Ridley Leans on Veteran Trenches and Experienced Defense Entering 2026
Ridley enters the 2026 season with many of the pieces needed to remain one of the top programs in the Central League and a contender in District 1 Class 6A.
The Raiders are coming off a 9-3 season in which they won eight consecutive games, recorded five shutouts and reached the District 1 playoffs. They also closed the year with a 32-0 victory over Interboro in the annual Thanksgiving Day game.
Head coach Dave Wood now welcomes back an experienced defense, three starters along the offensive line and several proven skill players.
The biggest questions are at quarterback and wide receiver.
Senior Joey Carroll will take over after spending the last two seasons as the backup, while a deep group of receivers will compete to replace departed production.
Ridley will also need to replace several important starters, including quarterback Solomon, running back Plummer, receiver Ruffin, offensive linemen Casey and Coskey, and defensive lineman Hughes.
Even with those losses, the Raiders return enough experience to build around.
Their offensive line should become the foundation of a unit introducing a new quarterback. Defensively, Ridley brings back veteran players at every level from a group that allowed only 111 points across 12 games.
If the offense finds consistency and the secondary settles into its roles, the Raiders should once again compete near the top of the Central League.
Defense Set the Standard in 2025
Ridley opened last season with a narrow 20-14 loss at Central Bucks East before responding with one of the strongest stretches in the program’s recent history.
The Raiders defeated Lower Merion, Marple Newtown, Conestoga, Radnor, Upper Darby, Harriton, Haverford and Penncrest in consecutive weeks.
During that eight-game winning streak, Ridley outscored its opponents 279-41.
The defense was particularly impressive.
The Raiders shut out Conestoga, Radnor, Harriton and Haverford during the regular season. They later added another shutout against Interboro on Thanksgiving.
Ridley’s only league loss came against Garnet Valley, 17-7, before the Raiders fell to Souderton, 23-6, in the first round of the District 1 Class 6A playoffs.
The season still ended positively.
Ridley defeated Interboro, 32-0, giving the returning players additional momentum entering the offseason.
The Raiders want to carry that defensive identity into 2026 while developing an offense capable of producing more consistently against the top teams on the schedule.
Offensive Line Will Lead the Way
Ridley’s greatest offensive strength is its experience up front.
Senior tackle Cooper Smith, senior guard Josh Hamson and senior guard Yuron Villanueva all return after starting last season.
Smith, listed at 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, gives the Raiders an imposing presence at tackle. His size and experience should make him one of the leaders of the entire offense.
Hamson and Villanueva both bring toughness and continuity to the interior.
Ridley also has several reserve linemen who saw varsity action in 2025, giving the staff confidence in the unit’s depth.
Wood believes the offensive line will be the key to the offense.
The group must protect a new quarterback, create room for an experienced backfield and keep the Raiders out of long-yardage situations.
Ridley has traditionally valued physical football, and this line appears capable of establishing that identity again.
Carroll Takes Over at Quarterback
Senior Joey Carroll will move into the starting quarterback role after serving as the backup for the last two seasons.
Although he lacks extensive starting experience, Carroll has spent significant time learning the offense and preparing behind the previous starter.
That familiarity should help him transition into the role.
Carroll does not need to carry the offense by himself.
He will play behind a veteran line and beside an experienced group of running backs. His priorities will be managing the offense, protecting the football and making efficient decisions in the passing game.
The early portion of the season will be important as Carroll develops chemistry with the receivers and adjusts to the speed of varsity competition as a full-time starter.
His growth will be one of the biggest factors in Ridley’s offensive success.
Savoy Brings Experience to the Backfield
Senior running back Jamar Savoy returns as the most experienced player in the backfield.
At 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, Savoy brings a combination of speed, vision and varsity experience.
He should have an opportunity to take on a larger workload after the graduation of Plummer.
Ridley also has depth behind him.
Kevin Farley, Dymir Lewis and Mahki Williams are all expected to contribute.
That depth gives the Raiders the ability to rotate backs, keep players fresh and use different styles depending on the situation.
Farley is also a returning starter at linebacker, making him one of the roster’s most versatile players.
A productive running game will be essential while Carroll settles in at quarterback.
If the offensive line controls the line of scrimmage, Ridley should be able to lean on its backfield and gradually open opportunities in the passing game.
Wide Receiver Competition Remains Open
Wide receiver is the biggest question on offense.
Senior Gabe Smith returns after gaining varsity experience, but several other players are competing for regular roles.
The group includes Brody Bair, Jakai Brackett, Gene D’Amico, Chase Bonnes and Joshua Olashore.
Several of those players also contribute on defense.
That athleticism gives Ridley options, but the coaching staff needs to identify who can become dependable every-down receivers.
The Raiders need players who can block on the perimeter, create separation and consistently catch the football in traffic.
Carroll will benefit from having multiple reliable targets rather than depending on one featured receiver.
The competition could continue well into preseason camp.
Whichever players establish chemistry with Carroll and demonstrate consistency will earn the largest roles.
Offense Must Find Balance
Ridley’s offensive approach should begin with its line and running game.
The Raiders have the personnel to play physically, control the clock and avoid placing unnecessary pressure on their new quarterback.
However, they will still need to throw effectively.
Against strong Central League and District 1 opponents, defenses will eventually crowd the line of scrimmage and force Carroll to make plays through the air.
That makes the development of the receiving corps critical.
If Carroll becomes comfortable and several receivers emerge, Ridley can become much more difficult to defend.
The goal will be balance rather than dependence on one phase.
Villanueva and Tsafos Anchor Defensive Line
Senior Yuron Villanueva and senior Nate Tsafos return to lead the defensive front.
Villanueva will again play a major two-way role as an offensive guard and defensive lineman.
At 5-foot-11 and 220 pounds, he brings leverage, strength and experience.
Tsafos, listed at 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, provides another physical presence up front.
Together, they will be responsible for helping replace the production lost with Hughes’ graduation.
Ridley’s defensive success begins with controlling the line of scrimmage.
The Raiders want their linemen to occupy blockers, maintain gap discipline and allow the linebackers to play aggressively.
Villanueva and Tsafos should provide the leadership necessary to bring younger linemen into the rotation.
Veteran Linebackers Lead the Defense
Linebacker may be Ridley’s deepest and most experienced position.
Seniors Kevin Farley, Gene D’Amico and Jayden Gibson all return after playing important roles last season.
Farley, listed at 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, provides toughness and experience in the middle.
D’Amico brings athleticism at 6-foot and 180 pounds, while Gibson adds another physical presence at 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds.
The group should become the heart of the defense.
Their responsibilities will include making calls, fitting the run and helping younger defensive backs remain properly aligned.
Ridley also has depth with Colin Cavalieri, Gabe Smith and Logan Clark.
That depth will allow the coaching staff to rotate players and use different combinations depending on the opponent.
An experienced linebacker corps should help Ridley remain strong against the run.
Secondary Competition Will Shape the Defense
Despite returning several players with experience, the secondary remains the biggest defensive question.
Senior Brody Bair, senior Joshua Olashore, Chase Bonnes, Jackson Burwell and Cam Cauthorn are all expected to compete for starting roles.
Bair, listed at 6-foot-1 and 170 pounds, has the size and athleticism to contribute at safety or cornerback.
Olashore returns at defensive back and should be part of the cornerback competition.
Bonnes could also play multiple positions, while Burwell is expected to compete at safety and Cauthorn at corner.
The Raiders have options.
The challenge is finding the best combination.
Communication will be critical, especially against teams that use spread formations and tempo.
Ridley’s experienced defensive front and linebackers should reduce some pressure on the secondary, but the defensive backs must still prevent explosive plays and make tackles in space.
Defensive Identity Remains Clear
Ridley’s defense played at an exceptionally high level last season.
The Raiders allowed fewer than 10 points per game and held six opponents to six points or fewer.
That success came from discipline, tackling and consistency at all three levels.
The 2026 defense has enough returning experience to maintain that standard.
Villanueva and Tsafos lead the line, Farley, D’Amico and Gibson return at linebacker, and several experienced athletes are competing in the secondary.
The Raiders do not need to completely rebuild their defense.
They need to fill several important roles and maintain the habits that made the unit successful.
Special Teams Return Significant Experience
Ridley returns nearly its entire specialist group.
Senior Tim Calamita and junior Vince Petrellis shared the kicking duties last season and are both back.
Their experience gives the Raiders options on field goals, extra points and kickoffs.
Carroll returns as the punter, with Petrellis also capable of providing depth at the position.
Senior Landon Sweeney returns as the long snapper after serving as the starter for more than a year.
That continuity should help Ridley avoid many of the early-season issues that can affect teams introducing new specialists.
The return game also has potential.
The Raiders’ depth at running back and wide receiver gives the staff several athletic options.
Field position could again become an important part of Ridley’s success.
Players to Watch
Cooper Smith, Sr., OT: Massive returning tackle expected to anchor an experienced offensive line.
Yuron Villanueva, Sr., OG/DL: Physical two-way lineman who will play an important role on both fronts.
Josh Hamson, Sr., OG: Veteran interior blocker expected to help establish the running game.
Joey Carroll, Sr., QB/P: Former backup taking over at quarterback while also returning as the punter.
Jamar Savoy, Sr., RB: Experienced runner expected to take on a larger offensive role.
Gabe Smith, Sr., WR/LB: Versatile athlete who could become a key contributor in multiple phases.
Brody Bair, Sr., WR/DB: Experienced defensive back competing for a major role at safety or cornerback.
Kevin Farley, Sr., LB/RB: Tough two-way player who helps lead the linebackers and adds depth in the backfield.
Gene D’Amico, Sr., LB/WR: Returning linebacker expected to provide leadership and athleticism.
Jayden Gibson, Sr., LB: Experienced defender who gives Ridley another physical presence in the middle.
Joshua Olashore, Sr., DB/WR: Versatile senior expected to compete for a starting cornerback position.
Nate Tsafos, Sr., DL: Returning defensive lineman expected to help anchor the front.
Tim Calamita, Sr., K: Experienced kicker returning after sharing duties last season.
Vince Petrellis, Jr., K/P: Versatile specialist who provides depth at kicker and punter.
Landon Sweeney, Sr., LS: Experienced long snapper who gives the special teams unit continuity.
My thoughts on Ridley
Ridley enters 2026 with a roster built around experience in the trenches and on defense.
The Raiders return three offensive linemen, several running backs and one of the deeper linebacker groups in the Central League.
The biggest offensive questions involve Carroll’s transition to quarterback and the competition at wide receiver.
If the offensive line performs as expected, Ridley should be able to establish the running game and give Carroll time to develop.
Savoy, Farley, Lewis and Williams provide backfield depth, while Smith, Bair, Brackett, D’Amico, Bonnes and Olashore give the passing game several athletic options.
Defensively, Ridley has the potential to remain one of the best units in District 1.
Villanueva and Tsafos provide leadership up front, the linebackers return significant experience and the secondary has several players capable of winning starting jobs.
The defensive backs will need to settle into their roles, but the overall foundation is strong.
Special teams should also be dependable with Calamita, Petrellis, Carroll and Sweeney all returning.
The Central League remains challenging, with Garnet Valley, Haverford, Marple Newtown, Penncrest and several other programs capable of testing the Raiders.
Ridley proved last season that it can win close games, dominate defensively and compete for a District 1 playoff berth.
If the offense develops around its veteran line and the defense maintains its high standard, the Raiders should once again be positioned for a successful season and another opportunity in the Class 6A postseason.
Head Coach: Dave Wood
Assistant Coaches:
Erik Hollingsworth – Defensive Coordinator
Rick Larkin – Offensive Coordinator
Allen Martin – WR Coach
Pat Najmola – OL Coach
Chris Mills – QB Coach
Brian Morris – DB Coach
John Anderson – Special Teams
Justin Freemont – DL Coach
Kareem Bernard – RB Coach
Matt Conboy – Defensive Asst.
Mike Amalfitano – Defensive Asst.
Team Name: Ridley Raiders
District: 1
Class: 6A
League: Central League
2025 Record: 9-3
8/22 @ Central Bucks East (6A) 7:00 pm L 14-20
8/29 @ Lower Merion* (6A) 4:00 pm W 54-12
9/05 @ Marple-Newtown* (5A) 7:00 pm W 42-10
9/12 Conestoga* (6A) 7:00 pm W 55-0
9/19 Radnor* (5A) 7:00 pm W 35-0
9/27 @ Upper Darby* (6A) 11:00 am W 17-13
10/03 @ Harriton* (4A) 7:00 pm W 52-0
10/10 Haverford High* (6A) 7:00 pm W 14-0
10/17 Penncrest* (5A) 7:00 pm W 10-6
10/24 Garnet Valley* (5A) 7:00 pm L 7-17
10/31 @ Souderton Area (6A) 7:00 pm L 6-23 Dist. 1 Class 6A 1st Round
11/27 @ Interboro (4A) 10:00 am W 32-0 Thanksgiving Day game
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Academy Park (5A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 Central Bucks East (6A) 7:00 pm
9/03 Lower Merion* (5A) 7:00 pm
9/10 Marple-Newtown* (5A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Conestoga* (6A) 7:00 pm
9/25 @ Radnor* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Upper Darby* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Springfield-Delco* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Haverford High* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Strath Haven* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Garnet Valley* (5A) 7:00 pm
11/26 Interboro (5A) 10:00 am Thanksgiving Day game
Key Starters Lost:
Casey – OL
Coskey – OL
Hughes – DL
Plummer – RB
Solomon – QB
Ruffin – WR
Offensive Starters Returning:
SR. OT Cooper Smith, 6’5, 310
SR. OG Josh Hamson, 6’1, 220
SR. OG Yuron Villanueva, 5’11, 220
SR. RB Jamar Savoy, 6’1, 175
SR. WR Gabe Smith, 5’11, 165
Defensive Starters Returning:
SR. DB Brody Bair, 6’1, 170
SR. LB Gene D’Amico, 6’0, 180
SR. LB Kevin Farley, 5’10, 190
SR. LB Jayden Gibson, 5’9 180
SR. DB Joshua Olashore, 5’11, 175
SR. DL Nate Tsafos, 6’1, 225
SR. DL Yuron Villanueva, 5’11 220
Special Team Starters Returning:
SR. K Tim Calamita, 6’0 180
SR. LS Landon Sweeney, 6’1, 195
JR. K Vince Petrellis, 5’9, 175
JR. P Joey Carroll, 5’9, 175
Key Newcomers:
SR. WR, DB Chase Bonnes, 5’8, 170
JR. DB Jackson Burwell, 5’11, 180
JR. QB Joey Carroll, 5’9, 175
JR. WR, LB Logan Clark, 5’10 165
SR. DB Cameron Cauthorn, 6’1, 175
SR. WR Jakai Brackett, 5’9, 170
SR. RB Dymir Lewis, 5’9, 175
SR. DL Carmen Mooney, 5’9, 215
SR. OL Michael Wajda, 5’10, 240
2026 Offensive Outlook: The offensive line will be the key to our offensive this year. We have 3 starters back on the OL and some really good depth on the offensive line that saw some game action in 2025. Joey Carroll who has been a backup for the last two years will take over at QB. Jamar Savoy returns at running back and brings a lot of experience along with others like Kevin Farley, Dymir Lewis and Mahki Williams. Our biggest question will be at wide receiver. Brody Bair, Jakai Brackett, Gabe Smith, Gene D’Amico, Chase Bonnes and Joshua Olashore all return, but we have to see who steps up to become the everyday starters.
2026 Defensive Outlook: We have a lot of starters returning from the 2025 Defensive Unit that played very well. Yuron Villanueva and Nate Tsafos will lead the defensive line. Kevin Farly, Gene D’Amico and Jayden Gibson will lead this group, but we also have Colin Cavalieri, Gabe Smith and Logan Clark that will give us depth. The biggest question will be in the secondary even though will do have a lot of players that have experience. Brody Bair, Chase Bonnes, Jackson Burwell will battle at safety while Bair, Bonnes, Joshua Olashore, Cam Cauthorn will also battle at corner.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: We have two kickers, Tim Calamita and Vince Petrellis who shared the duties last year and they both return. Joe Carroll returns at Punter while Petrellis will give us more depth there too. Landon Sweeney returns as our long snapper and has been our starter for over a year. Our running back depth and wide receiver depth will give us some very good options as our returners.