Academy Park Looks to Turn Close Losses Into Playoff Push
Academy Park enters the 2026 season believing it is much closer to breaking through than last year’s 4-6 record might indicate.
Five of the Knights’ six losses came by a combined 25 points, including heartbreaking one-point defeats to West Chester East and Great Valley. Another three-point loss to Interboro and a five-point setback against Muhlenberg reinforced how thin the margin between winning and losing was throughout the season.
Head coach Jason Vosheski now welcomes back an experienced core determined to change those outcomes.
Academy Park returns its starting quarterback, top running back, leading tackler, experienced offensive line and several key defensive contributors. The Knights believe another year of experience, combined with one of their most athletic rosters in recent years, gives them an opportunity to compete near the top of the Delaware Valley League.
The graduation of Dan Gbeaday, Jayden Barton and Randy Baker removes valuable leadership, but the foundation of the football team remains intact.
Quarterback Marquise Spross enters his senior season after leading the offense a year ago, while running back Myles Boone returns after rushing for 666 yards and becoming one of the area’s most productive defensive players.
The offensive line returns nearly intact, giving Academy Park one of the more experienced fronts in District 1 Class 5A.
The defense also returns its leading tacklers in Boone and linebacker Jason Acquoi while adding another year of development for several young linemen.
The Knights’ goals are simple.
Turn close losses into victories.
Play fast, aggressive football.
Compete for a playoff berth.
With so much experience returning, Academy Park believes this could be the season it takes that next step.
Spross Returns to Lead the Offense
Senior quarterback Marquise Spross returns for his second season directing the Academy Park offense.
Spross completed 49 of 96 passes for 674 yards while adding another 339 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
His dual-threat ability gives the Knights flexibility in how they attack defenses.
Spross is capable of extending plays with his legs, creating explosive runs on designed quarterback keepers and making defenses account for him on every snap.
That mobility becomes especially valuable behind an experienced offensive line.
The coaching staff expects Spross to make a significant jump after a full year as the starter.
Quarterbacks often improve the most between their first and second seasons, particularly when surrounded by experienced teammates.
The game slows down, decision-making becomes quicker and confidence grows.
Academy Park wants Spross to build upon last season by becoming more efficient through the air while continuing to use his athleticism as a weapon.
The offense does not need him to force big plays.
Instead, the Knights want smart decisions, sustained drives and timely explosive plays.
If Spross continues to develop as a passer while remaining dangerous as a runner, Academy Park’s offense should become much more difficult to defend.
Boone Headlines Balanced Attack
Senior Myles Boone enters the season as one of the Delaware Valley League’s premier two-way players.
Boone rushed 95 times for 666 yards and five touchdowns last season while averaging seven yards per carry.
His combination of speed, vision and toughness makes him the centerpiece of Academy Park’s rushing attack.
The Knights want to establish Boone early each week.
A productive running game not only controls the tempo but also creates opportunities for Spross in the passing game.
When defenses commit additional defenders to stopping Boone, Academy Park believes it can take advantage through play-action and one-on-one matchups on the outside.
Boone’s value extends far beyond offense.
He also led the team with 109 total tackles, proving his toughness and versatility.
Managing his workload throughout the season will be important, but his impact on both sides of the football cannot be overstated.
When Boone is playing at a high level, Academy Park becomes a much different football team.
Experienced Receiving Corps Ready for Bigger Production
Senior Zion Abney and junior D’vontae Ross headline the returning receivers.
Abney caught six passes for 128 yards and a touchdown last season while demonstrating the ability to stretch defenses vertically.
Ross gained valuable varsity experience as a sophomore and is expected to assume a larger offensive role after catching three passes last year.
The statistics may not immediately stand out, but Academy Park’s offense was balanced between the run and pass while Spross also contributed significantly as a runner.
With another year of experience in the offense, the coaching staff expects increased production from the receiving corps.
Abney’s speed gives Academy Park a big-play threat whenever he touches the football.
Ross, at 6-foot and 175 pounds, provides another athletic target capable of creating matchup problems.
The Knights need both receivers to consistently create separation and make defenses respect the passing game.
If opponents load the box to slow Boone, Abney and Ross must capitalize on those opportunities.
Veteran Offensive Line Could Become Team’s Biggest Strength
Perhaps no position group returns more experience than the offensive line.
Junior Jualian Davis-Waite, senior Ethan Kirchoff, senior Mike Pesiri, senior Will Harris and senior Abdul Kenneth form one of the most experienced fronts in District 1 Class 5A.
Kirchoff anchors the line at 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds.
Davis-Waite brings outstanding size at 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds despite entering only his junior season.
Harris, Pesiri and Kenneth provide additional veteran leadership and physicality.
This group has the opportunity to become the foundation of the football team.
An experienced offensive line improves every aspect of an offense.
It creates running lanes, protects the quarterback and allows the coaching staff to maintain balance.
Academy Park believes this unit can control the line of scrimmage against most opponents.
If the offensive line performs to its potential, Boone should have more opportunities to break long runs, while Spross will have additional time to locate receivers downfield.
The Knights expect this veteran group to lead by example throughout the season.
Athleticism Remains Offensive Focus
Academy Park’s offensive philosophy centers on building upon last year’s experience while maximizing the athleticism throughout the roster.
The Knights do not need to dramatically change who they are offensively.
Instead, they want to execute more consistently.
Reducing turnovers, extending drives and converting scoring opportunities into touchdowns will determine whether Academy Park can improve upon last year’s record.
The offense already possesses experienced playmakers.
The challenge is producing at a higher level in close games.
Several contests last season were decided by one possession.
One additional sustained drive or one fewer turnover could have dramatically changed the season.
The coaching staff believes the returning experience should help produce those improvements.
Acquoi Leads Aggressive Defense
Senior linebacker Jason Acquoi returns after one of the area’s most productive defensive seasons.
Acquoi recorded 81 total tackles, including 53 solo stops and 10 tackles for loss.
His production reflects outstanding instincts, physicality and relentless effort.
Academy Park wants its defense to play fast, aggressive and hungry.
Acquoi embodies that philosophy.
He consistently attacks downhill, fills running lanes and creates negative plays behind the line of scrimmage.
His leadership will be invaluable for a defense expecting to become one of the team’s strengths.
Acquoi’s communication and experience should help organize the front seven while allowing younger players to play confidently.
If he builds upon last season’s production, he could become one of the Delaware Valley League’s premier linebackers.
Boone Anchors Secondary
Boone’s impact continues on defense.
The senior defensive back led Academy Park with 109 total tackles while adding two tackles for loss.
His tackling ability from the secondary provides another layer of security for the defense.
Boone’s willingness to support the run allows the linebackers to play aggressively while giving the defense confidence that explosive plays can be limited.
His athleticism also makes him capable of matching up against talented receivers throughout the league.
Few defensive backs combine his physicality and instincts.
As one of the team’s leaders, Boone will be expected to set the tone both on and off the field.
Defensive Line Looking for Breakthrough
Academy Park returns several experienced contributors along the defensive front.
Junior Isaiah Johnson returns after recording 13 tackles and two tackles for loss.
Senior Will Harris also returns after contributing nine tackles and three tackles for loss.
Both players should benefit from another offseason of development.
Johnson’s size and quickness make him an important building block for the future.
Harris provides valuable senior leadership while contributing on both sides of the football.
The defensive line’s primary responsibility will be creating pressure without sacrificing run defense.
If the front consistently wins at the line of scrimmage, Academy Park’s linebackers and defensive backs should have more opportunities to create turnovers.
The Knights want to play aggressively from the opening kickoff.
Everything begins with controlling the line of scrimmage.
Fast and Aggressive Defensive Identity
Academy Park’s defensive outlook can be summarized in three words.
Fast.
Aggressive.
Hungry.
The coaching staff wants the defense attacking every snap.
The Knights do not want opponents becoming comfortable offensively.
Instead, they want to create negative plays, force difficult third-down situations and generate turnovers.
The returning experience gives Academy Park confidence.
Acquoi provides leadership at linebacker.
Boone anchors the secondary.
Johnson and Harris continue developing up front.
If the defense consistently plays with energy and discipline, Academy Park should improve significantly from last season.
Communication will also be essential.
The Knights cannot allow explosive plays or mental mistakes to erase solid defensive possessions.
If they tackle well and create turnovers, the defense has the potential to carry the team through difficult stretches.
Spross Returns as Punter
Spross also returns as Academy Park’s punter, giving the Knights an experienced specialist.
His ability to flip field position provides another important advantage.
Close games often come down to hidden yardage.
Strong punting can pin opponents deep while giving the defense favorable field position.
Academy Park hopes improved special teams consistency will help finish the close games that slipped away last season.
Coverage units and the return game will also be emphasized throughout camp.
Winning the field-position battle often determines competitive league contests.
Players to Watch
Marquise Spross, Sr., QB/P: Dual-threat quarterback who passed for 674 yards while adding 339 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Also returns as the team’s punter.
Myles Boone, Sr., RB/DB: Outstanding two-way playmaker who rushed for 666 yards and five touchdowns while leading the defense with 109 total tackles.
Jason Acquoi, Sr., LB: Defensive leader who recorded 81 tackles and 10 tackles for loss.
Zion Abney, Sr., WR: Veteran receiver expected to assume a larger offensive role while providing big-play ability.
D’vontae Ross, Jr., WR: Athletic young receiver poised for an expanded role after gaining valuable varsity experience.
Jualian Davis-Waite, Jr., OL: Talented junior lineman with outstanding size who anchors one of District 1’s most experienced offensive fronts.
Ethan Kirchoff, Sr., OL: Veteran 300-pound lineman expected to lead the offensive front.
Will Harris, Sr., OL/DL: Experienced two-way lineman who contributes on both sides of the football.
Isaiah Johnson, Jr., DL: Returning defensive lineman expected to take another step forward after an encouraging sophomore season.
My thoughts on Academy Park
Academy Park enters the 2026 season with legitimate optimism.
The Knights return the majority of their offensive skill players, one of the area’s most experienced offensive lines and proven defensive leaders.
Last year’s 4-6 record does not fully reflect how competitive the team was.
Five losses came by one possession or less than a touchdown, illustrating just how close Academy Park was to finishing with a winning record.
The offense should improve with another season of experience for Spross, Boone and the veteran offensive line.
The defense returns its top tacklers and wants to establish an aggressive identity centered around speed and physicality.
Replacing the leadership of Gbeaday, Barton and Baker will not be easy, but the returning core has the experience to assume those roles.
If Academy Park can eliminate the mistakes that cost it several close games, protect the football and consistently capitalize on scoring opportunities, the Knights have the talent to contend for a Delaware Valley League title and position themselves for a return to the District 1 Class 5A playoffs.
With experienced leadership, athletic playmakers and a veteran offensive line, Academy Park has all the ingredients to become one of District 1’s most improved teams in 2026.
Head Coach: Jason Vosheski
Assistant Coaches:
David Vosheski
Ted Carotenuto
Ryan Mitchell
Mike Mitchell
Deandre McClurkin
Bill Martin
Alex Oxner
Ryan Bateman
Team Name: Academy Park Knights
District: 1
Class: 5A
League: Delaware Valley League
2025 Record: 4-6
8/22 West Chester East (5A) 1:00 pm L 20-21
8/29 Unionville (5A) 1:00 pm L 14-35
9/06 @ Delcastle Technical (DE) 11:00 am W 41-0
9/13 @ Penn Wood* (5A) 1:00 pm W 29-7
9/19 @ Hatboro-Horsham (5A) 7:00 pm W 28-7
9/26 @ Great Valley (5A) 7:00 pm L 6-7
10/04 Chester* (5A) 1:00 pm L 0-47
10/11 Chichester* (5A) 1:00 pm W 23-8
10/17 @ Muhlenberg (5A) 7:00 pm L 37-42
10/24 @ Interboro* (4A) 7:00 pm L 19-25
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Ridley (6A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/29 @ Academy of Palumbo (5A) 7:00 pm
9/03 @ Unionville (5A) 7:00 pm
9/12 Delcastle Technical (DE) 11:00 am
9/19 Haverford High (6A) 11:00 am
9/25 @ Wissahickon (5A) 7:00 pm
10/03 @ Chichester* (4A) 1:00 pm
10/10 @ Chester* (5A) 11:00 am
10/17 Interboro* (5A) 11:00 am
10/24 Executive Education Academy* (3A) 11:00 am
10/31 Penn Wood* (6A) 11:00 am
Key Starters Lost:
Dan Gbeaday
Jayden Barton
Randy Baker
Offensive Starters Returning:
SR. QB Marquise Spross, 5-10 200
SR. RB Myles Boone, 5-10 170
SR. WR Zion Abney, 5-10 160
JR. WR D’vontae Ross, 6-0 175
JR. OL Jualian Davis-Waite, 6-5 260
SR. OL Ethan Kirchoff, 6-4 300
SR. OL Mike Pesiri, 5’11 250
SR. OL Will Harris, 6-0 240
SR. OL Abdul Kenneth, 6-3 200
Defensive Starters Returning:
JR. DL Isaiah Johnson, 5-10 220
SR. DL Will Harris. 6-0 240
SR. LB Jason Acquoi, 5-8 190
SR. DB Myles Boone, 5-10 170
Special Team Starters Returning:
SR. P Marquise Spross, 5-10 200
Key Newcomers:
WARD
Z. ABNEY
ROSS
SR. WR Katden Chambers, 5-7 155
JR. DL Jakye Smith-Drinks, 5-10 225
JR. LB Zane Guillory, 5-11 170
JR. LB Desmond Bangura, 6-0 215
JR. DB Lashawn Morrison, 5-10 165
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Marquise Spross
49 of 96 for 674 yards and rushed for 339 yards and 4 TDs
Myles Boone
95 carries for 666 yards and 5 TDs and 77 solo tackles, 109 total tackles and 2 TFL
Zion Abney
6 catches for 128 yards and a TD and 4 solo tackles and 6 total tackles
D’vontae Ross
3 catches for 21 yards
Jualian Davis-Waite
8 solo tackles, 13 total tackles and 4 TFL
Will Harris
5 solo tackles, 9 total tackles and 3 TFL
Isaiah Johnson
5 solo tackles, 13 total tackles and 2 TFL
Jason Acquoi
53 solo tackles, 81 total tackles and 10 TFL
2026 Offensive Outlook: Looking to build off of last year’s experience and our athleticism.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Looking to plat fast and aggressive and hungry.