2026 Team Preview: Delaware County Christian School (1)

Knights Look to Bartkow to Lead the Way

Delaware County Christian School enters the 2026 season with change on one side of the football and an experienced playmaker leading the other.

Head coach and offensive coordinator Spencer Ferrari-Wood welcomes back senior quarterback Daniel Bartkow, who accounted for nearly 1,500 yards of total offense and 13 touchdowns last season. With Bartkow back behind center and several experienced pieces surrounding him, the Knights have reason for optimism offensively.

Defensively, the story will be much different. Delaware County Christian returns only three starters and will install a new system under defensive coordinator Josh Colonia.

After finishing 4-5 in 2025, how quickly that new-look defense develops could play a major role in determining how far the Knights can climb in 2026.

Looking Back at 2025

Delaware County Christian experienced its share of ups and downs during a 4-5 campaign.

After dropping their first three games, the Knights broke through with an exciting 36-32 victory over Morrisville.

They later earned a 28-24 win over Tower Hill School of Delaware and closed the season on a high note with a convincing 30-6 road victory over Montrose Area.

The Knights showed improvement as the season progressed, winning four of their final six contests after the difficult start.

That late-season progress provides something for Ferrari-Wood and his staff to build upon heading into 2026.

Bartkow Takes Center Stage

Everything offensively starts with Bartkow.

The senior quarterback completed 88 of 183 passes for 950 yards and eight touchdowns last season. He was equally dangerous with his legs, rushing for 514 yards and five touchdowns.

That gave Bartkow 1,464 yards of total offense and 13 touchdowns.

His dual-threat ability presents problems for opposing defenses because Delaware County Christian doesn’t have to rely solely on designed passing plays to create explosive opportunities. Bartkow can extend plays, escape pressure and turn breakdowns into positive yardage.

Ferrari-Wood believes his quarterback is ready for an even bigger season.

“Quarterback Daniel Bartkow ’27 is poised for a promising senior campaign. He’s a dual-threat athlete who can make plays in a variety of ways.”

With a full season of experience behind him, Bartkow’s decision-making and ability to protect the football will be important as the Knights attempt to take another step offensively.

Experienced Pieces Surround Bartkow

Bartkow won’t have to carry the offense by himself.

Anders McKeaney returns at running back and gives the Knights another experienced athlete in the backfield. McKeaney also caught four passes for 88 yards last season.

Andre Kremin returns at wide receiver and should have an opportunity to become a bigger part of the passing attack.

Up front, Liam Roykouff and Gabe DiGregorio return along the offensive line.

Having two experienced linemen back should help Delaware County Christian establish some continuity while the coaching staff fills the remaining openings up front.

With Bartkow’s mobility, McKeaney in the backfield and Kremin on the outside, the Knights have a solid group of returning skill players to build around.

McKeaney Will Be Key on Both Sides

McKeaney could become one of Delaware County Christian’s most important two-way players.

In addition to his offensive responsibilities, he returns as the Knights’ leading experienced defender after recording 48 tackles, six tackles for loss and an interception last season.

His experience at linebacker will be particularly valuable considering the changes taking place defensively.

With several new players entering the lineup, McKeaney will be counted on to provide leadership, communication and physicality in the middle of the defense.

Kremin Provides Experience in the Secondary

Kremin is another player who will have a significant two-way role.

He finished last season with 33 tackles and five tackles for loss from the secondary and returns as one of only three defensive starters.

His experience should be especially important early in the season as Delaware County Christian adjusts to a completely different defensive system.

Kremin’s ability to contribute at wide receiver and defensive back makes him one of the Knights’ most valuable returning players.

DiGregorio Anchors the Defensive Front

The third returning defensive starter is Gabe DiGregorio, who will work along the defensive line in addition to his offensive line responsibilities.

With so many new faces expected to play defensively, having an experienced lineman in the middle of the action will help.

DiGregorio, McKeaney and Kremin give the Knights a returning veteran at each level of the defense — defensive line, linebacker and secondary.

The challenge will be developing the players around them.

A New Defensive Identity

Perhaps the biggest storyline surrounding Delaware County Christian in 2026 will be its defensive overhaul.

Colonia takes over as defensive coordinator and will install a new scheme.

The Knights aren’t simply replacing personnel. They’re changing their overall approach.

“Lots of new faces on the defensive side of the ball for us in 2026. We have a new style, new scheme, new coordinator, etc., so it will be a big change from years prior.”

That could make the early portion of the schedule especially important.

Communication, assignment discipline and tackling will need to develop quickly as inexperienced players adjust to varsity football and a new system at the same time.

The potential is there, but patience could be required while the defense finds its identity.

Players to Watch

Daniel Bartkow, QB — The centerpiece of the offense after throwing for 950 yards and eight touchdowns while rushing for another 514 yards and five scores. His dual-threat ability makes him the Knights’ biggest offensive weapon.

Anders McKeaney, RB/LB — An important two-way contributor who recorded 48 tackles, six tackles for loss and an interception last season. Expect his offensive workload to increase as well.

Andre Kremin, WR/DB — One of the Knights’ few returning defensive starters after producing 33 tackles and five tackles for loss. He should also be an important target for Bartkow.

Gabe DiGregorio, OL/DL — A returning starter on both sides of the line who will be counted on for experience and leadership in the trenches.

Liam Roykouff, OL — Gives the Knights another returning offensive lineman as they look to protect Bartkow and establish the running game.

Challenging Schedule Awaits

Delaware County Christian will see a wide variety of opponents in 2026.

After an August 22 scrimmage against Pequea Valley, the Knights open the regular season on the road against Overbrook.

One of the most intriguing games comes September 3 when Delaware County Christian hosts Poly Prep Country Day of New York.

The Knights then travel to Academy of the New Church before hosting Morrisville in a rematch of last season’s 36-32 Delaware County Christian victory.

October features games against New Hope-Solebury, Jenkintown, Bristol, Renaissance Academy Charter and Sun Valley/Northley.

The schedule should give the Knights plenty of opportunities to see how their young defense develops while Bartkow and the veteran offense attempt to provide stability.

My thoughts on Delaware County Christian School 

Delaware County Christian School enters the season with two very different situations on each side of the football.

Offensively, there is experience at the most important position.

Bartkow has already demonstrated that he can hurt defenses with his arm and legs. After accounting for nearly 1,500 yards last season, he has an opportunity to put together a big senior campaign. McKeaney and Kremin provide additional playmakers, while Roykouff and DiGregorio give the Knights experience up front.

The bigger unknown is defense.

With only DiGregorio, McKeaney and Kremin returning as starters, Delaware County Christian will rely heavily on players stepping into expanded roles. Installing a new scheme under Colonia adds another layer to that transition.

The Knights’ 2025 season showed signs of progress, particularly down the stretch. After a difficult start, Delaware County Christian won four of its final six games and finished with a convincing victory.

If Bartkow takes another step forward, the offensive line provides consistent protection and the new defense develops quickly, Delaware County Christian School has an opportunity to build on last year’s progress and turn its experienced offensive core into a successful 2026 season.