Cole Smerecki & Coventry coach Rick Hunter

POTTSTOWN PA — It was hard to say goodbye, as it always is when a team wraps up a great season that they were looking forward to continuing.

Coventry Christian School coach Rick Hunter was faced with that dilemma Friday night.

His team came back from what seemed like an impossible deficit to close within a tying score in the last minute, before losing to a special player, Aizen Zuchegno, and a special team, Model Secondary School for the Deaf (Md.), 44-38, in the Keystone State Football League semifinals for eight-man football.

Model will advance to the finals against the winner of the Girard College-Maryland School for the Deaf next week.

For Coventry Christian, only in its fourth season, it ended what was a very successful season, and for a special player, too, Coventry junior Cole Smerecki, who rushed for a team-high 116 yards on 16 carries, caught a team-high 8 passes for a game-high 69 yards, and scored three touchdowns.

It was a real show under the buzzing makeshift portable lights at Coventry between Model’s Zuchegno and Coventry’s Smerecki. Between the two of them, they were involved with nine of the game’s 11 scores. Zuchegno, a sophomore quarterback with speed and skill, rushed for a game-high 158 yards on 20 carries, scored two touchdowns and threw for three.

What was unique about Smerecki’s situation is this season marked the first time he had played football since fifth grade.

It didn’t look like it.

Smerecki got some help, he made sure to say, namely offensive linemen Brennan Bradley, Nico Marasco and Caleb Hughes. They cleared the way. And quarterback Lorenzo Miro came alive in the second half to throw three touchdowns in leading Coventry back from a 44-22 deficit with 6:28 to play.

“I knew going into tonight (Zuchegno) was going to be a factor, because he didn’t play against us the first time (a 22-8 Coventry victory),” said Hunter, who is in his second year as head coach and fourth overall coaching the Eagles. “Cole is a junior who has done a really good job for us this year. This was a resilient group. We didn’t really know what to expect, but by Week 3, I saw us starting to hit our stride and it was pretty amazing.”

Smerecki was at the eye of that. He rushed for a single-game school record 264 in a 36-0 win over Dryden (NY) last week. Ironically, he had 264 all-purpose yards against Model Friday night.

And this all came after a friend of his talked him into playing eight-man football this season.

“I last played football in grade school, so it’s about six years since I last played,” said Smerecki, a standout basketball player. “This is a very different game. I loved playing with the guys and for this community. My first love is basketball, but football is something I’m thinking about.

“Football taught me through the coaches and the players who have been playing their whole lives that you get kicked and you have this great community to pick you up. I got kicked, punched, elbowed, forearmed, everything in a fight. I scored on a kickoff and got shoved in the back after I scored tonight. You get up and get ready for the next play.”

Smerecki had no idea he would be as good as he turned out. He did make sure he mentioned his teammates and coaches. He said he is going to remember this season.

“I’ll always remember the guys I played with, not so much the accolades,” he said. “I know we lost, and that hurts, but I’ll always remember this. This was a great experience. I’ve grown to like football, it’s an environment like no other.”

For Zuchegno, speaking through an interpreter, winning meant possibly meeting rival Maryland School for the Deaf.

Coventry beat Model earlier this season, 22-8, with Zuchegno on the sideline.

“The last time I watched (the Coventry game) and learned from them, and this is the first time we won a playoff game,” Zuchegno said. “We wanted to come in and give them our all. We want to play Maryland School for the Deaf, because we haven’t beaten them in I think 20 years. If we can keep playing like this, working together as a team, we can win that game.”

Scoring Summary

Model 6 8 22 8-44
Coventry Christian 8 0 14 16-38

1st Quarter

CC –  Lorenzo Miro 4 run (Nathaniel pass from Miro), 4:32

M –  Aizen Zuchegno 52 run (run failed), 2:54

2nd Quarter

M – Donovan Schneck 2 run (Matt Wheeler pass from Zuchegno), 11:17

3rd Quarter

M –  Zuchegno 78 kickoff return (Schneck run), 11:47

CC – Cole Smerecki 16 pass from Miro (Miro run), 8:49

M –  Drake Teesdale 12 pass from Zuchegno (run failed), 5:20

CC – Christian Brown 30 pass from Miro (pass failed), 3:59

M –  Matt Wheeler 36 pass from Zuchegno (Teesdale pass from Zuchegno), 2:05

4th Quarter

M –  Wheeler 11 pass from Zuchegno (Wheeler pass from Zuchegno), 6:28

CC – Smerecki 79 kickoff return (Miro run), 6:16

CC – Smerecki 13 pass from Miro (Smerecki run), 3:14

Joseph Santoliquito is an award-winning sportswriter who has been covering high school football since 1992 and is the president of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Follow EasternPAFootball.com on Twitter @EPAFootball.

High School Football has long been built around the traditional 11-man game in Pennsylvania. But as some schools struggle with declining participation and increasingly thin rosters, another question may need to be part of the conversation:

Could eight-man football help keep programs alive in Pennsylvania?

For schools that regularly dress 40, 50 or more players, there may be little reason to consider changing the traditional format. But the situation can be much different at smaller schools where coaches are trying to field competitive teams with significantly fewer players.

The issue goes beyond wins and losses. At some point, participation becomes a question of player safety and whether a school has enough athletes to responsibly field an 11-man team.

The information compiled on eight-man football points to three major reasons schools consider making the switch: low participation, player safety and program survival. 

Smaller schools can have difficulty assembling the 30 to 45 players needed to provide sufficient depth for 11-man football. When numbers fall, players can be forced to play extensively on both offense and defense, increasing fatigue and potentially contributing to injury concerns. 

Eight-man football gives those schools another option besides eliminating football altogether.

Pennsylvania is already seeing the problem

This isn’t simply a hypothetical discussion.

Pennsylvania has already seen football programs encounter serious participation problems during the 2026 season.

Harriton High School suspended its 2026 varsity season because of low player participation and safety concerns after opening the season with a 53-0 loss. 

Jenkintown also suspended its varsity season after two games, with low participation creating extreme physical demands on its small roster.

Those situations raise an important question for Pennsylvania football.

Would it be better for a school to temporarily stop playing football, or could an eight-man classification provide another path?

Eight-man football isn’t going to solve every participation problem. There still must be enough interested athletes to safely operate a program. But for a school sitting somewhere between having enough players for a team and not having enough depth for traditional 11-man football, it could provide an alternative.

Player safety needs to be part of the conversation

One of the biggest arguments for considering eight-man football isn’t necessarily competitive balance. It’s safety.

Football will always involve physical contact, regardless of whether eight or 11 players are on the field. Eight-man football shouldn’t be presented as eliminating the inherent injury risks of the sport.

But roster depth matters.

A school with a very small roster may have little opportunity to substitute. Players can potentially spend almost an entire game playing offense, defense and special teams.

Reducing the number of players needed on the field gives coaches more opportunities to rotate players and potentially prevents a small roster from being stretched beyond reasonable limits. The material on eight-man football specifically identifies reducing fatigue and addressing injury concerns associated with thin depth charts as one reason schools consider the format.

It could be about preserving programs, not replacing 11-man football

Introducing eight-man football in Pennsylvania wouldn’t necessarily have to mean changing football for everyone.

The traditional 11-man game could remain the standard.

Eight-man football could instead become an option for schools that meet certain enrollment or participation criteria and would otherwise struggle to maintain a varsity program.

That’s an important distinction.

A small school shouldn’t necessarily have to choose between placing 15 or 20 players into an 11-man schedule and shutting down football completely.

There could potentially be a third choice.

The material reviewed for this article specifically identifies program survival as one of the reasons schools transition to eight-man football. Instead of canceling an entire season, reducing the number of players required can allow a school to continue providing football.

Giving athletes an opportunity to play

Ultimately, the discussion should center on opportunities for high school athletes.

The goal shouldn’t be to move healthy 11-man programs into eight-man football. It should be to determine whether another format could help schools that are reaching the point where traditional football is becoming difficult to sustain.

Pennsylvania has hundreds of high school football programs, ranging from large schools with deep rosters to small schools where participation can fluctuate dramatically from year to year.

For some of those smaller programs, eight-man football could provide another way forward.

Instead of watching a football program disappear because there aren’t enough players to safely field an 11-man team, schools could potentially continue their traditions, give students the opportunity to represent their communities and provide younger players with a program to eventually join.

Eight-man football won’t be the answer for every struggling program.

But as Pennsylvania schools continue to deal with participation and roster concerns, it may be an option worth discussing.

The question may no longer be whether eight-man football looks exactly like the football Pennsylvania has traditionally played.

One option for Pennsylvania high school football programs considering the move to eight-man football is the Keystone State Football League (KSFL). Established in 2019, the league provides an alternative for smaller schools struggling with declining participation numbers but still looking to offer their student-athletes an opportunity to compete on the football field. For programs that may not have enough players to safely and consistently field an 11-man team, eight-man football could provide a way to keep their football traditions alive.

Coventry Christian School head football coach Rick Hunter believes the KSFL offers an opportunity for schools considering a transition to eight-man football.

“The KSFL 8 man football league has existed since 2019, and is a ready option for any school looking to transition or build a program for the 2027 season,” Hunter said. “We want to give every school and student the option to play the great game of football. Any school that is interested can email the league at ksflfootball@gmail.com.”

Hunter has seen firsthand how the eight-man format can benefit smaller schools, particularly those with limited enrollment and fewer student-athletes available to participate.

“The 8 man format has given Coventry Christian Schools, whom has a much smaller enrollment, the opportunity to have a successful football program for the student body,” Hunter said. “It has been a true blessing!”

The KSFL could play an important role in the future growth of eight-man football across Pennsylvania. As schools evaluate their enrollment numbers, roster sizes and long-term sustainability, having an established league option could make the transition more appealing. With Pennsylvania currently having only a handful of schools participating in eight-man football, could the KSFL help open the door for additional programs in 2027 and beyond? For some smaller schools, the decision may ultimately come down to choosing between transitioning to eight-man football or potentially losing their football programs altogether.

8-Man Football is growing across the country 

While eight-man football is still in its early stages in Pennsylvania, the format has already established a strong presence in other parts of the country. Eight-man football has been popular for decades throughout the Midwest, particularly in states such as Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri, where smaller rural schools have embraced the format to keep their football programs competitive and sustainable. 

Other states that have thrived are Texas, Oklahoma, California and Michigan and many more.

The game has also gained traction in southern states, providing opportunities for schools with smaller enrollments to continue competing on Friday nights. For many of these communities, eight-man football has become an important part of their high school sports traditions.

The growth of eight-man football is not limited to the Midwest and South. The format has also been gaining momentum in the Northeast, particularly in New York and several New England states, as schools look for alternatives to traditional 11-man football. Declining enrollment, smaller rosters and concerns about maintaining competitive programs have encouraged more schools to explore the eight-man option. With neighboring states finding success, could Pennsylvania be next to experience similar growth? As more athletic directors and school administrators become familiar with the format, eight-man football could provide a realistic path forward for smaller Pennsylvania schools hoping to preserve their football programs for future generations.

Coventry Christian Schools, Girard College and Kennedy Catholic.

Three programs playing eight-man football in Pennsylvania.

Also in the KSFL league is Model Secondary School for the Deaf and Maryland school for the deaf.

Can that number grow in 2027? Time will tell.

The more important question could be:

If the choice is between eight-man football and no football at all, shouldn’t schools at least have the opportunity to explore eight-man football?

Coventry Christian Reloads for Another Keystone State Football League Title Run

Coventry Christian proved last season that it belongs among the Keystone State Football League’s elite.

The Eagles finished 6-3, reached the KSFL Championship Game and produced one of the most explosive offenses in eight-man football. Along the way, Coventry Christian overwhelmed opponents with speed, execution and big-play ability, scoring 80 points against Aroostook, 67 in the league semifinals and topping the 50-point mark three different times.

The season ultimately ended with a 22-8 loss to Maryland School for the Deaf in the KSFL Championship, but the Eagles enter 2026 believing another title opportunity is within reach.

Head coach Rick Hunter and his staff know replacing six key seniors—including standout Luke Hunter—will not be easy.

Luke Hunter, Dom Witman, Parker Nicks, Jared Manning, Elijah Cyrus and Charlie Forth were instrumental in helping Coventry Christian reach the championship game.

Those departures create opportunities for a new generation of Eagles.

Fortunately for Coventry Christian, the program has developed a system built around preparing younger players before they become starters.

That philosophy will be tested this season.

The Eagles return experienced leaders in senior John Mark Niehls and senior Christian Brown, along with several underclassmen who have patiently waited for larger roles.

Rather than rebuilding, Coventry Christian believes it is simply reloading.

The roster may feature many new faces, but the expectations remain the same.

Compete for another Keystone State Football League championship.

New Faces, Same Offensive Identity

Graduating six starters naturally changes the look of the offense.

However, Coventry Christian believes its offensive system allows younger players to transition into larger roles without changing the team’s identity.

The Eagles have consistently developed players behind the scenes before asking them to become starters.

Now those players receive their opportunity.

The coaching staff is eager to see how they respond.

Coventry Christian has built its offense around execution, versatility and physical football.

That approach is not expected to change.

The Eagles understand there will be growing pains early in the season, but they also believe the new starters possess the talent to continue the program’s recent success.

Experience cannot be replaced overnight, but confidence within the system can help accelerate development.

The offense may look different, but the expectations remain high.

Niehls Returns as Offensive Leader

Senior John Mark Niehls returns as one of Coventry Christian’s most accomplished two-way players.

As the starting running back, Niehls will become the focal point of the Eagles’ offensive attack.

His experience gives the coaching staff a dependable player around whom the offense can be built.

Although his offensive statistics from last season are unavailable, his impact on both sides of the football demonstrates the type of athlete he is.

Niehls understands the speed of varsity competition and has already contributed during meaningful games, including the Eagles’ run to the KSFL Championship.

His leadership will be especially valuable as younger players adjust to expanded responsibilities.

Coventry Christian wants to establish the running game early each week.

A productive rushing attack allows the offense to control tempo while reducing pressure on inexperienced players.

Niehls gives the Eagles that opportunity.

He possesses the toughness and experience necessary to become one of the league’s premier running backs.

Brown Provides Versatility

Senior Christian Brown may be the most versatile player on Coventry Christian’s roster.

Brown returns as the starting tight end, linebacker and kickoff returner.

His ability to contribute in all three phases of the game makes him one of the program’s most valuable seniors.

Offensively, Brown gives the Eagles a physical target capable of contributing as both a blocker and receiver.

His versatility allows Coventry Christian to maintain balance while creating matchup problems.

Whether lined up attached to the formation or released into the passing game, Brown provides flexibility for the offensive staff.

His leadership also extends beyond statistics.

As one of the team’s returning veterans, Brown will be expected to help mentor younger players throughout the season.

The Eagles are replacing significant experience.

Having players like Brown who understand the expectations and culture of the program becomes invaluable.

Offensive Line Ready for Expanded Roles

Junior Brennan Bradley and senior Caleb Hughes return along the offensive line.

Both players now become central pieces of Coventry Christian’s offense.

Replacing experienced linemen is never easy, particularly in eight-man football where versatility and communication are essential.

Bradley and Hughes will be responsible for establishing the physical tone up front while helping younger linemen develop.

The coaching staff believes the offensive system allows new players to step into larger roles successfully.

That confidence begins with the offensive line.

If Bradley and Hughes provide consistent leadership and execution, the offense should continue operating efficiently despite the graduation losses.

Protecting the backfield and creating running lanes for Niehls will remain their primary objectives.

Opportunity Creates Excitement

One word repeatedly describes Coventry Christian’s offensive outlook.

Opportunity.

Several players who spent last season learning behind experienced veterans now receive their chance to contribute.

The coaching staff is excited to watch those athletes grow into larger roles.

That excitement comes from confidence in the program’s development process.

The Eagles do not simply replace starters each year.

They prepare future starters long before those opportunities arrive.

This season provides the next test of that philosophy.

If the younger players respond as expected, Coventry Christian should once again field one of the Keystone State Football League’s most productive offenses.

Brown Anchors Aggressive Defense

Brown also returns as one of Coventry Christian’s defensive leaders.

Last season he recorded 30 tackles, four tackles for loss, four sacks and six quarterback hurries.

Those statistics illustrate his ability to impact games in multiple ways.

Brown consistently disrupted offenses by creating pressure, stopping the run and making plays behind the line of scrimmage.

His experience becomes even more valuable with several new defensive starters entering the lineup.

Coventry Christian expects Brown to set the tone with his effort and physicality.

The Eagles want to play aggressively.

Brown already demonstrated that ability throughout last season.

His leadership should help accelerate the development of the younger defenders around him.

Niehls Returns to Lead Secondary

Niehls returns in the defensive backfield after recording 35 tackles, two sacks, four quarterback hurries and an interception returned for a touchdown.

Those numbers demonstrate his versatility and instincts.

Few defensive backs consistently contribute in both pass coverage and run support while also generating pressure.

Niehls provides exactly that type of production.

His experience should help stabilize a secondary replacing several important contributors.

Communication becomes especially important in eight-man football where open space places additional pressure on defensive backs.

Niehls understands those responsibilities.

His leadership gives Coventry Christian confidence entering the season.

Troncelitti Adds Veteran Presence

Senior Nathan Troncelitti also returns in the secondary.

His experience gives Coventry Christian another dependable veteran in the defensive backfield.

With several new starters expected throughout the defense, having multiple experienced defensive backs provides stability.

The Eagles believe their secondary can become one of the team’s strengths.

Strong communication and disciplined coverage will allow the defense to play aggressively elsewhere.

The coaching staff expects the secondary to help generate additional turnovers while limiting explosive plays.

Defense Looking to Take Another Step

Despite replacing multiple starters, Coventry Christian believes its defense can actually improve.

That confidence comes from the players waiting behind last year’s veterans.

Many of the new starters have spent significant time learning the defensive system.

Now they finally receive the opportunity to apply that knowledge.

The Eagles expect to play fast, physical and aggressive.

The coaching staff believes this group possesses the athleticism necessary to build upon last season’s success.

Replacing experienced players is always challenging.

However, Coventry Christian views this transition as the next step in the program’s development rather than a setback.

If the younger defenders quickly adjust to varsity competition, the Eagles should once again field one of the Keystone State Football League’s better defenses.

Return Game Could Become Difference Maker

Special teams proved to be one of Coventry Christian’s strengths last season.

The Eagles expect that success to continue.

Brown and Niehls both return as kickoff returners, giving Coventry Christian two experienced athletes capable of changing field position with one play.

The coaching staff believes the return game can become even more productive this season.

Explosive returns often provide momentum while giving the offense favorable starting field position.

Coventry Christian also expects new specialists to emerge in the kicking game.

Replacing experienced contributors creates opportunities throughout special teams.

The Eagles believe those opportunities will be embraced.

Strong special teams often decide close playoff games.

Coventry Christian understands the importance of winning that phase every week.

Players to Watch

John Mark Niehls, Sr., RB/DB/KR: Veteran two-way standout who recorded 35 tackles, two sacks, four quarterback hurries and an interception returned for a touchdown. Expected to become the centerpiece of the offense.

Christian Brown, Sr., TE/LB/KR: Versatile senior leader who contributed 30 tackles, four tackles for loss, four sacks and six quarterback hurries while impacting all three phases of the game.

Nathan Troncelitti, Sr., DB: Experienced defensive back expected to provide leadership in a rebuilt secondary.

Brennan Bradley, Jr., OL: Returning lineman who will assume a larger leadership role up front.

Caleb Hughes, Sr., OL: Veteran offensive lineman expected to anchor a developing front while helping younger players adjust to varsity football.

My thoughts on Coventry Christian

Coventry Christian enters the 2026 season in an interesting position.

The Eagles graduated six key contributors from a team that reached the Keystone State Football League Championship Game, creating understandable questions throughout the roster.

Yet the program remains confident.

That confidence comes from a system designed to prepare younger players before they become starters.

Niehls and Brown provide proven leadership on both sides of the football.

The offensive and defensive lines return experienced contributors, while the secondary includes veteran leadership in Niehls and Troncelitti.

Special teams also appear capable of remaining a strength.

The greatest challenge will be replacing the experience and production lost with graduation.

How quickly the new starters develop will determine Coventry Christian’s ceiling.

If those players adapt quickly and the veteran leaders continue producing at a high level, the Eagles have every opportunity to return to the Keystone State Football League Championship Game.

After reaching the title game last season, Coventry Christian has established a new standard.

The expectation is no longer simply having a winning season.

The expectation is competing for championships.

The Eagles have enough returning leadership, program continuity and developing talent to make another serious run at a Keystone State Football League title in 2026.

Head Coach: Rick Hunter

Assistant Coaches:
Joe Lohr – Offensive Coordinator
Luke Hunter – Defensive Coordinator
Rick Brown – Special Teams
Alejandro Miro – Lineman

Team Name: Coventry Christian Eagles

Class: 8-man

League: Keystone State Football League

2025 Record: 6-3

9/06 Aroostook (ME) 2:00 pm W 80-32
9/13 Girard College* (8 Man Team) 1:00 pm W 54-0
9/19 @ Model School for the Deaf (DC)* (8 Man Team) 7:00 pm W 32-0
9/27 @ Kennedy Catholic* (8 Man Team) 4:00 pm W 38-6
10/04 @ Girard College* (8 Man Team) 1:00 pm W 22-14
10/10 Maryland School for the Deaf* 7:00 pm L 16-44 Homecoming
10/25 @ Chincoteague (VA) 11:00 am L 12-40
11/01 Model School for the Deaf (DC) (8 Man Team) 1:00 pm W 67-14 KSFL Semifinal
11/08 @ Maryland School for the Deaf 1:00 pm L 8-22 KSFL Championship

Key Starters Lost:
Luke Hunter
Dom Witman
Parker Nicks
Jared Manning
Elijah Cyrus
Charlie Forth

Offensive Starters Returning:
Sr. Christian Brown TE
Sr. John Mark Niehls RB
Jr. Brennan Bradley OL
Sr. Caleb Hughes OL

Defensive Starters Returning:
Sr. Christian Brown LB
Sr. John Mark Niehls DB
Sr. Nathan Troncelitti DB

Special Team Starters Returning:
Sr. Christian Brown KR
Sr. John Mark Niehls KR

Key Newcomers:
Jr. Lorenzo Miro
Sr. Nathaniel Gilio
Sr. Thomas Hudak
Sr. Nico Mascaro
Sr. Jack Veluz

2026 Returning Player Stats:
Sr. John Mark Niehls 35 tackles, 1 INT/TD, 2 Sacks 4 hurries
Sr. Christian Brown 30 Tackles, 4 TFL, 6 Hurries, 4 Sacks

2026 Offensive Outlook: This year, we will have a lot of new faces and guys stepping up to new spots. Having a system that can move guys right into those roles is what works well for us. We are really exciting to see they can do. Of course, graduating six key seniors will have an impact, but we are really exciting for this group.

2026 Defensive Outlook: Defensively we will also have a lot of new starters on the field. But these are all guys that have been waiting for the opportunity to get to this spot. We feel very confident that we will be able to build on last year’s success and be even more productive.

2026 Special Teams Outlook: Our kicking game last year was one of our biggest successes. We look forward to our guys stepping up and being even more productive on returning the ball.

School: Coventry Christian School

Class Of: 2027

Primary Position: OL

Secondary Position(s): DL

Jersey Number: 63

Height: 6’2

Weight: 205

Other Sports: Volleyball

Varsity Starting Experience: 3 years

Coach’s Comment: Caleb is another big guy that we have watched mature into the hard hitting guard that he has become. Caleb’s intelligence is one of his biggest attributes that helps him succeed. He has been a staple for us at the right guard spot now for a few seasons. He is a guy who will make that down field block and not stop until the whistle blows. We look forward to his senior year!

School: Coventry Christian Schools

Class Of: 66

Primary Position: C

Secondary Position(s): NG

Jersey Number: 66

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 205

Other Sports: None

Varsity Starting Experience: 2 years

Honors:All league Offensive Lineman

Hudl Highlights:

Coach’s Comment: Brennan has done a great job for us at the center position. He is really a very tough kid and a student of his position. When we need that hard push off the line, he is the guy that we can rely on. Last year we started to unlock his potential on the defensive side of that ball and he is hungry to get back there this year. We are fortunate to have him for 2 more years.

School: Coventry Christian Schools

Class Of: 2027

Primary Position: Edge

Secondary Position(s): TE

Jersey Number: 7

Height: 6′

Weight: 180

40-Yard Dash: 5.2

Other Sports: None

Varsity Starting Experience: 3 years

2025 Stats:
35 tackles, 4 TFL, 3 Sacks, 8 Hurries
121 Yds receiving, 3 TDS, 3 Pancake blocks

Hudl Highlights:

Coach’s Comment: Chrisitan is what you think of when you think about what it takes to be a football player. The grit and determination that he has is completely organic. He never wants to come off the field and will do anything for his team. He plays with true passion. He has been a lock down Edge for us for 3 years now and can play almost anywhere he is needed. Last year we unlocked his offensive potential at the TE position and he did not disappoint. We look forward to his senior year.

School: Coventry Christian Schools

Class Of: 2027

Primary Position: DB

Secondary Position(s): RB

Jersey Number: 9

Height: 5’8

Weight: 170

40-Yard Dash: 5.1

Other Sports: Baseball

Varsity Starting Experience: 3 years

Honors:
All League Defensive Back

2025 Stats:
35 Tackles, 1 INT, 1TD, 3 TFL, 2 Sacks

Hudl Highlights:

Instagram:

Coach’s Comment: John Mark is a very reliable player. He may not always be the guy who makes that tackle, but he is likely the guy who was there to make it happen. He really stepped up his game last year and matured as a player and young man. He has been a force for us on the defensive side of the ball for 3 years. His size does not show how large his heart is. He is always ready to go and has no quit. We look forward to his senior year and getting him some more touches on the offensive side of the ball.

Head Coach: Rick Hunter

Assistant Coaches:
Joe Lohr – Offensive Coordinator
Rick Brown – Special Teams

Team Name: Coventry Christian Eagles

2024 Record: 3-4

9/07 Model School for the Deaf (DC) (8 Man Team) 3:00 pm L 36-46
9/14 @ Maryland School for the Deaf 5:00 pm L 0-52
9/21 Delaware County Christian School (8 Man Team) 12:00 pm L 16-55
9/28 @ Mercersburg Academy (8 Man Team) 1:00 pm W 38-24
10/04 @ Perkiomen School (8 Man Team) 3:30 pm L 28-29
10/11 Girard College (8 Man Team) 7:00 pm W 48-22
10/19 @ Aroostook (ME)* 1:00 pm W 36-34

District: 8-Man League

League: Keystone State Football League

Key Starters Lost:
Issac Faulkner – TE/LB
Jesse Barton – OL/DL
Alejandro Miro – OL/DL
Shane Hartline – QB
Nicolas Roque – RB/LB
James Tucker – WR/DB
Gregory Faulkner – OL/DL
Julien Oliver – WR/DB

Offensive Starters Returning:
Sr. WR Luke Hunter 5’9″ 175
Sr. QB Dom Witman 6’0″ 180lbs
Jr. OL Caleb Hughes 6’2″ 190lbs
Jr. TE Chrisitan Brown TE 6’0″ 180lbs

Defensive Starters Returning:
Sr. DB Luke Hunter 5’9″ 175lbs
Jr. LB Christian Brown 6’0″ 180lbs
Jr. LB Jacob Cho 5’10” 185lbs
Sr. DL Jared Manning 5’6″ 170lbs
Jr. DB John Mark Niehls 5’7″ 150lbs

Special Team Starters Returning:
Sr. Luke Hunter 5’9″ 175lbs
Jr. Christian Brown 6’0″ 180lbs
Jr. Caleb Hughes 6’2″ 190lbs
Jr. Zach Baumert 5’7″ 172lbs
Jr. John Mark Niehls 5’7″ 150lbs
Sr. Dom Witman 6’0″ 180lbs

Key Newcomers:
Fr. OL Isreal Faulkner 6’3″ 190lbs
Fr. WR Daniel Lindsey 5’9″ 155lbs
Sr. WR Elijah Cyrus 6’5″ 195lbs

2025 Returning Player Stats:
Luke Hunter
942 APY, 68 Points, 9 TDs, 51 Tackles, 2 INTs

Christian Brown
49 Tackles, 5 TFL, 3 Sacks, 13 YDL, 1 INT

Jared Manning
34 Tackles, 3 TFL, 4 Hurries

John Mark Niehls
21 Tackles

2025 Offensive Outlook: Having six players graduate will definitely change our offense. But we expect great things from our returning guys. Our keys will only be training hard, knowing responsibilities and holding our players accountable. We will need to be effective with a young offensive line and a new QB at the helm. We expect our seniors to lead the way in the backfield.

2025 Defensive Outlook: Our defense will need to step up this year with tackling in the open field. This is definitely a focus this season. With being a very young program, we have had to find the defense that works for our players and the program. We have worked hard in the offseason and plan to carry this thru our season. Again, we expect our returning guys to lead the way.

2025 Special Teams Outlook: This is another big area of focus this year. Our biggest key is working on discipline in our responsibilities and stopping the return. Our new special teams coordinator is working hard to fill in the holes that we had last season. But discipline is where it all starts.

School: Coventry Christian Schools

Class Of: 2026

Primary Position: OB

Secondary Position(s): WR

Jersey Number: 2

Height: 5’9″

Weight: 170

40-Yard Dash: 4.8

GPA: 3.5

Other Sports: Basketball

Starting Experience: 4 years

Honors:
– Team Captain
– Player of the year
– First team KSFL
– School record for single game rushing 150 yds

2024 Stats:
Offense:
942 APY

Defense:
51 tackles, 2 INT’s, 9 tds, 68 Points

Hudl Highlights:

Coach’s Comment: Luke is the heart and soul of the team. He shows his leadership both on and off the field. When we need a guy to go fill a spot, he is our go to. Luke has played well in every position so far and this year will likely take the helm at QB. We expect great things for Luke this year!