Veteran Senior Class Has Garnet Valley Poised for Another Central League Championship Chase
Few teams in District 1 finished the 2025 season playing better football than Garnet Valley.
After opening the year with difficult losses to Coatesville and eventual Central League champion Haverford High, the Jaguars settled into their identity, winning eight of their next 10 games. Along the way, they rolled through much of the Central League schedule, defeated Upper Perkiomen in the opening round of the District 1 Class 5A playoffs and finished with an impressive 8-4 record.
The season eventually ended in the district quarterfinals with a loss to Chester, but the playoff appearance reinforced that Garnet Valley remained one of the premier programs in District 1.
Now, head coach Eric Van Wyk believes the foundation established last season can lead to an even stronger 2026 campaign.
Although the Jaguars graduated several outstanding contributors, including Paxton Hunt, Joey DiMarino, Brandon Scanlon, Michael Costa, Anthony Gifford and several other experienced seniors, the heart of this year’s team consists of a senior class that gained extensive varsity experience throughout 2025.
That experience gives Garnet Valley confidence entering another challenging Central League schedule.
The Jaguars expect to be balanced offensively, disciplined defensively and dangerous on special teams.
If that formula comes together, Garnet Valley should once again find itself competing for a Central League championship and another deep District 1 Class 5A playoff run.
Senior Quarterback Leads the Offense
Everything begins with senior quarterback Clayton Turner.
After spending last season gaining valuable varsity experience, Turner enters his final year with a complete understanding of the offense and the leadership responsibilities that come with playing quarterback.
The Jaguars believe his growth throughout the offseason has positioned him to take the next step.
One of Garnet Valley’s biggest offensive strengths is balance.
The coaching staff does not want to rely exclusively on either the running or passing game. Instead, the Jaguars want to create an offense capable of attacking defenses in multiple ways while forcing opponents to defend the entire field.
Turner’s decision-making will be critical.
His ability to recognize defensive alignments, distribute the football and protect possession should allow Garnet Valley to remain efficient while creating explosive opportunities down the field.
As a senior, he will also serve as one of the team’s primary leaders, helping younger players adjust to expanded varsity roles.
Veteran Offensive Line Sets the Tone
Championship teams are often built in the trenches, and Garnet Valley returns an experienced offensive line capable of becoming one of the strengths of the team.
Senior Liam Genthert, senior Nick Potts, senior Ryan Vance and senior Tyler Hays all return after playing important roles last season.
Collectively, they provide size, continuity and experience.
Having four returning senior linemen gives the Jaguars an important advantage entering camp.
Communication improves.
Assignments become more consistent.
Chemistry develops naturally through experience.
Those qualities should help Garnet Valley establish both the running game and pass protection.
The offensive line also allows the coaching staff to expand the playbook.
Whether the Jaguars choose to pound the football between the tackles or attack through the air, success begins with the veterans controlling the line of scrimmage.
Balanced Attack Features Experienced Skill Players
Senior Hadrian Krauss returns to lead the rushing attack.
His experience gives Garnet Valley a dependable ball carrier capable of handling a significant workload while providing leadership in the offensive backfield.
The Jaguars also return an experienced receiving corps.
Senior Michael Buono brings playmaking ability to the perimeter and is expected to become one of Turner’s favorite targets.
Senior Michael Archer provides another experienced option capable of stretching defenses and creating explosive plays.
Senior Andrew Cohen returns at tight end, giving the offense versatility as both a blocker and receiver.
The combination of Krauss, Buono, Archer and Cohen gives Garnet Valley multiple offensive weapons.
Rather than depending on one standout player, the Jaguars can distribute the football to several experienced seniors.
That balance should make the offense much more difficult to defend.
Leadership Defines the Offensive Identity
The coaching staff believes the senior class will establish the tone offensively.
Many of these players gained valuable varsity experience as juniors while competing against one of the strongest schedules in District 1.
Now they are expected to become leaders.
Leadership extends beyond statistics.
It includes preparation, communication, accountability and composure.
The Jaguars believe those qualities will help younger players develop quickly while allowing the offense to perform with greater consistency.
The goal is to become a balanced team capable of winning in different ways.
Some weeks that may mean controlling the football with the running game.
Other weeks it may require attacking through the air.
The versatility of the offense should allow Garnet Valley to adjust based on its opponent.
Defensive Experience Returns in Key Areas
Like the offense, the defense will be built around experienced seniors.
The Jaguars lost several outstanding defensive contributors, but many players who served as important rotational pieces last season are now ready to assume larger roles.
The coaching staff expects those players to continue the defensive standard established over the past several seasons.
Garnet Valley’s philosophy remains straightforward.
Play fundamentally sound football.
Limit mistakes.
Create turnovers.
Force opponents to earn every yard.
If the Jaguars consistently accomplish those goals, they believe they can once again field one of the stronger defenses in the Central League.
Britton Anchors the Defensive Front
Senior Owen Britton returns to lead the defensive line.
His experience should provide stability up front while younger players compete for additional roles.
The Jaguars graduated several defensive linemen, making Britton’s leadership particularly valuable.
A strong defensive front allows the linebackers and secondary to play faster.
Controlling the line of scrimmage, forcing offenses into long-yardage situations and creating quarterback pressure will all be priorities.
The coaching staff also expects several younger linemen to emerge during preseason camp.
Developing depth will be essential because the Central League schedule consistently features physical offensive lines and balanced offenses.
Experienced Secondary Could Become a Strength
The defensive backfield returns several experienced starters.
Senior Brandon Krause returns after gaining valuable experience in the secondary.
Senior Nick DiLuzio also returns to provide leadership and versatility.
Senior Ethan Vaughn completes an experienced defensive backfield capable of matching up against the talented receivers found throughout the Central League.
The Jaguars want the secondary to do more than simply defend passes.
They want defensive backs who create turnovers.
Interceptions, forced fumbles and aggressive play will all be emphasized.
The coaching staff believes this experienced group has the athleticism and football intelligence necessary to become one of the team’s biggest strengths.
If the defensive line consistently generates pressure, the secondary should have opportunities to capitalize.
Defensive Standard Remains High
Garnet Valley’s defense played outstanding football for much of last season.
The Jaguars held Harriton scoreless, allowed just three points against Conestoga, limited Lower Merion to seven, Upper Darby to seven and Ridley to seven.
Those performances demonstrated the unit’s discipline and consistency.
The challenge now is maintaining that standard despite replacing several experienced starters.
The coaching staff believes the returning seniors understand those expectations.
Many played meaningful snaps throughout the 2025 season and now have an opportunity to become leaders themselves.
Several underclassmen will also compete for important defensive roles.
Their development throughout camp could ultimately determine the depth and overall ceiling of the defense.
Zweier Headlines the Special Teams Unit
Special teams should once again become an important advantage for Garnet Valley.
Senior kicker Owen Zweier returns after an outstanding season.
His consistency gives the Jaguars confidence in field-goal situations, kickoffs and extra points.
The coaching staff expects him to build upon last year’s success.
Beyond the kicking game, Garnet Valley wants every special teams unit to become a difference-maker.
Field position, punt coverage, kickoff returns and blocked kicks all receive significant attention throughout practice.
The Jaguars believe special teams can change momentum and decide close football games.
That emphasis reflects the overall philosophy of the program.
Every phase matters.
Players to Watch
Clayton Turner, Sr., QB: Veteran quarterback expected to lead a balanced offensive attack while taking on a larger leadership role.
Hadrian Krauss, Sr., RB: Experienced running back who should anchor the rushing attack.
Michael Buono, Sr., WR: Playmaking receiver expected to become one of the offense’s primary targets.
Michael Archer, Sr., WR: Veteran receiver capable of creating explosive plays on the perimeter.
Andrew Cohen, Sr., TE: Versatile tight end who contributes as both a blocker and receiver.
Liam Genthert, Sr., OL: Veteran offensive lineman expected to anchor the front.
Nick Potts, Sr., OL: Experienced senior who provides leadership and physicality in the trenches.
Ryan Vance, Sr., OL: Returning starter who gives the Jaguars continuity along the offensive line.
Tyler Hays, Sr., OL: Veteran blocker expected to help establish the running game.
Owen Britton, Sr., DL: Experienced defensive lineman who will anchor the front.
Brandon Krause, Sr., DB: Veteran defensive back expected to provide leadership in the secondary.
Nick DiLuzio, Sr., DB: Returning starter who gives the defense versatility and experience.
Ethan Vaughn, Sr., DB: Athletic defensive back who helps complete one of the team’s most experienced position groups.
Owen Zweier, Sr., K: Proven kicker who gives Garnet Valley a significant weapon on special teams.
My thoughts on Garnet Valley
Garnet Valley enters the 2026 season with one of its most experienced senior classes in recent years.
The Jaguars may have graduated several standout players from last year’s 8-4 squad, but many of this year’s seniors gained valuable varsity experience while contributing to a playoff team that finished among the better programs in District 1 Class 5A.
Offensively, the Jaguars expect to be balanced. Turner returns to direct the offense behind an experienced offensive line featuring Genthert, Potts, Vance and Hays. Krauss gives the running game stability, while Buono, Archer and Cohen provide multiple options in the passing attack. That combination should allow Garnet Valley to attack defenses in a variety of ways.
Defensively, the Jaguars will rely on experienced seniors to continue the program’s tradition of disciplined football. Britton anchors the defensive line, while Krause, DiLuzio and Vaughn headline an experienced secondary. The coaching staff also expects several younger players to emerge during camp and provide valuable depth.
Special teams remain another potential strength with Zweier returning after an outstanding season. His consistency in the kicking game, combined with the program’s emphasis on every phase of special teams, could prove decisive in close contests.
The Central League once again promises to be one of Pennsylvania’s toughest conferences, and every Friday night will present a challenge. However, Garnet Valley possesses the leadership, experience and balanced roster necessary to compete for another Central League championship while making another run through the District 1 Class 5A playoffs.
If the Jaguars continue developing during camp, remain healthy and receive the expected leadership from their senior class, they have all the ingredients to make 2026 another memorable season in Glen Mills.
Head Coach: Eric Van Wyk
Assistant Coaches:
Matt Burba
Chris Quintans
Jon-Paul Battiste
Dave Wrzesniewski
Lance Panarello
Julius Flynn
Greg Mink
Rick Stroup
Craig Stephenson
Patt Evans
Brian Perlsweig
Jon Flynn
Casey Simpkins
Anthony Pond
Zachery Liggitt
Jon Ricci
Tommy Mahoney
Ryan Canzanese
Nick Romaniello
Cade Brennan
Rockne O’Leary
Nick Gabos
Team Name: Garnet Valley Jaguars
District: 1
Class: 5A
League: Central League
2025 Record: 8-4
8/22 @ Coatesville (6A) 7:00 pm L 10-35
8/29 Haverford High* (6A) 7:00 pm L 7-22
9/05 @ Harriton* (4A) 7:00 pm W 42-0
9/12 Lower Merion* (6A) 7:00 pm W 42-7
9/19 Marple-Newtown* (5A) 7:00 pm W 19-14
9/26 @ Conestoga* (6A) 7:00 pm W 48-3
10/03 @ Radnor* (5A) 7:00 pm W 49-14
10/10 Upper Darby* (6A) 7:00 pm W 29-7
10/17 Springfield-Delco* (5A) 7:00 pm L 7-28
10/24 @ Ridley* (6A) 7:00 pm W 17-7
11/01 Upper Perkiomen (5A) 7:00 pm W 49-35 Dist. 1 Class 5A 1st Round
11/08 @ Chester (5A) 1:00 pm L 7-38 Dist. 1 Class 5A Quarterfinal
2026 Schedules:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Downingtown East (6A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 Nazareth Area (6A) 7:00 pm
9/03 @ Haverford High* (6A) 7:00 pm
9/10 Harriton* (5A) 7:00 pm
9/19 @ Lower Merion* (5A) 1:00 pm
9/25 @ Marple-Newtown* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Conestoga* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Strath Haven* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Upper Darby* (6A) 5:00 pm
10/23 @ Penncrest* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Ridley* (6A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Paxton Hunt
Joey DiMarino
Clayton Turner
Brandon Scanlon
Michael Costa
Anthony Gifford
Travis Griffith
Billy Krause
Nate Lengel
Erick Spadea
Fischer Travis
Offensive Starters Returning:
Sr. Clayton Turner QB
Sr. Liam Genthert OL
Sr. Nick Potts OL
Sr. Ryan Vance OL
Sr. Michael Buono WR
Sr. Hadrian Krauss RB
Sr. Michael Archer WR
Sr. Andrew Cohen TE
Sr. Tyler Hays OL
Defensive Starters Returning:
Sr. Brandon Krause DB
Sr. Owen Britton DL
Sr. Nick DiLuzio DB
Sr. Ethan Vaughn DB
Special Team Starters Returning:
Sr. Owen Zweier K
Key Newcomers:
Sr. Sam Barclift OL/DL
Sr. Nick D’Antonio QB/DB
Sr. Luke Bernard RB/LB
Sr. Sebastian Cantu RB/LB
Sr. Jerry Ke OL/DL
Sr. Kyle Klein TE/LB
Sr. Rohan Singh Slot/LB
Jr. Roy Pomarico RB/LB
Jr. Evan McCabe Slot/DB
Jr. Brody Orr WR/DB
Jr. Willie Gray RB/LB
Jr. Dylan Perry TE/LB
Jr. Bruno Heim TE/LB
Jr. Luke Anzideo RB/DB
Jr. Jack Del Buono OL/DL
Jr. Damir Jones WR/DB
2026 Offensive Outlook: We are excited about our Senior class nucleus that played a lot of varsity football last year as Juniors. We believe we have some great leaders on the offensive side of the ball who will bring out the best in their teammates. We looked to be a balanced football team that can run and pass the ball.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Just like the offense, we are excited about many Juniors from last year who played valuable roles on the varsity team and look to see them take strides as senior leaders. We also have some underclassmen who will compete for spots this year on the defensive side of the ball. We hope to be a sound, consistent defense that finds ways to get the ball.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Kicker Owen Zweier had a tremendous year and we look to see him build on his previous success. We hope to take pride in every aspect of special teams and be game changers.