Allentown Central Catholic Returns Speed, Experience and Playmakers for 2026
Allentown Central Catholic enters the 2026 season with an experienced core on both sides of the football and enough explosive athletes to believe the Vikings can take another step forward.
Head coach Jake Reichard guided Central Catholic to a 6-6 record in 2025, including a District 11 Class 4A quarterfinal victory over Jim Thorpe before the Vikings fell to Bethlehem Catholic, 34-31, in a hard-fought district semifinal.
The Vikings must replace several key contributors, including Deon Johnson, Tate Shoemaker, Di’Quiawn Leak, Luis Martinez, Luis Lantigua and Tommy Roth, but the returning group includes multiple productive receivers, experienced linemen, a deep linebacker corps and one of the area’s most dangerous return specialists.
The 2026 schedule will again be demanding, with games against Bethlehem Catholic, Nazareth, Easton, Emmaus, Parkland and Whitehall.
For Central Catholic, the keys will be establishing the run, protecting the football and allowing its speed to create explosive plays.
Vikings Showed Plenty of Fight in 2025
Central Catholic battled through a challenging schedule last season.
The Vikings opened with a 19-16 victory over Trinity before facing Bethlehem Liberty and Bethlehem Freedom in consecutive weeks.
They rebounded with a convincing 30-3 victory over Pocono Mountain East and later earned one of their biggest wins of the season by defeating Emmaus, 28-14.
Central Catholic also picked up victories over William Allen and Dieruff before opening the District 11 playoffs with a 52-21 win over Jim Thorpe.
The season ended one possession short of the district championship game when Bethlehem Catholic escaped with a 34-31 semifinal victory.
That postseason experience gives a large group of returning juniors and seniors a clear understanding of what it takes to compete deep into the season.
Offensive Line Gives Vikings Foundation
Central Catholic wants its offense to start with physical play up front.
Senior Gavin Albeck, senior Dom Johns and junior McCoy Miller return along the offensive line, giving the Vikings a strong foundation in the trenches.
Miller also contributes defensively and recorded 25 tackles, five tackles for loss and one sack last season.
The coaching staff believes establishing the run will be critical.
“Our keys on offense will be establishing the run game, sustaining drives and taking care of the football,” the staff said. “We want to be physical up front and establish a strong running game that allows us to control the tempo and create opportunities in the passing game.”
If the veteran line controls the line of scrimmage, Central Catholic has enough athleticism at the skill positions to become difficult to defend.
Torres Johnson Gives Running Game Explosive Option
Junior Trey Torres Johnson returns at running back after averaging 7.31 yards per carry last season.
That efficiency gives the Vikings a proven runner capable of creating chunk plays.
Torres Johnson is also one of the team’s most important defenders, recording 38 tackles and an interception.
His versatility makes him a major piece of the 2026 roster.
Offensively, the Vikings will look to get him the football in space while also using his physicality between the tackles.
If Central Catholic can consistently establish Torres Johnson and the running game, the passing attack should benefit from more favorable matchups.
Edmondson Headlines Dangerous Receiving Corps
Junior Tahir Edmondson enters the season as one of the most explosive players on the roster.
Edmondson finished last season with 588 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
He also made a significant impact on defense and special teams, recording 49 tackles and three interceptions while producing 923 return yards and two touchdowns.
Few players can impact a game in as many ways.
Edmondson can stretch the field as a receiver, make plays after the catch, create turnovers in the secondary and completely change field position as a return specialist.
He should once again be one of Central Catholic’s most important players.
Restino Provides Big-Play Ability
Junior Harry Restino gives the Vikings another dangerous two-way athlete.
Restino averaged an impressive 22.4 yards per reception last season and scored five receiving touchdowns.
Defensively, he recorded 35 tackles, three tackles for loss and two interceptions.
His ability to create explosive plays gives the passing game another weapon opposite Edmondson.
Restino’s combination of speed and versatility should also allow the coaching staff to move him around the formation.
Schmell Adds Another Experienced Target
Junior Grayson Schmell returns at wide receiver and defensive back.
While his defensive production stands out most — 43 tackles and three interceptions — his athleticism gives Central Catholic another option in the passing game.
Senior Shahiem Roberts also returns at receiver, giving the Vikings additional experience on the perimeter.
With Edmondson, Restino, Schmell and Roberts, Central Catholic has one of its deepest groups at receiver.
The challenge will be consistently getting those athletes the football.
Hosak Gives Vikings Versatile Tight End
Junior Lucas Hosak returns at tight end after averaging 10 yards per reception and scoring one touchdown.
His biggest value may come from his versatility.
Hosak also recorded 24 tackles, five tackles for loss and one sack on defense.
At tight end, he provides another blocker for the running game while giving the offense a target in the middle of the field.
His ability to contribute in multiple roles gives Central Catholic flexibility with personnel packages.
Protecting Football Remains Priority
Central Catholic has the athletes to create explosive plays, but the coaching staff wants consistency more than constant home-run attempts.
The Vikings want to sustain drives, stay ahead of the chains and avoid putting their defense in difficult situations.
“We also need to avoid putting our defense in bad situations by limiting turnovers and consistently finishing drives,” the staff said.
That discipline could be the difference between a six-win team and a legitimate championship contender.
Defense Returns Athletic Core
Central Catholic returns experienced defenders at every level.
Albeck and Miller provide continuity along the defensive front, while Nate Young, Torres Johnson and Restino give the linebacking corps athleticism and experience.
The secondary returns Schmell and Edmondson, both proven ballhawks.
The Vikings want to take advantage of that experience by becoming more multiple and aggressive.
Young Leads Linebacker Group
Junior Nate Young returns after recording 33 tackles, four tackles for loss and one sack last season.
Young gives the Vikings a productive linebacker who can attack downhill and contribute as a pass rusher.
Alongside Torres Johnson and Restino, he helps form a fast and versatile linebacker group.
The coaching staff wants the unit to play aggressively while maintaining discipline.
Secondary Has Turnover Potential
Edmondson and Schmell combined for six interceptions last season.
Restino added two more.
That gives Central Catholic a secondary with proven ball skills.
The Vikings want to build on that strength by creating more turnovers and getting off the field on third down.
“We want to play fast and physical and make it difficult for offenses to get comfortable,” the staff said. “We also want to create turnovers and get off the field on third down.”
Limiting explosive plays will be just as important.
Central Catholic’s schedule includes several teams capable of scoring quickly, making communication and tackling in the secondary essential.
Baker Gives Special Teams Major Advantage
Junior Bryson Baker returns as both kicker and punter after an outstanding 2025 season.
Baker converted all six field-goal attempts, made 37 extra points and averaged 42 yards per punt.
That production gives Central Catholic a major advantage in the kicking game.
A reliable kicker can change how a coaching staff approaches fourth downs and red-zone situations.
A 42-yard punting average also gives the Vikings the ability to flip field position when drives stall.
Return Game Could Be Special
Edmondson is one of the area’s most dangerous returners after producing 923 return yards and two touchdowns last season.
Restino also returns as a kick returner.
McCoy Miller returns as the long snapper, giving the Vikings continuity throughout the specialist operation.
Central Catholic views special teams as more than a supporting phase.
“Special teams is an area where we believe we can flip the field, change momentum and put our offense and defense in successful situations,” the staff said.
With Baker and Edmondson returning, that unit could become a legitimate weapon.
Tough Schedule Provides Immediate Tests
Central Catholic opens the regular season at Abington Heights before hosting rival Bethlehem Catholic.
The Vikings then travel to Nazareth before facing East Stroudsburg South and Easton.
The EPC portion of the schedule features Emmaus, William Allen, Parkland, Dieruff and Whitehall.
That means Central Catholic will face several of District 11’s top programs before reaching the postseason.
The schedule is difficult, but it should also prepare the Vikings for another Class 4A playoff run.
Players to Watch
Tahir Edmondson, Jr., WR/DB/KR/PR – Dynamic three-phase standout who had 588 receiving yards, seven receiving touchdowns, three interceptions and 923 return yards.
Trey Torres Johnson, Jr., RB/LB – Explosive runner who averaged 7.31 yards per carry and recorded 38 tackles.
Harry Restino, Jr., WR/LB/DB – Big-play receiver who averaged 22.4 yards per catch and scored five touchdowns while adding 35 tackles and two interceptions.
Grayson Schmell, Jr., WR/DB – Productive defensive back who recorded 43 tackles and three interceptions.
Nate Young, Jr., LB – Returning linebacker who finished with 33 tackles, four tackles for loss and one sack.
McCoy Miller, Jr., OL/DL/LS – Important two-way lineman who recorded 25 tackles and five tackles for loss.
Lucas Hosak, Jr., TE – Versatile tight end who contributes as a receiver, blocker and defender.
Gavin Albeck, Sr., OL/DL – Veteran lineman expected to help anchor both fronts.
Dom Johns, Sr., OL – Experienced offensive lineman who will be central to establishing the running game.
Shahiem Roberts, Sr., WR – Senior receiver who adds experience to a deep skill group.
Bryson Baker, Jr., K/P – Perfect on six field-goal attempts last season while averaging 42 yards per punt.
My thoughts on Allentown Central Catholic:
Allentown Central Catholic enters 2026 with a roster capable of improving significantly on last year’s 6-6 record.
The Vikings return considerable experience up front and a talented group of skill players led by Edmondson, Torres Johnson, Restino and Schmell.
The offense’s biggest priorities will be establishing the running game, protecting the football and consistently finishing drives.
Defensively, the Vikings have enough experience to play aggressively and create turnovers. The secondary in particular has proven ball skills, while Young, Torres Johnson and Restino give the linebacker group speed and versatility.
Special teams may be the biggest hidden advantage. Baker provides one of the area’s most dependable kicking and punting combinations, while Edmondson can change a game in the return phase.
The schedule will be challenging, but Central Catholic has the athletes, experience and special teams weapons to compete with anyone on it.
If the offensive line establishes itself early, the Vikings protect the football and the defense limits explosive plays, Central Catholic has the potential to contend for a District 11 Class 4A championship in 2026.
Head Coach: Jake Reichard
Assistant Coaches:
Jalen Snyder Scipio – Off Cord/QBs
Matt Cohen – RBs
Pete Kreisher – Off Line
Jon Bodack – Ast Off Line
Sam Boyer – WRs
Quintin Stephens – WRs
David McFadden – Def Line
Matt Hoffert – Def Line
Kevin McGorry – Def Cord/LBs
Keith Leamer – Def Cord
Andy Cerco – Secondary
Jarred Mittl – Secondary
Mike Cerimele – TE/HB
Joseph Milano – Varsity Volunteer
Carl Fanger – Film/Video
Rita Prugar – Football Academic Advisor
Don Leauber – Football Ops/Equipment
Christina Pelizzoni – Head Athletic Trainer
Jacob Bauer – Team Manager
Lila Blackledge – Team Manager
Rich Vance – Strength and Conditioning
Team Name: Allentown Central Catholic Vikings
2025 Record: 6-6
8/22 @ Trinity (3A) 7:00 pm W 19-16
8/28 @ Bethlehem Liberty (6A) 7:00 pm L 14-38
9/06 Bethlehem Freedom (6A) 7:00 pm L 27-38
9/12 @ Pocono Mountain East (5A) 7:00 pm W 30-3
9/20 Bethlehem Catholic (4A) 7:00 pm L 24-28
9/26 @ Emmaus* (6A) 7:00 pm W 28-14
10/04 William Allen* (6A) 7:00 pm W 33-6
10/10 @ Parkland* (6A) 7:00 pm L 7-37
10/17 @ Louis E. Dieruff* (6A) 7:00 pm W 42-15
10/24 Whitehall* (5A) 7:00 pm L 14-49
10/30 Jim Thorpe Area (4A) 7:00 pm W 52-21 Dist. 11 Class 4A Quarterfinal
11/06 @ Bethlehem Catholic (4A) 6:30 pm L 31-34 Dist. 11 Class 4A Semifinal
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Bishop McDevitt (6A) 2:00 pm Scrimmage
8/28 @ Abington Heights (5A) 7:00 pm
9/05 Bethlehem Catholic (4A) 7:00 pm
9/11 @ Nazareth Area (6A) 7:00 pm
9/19 East Stroudsburg South (5A) 7:00 pm
9/25 @ Easton Area (6A) 7:00 pm
10/03 Emmaus* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ William Allen* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/17 Parkland* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/24 Louis E. Dieruff* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Whitehall* (6A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Deon Johnson
Tate Shoemaker
Di’Quiawn Leak
Luis Martinez
Luis Lantigua
Tommy Roth
Offensive Starters Returning:
Junior-OL-McCoy Miller
Senior-OL-Gavin Albeck
Senior-OL-Dom Johns
Junior-WR-Tahir Edmondson
Junior-WR-Harry Restino
Junior-WR-Grayson Schmell
Senior-WR-Shahiem Roberts
Junior-TE-Lucas Hosak
Junior-RB-Trey Torres Johnson
Defensive Starters Returning:
Senior-DL-Gavin Albeck
Junior-DL-McCoy Miller
Junior-LB-Nate Young
Junior-LB-Trey Torres Johnson
Junior-LB/DB-Harry Restino
Junior-DB-Grayson Schmell
Junior-DB-Tahir Edmondson
Special Team Starters Returning:
Junior-Kicker/Punter – Bryson Baker
Junior-KR/PR/Holder – Tahir Edmondson
Junior-Long Snapper – McCoy Miller
Junior-KR-Harry Restino
Key Newcomers:
Senior-OL/DL-Thomas Kowal
Junior-OL/LB-Pierce Ebert
Junior-RB/LB-Quaid Eisenhard
Junior-LB-John Kowal
Junior-OL/DL-Erik Martino
Junior-OL/DL-Ryan Martino
Junior-OL/DL-Levi Muldrow
Junior-QB/DB-Janiel Pena
Junior-QB/LB-Caleb Oswald
Sophomore-QB/RB/DB-Gio Santamaria
Sophomore-WR/DB-Matt Nehlsen
Fresh-RB/LB-Caden Rosner
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Trey Torres Johnson-7.31 yards per carry/38 tackles, 1 INT
Harry Restino-22.4 yards per reception, 5TDs/35 tackles, 3tfl, 2int
Grayson Schmell-43 tackles, 3ints
Nate Young-33 tackles, 4 tfl, 1 sack
McCoy Miller-25 tackles, 5tfl, 1 sack
Lucas Hosak-10yds per reception, 1td/24 tackles, 5tfl, 1 sack
Tahir Edmondson-588 yds rec, 7tds/49 tackles, 1 tfl, 3ints/923 return yards, 2 tds
Bryson Baker-6/6 fgs, 37 made exp, 42 yard per punt
2026 Offensive Outlook: Our keys on offense will be establishing the run game, sustaining drives, and taking care of the football. We want to be physical up front and establish a strong running game that allows us to control the tempo and create opportunities in the passing game. We also need to avoid putting our defense in bad situations by limiting turnovers and consistently finishing drives. Most importantly, we want to get our athletes the ball in space and allow them to make plays.
2026 Defensive Outlook: To be multiple with our looks and aggressive in our approach. We want to play fast and physical and make it difficult for offenses to get comfortable. It starts with knowing our alignment, assignment, and technique on every snap. We have to be great tacklers, play with great effort, and eliminate explosive plays. We also want to create turnovers and get off the field on third down.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Special teams is an area where we believe we can flip the field, change momentum, and put our offense and defense in successful situations. We want to be aggressive, disciplined, and fundamentally sound. Our goal is to win the field-position battle, create explosive plays when opportunities present themselves, and eliminate mistakes that give our opponent an advantage.
One Response
I am so proud of Central Catholic. My grandson, Trey Torres we are very proud of him and all of the football team. And thank you to all the coaches for your hard work and for how you pour your dedication into these boys God bless you and I will keep you all in my Prayers. I am not sure what does it mean for football gear. Please keep me posted on all the games so I can be able to support the team.. I may not be able to attend all of them because depending the far distance, but the family wants to be there not only for Trey Johnson but the whole team.❤️