Malvern Prep Reloads Around Veteran Line, Proven Receivers and Championship Expectations
Malvern Prep enters the 2026 season with a familiar combination of talent, expectations and unfinished business.
The Friars finished 8-2 last fall and completed an unbeaten run through most of the Inter-Academic League schedule before a 21-20 overtime loss to Springside Chestnut Hill Academy in the season finale. Along the way, Malvern Prep defeated a demanding collection of opponents from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Washington, D.C., including Delbarton, Imhotep Charter, Salesianum, Gonzaga College, Episcopal Academy and William Penn Charter.
Head coach Dave Gueriera now faces the challenge of replacing several important contributors, including quarterback Jackson Melconian, running back Zeke Bates, defensive lineman Jackson Ford, linebacker Max Mohring, tight end Dylan Novak and punter Ian Gopez.
The Friars will also introduce new faces at quarterback, running back and throughout the defense.
Even with those departures, Malvern Prep returns a veteran offensive line, two productive receivers, experienced edge defenders and several proven leaders in the secondary.
The roster may look different, but the standard remains unchanged.
Malvern expects to compete for the Inter-Ac championship.
Strong 2025 Season Featured National-Level Schedule
Malvern Prep opened last season with a 42-35 loss to La Salle College at the Battle at the Beach in Ocean City, New Jersey.
The Friars responded by winning eight consecutive games.
They shut out Delbarton, defeated Imhotep Charter by 28 points and earned close victories over Salesianum and Gonzaga College.
Once league play began, Malvern raised its level again.
The Friars defeated Germantown Academy, 42-13, and The Haverford School, 48-11, before turning in one of their best defensive performances of the year in a 24-0 victory at Episcopal Academy.
They followed that with a 49-14 win over William Penn Charter.
The season ended with the one-point overtime loss to Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, but Malvern had already demonstrated its ability to compete against high-level opponents from across the region.
That schedule should provide valuable experience for the players returning in 2026.
New Quarterback Takes Over Experienced Offense
The most important offensive question will be replacing Melconian at quarterback.
Malvern returns experience at nearly every other offensive position, but a new signal-caller must learn to operate the system, manage games and distribute the football to a talented receiving corps.
The veteran offensive line should help ease that transition.
The Friars do not need their new quarterback to carry the entire offense immediately. They need him to protect the football, make accurate decisions and take advantage of the experienced players around him.
How quickly the new quarterback develops chemistry with the returning receivers will be one of the most important storylines of preseason camp.
Cooper Returns as No. 1 Receiving Threat
Senior Cade Cooper returns after leading the Friars with 44 receptions for 644 yards and six touchdowns.
At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, Cooper provides excellent size on the perimeter and has already shown the ability to produce against strong competition.
He can win contested catches, create separation and provide a dependable target in critical situations.
With a new quarterback taking over, Cooper’s experience becomes even more important.
He understands the offense, knows how to find openings in coverage and has proven he can handle a large workload.
Opponents will likely devote additional attention to him, but Malvern returns enough talent around Cooper to prevent defenses from focusing on one receiver.
Schuster Gives Offense Another Proven Target
Senior Jack Schuster also returns after catching 28 passes for 443 yards and three touchdowns.
At 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, Schuster brings toughness, physicality and experience.
He gives the new quarterback another reliable option and allows Malvern to attack defenses from multiple areas of the field.
Schuster’s value extends beyond offense.
He also returns as a starting cornerback, making him one of the most important two-way players on the roster.
His football intelligence and competitiveness should help set the tone for a team replacing several leaders.
Smith Could See Larger Offensive Role
Senior Stevie Smith recorded five catches for 61 yards last season and could become a larger part of the passing game.
Smith already plays a major role as a free safety and punt returner.
His athleticism and open-field ability make him a natural candidate for more offensive touches.
The Friars have two established receivers in Cooper and Schuster, but a third consistent target would make the passing game significantly more difficult to defend.
Smith has the ability to fill that role.
Veteran Offensive Line Provides Foundation
Malvern’s greatest offensive strength may be its experience up front.
Senior tackle Tyler Graham, senior lineman Ronan Burke, senior lineman Adam Briggs and senior center Brian Johnson all return.
Graham is listed at 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, Burke at 6-foot-4 and 275, Briggs at 6-foot-3 and 275, and Johnson at 5-foot-10 and 250.
That size and experience give the Friars a strong foundation.
The line will be responsible for protecting a new quarterback and helping replace the production of Bates in the running game.
Malvern should be able to lean on the group early in the season.
If the Friars can consistently control the line of scrimmage, the new skill-position players will have time to develop.
Running Game Must Find New Lead Option
The graduation of Bates creates an opening in the backfield.
Malvern must identify a new lead runner or develop a rotation capable of replacing his production.
The offensive line should provide opportunities, but the new backs must prove they can run physically, protect the football and contribute in pass protection.
The Friars may use multiple players until one separates from the group.
A dependable running game will be especially important while the new quarterback settles into his role.
It will also help create favorable matchups for Cooper, Schuster and Smith in the passing game.
Offensive Success Depends on Chemistry
Malvern returns a veteran line and experienced receivers, but the offense will include new faces at several important positions.
“Our offensive success will depend on how we mesh together,” the coaching staff said.
That chemistry will take time.
The line must communicate with a new quarterback. The quarterback must develop timing with the receivers. The new running backs must understand protections and blocking assignments.
The talent is present.
The challenge will be turning it into a cohesive unit.
Defensive Front Remains a Strength
Malvern will have several new starters on defense, but the Friars return much of their defensive line.
Senior defensive ends George Parkinson and Naim Hammond headline the group.
Parkinson is listed at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, while Hammond is 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds.
Their size, experience and athleticism give Malvern two proven edge defenders.
The Friars will rely on them to set the edge, pressure quarterbacks and help younger defenders adjust.
With Ford graduating, both Parkinson and Hammond will be asked to take on greater leadership roles.
Simmons Leads Linebacker Group
Senior linebacker Will Simmons returns at 5-foot-11 and 225 pounds.
Simmons provides experience in the middle of a defense that must replace Mohring and Rosano.
His responsibilities will include making calls, fitting the run and helping keep the front seven organized.
Simmons will also share kicking duties, increasing his overall importance to the team.
The linebacker group may feature several new faces, making his leadership critical.
Smith Anchors Secondary
Smith returns at free safety after gaining valuable experience in the back end.
He will be responsible for organizing a secondary that must remain disciplined against the diverse offenses on Malvern’s schedule.
His ability to read quarterbacks, prevent explosive plays and make open-field tackles will be important.
Smith’s return gives the Friars an experienced leader at the center of the defense.
Schuster Brings Stability at Cornerback
Schuster returns at cornerback and should again handle difficult coverage assignments.
His size and physicality allow him to match up with bigger receivers, while his offensive experience helps him recognize route concepts.
The combination of Smith and Schuster gives Malvern two proven players in the secondary.
The Friars must develop new contributors around them, but those veterans provide a strong starting point.
Defense Must Be Sound at All Three Levels
Malvern expects to introduce many new faces on defense.
The returning defensive line should help, but the entire unit must play disciplined football.
The coaching staff emphasized the need to be fundamentally sound at all three levels.
That means the defensive line must control gaps, the linebackers must fit the run correctly and the secondary must communicate.
Malvern’s defense has the talent to remain effective, but the younger starters cannot rely on athleticism alone.
Consistency and assignment discipline will determine how quickly the unit develops.
Replacing Gopez Presents Special Teams Challenge
Malvern must replace Gopez, who handled both kicking and punting duties.
That creates one of the biggest special teams questions entering the season.
Senior Jack Keegan and Simmons are expected to share the kicking responsibilities.
The Friars will need to determine who can handle field goals, extra points, kickoffs and punting with the greatest consistency.
Close games are common on Malvern’s schedule, making special teams reliability especially important.
Riely and Smith Provide Continuity
Senior Nick Riely returns as the long snapper.
His experience gives the Friars stability in an often-overlooked position.
Smith also returns as the punt returner.
His open-field ability gives Malvern a proven option capable of creating favorable field position.
The specialists will be new, but Riely and Smith provide valuable continuity around them.
Players to Watch
Cade Cooper, Sr., WR: Returning leading receiver who caught 44 passes for 644 yards and six touchdowns.
Jack Schuster, Sr., WR/CB: Productive two-way player who recorded 28 catches for 443 yards and three touchdowns.
Tyler Graham, Sr., OL: Massive and experienced lineman expected to anchor the offensive front.
Ronan Burke, Sr., OL: Veteran blocker who provides size and experience in the trenches.
Adam Briggs, Sr., OL: Returning lineman who will play an important role protecting the new quarterback.
Brian Johnson, Sr., C: Experienced center responsible for leading communication along the offensive line.
George Parkinson, Sr., DE: Physical edge defender expected to become one of the leaders of the defensive front.
Naim Hammond, Sr., DE: Experienced defensive end who gives Malvern another strong presence on the edge.
Will Simmons, Sr., LB/K: Returning linebacker who will also share kicking responsibilities.
Stevie Smith, Sr., WR/FS/PR: Versatile athlete expected to contribute in all three phases.
Nick Riely, Sr., LS: Returning long snapper who provides special teams stability.
My thoughts on Malvern Prep
Malvern Prep enters 2026 with enough returning talent to remain one of the top teams in the Inter-Academic League.
The Friars return a veteran offensive line, two proven receivers and several experienced defenders.
The biggest questions are at quarterback, running back, linebacker and specialist.
The new quarterback will be surrounded by a strong supporting cast, but he must develop quickly against a demanding schedule.
The offensive line should allow Malvern to remain physical, while Cooper and Schuster give the passing game two dependable targets.
Defensively, Parkinson and Hammond provide experience up front, Simmons leads the linebackers, and Smith and Schuster stabilize the secondary.
The Friars may need time to bring all three levels together, but the foundation is strong.
Special teams could be the biggest area of uncertainty as Keegan and Simmons work to replace Gopez.
Malvern once again faces a schedule filled with high-level opponents and an Inter-Ac race that should feature Episcopal Academy, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, William Penn Charter, Germantown Academy and The Haverford School.
The Friars have the size, talent and experience to compete with all of them.
If the new quarterback develops, the running game finds dependable production and the defense plays fundamentally sound football, Malvern Prep should once again be positioned to contend for the Inter-Ac championship.
Head Coach: Dave Gueriera
Assistant Coaches:
Joe Carr
Derek Benedict
Ralph Rapino
Dan Milewski
Rod Lusane
Rocco Vernisi
Rich Boyd
Sam Schmucker
Hub Tinson
Christian Smith
Kevin Mobley
Joe Gallagher
Lex Bruno
Chris Kumpon
Ray Kane
Chuck Kaniuka
Tony Naab
Tyler Tinson
Tim Taggart
Team Name: Malvern Prep
Class: 5A
League: Inter-Academic League
2025 Record: 8-2
8/29 @ La Salle College HS (6A) 6:00 pm L 35-42 at Battle at the Beach – Ocean City (NJ)
9/06 Delbarton School (NJ) 1:00 pm W 29-0
9/12 Imhotep Charter School (6A) 7:00 pm W 35-7
9/19 Salesianum School (DE) 7:00 pm W 17-14
9/26 Gonzaga College HS (DC) 7:00 pm W 31-24
10/11 @ Germantown Academy* 12:00 pm W 42-13
10/18 The Haverford School* 1:00 pm W 48-11
10/24 @ Episcopal Academy* 7:00 pm W 24-0
11/01 William Penn Charter* 1:00 pm W 49-14
11/08 @ Springside Chestnut Hill Academy* 1:00 pm L 20-21 OT
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/27 MU Sports Academy (Canada) 6:00 pm Scrimmage
9/04 @ La Salle College HS (6A) 5:00 pm at Ocean City
9/12 @ Imhotep Charter School (5A) 3:00 pm
9/19 @ St. Joseph’s Prep (6A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Our Lady of Good Counsel (MD) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Gonzaga College HS (DC) 7:00 pm
10/17 Germantown Academy* 1:00 pm
10/24 @ The Haverford School* 1:00 pm
10/30 Episcopal Academy* 7:00 pm
11/07 @ William Penn Charter* 12:00 pm
11/13 Springside Chestnut Hill Academy* 5:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Jackson Melconian QB
Jackson Ford DL
Bryce Willey OL
Max Mohring LB
Zeke Bates RB
Ian Gopez P
Joe Rosano LB
Dylan Novak TE
Offensive Starters Returning:
Tyler Graham OL 6-5, 270
Cade Cooper WR 6-3, 200
Brian Johnson C 5-10, 250
Ronan Burke OL 6-4, 275
Adam Briggs OL 6-3, 275
Jack Schuster WR 5-11, 200
Defensive Starters Returning:
George Parkinson DE 6-4, 230
Naim Hammond DE 6-3 230
Will Simmons LB 5-11 225
Stevie Smith FS 5-11 190
Jack Schuster CB 5-11 200
Special Team Starters Returning:
Nick Riely LS 5-11 170
Stevie Smith PR 5-11 190
Key Newcomers:
Lukas Zalota SR (Injured Junior Year) OL/DL 6-3 245
Jack Magee SO LB 6-1 200
Nick Hoffman SO DB/WR 5-10 180
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Cade Cooper WR – 44 catches – 644 yards – 6 TD’s
Jack Schuster WR – 28 catches – 443 yards – 3 TD’s
Stevie Smith WR – 5 catches – 61 yards
2026 Offensive Outlook: We return a veteran offensive line and wide receivers. How we mesh together with some new faces will be very important for our Offensive success.
2026 Defensive Outlook: We will have alot of new faces but return most of our DL. Our defense will be successful if we are playing fundamentally sound on all three levels.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: We are replacing a very good K/P who graduated. We return our long snapper and punt returner Stevie Smith. Our kicking duties will be shared by SR Jack Keegan and SR Will Simmons