Episcopal Academy Reloads Behind Villanova Commit Jackson Solley in Pursuit of Another Inter-Ac Title
Episcopal Academy has established itself as one of the premier programs in the Inter-Academic League, and despite graduating one of its largest senior classes in recent memory, the Churchmen enter the 2026 season expecting to remain among Pennsylvania’s elite.
Head coach Todd Fairlie guided Episcopal Academy to a 9-1 record in 2025, with the lone blemish coming in a 24-0 loss to eventual league champion Malvern Prep. The Churchmen responded by closing the season with impressive victories over Germantown Academy and The Haverford School, once again proving they belonged among the top teams in the league.
Along the way, Episcopal defeated quality opponents from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York, including Lawrenceville School, Blair Academy, Long Island Lutheran, William Penn Charter and Springside Chestnut Hill Academy.
The graduation list, however, is significant.
Jackson Orcott, Jahmir Brown, Dorian Dabney, Jamil Abdul Malik, Brody Garrison, Kameron Carson, Jack Signor, Jay Barrett, Liam Appaneal and Spencer Schuh all depart after helping build one of the area’s top programs.
Replacing that experience won’t be easy.
Fortunately for the Churchmen, they return one of the state’s most accurate quarterbacks, a productive running back, experienced linemen and a physical defensive core capable of leading another championship pursuit.
Solley Returns as One of Eastern Pennsylvania’s Top Quarterbacks
Everything offensively begins with senior quarterback Jackson Solley.
The Villanova commit completed 70 percent of his passes last season, throwing for 1,228 yards, 15 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
Those numbers highlight not only his arm talent but also his efficiency and decision-making.
Fairlie describes Solley as “an incredible arm talent,” and the statistics support that assessment.
Solley possesses the ability to make every throw, extend plays when necessary and efficiently distribute the football.
Although many of last year’s receiving targets have graduated, Episcopal believes Solley’s experience and leadership will accelerate the development of an entirely new group of pass catchers.
Quarterbacks with his combination of arm strength, accuracy and poise rarely remain at the high school level for long.
The Churchmen expect him to be one of the top signal callers in the Inter-Ac once again.
New Receiving Corps Must Develop Quickly
The biggest offensive question surrounds the receiving corps.
Graduation removed several experienced targets, forcing younger players into much larger roles.
The coaching staff remains optimistic.
“We’re excited about our future receiving corps,” Fairlie said. “It certainly has some learning to go through first.”
That development process will likely continue throughout the first month of the season.
Fortunately, Solley’s experience should help accelerate that growth.
The Churchmen don’t necessarily need one receiver to replace all of last year’s production.
Instead, they hope multiple players emerge as dependable targets capable of stretching defenses and creating opportunities after the catch.
If that group develops as expected, Episcopal’s passing game should again become one of the league’s most dangerous.
Lucas Returns to Anchor Ground Game
Senior running back A’ahzere Lucas provides stability behind the rebuilt receiving corps.
Lucas rushed for 768 yards while averaging 6.4 yards per carry and scoring eight touchdowns last season.
His vision, quickness and decisiveness make him a consistent threat between the tackles while also possessing enough speed to reach the perimeter.
With new receivers gaining experience, Lucas could become an even bigger focal point of the offense early in the season.
The Churchmen expect the running game to establish tempo, control possessions and create favorable situations for Solley.
Lucas has already proven capable of handling that responsibility.
His production also helps reduce pressure on a passing game introducing several new faces.
Experienced Offensive Line Sets the Tone
Episcopal returns three important pieces along the offensive line.
Senior Christopher Snyder returns after gaining valuable experience, while sophomore standouts Bubba Lavender and Thomas Clark provide impressive size and upside.
Lavender checks in at 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, while Clark is 6-foot-1 and 290 pounds.
Together, they give the Churchmen a strong foundation in the trenches.
The coaching staff believes this group can become the driving force behind the offense.
“We’re excited for that group to lead the way in the run game and to set the tone to open up the pass,” Fairlie said.
Replacing departed linemen will still require development, but returning three experienced players provides continuity.
If the offensive line consistently controls the line of scrimmage, Lucas and Solley will have every opportunity to succeed.
Poole Creates Matchup Problems
Senior Dante Poole returns at tight end after another offseason of development.
At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, Poole gives Solley a large target over the middle while also serving as an important blocker in the running game.
His versatility allows Episcopal to remain balanced offensively.
Poole can line up attached to the formation, flex into the slot or help seal the edge against aggressive defensive fronts.
His ability to contribute in multiple roles makes him an important piece as the offense transitions to a younger receiving corps.
Balance Will Define the Offense
Unlike last season, Episcopal may not rely as heavily on one phase of its offense.
Instead, the Churchmen appear built around balance.
An experienced quarterback, productive running back, veteran tight end and returning offensive linemen provide flexibility.
If defenses focus on stopping Lucas, Solley has the arm talent to exploit one-on-one coverage.
If opponents attempt to defend the passing game with lighter boxes, Lucas becomes even more dangerous.
That balance should make Episcopal difficult to defend as the season progresses.
Front Seven Expected to Lead Defensive Identity
Defensively, Episcopal returns significant experience where games are often decided—along the front.
The Churchmen graduated several contributors in the secondary, meaning younger defensive backs will be asked to mature quickly.
Because of that, Fairlie expects the front seven to establish the defense’s identity.
“We have a lot of new faces on the back end, so we’ll lean toward our experience on the front end to stop the run,” he said.
The goal is simple.
Control the line of scrimmage, force opponents into obvious passing situations and allow the secondary time to gain experience.
Kegler Headlines Physical Linebacker Unit
Senior linebacker Kamau Kegler returns after another outstanding season.
Kegler recorded 56 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one fumble recovery and three pass breakups in 2025.
Beyond the statistics, he consistently demonstrated leadership, physicality and versatility.
His ability to defend both the run and pass makes him one of the premier linebackers in the Inter-Ac.
Kegler enters his senior season as the unquestioned leader of the defense.
He will be expected to communicate adjustments, make plays in space and set the tone physically.
His experience becomes even more valuable with several new starters entering the secondary.
Snyder and Lavender Anchor Defensive Front
Christopher Snyder and Bubba Lavender return on the defensive line after playing important roles last season.
Snyder’s experience and technique make him one of the leaders up front.
Lavender, meanwhile, continues to develop into one of the area’s most intriguing young linemen.
At 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, he possesses the size to control blockers while still showing impressive athleticism.
The pair gives Episcopal a physical presence capable of disrupting opposing rushing attacks.
Their success will allow Kegler and the linebackers to play aggressively downhill.
The Churchmen expect their defensive line to establish the tone every Friday night.
Miller Leads Rebuilt Secondary
Senior defensive back Jackson Miller returns after recording 53 tackles and six pass breakups.
He becomes the leader of an otherwise inexperienced secondary.
Miller’s experience should help younger defensive backs settle into larger roles throughout the season.
His ability to communicate coverages, recognize offensive formations and make tackles in space will be critical.
The Churchmen may rely more heavily on their front seven early in the season, but Miller provides the secondary with an experienced stabilizing presence.
Defense Built Around Physicality
Fairlie believes the identity of the defense starts with toughness.
The Churchmen expect to play physical football, stop the run and force offenses into uncomfortable situations.
That philosophy should fit this roster well.
With experienced players such as Kegler, Snyder, Lavender and Miller returning, Episcopal has enough veteran leadership to establish that identity while younger players gain confidence.
The emphasis will be limiting explosive plays and making opponents earn every yard.
Special Teams Begin New Chapter
Special teams represent the biggest unknown entering the season.
Episcopal must replace all of its specialists.
“We’ll have totally new specialists this year,” Fairlie said. “We have a lot of work to do to get to the level that we expect of our team to play very well in the kicking game.”
Developing consistency in field goals, punts and kickoffs will be important.
The Churchmen have enough athleticism to cover kicks effectively, but replacing experienced specialists often takes time.
Improvement throughout the season will be the primary objective.
Players to Watch
Jackson Solley, Sr., QB (Villanova Commit): Elite quarterback who completed 70 percent of his passes for 1,228 yards, 15 touchdowns and only three interceptions in 2025.
A’ahzere Lucas, Sr., RB: Dynamic runner who rushed for 768 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 6.4 yards per carry.
Kamau Kegler, Sr., LB: Defensive leader who recorded 56 tackles, one sack and three pass breakups while anchoring the linebacker corps.
Jackson Miller, Sr., DB: Experienced defensive back who totaled 53 tackles and six pass breakups.
Dante Poole, Sr., TE: Versatile 6-foot-4 tight end capable of impacting both the running and passing games.
Christopher Snyder, Sr., OL/DL: Veteran two-way lineman expected to lead both fronts.
Bubba Lavender, So., OL/DL: Talented sophomore with outstanding size who could become one of the area’s top linemen.
Thomas Clark, So., OL: Young offensive lineman expected to play a significant role in the trenches.
My thoughts on Episcopal Academy
Episcopal Academy once again possesses the ingredients to compete for an Inter-Academic League championship.
The Churchmen return one of Pennsylvania’s top quarterbacks in Solley, an accomplished running back in Lucas and an experienced offensive line capable of establishing a physical identity.
The offense will depend on how quickly a young receiving corps develops, but Solley’s experience should help accelerate that process.
Defensively, the front seven appears to be the team’s greatest strength.
Kegler, Snyder and Lavender give Episcopal experienced, physical players capable of controlling games at the line of scrimmage, while Miller anchors a secondary replacing several starters.
The biggest question entering the season lies on special teams, where an entirely new group must replace experienced specialists.
If that unit develops and the young defensive backs mature throughout the fall, Episcopal has every opportunity to remain among the elite programs in the Inter-Ac.
The Churchmen proved last season they can compete with top competition from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.
With an experienced quarterback, a physical defense and a roster hungry to take the next step, Episcopal Academy enters 2026 positioned for another memorable season.
Head Coach: Todd Fairlie
Assistant Coaches:
John Ward
Ryan Klein
Mike McNulty
Mike O’Rourke
CJ McAnally
Bill Haines
Trey Muraoka
Willie Bates
Ryan Dabney
Team Name: Episcopal Academy
Class: 3A
League: Inter-Academic League
2025 Record: 9-1
8/29 Simon Gratz (3A) 7:00 pm W 52-0
9/05 Lawrenceville School (NJ) 7:00 pm W 28-12
9/12 The Hill School 7:00 pm W 36-6
9/20 @ Long Island Lutheran (NY) 1:00 pm W 40-14
9/27 @ Blair Academy (NJ) 7:00 pm W 27-6
10/10 Springside Chestnut Hill Academy* 7:00 pm W 35-14
10/18 @ William Penn Charter* 1:00 pm W 31-24
10/24 Malvern Prep* 7:00 pm L 0-24
11/01 @ Germantown Academy* 1:00 pm W 28-0
11/08 @ The Haverford School* 1:00 pm W 24-3
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/28 @ Cardinal Hayes (NY) 6:00 pm Scrimmage
9/04 @ Lawrenceville School (NJ) 7:15 pm
9/12 @ St. Christopher’s (VA) 12:00 pm
9/18 The Hill School 7:00 pm
9/26 Long Island Lutheran (NY) 1:00 pm
10/02 @ Archbishop Carroll (3A) 4:00 pm
10/17 @ Springside Chestnut Hill Academy* 2:00 pm
10/23 William Penn Charter* 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Malvern Prep* 7:00 pm
11/06 Germantown Academy* 7:00 pm
11/14 The Haverford School* 2:30 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Jackson Orcott
Jahmir Brown
Dorian Dabney
Jamil Abdul Malik
Brody Garrison
Kameron Carson
Jack Signor
Jay Barrett
Liam Appaneal
Spencer Schuh
Offensive Starters Returning:
Jackson Solley (Sr. QB, 6-2, 180)
A’ahzere Lucas (Sr. RB, 5-8, 170P)
Christopher Snyder (Sr. OL, 5-10, 230)
Dante Poole (Sr. TE, 6-4, 230)
Bubba Lavender (SO, OL, 6-4, 280)
Thomas Clark (So, OL, 6-1, 290)
Defensive Starters Returning:
Jackson Miller (Sr, DB, 5-10, 180)
Kamau Kegler (Sr, LB, 6-1, 210)
Christopher Snyder (Sr. DL, 5-10, 230)
Bubba Lavender (SO, DL, 6-4, 280)
Key Newcomers:
Andrew Kern (So, OL, 6-5, 260)
CJ Pazauno (So, LB, 5-11, 200)
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Solley- 70.0 completion percentage 1,228 yards 15 touchdowns 3 iNT
Lucas – 768 yards, 6.4 yards a rush, 8 TDs
Miller – 53 Tackles, 6 PBU
Kegler – 56 Tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1 Sack, 1 FR, 3 PBU
2026 Offensive Outlook: Quarterback Jackson Solley is committed to Villanova. He is an incredible armed talent. Although he will be throwing to a lot of new targets, we’re excited about our future receiving corps. It certainly had some learning to go through first. We do return three offensive linemen and Lucas at running back. We’re excited for that group to lead the way in the run game and to set the tone to open up the pass.
2026 Defensive Outlook: We have a lot of new faces on the back end, so we’ll lean towards our experience on the front end to stop the run. We have a lot of experienced players up front who expect to be physical and make it difficult on our opponents.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: We’ll have totally new specialists this year. We have a lot of work to do to get to the level that we expect of our team to play very well in the kicking game.