable field goals, clean punt operations and disciplined coverage units all contribute to winning football.
The expectation is consistency.
Every snap.
Every kick.
Every return.
Players to Watch
Marcus Jones, Sr., WR/DB: One of the Inter-Ac’s top returning playmakers after catching 38 passes for 542 yards and four touchdowns while recording 52 tackles.
Simeon Cobb, Jr., RB/DB: Dynamic two-way athlete expected to lead the running game after rushing for 261 yards last season.
Jason Talley, Jr., TE/LB: Defensive leader who recorded 66 tackles while also contributing offensively at tight end.
Topher Jodz, Sr., LB: Veteran linebacker who totaled 59 tackles, two interceptions and a defensive touchdown.
Christian Joachim, Sr., DB: Ball-hawking defensive back who intercepted three passes last season.
Logan Evans, Sr., DB: Experienced secondary leader who recorded an interception return for a touchdown.
Preston Bernard, Sr., OL/DL: Veteran lineman expected to anchor both offensive and defensive fronts.
Owen Bernard, Sr., OL/DL: Physical two-way starter who gives Haverford outstanding experience in the trenches.
Oliver Andrewson, Sr., OL/DL: Athletic 6-foot-6 lineman capable of dominating at the point of attack.
Brennan Apple, Sr., OL/DL: Experienced senior who completes one of the area’s strongest returning line units.
My thought on Haverford School
Haverford School enters the 2026 season with one of the most experienced rosters in the Inter-Academic League.
The Fords return four veteran linemen on both sides of the football, an experienced group of playmakers led by Marcus Jones, Simeon Cobb and Jason Talley, and a defense that brings back virtually every key contributor. That combination of size, athleticism and continuity gives Brian Martin’s squad the opportunity to take a significant step forward against one of the nation’s most demanding schedules.
Offensively, everything begins with protecting the football. If the veteran offensive line establishes the running game, Cobb and Slachta provide consistent production on the ground, and Jones and Talley continue making explosive plays through the air, Haverford should be much more efficient than it was a year ago.
Defensively, the Fords have the personnel to be one of the better units in the league. The experienced defensive line has the potential to control games, allowing Talley, Jodz and Braun to make plays at linebacker while a veteran secondary led by Jones, Joachim and Evans capitalizes on hurried throws. If Haverford consistently plays fast and creates turnovers, it will be difficult for opponents to sustain long drives.
The Inter-Academic League offers no easy Friday nights, but Haverford has assembled a roster capable of competing with every team on its schedule. If the Fords stay healthy, win the turnover battle and continue developing the physical identity built around their veteran lines, they have the talent to contend for one of the league’s top spots and position themselves for a memorable 2026 season.
Head Coach: Brian Martin
Assistant Coaches:
Andrew Pidgeon
Ben Murphy
Brian Denoncour
Chris Dibello
Chris Sims
Jay Borelli
Jon Guynes
Kyle Johnson-Hackett
Lou Moeller
Matt McKenna
Matt Rosko
Rob Allman
Team Name: Haverford School Fords
Class: 4A
League: Inter-Academic League
2025 Record: 4-6
8/30 @ Wyomissing Area (4A) 1:30 pm L 26-29
9/06 @ Gilman School (MD) 1:00 pm W 20-6
9/19 Bonner-Prendie (4A) 4:00 pm W 28-24
9/27 Plainfield (NJ) 2:00 pm W 41-25
10/04 Georgetown Prep (MD) 2:00 pm L 21-24
10/11 William Penn Charter* 1:00 pm L 0-11
10/18 @ Malvern Prep* 1:00 pm L 11-48
10/25 Germantown Academy* 1:00 pm W 31-13
11/01 @ Springside Chestnut Hill Academy* 1:00 pm L 10-29
11/08 Episcopal Academy* 1:00 pm L 3-24
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/28 @ West Chester Rustin (5A) 2:00 pm
9/05 @ McDonogh School (MD) 12:00 pm
9/11 @ Salesianum School (DE) 5:30 pm
9/18 @ Bonner-Prendie (4A) 5:00 pm
9/26 Calvert Hall School (MD) 1:00 pm
10/03 @ Georgetown Prep (MD) 2:00 pm
10/17 @ William Penn Charter* 1:00 pm
10/24 Malvern Prep* 1:00 pm
10/31 @ Germantown Academy* 1:00 pm
11/07 Springside Chestnut Hill Academy* 12:00 pm
11/14 @ Episcopal Academy* 2:30 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Zach Faragalli
Stephen Cobb
Cole Lisowski
Jaidyn Rivera
Matt Jones
Jack Rischitelli
Quinn Gallagher
Walt Frazier
Philip Okala Jr
Max Powers
Offensive Starters Returning:
Sr. OL Preston Bernard, 6’3, 290
Sr. OL Owen Bernard, 6’3, 290
Sr. OL Oliver Andrewson, 6’6, 245
Sr. OL Brennan Apple, 6’2, 280
Jr. RB Simeon Cobb, 6’1, 180
Sr. WR Marcus Jones, 6’3, 200
Jr. TE Jason Talley, 6’3, 225
So. RB Mick Slachta, 5’11, 185
Defensive Starters Returning:
Sr. DL Preston Bernard, 6’3, 290
Sr. DL Owen Bernard, 6’3, 290
Sr. DL Oliver Andrewson, 6’6, 245
Sr. DL Brennan Apple, 6’2, 280
Jr. DB Simeon Cobb, 6’1, 180
Sr. DB Marcus Jones, 6’3, 200
Jr. LB Jason Talley, 6’3, 225
Sr. LB Topher Jodz. 6’1, 185
Sr. LB Mason Braun, 6’0, 180
Sr. DL Zayd Jones, 6’3, 185
Sr. DB Christian Joachim, 6’0, 165
Sr. DB Logan Evans, 6’1, 175
Special Team Starters Returning:
Sr. K Logan Camp, 5’11, 188
Key Newcomers:
Gunnar Hermansen
Spencer Holland
Justis Kirk
Sean Friel
Griffin Apple
Landon Waller
Brody Collins
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Simeon Cobb- RB 72 rush, 261 yds, 2 TD’s
Mick Slachta- RB 56 rush, 220 yds, 1 TD
Marcus Jones- WR 38 rec, 542 yds, 4 TD’s
Jason Talley- Tackles 66, Sack 1, INT 1
Topher Jodz- Tackles 59, Sack 1, INT 2, TD 1
Marcus Jones- Tackles 52
Mason Braun- Tackles 36
Zayd Jones- Tackles 33, Sack 1
Christian Joachim- Tackles 20, INT 3
Logan Evans- Tackles 15, INT 1, TD 1
2026 Offensive Outlook: First and foremost we have to protect the ball and play within our means.
2026 Defensive Outlook: We need to fly around and be disruptive.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: We have to be flawless in our operation and execute.