Springside Chestnut Hill Academy Builds on Historic Season With New Core Ready to Step Forward
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy enters the 2026 season carrying the confidence of a breakthrough year and the challenge of replacing one of the most accomplished senior classes in program history.
The Blue Devils finished 6-4 in 2025 and closed the season with four consecutive Inter-Academic League victories, including a dramatic 21-20 overtime win over Malvern Prep. That late-season surge also included decisive victories over Germantown Academy, William Penn Charter and The Haverford School, giving the program valuable momentum heading into the offseason.
Head coach Rick Knox now welcomes back a smaller but talented group of experienced starters who will be asked to lead the next phase of the program’s growth.
The Blue Devils must replace quarterback Liam Zelman, wide receiver Aaron Clark, offensive linemen Kyle Cameron and Kyle Knox, defensive standouts Amari Fallen, Joe Flach, Harry Kull, Johnny Nosal and Sadiek Willis, and several other important contributors.
Those departures create major openings on both sides of the football.
Still, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy returns one of the league’s most productive running backs, a veteran interior offensive line and several experienced defensive leaders.
“We are coming off of a historic year for our program and lost an accomplished senior class,” the coaching staff said. “While we have big shoes to fill, we have the confidence of our recent success to drive us. We have some talented returning starters and new players who are ready to fill the void.”
The challenge is significant, but so is the belief inside the program.
Howard Returns After Breakout Season
Junior running back Will Howard gives the Blue Devils a proven offensive centerpiece.
Howard rushed 209 times for 1,521 yards and 14 touchdowns last season while averaging 7.3 yards per carry.
His combination of size, power and explosiveness made him one of the most productive backs in the Inter-Academic League.
At 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, Howard has the frame to handle a heavy workload and the speed to turn small openings into long gains.
With Zelman and several veteran receivers graduating, the offense will likely lean heavily on Howard early in the season.
His ability to keep the Blue Devils ahead of the chains should help the new quarterback settle into the offense and give the team a dependable identity.
Opposing defenses will know Howard is the focal point.
The challenge for Springside Chestnut Hill Academy will be creating enough balance to prevent teams from loading the box.
Quarterback Competition Will Shape Offense
Replacing Zelman is the biggest question facing the offense.
The Blue Devils must identify a new quarterback capable of managing the system, protecting the football and complementing Howard’s running ability.
The new starter will not be expected to replace Zelman’s production immediately.
Instead, the offense will need steady decision-making, accurate short and intermediate passing and an ability to take advantage of favorable matchups created by the rushing attack.
A young quarterback often benefits from a strong running game and experienced offensive linemen.
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy returns both.
That foundation should allow the new signal-caller time to develop throughout the season.
Delaney and Griggs Anchor Offensive Line
Senior center Nolan Delaney and senior guard Josh Griggs give the Blue Devils valuable experience in the middle of the offensive line.
Delaney, listed at 5-foot-11 and 245 pounds, returns as the leader of the unit from the center position.
His communication and ability to organize protections will be especially important with a new quarterback.
Griggs brings size and physicality at 6-foot-1 and 270 pounds.
Together, they give Springside Chestnut Hill Academy a veteran interior capable of setting the tone in the running game.
The Blue Devils must replace tackles and other experienced linemen, but having Delaney and Griggs in the middle should make that transition easier.
Their ability to create movement up front will be critical to Howard’s success.
Harris Steps Into Larger Receiving Role
Junior Braylon Harris is expected to become the leading option in the passing game.
At 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds, Harris gives the Blue Devils a long, athletic target who can create matchup problems on the perimeter.
The graduation of Clark and other experienced receivers opens opportunities for Harris to take on a much larger role.
His ability to win contested catches, stretch the field and provide a dependable target will be important for the new quarterback.
The Blue Devils also need additional receivers and tight ends to emerge.
A more balanced passing attack would make it difficult for defenses to devote all their attention to Howard.
Offense Must Establish Identity Early
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy’s offensive approach is likely to begin with the running game.
Howard is the most proven player on the roster, and Delaney and Griggs give the offense experience up front.
The Blue Devils will want to establish physicality, control possession and allow their younger players to grow into their roles.
Ball security will be essential.
With a new quarterback and several new starters, the Blue Devils cannot afford to give opponents short fields.
If the offense can remain patient and efficient, it should become more dangerous as the season progresses.
Griggs Anchors Defensive Front
Griggs will also play a major role on defense as the returning nose guard.
The Blue Devils graduated several productive defensive linemen, including Fallen and Willis, making Griggs’ experience especially valuable.
His strength and size allow him to occupy blockers and disrupt the interior running game.
The defense will depend on him to set the tone at the line of scrimmage.
If Griggs consistently commands double teams, the linebackers behind him should have opportunities to attack the football.
Younger defensive linemen will need to emerge around him, but Griggs provides the unit with an experienced foundation.
McFadden Leads Linebacker Unit
Senior Colin McFadden returns after recording 63 tackles, four tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one interception.
His production and experience make him one of the leaders of the defense.
McFadden has shown the ability to contribute against both the run and pass.
He must now help replace the leadership and production lost with Kull and Nosal.
The Blue Devils will count on McFadden to communicate assignments, make tackles in space and help younger players adjust to expanded roles.
His consistency in the middle will be critical.
Schreiber Brings Physicality to Secondary
Senior strong safety Joey Schreiber returns after recording 43 tackles, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
His ability to create turnovers reflects the aggressive style he brings to the secondary.
Schreiber is comfortable supporting the run and has the physicality to make an impact near the line of scrimmage.
With Flach and other defensive backs graduating, Schreiber’s experience becomes even more important.
He will be expected to provide leadership, prevent explosive plays and continue attacking the football.
Moore and Zimmerman Add Experience
Senior cornerback Isaiah Moore and senior outside linebacker Asa Zimmerman also return.
Moore provides the secondary with an experienced cover defender, while Zimmerman adds speed and versatility at outside linebacker.
Both players will take on larger leadership roles as the defense replaces several key starters.
The Blue Devils may not return the same overall experience they had last season, but they bring back veteran players at every level.
That should help the defense remain organized while younger contributors develop.
Turnovers Could Be Defensive Difference
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy’s returning defenders have shown an ability to create takeaways.
McFadden recorded an interception, forced fumble and fumble recovery.
Schreiber forced three fumbles and recovered another.
That aggressive approach should remain part of the defensive identity.
A young offense can benefit greatly from short fields and extra possessions.
If the defense can consistently pressure opponents and create turnovers, the Blue Devils will be able to control momentum in close games.
Brenan-Rothschild Provides Special Teams Stability
Senior James Brenan-Rothschild returns as both the kicker and punter.
His experience gives Springside Chestnut Hill Academy continuity in an important phase of the game.
Reliable punting can help protect a developing defense, while consistency in the kicking game could become decisive during another demanding Inter-Academic League schedule.
Close games are common in league play.
Having an experienced specialist should provide confidence when those situations arise.
Players to Watch
Will Howard, Jr., RB: Returning offensive centerpiece after rushing for 1,521 yards and 14 touchdowns while averaging 7.3 yards per carry.
Colin McFadden, Sr., LB: Defensive leader who recorded 63 tackles, four tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one interception.
Joey Schreiber, Sr., SS: Physical safety who finished with 43 tackles and forced three fumbles.
Josh Griggs, Sr., OG/NG: Veteran two-way lineman expected to anchor both the offensive and defensive fronts.
Nolan Delaney, Sr., C: Experienced center whose leadership and communication will be critical with a new quarterback.
Braylon Harris, Jr., WR: Talented 6-foot-3 receiver expected to become the top target in the passing game.
Isaiah Moore, Sr., CB: Returning cornerback who provides experience in a secondary replacing multiple starters.
Asa Zimmerman, Sr., OLB: Veteran outside linebacker expected to take on a larger defensive role.
James Brenan-Rothschild, Sr., K/P: Returning specialist who provides stability in the kicking and punting games.
My thoughts on Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy enters 2026 with fewer returning starters, but the program also carries the confidence created by last season’s historic finish.
The Blue Devils proved they could compete with and defeat the top teams in the Inter-Academic League, closing the season with four consecutive league victories and an overtime win over Malvern Prep.
Now they must replace an accomplished group of seniors who provided production and leadership throughout the lineup.
Howard gives the offense an elite returning weapon.
Delaney and Griggs provide experience in the trenches, while Harris has the potential to emerge as a major receiving threat.
Defensively, McFadden, Schreiber, Moore, Zimmerman and Griggs give the Blue Devils a veteran core around which to build.
The biggest questions will be at quarterback, along the offensive line and among the younger players stepping into expanded roles.
The group is tight-knit, confident and working with a clear understanding of the challenge ahead.
“We are confident that we will be right there in the mix in the season’s defining weekends,” the coaching staff said.
If the new starters develop quickly and the returning leaders perform to expectations, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy should once again be a serious factor in the Inter-Academic League race.
Head Coach: Rick Knox
Assistant Coaches:
John Brady
Andrew Ciukurescu
Brandon Edwards
John Kozempal
Alexander Logue
Mike Lonergan
Thomas Roberts
Aaron Sistrunk
Brandon Taylor
Alex Houston
Mike Hayes
Team Name: Springside Chestnut Hill Academy Blue Devils
2025 Record: 6-4
Class: 2A
League: Inter-Academic League
8/29 @ Philadelphia Central (6A) 3:00 pm W 42-0
9/05 @ Roman Catholic (5A) 7:00 pm L 12-21
9/12 @ Abraham Lincoln (6A) 3:00 pm W 27-14
9/20 Hun School (NJ) 1:00 pm L 0-42
9/27 @ Lawrenceville School (NJ) 3:30 pm L 20-23
10/10 @ Episcopal Academy* 7:00 pm L 14-35
10/18 Germantown Academy* 2:00 pm W 34-13
10/25 @ William Penn Charter* 1:00 pm W 42-7
11/01 The Haverford School* 1:00 pm W 29-10
11/08 Malvern Prep* 1:00 pm W 21-20 OT
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/28 Pennington School (NJ) 5:00 pm Scrimmage
9/03 @ Salesianum School (DE) 7:45 pm
9/11 @ Bonner-Prendie (4A) 5:00 pm
9/18 @ Roman Catholic (6A) 7:00 pm
9/26 Peddie School (NJ) 7:00 pm
10/03 Lawrenceville School (NJ) 2:00 pm
10/17 Episcopal Academy* 2:00 pm
10/24 @ Germantown Academy* 1:00 pm
10/31 William Penn Charter* 1:00 pm
11/07 @ The Haverford School* 12:00 pm
11/13 @ Malvern Prep* 5:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
RT Kyle Cameron (Monmouth)
WR Aaron Clark (Buffalo)
DT Amari Fallen (West Chester)
FS Joe Flach (Millersville)
OG Kyle Knox (Trinity CT)
LB Harry Kull (Sacred Heart)
TE/OLB Johnny Nosal (Trinity CT)
DT Sadiek Willis (Eastern)
QB Liam Zelman(Holy Cross)
Offensive Starters Returning:
Sr. C Nolan Delaney 5’11 245
Sr. OG Josh Griggs 6’1 270
Jr. WR Braylon Harris 6’3 175
Jr. RB Will Howard 6’1 200
Defensive Starters Returning:
Sr. NG Josh Griggs 6’1 270
Sr. LB Colin McFadden 5’11 195
Sr. CB Isaiah Moore 5’11 185
Sr. SS Joey Schreiber 6’1 190
Sr. OLB Asa Zimmerman 5’9 175
Special Team Starters Returning:
Sr. K/P James Brenan-Rothschild 6’1 180
Key Newcomers:
Jr. OT/NG Justin Cowans 6’4 265
Sr. DT Tommy Flach 6’0 220
Sr. DT Brayden Johnson 6’3 220
So. OT/DT Morgan Kone 6’4 275
So. LB/RB Larry Markey 6’0 190
Sr. FS Manny Silva 5’11 185
Sr. WR Sean Simonds 5’8 165
Jr. TE/LB Dayton Tinson 6’0 220
So. QB Miles Yockus 5’11 170
2026 Returning Player Stats:
RB Will Howard 209 – 1521 and 14 TDs 7.3ypc
LB Colin McFadden 63 Tackles, 4TFLs, 1 FF, 1 FR, 1 Int
SS Joey Schreiber 43 Tackles, 3 FFs, 1 FR
2026 Outlook: We are coming off of a historic year for our program and lost an accomplished senior class. While we have big shoes to fill, we have the confidence of our recent success to drive us. We have some talented returning starters and new players who are ready to fill the void. Our group is tight knit and working hard but knows that a big challenge is ahead. We are confident that we will be in right there in the mix in the seasons defining weekends.