Central York Reloads with Speed, Star Power and Championship Aspirations
After another outstanding season that ended one win shy of a District 3 Class 6A championship, Central York enters 2026 with the pieces in place for another run at one of Pennsylvania’s toughest classifications.
Head coach Gerry Yonchiuk welcomes back several of the program’s biggest playmakers, including one of the state’s premier running backs in Legend Johnson, while a talented new quarterback and explosive transfer add even more firepower to an offense that averaged over 46 points per game during its 11-2 campaign in 2025.
The Panthers dominated the South Central Athletic Conference a year ago and now face another challenging schedule highlighted by games against State College, North Penn, Manheim Township and Wilson West Lawn.
Another Dominant Season
Central York once again proved it belongs among Pennsylvania’s elite programs in 2025.
The Panthers opened the year with impressive victories over Central Dauphin, Manheim Township and Delaware Valley before rolling through conference play with dominant wins over Spring Grove, South Western, Dallastown, Northeastern, Red Lion and William Penn.
The only regular-season setback came against nationally respected Archbishop Hoban (Ohio).
Central York followed that with commanding District 3 Class 6A playoff victories over Cedar Cliff and Wilson West Lawn before falling to eventual state finalist Harrisburg in the district championship.
An 11-2 finish reinforced the consistency that has become synonymous with the Panthers’ program.
Legend Johnson Headlines Explosive Offense
Everything begins with senior running back Legend Johnson, one of the most dangerous offensive players in Pennsylvania.
Johnson rushed 158 times for 1,301 yards and 22 touchdowns last season while adding a receiving touchdown and a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown, finishing with 24 total touchdowns.
His combination of vision, power and breakaway speed makes him one of the premier backs in the state regardless of classification.
Whether carrying the football or making plays in the return game, Johnson is capable of changing a game in a single snap.
New Quarterback Takes the Controls
Replacing standout quarterback Brooklyn Nace won’t be easy, but Central York is excited about its next signal caller.
Coach Yonchiuk believes Jamin Ilgenfritz has all the tools necessary to keep the Panthers’ offense operating at a high level.
“Newcomer QB Jamin Ilgenfritz is a very talented signal caller with a tremendous arm,” Yonchiuk said.
With a proven running game surrounding him, Ilgenfritz won’t have to carry the offense by himself, allowing him to grow into the position while utilizing his arm strength to stretch defenses.
Plenty of Weapons Surround the Quarterback
The Panthers’ offense won’t lack explosive playmakers.
Junior receiver DeMarcus Murray returns after a breakout sophomore season in which he hauled in 38 receptions for 641 yards and six touchdowns.
Senior Andre Berry-Opher provides another experienced receiving target capable of making plays downfield.
Adding another dimension to the offense is transfer running back Jerome LaRue, who arrives after rushing for 678 yards and 10 touchdowns at Bishop McDevitt.
Combined with Johnson, Central York could feature one of the most explosive backfields in District 3.
“The 2026 offensive outlook will be featured from a very balanced attack,” Yonchiuk said.
Offensive Line Holds the Key
Despite all the offensive skill talent, Coach Yonchiuk believes success begins in the trenches.
“The offensive line will determine how strong the offense will be,” he said.
The Panthers return only one starter up front in junior guard Kadin Noor, but several linemen gained valuable varsity experience last season and are expected to compete for starting jobs.
Central York will also be adjusting after longtime offensive line coach John Tuttle retired following the 2025 season.
Developing cohesion up front will be the biggest factor in determining just how explosive this offense can become.
Defense Returns Seven Starters
The Panthers return seven starters from a defense loaded with athleticism and speed.
Coach Yonchiuk expects team speed to once again define Central York’s defensive identity.
“Team speed will be the key to the CY defensive attack in 2026,” he said.
Leading the defense is senior linebacker Legend Johnson, who impacts games on both sides of the football.
Junior outside linebacker Ali “Deuce” Johnson has developed into one of District 3’s top college prospects thanks to his athleticism and physical play.
Experienced Secondary Anchors Defense
The defensive backfield returns perhaps the strongest unit on the roster.
Senior strong safety Josh Bahr is coming off an outstanding junior season that included:
- 99 total tackles
- 6 tackles for loss
- 3 interceptions
- 3 pass breakups
- 2 blocked punts
- 2 fumble recoveries
His versatility allows the Panthers to impact games in every phase.
Senior corner Doug Layer uses his basketball background to excel in coverage, while junior Jatniel Gil returns after gaining valuable varsity experience in 2025.
Together, they give Central York one of the top secondaries in District 3.
Defensive Front Provides Stability
The defensive front also returns several proven contributors.
Senior defensive end Cullen Gardner and junior nose guard Da’ran Reed headline the unit and will be expected to control the line of scrimmage while creating opportunities for the linebackers behind them.
Their ability to generate pressure will allow Central York’s athletic secondary to create turnovers.
Special Teams Could Be Elite
Few teams enter the season with the type of weapon Central York possesses in junior kicker Brady Burt.
The All-State specialist returns after producing 54 touchbacks last season while converting 92 percent of his extra points (60-of-65).
Coach Yonchiuk believes Burt has legitimate Division I potential.
“All-State place kicker Brady Burt returns. He has a very strong leg and is a Division I-A kicking prospect,” Yonchiuk said.
Johnson also returns after taking a kickoff back 95 yards for a touchdown in 2025, while Bahr remains another dangerous return specialist.
Players to Watch
Legend Johnson, Sr., RB/LB (6-1, 198) – One of Pennsylvania’s top running backs after rushing for 1,301 yards and 24 total touchdowns.
Jamin Ilgenfritz, QB – Talented newcomer expected to lead one of District 3’s top offenses.
DeMarcus Murray, Jr., WR (5-11, 165) – Coming off a 641-yard, six-touchdown sophomore season.
Jerome LaRue, RB – Explosive transfer who rushed for 678 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2025.
Josh Bahr, Sr., SS (5-11, 175) – Defensive leader with 99 tackles and impact plays in every phase.
Ali “Deuce” Johnson, Jr., OLB (6-2, 210) – Athletic linebacker and emerging college prospect.
Doug Layer, Sr., DB (5-10, 165) – Veteran cover corner who anchors the secondary.
Cullen Gardner, Sr., DE (6-3, 210) – Experienced defensive end expected to lead the pass rush.
Da’ran Reed, Jr., NG (5-9, 265) – Powerful interior lineman who controls the middle.
Brady Burt, Jr., K (6-1, 190) – All-State kicker and one of the top special teams weapons in Pennsylvania.
My Thoughts on Central York
Central York has all the ingredients to once again compete for a District 3 championship.
The Panthers feature elite skill talent led by Legend Johnson, an exciting new quarterback, explosive receiving options and a transfer running back capable of making immediate contributions. If the offensive line develops quickly, this offense could once again rank among the state’s most productive.
Defensively, seven returning starters, outstanding team speed and an experienced secondary provide the foundation for another strong season.
With one of Pennsylvania’s premier kickers handling special teams and a roster filled with Division I-caliber talent, Central York has every reason to believe another deep postseason run is within reach in 2026.
Head Coach: Gerry Yonchiuk
Assistant Coaches:
Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator-Mike Cesarano
Offensive Coordinator/TE’s-Josh Campbell
Special Teams Coordinator/Receivers-Shawn Mooney
Defensive Backs-Rees Judge
Running Backs-Ali Johnson
Linebackers-Adam Ogle
Offensive Line-Matt Farr
Defensive Line-Karan Rao
Team Name: Central York
District: 3
Class: 6A
League: South Central Athletic Conference – Division 1
2025 Record: 11-2
8/22 @ Central Dauphin (6A) 7:00 pm W 23-9
8/29 Manheim Township (6A) 7:00 pm W 36-28
9/05 Delaware Valley (5A) 6:00 pm W 46-21
9/12 Spring Grove (5A) 7:00 pm W 50-13
9/19 @ South Western (5A) 7:00 pm W 56-17
9/26 Dallastown (6A) 7:00 pm W 63-7
10/03 Northeastern (5A) 7:00 pm W 61-7
10/10 @ Red Lion Area (6A) 7:00 pm W 56-18
10/17 @ Archbishop Hoban (OH) 7:00 pm L 21-46
10/24 @ William Penn (3) (6A) 7:00 pm W 56-14
11/07 Cedar Cliff (6A) 7:00 pm W 42-7 Dist. 3 Class 6A Quarterfinal
11/14 Wilson West Lawn (6A) 7:00 pm W 42-7 Dist. 3 Class 6A Semifinal
11/21 Harrisburg (6A) 7:00 pm L 10-38 at Cedar Cliff Class 6A Quarterfinals
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Central Dauphin East (6A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 State College Area (6A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ North Penn (6A) 7:00 pm
9/11 Manheim Township (6A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Spring Grove* (5A) 7:00 pm
9/25 South Western* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Dallastown* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ New Oxford* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/16 Red Lion Area* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Wilson West Lawn (6A) 7:00 pm
10/30 William Penn (3)* (6A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
QB-Brooklyn Nace
WR-Brendyn Smith
TE/DE-Colin Gurley
OLB-Jeremiha Hunter
FS-Dwayne Morgan
OT-Caden Solomon
C-Kaden Graham
**Offensive Line Coach John Tuttle retired after the 2025 season.
Offensive Starters Returning:
Sr. RB Legend Johnson 6’1″ 198
Jr. WR DeMarcus Murray 5’11” 165
Jr. OG Kadin Noor 5’11” 265
Sr. WR Andre Berry-Opher 5’11” 160
Defensive Starters Returning:
Sr. DE Cullen Gardner 6’3″ 210
Sr. SS Josh Bahr 5’11” 175
Jr. OLB Ali “Deuce” Johnson 6’2″ 210
Sr. DB Doug Layer 5’10” 165
Jr. DB Jatniel Gil 5’11” 195
Jr. NG Da’ran Reed 5’9″ 265
Sr. ILB Legend Johnson 6’1″ 198
Special Team Starters Returning:
Jr. K Brady Burt, 6’1″ 190
Sr. Returner Josh Bahr, 5’11” 175
Sr. Returner Legend Johnson 6’1″ 198
Key Newcomers:
So. QB Jamin Ilgenfritz 6’1″ 200
Jr. RB Jerome LaRue 5’10” 185
Jr. RB/TE Ali “Deuce” Johnson 6’2″ 210
Sr. WR Makai Collins 6’1″ 200
So. RB/WR Tyshawn Davis 5’10” 200
Jr. OL AJ Baker 6’0″ 265
Sr. OL Hayden Quinn 6’3″ 295
Jr. OL Amari Mitchell 6’2″ 240
Jr OL Demetri Shelley 5’10” 240
Sr. OL Brody Padget 6’3″ 290
Sr. WR Ben Ziegler 5’7″ 160
Jr. OL Evan Geesey 6’2″ 295
Jr. WR/DBHunter Fogle 5’10” 175
Jr. TE Xavier Richardson 6’2″ 190
Jr. DE Cyrus Nouss 6’0″ 235
Jr. DB Chnekan Toe 6’0″ 180
Jr. LB Caleb Bowers 6’0″ 185
2026 Returning Player Stats:
RB-Legend Johnson: 158 Carries for 1301 yards rushing and 22 TD’s, 1-KO Return for 95 yard TD, 1-receiving TD of 14 yards. 24-TD’s Total
RB-Jerome LaRue: (Bishop McDevitt) 678 Yards rushing 10 TD’s
WR-DeMarcus Murray: 38 Receptions for 641 yards and 6 TD’s
SS-Josh Bahr: 99 Total Tackles, 6 tackles for a loss, 3-INT’s, 3-Pass Break ups, 2-Blocked punts, 2-Fumble recoveries
2026 Offensive Outlook: The 2026 offensive outlook will be featured from a very balanced attack. RB Legend Johnson returns after rushing for 1300 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also scored a TD on a 95 yard Kickoff return and a 14 yard receiving TD giving him 24 TD’s for the 2025 season. Newcomer, QB Jamin Ilgenfritz is a very talented signal caller with a tremendous arm. Jr WR DeMarcus Murray returns after a very big sophomore season. Transfer Running Back Jerome LaRue is a very explosive back with top end speed.The offensive line will determine how strong the offense will be. We have just one returning starter, Kadin Noor returning, however several backups got quality varsity reps in 2025.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Team speed will be the key to the CY defensive attack in 2026. 7-starters return. OLB Ali “Deuce” Johnson and SS Josh Bahr are excellent defensive players and college prospects. Doug Layer is a cover corner that uses his basketball skill set to lock down receivers. DB Jatniel Gil return as the 3rd starter in the secondary from 2025. DE Cullen Gardner and NG Da’ran Reed will bolster the Defensive line. ILB Legend Johnson is a force on Defense as well.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: All State Place Kicker Brady Burt returns. He has a very strong leg and is a Division 1-A Kicking Prospect. Brady had 54 Touchbacks in 2025. 72% on 74 Kickoffs PAT’s 92% 60-65. Returner Legend Johnson had a 95 yard TD return in 2025.