Council Rock South Looks to Build on 10-Win Season With Veteran Leadership
Council Rock South proved in 2025 that it belongs among District 1’s top Class 6A programs.
The Golden Hawks finished 10-2, earned another Suburban One League Continental Conference championship contender status and advanced to the District 1 Class 6A quarterfinals before seeing their season end with a hard-fought 14-0 loss at Coatesville.
It was a season built on consistency.
Council Rock South won 10 of its first 11 games, defeated Pennsbury, Cheltenham, Souderton, Quakertown and rival Council Rock North, and entered the postseason playing some of its best football.
Head coach CJ Szydlik now faces the challenge every successful program eventually encounters—replacing a talented senior class while maintaining championship expectations.
Graduation claimed standout quarterback Nate Szydlik along with Kyle Grasso, Shane Myers, Anthony Cimino and Joe Madara.
Replacing that leadership will not be easy.
The encouraging news is that the Golden Hawks return experienced players throughout the roster.
Senior running back Gavin Lacey headlines the offense alongside fullback Chris Guinter, while veteran offensive linemen Justin Lopresti and Mike Smith return to anchor the trenches.
Defensively, Ben Myers, Gavin Sailer, Guinter, Brody Walker, Logan Smith and a veteran defensive line provide one of the conference’s most experienced units.
With that returning foundation, Council Rock South believes another playoff run is well within reach.
New Quarterback Steps Into Strong Supporting Cast
Replacing Nate Szydlik will be the storyline throughout preseason camp.
The departing quarterback helped guide the Golden Hawks to another 10-win season and provided steady leadership throughout the offense.
Whoever earns the starting job this fall will inherit an ideal situation.
Council Rock South returns experienced runners, veteran receivers and an offensive line with multiple returning starters.
The coaching staff does not need the new quarterback to carry the offense.
Instead, the position requires sound decision-making, leadership and the ability to distribute the football efficiently.
The Golden Hawks have traditionally succeeded by playing balanced, mistake-free football.
That philosophy should continue.
A dependable quarterback who protects possession and takes advantage of opportunities will allow the offense to remain productive while gaining confidence.
Lacey Leads Balanced Attack
Senior Gavin Lacey returns as the centerpiece of the running game.
The 5-foot-10, 180-pound back provides experience, toughness and the ability to create explosive plays.
Council Rock South plans to maintain a balanced offensive approach, and Lacey will be central to that identity.
He has already proven capable of handling significant carries while contributing as both a runner and receiver.
The Golden Hawks understand that establishing the run creates opportunities throughout the offense.
Lacey’s ability to move the chains will help the new quarterback settle into the starting role.
His vision and patience also complement the experienced offensive line returning in front of him.
If Lacey consistently produces on early downs, Council Rock South should remain difficult to defend.
Rogers Adds Depth in Backfield
Junior Jerry Rogers gives the Golden Hawks another talented option at running back.
His emergence provides valuable depth while creating competition throughout camp.
Using multiple backs allows Council Rock South to keep players fresh and attack defenses with different styles.
Rogers has the opportunity to become an important change-of-pace runner capable of producing explosive plays.
The coaching staff also expects several younger players to compete for offensive opportunities after successful sub-varsity seasons.
That additional depth should prevent defenses from focusing exclusively on Lacey.
The more balanced the backfield becomes, the more difficult the offense will be to prepare for.
Experienced Receivers Return
Council Rock South welcomes back senior Brody Walker and junior Logan Smith to lead the receiving corps.
Walker provides dependable experience and leadership.
His toughness and understanding of the offense make him a reliable target in important situations.
Smith gives the Golden Hawks an intriguing matchup at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds.
His size creates problems for opposing defensive backs, particularly in the red zone and on contested throws.
Together, Walker and Smith provide the new quarterback with experienced playmakers capable of making difficult catches.
The coaching staff also expects several new faces to contribute as the season progresses.
Developing those additional receivers will help the offense remain balanced and unpredictable.
Council Rock South wants to stretch defenses vertically while continuing to establish the running game.
Walker and Smith give the offense that flexibility.
Veteran Offensive Line Sets the Tone
Championship football begins at the line of scrimmage, and Council Rock South returns a pair of experienced seniors in Justin Lopresti and Mike Smith.
Lopresti returns at 6-foot-1 and 260 pounds, while Smith brings outstanding size at 6-foot-2 and 265 pounds.
Both have valuable varsity experience and will be expected to lead the offensive front.
Their responsibilities extend beyond blocking assignments.
They must communicate adjustments, help younger linemen develop and establish the physical identity the Golden Hawks expect every Friday night.
Council Rock South believes it has enough experience up front to remain balanced offensively.
The line will determine how quickly the new quarterback adjusts and whether the running game consistently controls the tempo.
If Lopresti and Smith lead the unit as expected, the offense should continue producing against one of District 1’s toughest schedules.
Offensive Balance Remains Priority
The Golden Hawks have no interest in becoming one-dimensional.
The coaching staff believes the returning skill players and experienced linemen provide the flexibility to maintain balance between the running and passing games.
Council Rock South also plans to introduce several new wrinkles designed to take advantage of younger athletes entering larger roles.
That versatility should keep opposing defenses from becoming comfortable.
The offense does not need dramatic changes.
It needs continued efficiency.
Protecting the football, sustaining drives and finishing scoring opportunities remain the priorities.
If the offense consistently stays ahead of the chains, the Golden Hawks should once again rank among the better offensive teams in the Suburban One League Continental Conference.
Myers Headlines Experienced Defense
Senior Ben Myers returns to anchor the linebacker corps.
At 6-foot and 215 pounds, Myers possesses the size and physicality to become one of District 1’s top defenders.
His experience should allow Council Rock South to play aggressively from the opening week.
The coaching staff expects fewer communication issues because so many experienced players return defensively.
That continuity allows the Golden Hawks to install more advanced concepts earlier in the season.
Myers will be responsible for directing traffic, stopping the run and helping younger defenders adjust to varsity football.
His leadership will be critical as Council Rock South attempts to build another championship-caliber defense.
Veteran Defensive Line Returns
Few teams in the conference return as much experience along the defensive front.
Senior Gavin Sailer, senior Chris Guinter, senior Mike Smith and senior Declan Small all return.
That group gives Council Rock South impressive size and maturity up front.
Smith and Small each stand 6-foot-1 or taller and weigh at least 265 pounds.
Their ability to control the line of scrimmage should create opportunities for Myers and the linebackers.
Guinter provides additional versatility as a two-way starter.
The defensive line must establish itself early against the run while generating enough pressure to force hurried decisions.
If the front consistently wins those battles, the defense should remain one of the strongest units in the conference.
Experienced Secondary Adds Confidence
Council Rock South also returns experience in the secondary with Walker and Smith.
Walker brings senior leadership at safety, while Smith’s size makes him a difficult matchup for opposing receivers.
Their communication and experience should allow the coaching staff to become more aggressive with coverages and pressure packages.
Because so many starters return, the Golden Hawks believe there will be less confusion early in the season.
That continuity should allow the defense to move deeper into its scheme much sooner than many opponents.
The secondary must continue limiting explosive plays while creating turnovers.
If Walker and Smith lead the back end effectively, Council Rock South’s defense should again become one of its greatest strengths.
Defensive Continuity Creates Opportunity
One of the biggest advantages entering 2026 is defensive experience.
Returning starters at every level provide stability that many programs simply do not have.
Rather than spending the first month teaching basic assignments, the Golden Hawks can focus on refining technique and expanding the playbook.
That should allow the defense to become more aggressive as the season progresses.
The front has experience.
The linebackers have leadership.
The secondary understands the system.
Those three elements position Council Rock South for another strong defensive season.
If the unit consistently tackles well and limits big plays, it has the potential to rank among the best in District 1.
Berry Brings Stability to Special Teams
Special teams should also become a strength.
Senior Declan Berry returns for his third season as the starting kicker.
That experience provides consistency in one of football’s most overlooked areas.
Reliable kicking often becomes the difference in close games.
Berry’s experience gives Council Rock South confidence in field-goal attempts, extra points and kickoffs.
His ability to consistently execute should also help the coaching staff make more aggressive decisions offensively, knowing points are available when drives stall.
The Golden Hawks value field position, and Berry’s reliability contributes directly to that objective.
Players to Watch
Gavin Lacey, Sr., RB: Veteran running back expected to lead a balanced offensive attack.
Brody Walker, Sr., WR/S: Experienced two-way leader who provides reliability as both a receiver and defensive back.
Logan Smith, Jr., WR/S: Physical 6-foot-3 playmaker with the potential to become one of the conference’s top two-way athletes.
Chris Guinter, Sr., FB/DE: Tough two-way starter who brings physicality to both sides of the football.
Ben Myers, Sr., LB: Veteran linebacker expected to anchor one of District 1’s most experienced defenses.
Mike Smith, Sr., OL/DL: Physical lineman who starts on both sides of the ball and helps establish the team’s identity.
Justin Lopresti, Sr., OL: Experienced offensive lineman who anchors the front.
Gavin Sailer, Sr., DL: Veteran defensive lineman expected to control the line of scrimmage.
Declan Small, Sr., DL: Returning interior lineman who provides size and depth.
Declan Berry, Sr., K: Three-year starting kicker whose consistency gives Council Rock South an advantage on special teams.
My thoughts on Council Rock South
Council Rock South enters the 2026 season with another experienced, well-balanced roster capable of competing for a conference championship and another deep District 1 Class 6A playoff run.
Replacing Nate Szydlik at quarterback will receive considerable attention, but the supporting cast surrounding the position is outstanding.
Lacey leads a deep backfield, Walker and Smith headline the receiving corps and the offensive line returns experienced veterans.
Defensively, the Golden Hawks may be even better positioned.
Returning starters across the defensive front, linebacker and secondary give the coaching staff the opportunity to expand its scheme earlier than most teams.
Special teams also remain a strength with Berry returning for his third year as the starting kicker.
The 2025 season demonstrated Council Rock South’s ability to consistently win close games and compete against some of the area’s best programs.
The Golden Hawks have built a culture centered on discipline, physicality and execution.
Those traits should once again define the 2026 team.
If the new quarterback settles into the offense, the running game remains productive and the veteran defense performs to expectations, Council Rock South has every opportunity to contend for the Suburban One League Continental Conference championship and make another significant run in the District 1 Class 6A playoffs.
Head Coach: CJ Szydlik
Assistant Coaches:
Mike Stock
Ethan Rook
Matt Coller
Dennis Cox
Jim Fitzgerald
Joe Murphy
Sean Hartman
Dave Nolter
David Nolter Jr
Chalie Szydlik
Shaun Stackhouse
Jason Cook
Hugh Frank
Connor Omlor
Team Name: Council Rock South HS
District: 1
Class: 6A
League: Suburban One League, Continental Conference
2025 Record: 10-2
8/22 Frankford (5A) 7:00 pm W 50-8
8/28 @ North Penn (6A) 7:00 pm L 14-21
9/05 Pennsbury (6A) 7:00 pm W 20-6
9/12 Cheltenham (5A) 7:00 pm W 28-20
9/19 Upper Dublin* (5A) 7:00 pm W 34-14
9/26 Bensalem* (6A) 7:00 pm W 14-12
10/03 @ Harry S. Truman* (6A) 7:00 pm W 42-7
10/09 Souderton Area* (6A) 7:00 pm W 14-7
10/17 @ Quakertown Community* (6A) 7:00 pm W 28-27
10/24 @ Council Rock North* (6A) 7:00 pm W 49-0
10/31 Haverford High (6A) 7:00 pm W 27-7 Dist. 1 Class 6A 1st Round @ CR Nouth
11/07 @ Coatesville (6A) 7:00 pm L 0-14 Dist. 1 Class 6A Quarterfinal
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Archbishop Wood (3A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 @ Hatboro-Horsham (5A) 7:00 pm
9/03 Perkiomen Valley (6A) 7:00 pm
9/10 Pennridge (6A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Souderton Area* (6A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Quakertown Community* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Upper Dublin* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Bensalem* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Plymouth-Whitemarsh* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Council Rock North* (6A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Nate Szydlik
Kyle Grasso
Shane Myers
Anthony Cimino
Joe Madara
Offensive Starters Returning:
Sr. RB Gavin Lacey 5’10 180
Sr. FB Chris Guinter 5’11 215
Sr WR Brody Walker 5’10 190
Jr WR Logan Smith 6’3 210
Sr OL Justin Lopresti 6’1 260
Sr OL Mike Smith 6’2 265
Jr RB Jerry Rogers 5’11 175
Defensive Starters Returning:
Sr LB Ben Myers 6′ 215
Sr DL Gavin Sailer 5’10 240
Sr. DE Chris Guinter 5’11 215
Sr Safety Brody Walker 5’10 190
Jr Safety Logan Smith 6’3 210
Sr DL Mike Smith 6’2 265
Sr DL Declan Small 6’1 265
Special Team Starters Returning:
Sr Kicker Declan Berry
Key Newcomers:
Sr QB Cannon Bezio 6’3 205
Sr DE/TE Ryan Lewis 6’5 210
Sr OL Luke Mancini 5’11 240
Sr OL Turner Tovsky 6′ 235
Sr Tony Cimino 6’5 275
Jr LB Cross Cervellero 5’11 195
Jr WR/DB Rocco Szydlik 5’9 165
Soph WR/DB Ryan Kruszczynski 6′ 165
Jr WR DJ Andrzejewski 5’9 170
2026 Offensive Outlook: With returning a decent amount of skill position players and a few lineman with experience, we should be able to keep a nice balance between run and pass and add a few wrinkles with some new players.
2026 Defensive Outlook: We should be sound again on defense, with the returning playing there shouldn’t be much confusion early which makes it easier to get deeper into our scheme.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Declan is a 3 year returning starting kicker, which should make for a lot more consistency in our kicking game.