West Chester East Eyes Another Playoff Run Behind Towson Commit Logan Cummings
The West Chester East Vikings enter the 2026 season with an experienced quarterback, an explosive group of receivers, and high expectations as they look to build upon last year’s playoff appearance.
Head coach Dean Owens guided the Vikings to a 6-5 record in 2025 and a berth in the District 1 Class 5A playoffs. Although West Chester East graduated several key contributors, the return of Towson commit Logan Cummings gives the Vikings one of the top quarterbacks in the Ches-Mont League and a strong foundation to contend once again in the South Division.
With a challenging schedule that includes Coatesville, Avon Grove, West Chester Rustin, Great Valley, and traditional league rival West Chester Henderson, the Vikings know every week will present a new test.
Building on Last Year’s Success
West Chester East opened the 2025 season by winning its first four games, defeating Academy Park, Upper Moreland, Upper Merion, and Pottsgrove to establish itself as one of the area’s hottest teams.
The Vikings later earned key victories over Oxford Area and West Chester Henderson before earning a District 1 Class 5A playoff berth.
Although the season ended with a first-round playoff loss to Penncrest, the experience gained by many returning starters provides optimism heading into 2026.
Cummings Returns to Lead the Offense
Everything offensively revolves around quarterback Logan Cummings.
The Towson commit enjoyed an outstanding junior campaign, completing 136-of-228 passes for 1,859 yards with 17 touchdowns against just five interceptions.
His combination of size (6-foot-5, 210 pounds), arm strength, and experience makes him one of the premier quarterbacks in District 1.
Coach Owens expects Cummings to continue serving as both the leader of the offense and the locker room.
“Logan Cummings is back and will be our leader both on and off the field,” Owens said.
Talented Receiving Corps Returns
Cummings won’t lack proven targets.
Chase Golden returns after posting 627 receiving yards and five touchdowns, giving the Vikings one of the league’s top deep threats.
Matt Kendro provides another experienced weapon, while Shane Dougherty is expected to become another reliable option in the passing game.
With multiple playmakers on the perimeter, West Chester East has the ability to stretch opposing defenses vertically and create explosive plays.
Offensive Line Will Determine Success
Despite returning one of the area’s top quarterbacks, Coach Owens believes the biggest factor in the Vikings’ success will be the development of the offensive line.
“Our key to our success this season is like any other season—it starts up front,” Owens said.
Returning linemen John Hoffman (6-foot-2, 260 pounds) and Ashton Shelton provide experience, but several new players will be asked to replace departed seniors.
“We will have new but very talented players stepping up to fill spots vacated by graduating seniors,” Owens added.
If that group develops quickly, the Vikings’ offense has the potential to become one of the most productive passing attacks in the Ches-Mont League.
Balanced Attack
West Chester East also returns senior running back James Kernicky, whose physical running style provides balance to the offense.
His presence should prevent defenses from focusing solely on slowing down the passing game.
A balanced offensive attack will be especially important as the Vikings navigate another demanding schedule.
Defensive Leaders Return
The defense lost several experienced contributors but returns enough talent to remain competitive.
Coach Owens believes linebacker James Kernicky and defensive back Chris Costa will be the cornerstones of the unit.
Kernicky recorded 51 tackles, six tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery last season while emerging as one of the Vikings’ most consistent defenders.
Costa added 47 tackles, one tackle for loss, and an interception, giving the secondary an experienced leader.
Secondary Looks to Shine
The Vikings expect senior Andrew Kirk to make a major impact in the defensive backfield this season.
Combined with returning defensive backs Jason Costa and Gio Muniz, West Chester East has several athletic defenders capable of limiting big plays.
Coach Owens also expects Luke Tonelli to play a major leadership role at linebacker as the defense continues to develop.
Special Teams Remain in Good Hands
Special teams should continue to be a strength thanks to Chase Golden.
The dynamic receiver will once again lead the return game, giving West Chester East another opportunity to create explosive plays and favorable field position.
Golden’s ability to flip momentum with a single return makes him one of the team’s most dangerous all-around players.
Players to Watch
Logan Cummings, Sr., QB (6-5, 210) – Towson commit who threw for 1,859 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2025.
Chase Golden, Sr., WR/Returner (5-8, 160) – Dynamic playmaker coming off a 627-yard, five-touchdown season.
James Kernicky, Sr., RB/LB (6-0, 195) – Two-way standout who anchors both the running game and defense.
Matt Kendro, Jr., WR (5-10, 175) – Veteran receiver expected to play a larger offensive role.
John Hoffman, Sr., OL (6-2, 260) – Experienced offensive lineman who anchors the front.
Ashton Shelton, OL (6-0, 200) – Key returning blocker expected to help solidify the offensive line.
Chris Costa, DB – Veteran defender who totaled 47 tackles and an interception in 2025.
Gio Muniz, DB (5-8, 160) – Athletic defensive back returning to the secondary.
Andrew Kirk, Sr., DB – Expected to become a major contributor in the defensive backfield.
Luke Tonelli, LB – Projected defensive leader in the linebacker corps.
My thoughts on West Chester East
West Chester East has the pieces to remain a playoff contender in District 1 Class 5A.
With Logan Cummings returning behind center, a proven receiving corps led by Chase Golden, and several experienced offensive linemen, the Vikings possess the firepower to challenge any defense on their schedule.
The biggest question will be how quickly the new offensive linemen develop and whether the defense can replace several graduated starters. If the front settles in and the defensive leaders emerge, West Chester East has every opportunity to improve upon last year’s six-win campaign.
In a competitive Ches-Mont League South Division, the Vikings have the talent and leadership necessary to make another run toward the postseason.
Head Coach: Dean Owens
Assistant Coaches:
Doug Randall
Ben Perlmutter
Ishy Ahmad
Brandon Deckard
Mark Hull
John Hull
Justin Golden
Nick Cionci
Tyler Simches
Team Name: West Chester East Vikings
District: 1
Class: 5A
League: Ches-Mont League, South Division
2025 Record: 6-5
8/22 @ Academy Park (5A) 1:00 pm W 21-20
8/28 Upper Moreland (5A) 7:00 pm W 27-7
9/05 Upper Merion (5A) 7:00 pm W 34-13
9/12 @ Pottsgrove (5A) 7:00 pm W 35-20
9/19 Coatesville (6A) 7:00 pm L 21-42
9/26 Downingtown East (6A) 7:00 pm L 26-51
10/03 @ Oxford Area (5A) 7:00 pm W 28-21
10/10 @ West Chester Henderson* (5A) 7:00 pm W 27-26
10/17 West Chester Rustin* (5A) 7:00 pm L 0-38
10/24 @ Great Valley* (5A) 7:00 pm L 14-17
10/31 @ Penncrest (5A) 7:00 pm L 21-28 Dist. 1 Class 5A 1st Round
2026 Schedule
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Strath Haven (5A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 @ Conestoga (6A) 7:00 pm
9/03 Avon Grove (6A) 7:00 pm
9/10 @ Upper Perkiomen (5A) 7:00 pm
9/18 Methacton (5A) 7:00 pm
9/25 @ Coatesville (6A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Sun Valley/Northley* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/09 West Chester Rustin (5A) 7:00 pm
10/17 Mastery North Charter (5A) 2:00 pm
10/23 @ West Chester Henderson* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Great Valley* (5A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Tyler Duell
Kyle Keefe
Chase Szollose
Kevin Rivas
Caden Chisholm
Jack Anderson
Landon Messina
Caleb Komorowski
Offensive Starters Returning:
Logan Cummings QB 6-5,210
John Hoffman OL 6-2, 260
Ashton Shelton OL 6, 200
Chase Golden WR 5-8, 160
Matt Kendro WR 5-10 175
James Kernickey RB 6, 195
Defensive Starters Returning:
Jason Costa DB 5-10, 170
Gio Muniz DB 5-8 160
James Kernicky LB 6, 195
Special Team Starters Returning:
None
Key Newcomers:
Pat McCloskey Senior RB/LB 6, 190
Cooper Verbos Sophomore RB 5-6, 150
Nate Hayes Sophomore OL/DL 6, 200
AJ Kaplan Sophomore OL/DL 6-2, 190
Andrew Kirk Senior DB/WR 6, 175
Shane Dougherty Senior LB/TE 6-2 200
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Logan Cummings 136-228 1859 yards passing, 17tds, 5 ints
Chase Golden 627 yards receiving, 5 tds
James Kernicky 51 tackles 6tfl 1 fumble recovery
Chris Costa 47 tackes 1 tfl 1 int
2026 Offensive Outlook: Our key to our success this season is like any other season, it starts up front. We will have new but very talented players stepping up to fill in spots vacated by graduating seniors. Logan Cummings (Towson Commit) is back and will be our leader both on and off the field. He has weapons to throw to in Chase Golden, Matt Kendro, and Shane Dougherty.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Chris Costa and James Kernicky will be the keys to our defense this season. We expect big things out of senior Andrew Kirk in the defensive back field. Luke Tonelli will help solidify the defense by leading the linebackers.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Chase Golden will continue to lead the return game.