Wilson Area Focused on Growth as Warriors Build Toward Brighter Days in 2026
A new season brings a renewed sense of optimism for the Wilson Area Warriors.
After enduring a difficult 1-10 campaign in 2025, head coach James Brady and his staff are focused on laying the foundation for a turnaround. While last season’s record wasn’t what the Warriors envisioned, the experience gained by a young roster and the return of several key contributors provide hope that Wilson Area can become a much more competitive team in the Colonial League’s Division 2 race.
The Warriors closed last season on a positive note by defeating Belvidere (N.J.) 18-14 for their lone victory, giving the program momentum heading into the offseason.
Veteran Backfield Leads the Offense
Wilson Area returns one of its biggest strengths in the backfield.
Senior running back J’son Johnson is back after rushing for 528 yards and four touchdowns in 2025. Johnson is already one of the most accomplished defensive players in program history, becoming just the 16th Warrior to surpass 200 career tackles. He enters his senior season with 204 career stops and will once again be the emotional leader of the team.
Junior Ryan Bonham emerged as another reliable ball carrier last season, rushing for 478 yards while accounting for five total touchdowns. Bonham also made 48 tackles as a sophomore, proving to be one of the team’s top two-way performers.
Senior H-back Marvin Cordon gives the Warriors another experienced offensive weapon capable of contributing as both a blocker and runner.
The biggest addition to the offense could be junior Connor Patterson, who is expected to take over behind center. Patterson flashed his defensive ability last season by recording two interceptions in just three games and now looks to provide stability to the offense.
According to Coach Brady, the success of the offense begins up front.
“The key to our offense being successful this year will depend on the offensive line creating running lanes for J’son Johnson, Ryan Bonham, and Connor Patterson.”
Junior guard Cayden Lozada returns after gaining valuable experience last season, while newcomers Randell Monroe, Daniel Kinsella, Max Vinson, and freshman Richard Davis Jr. will compete to rebuild the offensive line following the graduation of several key linemen.
Wilson will also look for increased production from senior receivers Jayden Rapoli and Christian Samayoa, along with newcomers Ohani Colon, Dion Willis, Bryson Wolf, Jahiem Gayle, David Spence, Sawyer Ruest, Karmello Drayton, and tight end Wyatt Yetter.
Defense Returns Experienced Leadership
The Warriors’ defense will once again revolve around an experienced linebacker corps.
Johnson, Bonham and Cordon all return after leading the defense last season.
Johnson’s 204 career tackles make him one of the area’s most experienced defenders, while Cordon added 50 tackles and three fumble recoveries in 2025. Bonham continues to develop into one of the program’s most complete two-way players after contributing 48 tackles as a sophomore.
Coach Brady believes that group’s continued development will determine how much the defense improves this fall.
“The key to our defense being successful this year will depend on the continual growth of the returning linebacking crew of Ryan Bonham, J’son Johnson and Marvin Cordon.”
The secondary returns senior cornerback Jayden Rapoli, senior strong safety Christian Samayoa, senior defensive back Christian Torres-Ochoa, and Patterson, who showed excellent instincts by recording two interceptions in limited action last season.
Up front, junior Cayden Lozada anchors the defensive line alongside sophomore defensive end Jayce Richline. Newcomers Randell Monroe and several talented underclassmen should provide added depth and competition.
Special Teams
Senior Vincenzo Viscomi returns to handle both the kicking and punting duties, giving Wilson an experienced specialist entering the season.
Players to Watch
- J’son Johnson, Sr., RB/LB: Team leader who enters the season with 204 career tackles while returning as the Warriors’ leading rusher.
- Ryan Bonham, Jr., RB/LB: Physical runner rushed for 478 yards, scored five touchdowns and recorded 48 tackles as a sophomore.
- Connor Patterson, Jr., QB/FS: Expected to lead the offense after showing promise defensively with two interceptions in limited varsity action.
- Marvin Cordon, Sr., H-Back/LB: Veteran leader who totaled 50 tackles and three fumble recoveries.
- Cayden Lozada, Jr., G/DT: Returns as the lone experienced offensive lineman while anchoring the defensive interior.
My thoughts on Wilson Area Season
Wilson Area enters 2026 with a roster that blends experienced seniors with a promising group of underclassmen.
Improving the offensive line will be the biggest priority as the Warriors look to establish a productive running game behind Johnson and Bonham while helping Patterson settle into his new role at quarterback.
Defensively, the experienced linebacker trio gives Wilson a solid foundation, and continued growth from the younger players could allow the Warriors to become much more competitive each week.
The win-loss record from 2025 doesn’t tell the entire story of where the program is headed. With veteran leadership, increased depth, and another offseason under Coach James Brady’s staff, the Warriors will look to take meaningful steps forward and begin climbing the Colonial League standings throughout the 2026 season.
Head Coach: James Brady
Assistant Coaches:
James Klass
Michael Figueroa
Barry Serfass
Isaiah DeJesus
Alec Snyder
Bill McAuliffe
Rick Yetter
Team Name: Wilson Area Warriors
District: 11
Class: 3A
League: Colonial League, Division 2
2025 Record: 1-10
8/23 Northwestern Lehigh (3A) 12:00 pm L 14-42
8/29 @ Catasauqua (2A) 7:00 pm L 7-34
9/06 Salisbury (3A) 12:00 pm L 8-16
9/13 @ Pen Argyl (2A) 1:30 pm L 13-35
9/20 Saucon Valley (3A) 12:00 pm L 13-38
9/26 @ Palmerton Area (3A) 7:00 pm L 0-35
10/04 Northern Lehigh (2A) 12:00 pm L 8-42 Homecoming
10/11 Pottsville Area (4A) 12:00 pm L 0-35
10/17 @ Palisades (2A) 7:00 pm L 0-56
10/24 @ Notre Dame GP (3A) 7:00 pm L 0-62 at Lafayette College
11/01 @ Belvidere (NJ) 12:00 pm W 18-14
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/28 @ Catasauqua (2A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ Palisades (2A) 7:00 pm
9/12 Lehighton* (4A) 12:00 pm
9/18 @ Southern Lehigh* (5A) 7:00 pm
9/24 @ Jim Thorpe Area* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/03 Pen Argyl (3A) 12:00 pm
10/10 Saucon Valley* (4A) 12:00 pm
10/16 @ Northwestern Lehigh* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Bangor* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/31 Notre Dame GP (3A) 12:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
OT/DT Geraldo Rivera
OT/DE Taki Ballard
C/DE Nickolas Bracken
TE Pedro Hernandez
SR. QB Jaxson Tadayeski (injury)
Offensive Starters Returning:
SR. RB J’son Johnson 5’6,180
JR. RB Ryan Bonham 5’11 195
SR. H Back Marvin Cordon 5’8 170
SR. WR Jayden Rapoli 5’9 165
SR. WR Christian Samayoa 5’7 160
JR. G Cayden Lozada 5’7 260
Defensive Starters Returning:
SR. LB J’son Johnson 5’6,180
JR. LB Ryan Bonham 5’11 195
SR. LB Back Marvin Cordon 5’8 170
SR. CB Jayden Rapoli 5’9 165
SR. SS Christian Samayoa 5’7 160
JR. DT Cayden Lozada 5’7 260
SR. DB Christian Torres-Ochoa 5’7 155
SO. DE Jayce Richline 5’11 185
Special Team Starters Returning:
P/K Vincenzo Viscomi 5’6 135
Key Newcomers:
SR. OT/DT Randell Monroe 6’3 265
JR. QB/FS Connor Patterson 5’11 160
JR. Wr/CB Ohani Colon 5’8 130
JR C Daniel Kinsella 5’10 265
JR. G Max Vinson 5’8 180
JR WR/CB Dion Willis 5’7 150
SO. RB/LB Evan Grube 5’8 165
SO. WR/FS Bryson Wolf 5’8 165
SO. WR/DE Jahiem Gayle 6’2 175
SO. LB Jostin Sanchez 5’7 140
SO. WR/DB David Spence 6’0 165
FR. WR/SS Sawyer Ruest 6’0 180
FR. QB Matthew Piparato 5’11 150
FR. WR/CB Karmello Drayton 5’7 130
FR. OT Richard Davis Jr 5’11 230
FR. G/DT Kaleb Handlovic 5’9 200
FR. TE Wyatt Yetter 5’9 160
2026 Returning Player Stats:
J’Son Johnson: Became the 16th Warrior to reach 200 career tackles, He currently has 204. Rushed for 528 yards and 4 TDS.
Ryan Bonham: Rushed for 478, 5 total TDS, and 48 tackles as a Sophmore
Marvin Cordon: 50 tackles and 3 fumble recoveries.
Connor Patterson: 2 interceprions in 3 games played last year as a Sophmore
2026 Offensive Outlook: The key to our offense being successful this year will depend on the offensive line creating running lanes for J’son Johnson, Ryan Bohnam, and Connor Patterson
2026 Defensive Outlook: The key to our defense being successful this year will depend on the continual growth of the returning Linebacking crew of Ryan Bohnam, J’son Johnson and Marvin Cordon.