Unionville Returns Physical Core With Eyes on Deeper District Run
Unionville enters the 2026 season with a clear identity, a veteran defense and unfinished business after coming within one point of reaching the District 1 Class 5A semifinals.
The Longhorns finished 7-5 last fall and closed the season playing some of their best football. They defeated Wissahickon 27-14 in the opening round of the district playoffs before falling 21-20 to Strath Haven in the quarterfinals.
That narrow postseason loss reflected a season filled with close games.
Unionville lost to West Chester Rustin by five points, Bishop Shanahan by one, Avon Grove by one and Kennett by three. Four of the Longhorns’ five losses came by a combined 10 points.
Head coach Tim Murphy now welcomes back a physical group determined to turn those narrow defeats into victories.
Unionville must replace several major contributors, including quarterback Tommy McGinnis, running back Brody McLaughlin, two-way standout Drew Puleo, linemen Jack Gillespie and Caden Brookes, and kicker and punter Ryan Keaveney.
Those losses create significant questions at quarterback, along both lines and on special teams.
The returning foundation, however, gives Unionville reason for confidence.
Senior Brett Patroni, a Brown commit, anchors both lines. Juniors Darren Hovington and Brady Nelson return as experienced offensive playmakers, while senior Dean Stang gives the new quarterback a veteran receiving option.
Defensively, the Longhorns return talent at every level.
Patroni leads the front, Alex Gonzalez and Nick Rassias return at linebacker, and Hovington joins Ethan McCune in an experienced secondary.
Unionville wants to run the football, create explosive plays through play-action and allow its defense to set the tone.
If the Longhorns find consistency on offense and continue their disruptive work on special teams, they should again contend in the Ches-Mont League South Division and the District 1 Class 5A playoffs.
Replacing McGinnis at Quarterback
The biggest offensive question will be identifying a replacement for McGinnis.
Unionville is not asking its new quarterback to immediately carry the offense.
The Longhorns want to support him with a strong running game, an experienced offensive front and a group of proven skill players.
Decision-making will be critical.
The new starter must protect the football, execute play-action concepts and capitalize when defenses commit additional players to stopping the run.
Unionville’s offensive philosophy should help ease the transition.
A productive ground attack can create manageable third downs and give the quarterback favorable one-on-one matchups downfield.
The position battle will likely continue through camp as the coaching staff evaluates command of the offense, accuracy, composure and leadership.
Whoever wins the job will have experienced targets and a physical offensive identity around him.
Hovington Leads Deep Backfield
Junior Darren Hovington returns as one of Unionville’s most important players.
Hovington will be expected to become a central part of the rushing attack after gaining valuable experience last season.
His role should expand following the graduation of McLaughlin.
Unionville believes its backfield depth can become one of the offense’s greatest strengths.
Senior Alex Gonzalez and Nick Scattolino are also expected to contribute, giving the Longhorns multiple runners with different styles.
That depth should allow Murphy and the offensive staff to keep players fresh and adjust based on matchups.
Hovington’s versatility is particularly valuable.
He can contribute as a runner, receiver and defensive back, making him one of the roster’s most complete athletes.
The Longhorns want to establish the running game early each week.
If Hovington and the other backs consistently produce positive yardage, Unionville can control possession and create opportunities through play-action.
Patroni Anchors Offensive Front
Senior Brett Patroni returns at offensive tackle and will be the leader of the offensive line.
The Brown commit brings size, experience and physicality to a group that must replace Gillespie and Caden Brookes.
Patroni’s presence gives Unionville a dependable building block.
He will be expected to protect the new quarterback’s blind side, create movement in the running game and help younger linemen adjust to expanded roles.
Junior Cole Brookes also returns at guard.
His varsity experience should help stabilize the interior while the coaching staff identifies the remaining starters.
Unionville believes it has enough size up front to maintain its physical identity.
The challenge will be developing consistency and depth.
The offensive line must avoid penalties, communicate against pressure and remain effective late in games.
If Patroni and Brookes help the new starters develop quickly, the Longhorns should be capable of controlling the line of scrimmage.
Stang and Nelson Give Passing Game Experience
Senior Dean Stang and junior Brady Nelson return at wide receiver.
Their experience will be valuable for a new quarterback.
Stang provides veteran leadership and a dependable target, while Nelson enters his junior season with an opportunity to take on a larger role.
Unionville’s passing game will be built around efficiency and explosive plays rather than volume.
The Longhorns want to establish the run and use play-action to attack downfield.
That approach places added importance on route execution and finishing opportunities.
Stang and Nelson may not receive a high number of targets every week, but they must make those chances count.
They also need to contribute as blockers on the perimeter.
A successful running game requires receivers willing to engage defensive backs and create space for Hovington and the other backs.
If Stang and Nelson consistently win one-on-one matchups, Unionville’s offense will become much more difficult to defend.
Consistency Is the Offensive Key
Unionville showed last season that it can score against a variety of opponents.
The Longhorns reached at least 35 points in six games and scored 49 or more three times.
The issue was producing at the same level every week.
In close losses to Rustin, Kennett and Strath Haven, Unionville was held to 21 points or fewer.
The Longhorns cannot afford extended offensive droughts against strong opponents.
Their approach will remain straightforward.
Run the football successfully, control the clock and create big plays through play-action.
That formula fits the returning personnel.
The offense has size up front, depth in the backfield and experienced receivers.
The unknown at quarterback will require patience, but Unionville does not need extraordinary production from the position.
It needs steady execution.
If the Longhorns protect the football, avoid negative plays and remain productive on early downs, the offense should complement the defense effectively.
Patroni Sets the Defensive Tone
Patroni will also anchor the defensive line.
His ability to control the line of scrimmage makes him one of the most important defensive players in District 1 Class 5A.
As a Brown commit, Patroni enters the season with high expectations.
He must consistently command double teams, disrupt the running game and pressure quarterbacks.
His impact may not always appear in the statistics.
If multiple blockers are assigned to Patroni, opportunities will open for the linebackers and other defensive linemen.
Unionville expects its defense to be physical and opportunistic.
That identity begins up front.
The Longhorns need Patroni and the defensive line to prevent opponents from controlling possession with the run.
If the front wins early downs, the defense can become much more aggressive in passing situations.
Veteran Linebackers Bring Experience
Unionville returns an experienced group at linebacker.
Senior Alex Gonzalez and Anthony Scattolino are expected to handle responsibilities in the middle, while senior Nick Rassias returns on the outside.
Their experience gives the defense stability behind Patroni.
The linebackers must fit the run correctly, communicate formations and finish tackles.
Gonzalez’s two-way role adds value.
His work in the backfield should improve his understanding of blocking schemes and help him recognize plays more quickly on defense.
Rassias provides athleticism on the edge and must contribute against both the run and pass.
Scattolino will be expected to help control the interior.
Together, the group gives Unionville the type of veteran second level needed to compete against the physical offenses of the Ches-Mont League.
Hovington and McCune Lead Secondary
Hovington and senior Ethan McCune return in the defensive backfield.
Their experience gives Unionville confidence against the pass.
The Longhorns expect the secondary to play aggressively and create turnovers.
Hovington’s athleticism makes him capable of matching up with dangerous receivers while also supporting the run.
McCune provides senior leadership and dependable communication.
The defensive backs must limit explosive plays.
Unionville lost several one-possession games last season, and one coverage breakdown can determine those outcomes.
The secondary also needs to take advantage when the defensive front creates pressure.
Errant throws and tipped passes must become turnovers.
If Hovington, McCune and the rest of the defensive backs consistently make plays on the football, Unionville’s defense can become one of the better units in District 1 Class 5A.
Defense Expected to Lead the Team
Unionville returns proven talent at all three levels.
Patroni anchors the front.
Gonzalez, Scattolino and Rassias give the linebacking corps experience.
Hovington and McCune stabilize the secondary.
That foundation creates high expectations.
The coaching staff believes the defense can set the tone for the entire team.
The Longhorns want to play physical football, create turnovers and consistently win on third down.
Discipline will be essential.
Aggression cannot lead to missed assignments or unnecessary penalties.
Unionville must also finish games more effectively.
Several contests last season were decided in the final minutes, including one-point losses to Bishop Shanahan, Avon Grove and Strath Haven.
A veteran defense should be better prepared to protect late leads and make critical stops.
If the unit performs to its potential, it can give the developing offense time to grow.
Special Teams Look to Remain Disruptive
Unionville must replace Keaveney at kicker and punter, making the specialist positions important competitions during camp.
The Longhorns still expect special teams to remain a major part of their identity.
Last season, Unionville blocked five field goals.
That number reflects preparation, effort and a willingness to attack the kicking game.
The coaching staff hopes to replicate that disruption in 2026.
Winning field position will be a major focus.
The Longhorns need consistent punting, disciplined coverage and dependable return decisions.
Finding a reliable kicker will also be critical.
Close games defined Unionville’s 2025 season, and a missed extra point or field goal can decide a playoff matchup.
The Longhorns want special teams to create momentum rather than simply avoid mistakes.
A blocked kick, long return or perfectly placed punt could provide the difference in another one-possession game.
Players to Watch
Brett Patroni, Sr., OT/DL: Brown commit and two-way leader who anchors both lines. His physicality will set the tone for the entire team.
Darren Hovington, Jr., RB/DB: Versatile playmaker expected to become a major part of the rushing attack while helping lead the secondary.
Alex Gonzalez, Sr., RB/LB: Physical two-way contributor who will play an important role in the backfield and the middle of the defense.
Nick Rassias, Sr., LB: Veteran outside linebacker expected to provide speed, tackling and leadership.
Ethan McCune, Sr., DB: Returning defensive back who brings experience and communication to the secondary.
Dean Stang, Sr., WR: Veteran receiver expected to become a dependable target for Unionville’s new quarterback.
Brady Nelson, Jr., WR: Returning receiver with the opportunity to emerge as a significant downfield threat.
Cole Brookes, Jr., OG: Experienced interior lineman who will help Patroni lead a rebuilt offensive front.
Anthony Scattolino, LB: Returning linebacker expected to strengthen the middle of a veteran defense.
Nick Scattolino, RB: Part of Unionville’s deep backfield and a player who could earn a larger offensive role.
My thoughts on Unionville
Unionville enters the 2026 season with the pieces needed to remain a serious contender in District 1 Class 5A.
The Longhorns return a physical core, an experienced defense and enough offensive playmakers to maintain their run-first identity.
The largest question is quarterback.
Replacing McGinnis will take time, but the new starter will be supported by a deep backfield, veteran receivers and an offensive line anchored by Patroni.
Hovington, Gonzalez and Scattolino should give Unionville several options in the running game.
Defensively, the Longhorns appear ready to lead with strength and experience.
Patroni is an elite presence up front, the linebackers return multiple starters and the secondary features proven playmakers.
Special teams must replace Keaveney, but Unionville’s history of blocking kicks shows how seriously the program treats that phase.
The Longhorns were only a few plays away from a much better record last season.
Four losses came by five points or fewer, and the playoff run ended with a one-point defeat at Strath Haven.
Those experiences should provide motivation.
If Unionville finds consistency on offense, develops a reliable quarterback and continues to create disruptive plays on defense and special teams, the Longhorns should compete for the Ches-Mont League South Division title and make another deep run in the District 1 Class 5A playoffs.
Head Coach: Tim Murphy
Assistant Coaches:
Geoff Mills
Mike Hebb
Brian Bowden
Scott Taylor
Tommy Davidson
John Leiras
Pat Smith
Team Name: Unionville Longhorns
District: 1
Class: 5A
League: Ches-Mont League, South Division
2025 Record: 7-5
8/22 @ West Chester Rustin (5A) 7:00 pm L 14-19
8/29 @ Academy Park (5A) 1:00 pm W 35-14
9/05 Pottstown Area (4A) 7:00 pm W 50-6
9/12 @ Upper Perkiomen (5A) 7:00 pm W 35-7
9/19 @ Bishop Shanahan (4A) 7:00 pm L 34-35
9/26 Oxford Area* (5A) 7:00 pm W 49-34
10/03 Avon Grove* (6A) 7:00 pm L 28-29
10/10 @ Kennett* (5A) 7:00 pm L 21-24
10/17 Sun Valley/Northley* (4A) 7:00 pm W 42-21
10/24 Conrad Weiser (5A) 7:00 pm W 49-14
10/31 @ Wissahickon (5A) 7:00 pm W 27-14 Dist. 1 Class 5A 1st Round
11/07 @ Strath Haven (5A) 7:00 pm L 20-21 Dist. 1 Class 5A Quarterfinal
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Conestoga (6A) 9:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 @ Great Valley (5A) 7:00 pm
9/03 Academy Park (5A) 7:00 pm
9/10 @ Boyertown (6A) 7:00 pm
9/18 Phoenixville (5A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Kennett* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ West Chester Rustin* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/10 @ School of the Future (4A) 12:00 pm
10/16 Downingtown West (6A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Sun Valley/Northley (4A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Oxford Area* (5A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
RB-Brody McLaughlin
QB-Tommy McGinnis
WR/DB-Drew Puleo
OL/DL-Jack Gillespie
OL/DL-Caden Brookes
K/P-Ryan Keaveney
Offensive Starters Returning:
OT- Sr. Brett Patroni
OG- Jr. Cole Brookes
RB-Jr. Darren Hovington
WR- Sr. Dean Stang
Wr- Jr. Brady Nelson
Defensive Starters Returning:
DL- Sr. Brett Patroni
LB- Sr. Alex Gonzalez
LB- Sr. Nick Rassias
DB- Jr. Darren Hovington
DB- Sr. Ethan McCune
2026 Offensive Outlook: We want to be a team that runs the football successfully and uses play-action to create big plays downfield. We bring some size back up front and boast a deep backfield with guys like Darren Hovington, Alex Gonzalez, and Nick Scattolino. The key for us will be staying consistent on offense
2026 Defensive Outlook: With returning talent at all three levels, this projects to be a physical, opportunistic defense. The unit is anchored upfront by D-line leader Brett Patroni (a Brown commit). The linebacking corps brings back Alex Gonzalez and Anthony Scattolino in the middle, alongside Nick Rassias on the outside, while the defensive backfield features returning standouts Ethan McCune and Darren Hovington. Ultimately, this group will be expected to set the tone for the entire team.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Controlling the kicking game and winning the field possession battle will be a major focus. The unit looks to remain opportunistic on special teams after blocking five field goals last season—a disruptive trend they hope to replicate this year.