Veteran-Led Jenkintown Eyes Another Playoff Berth Behind Experienced Core
After returning to the postseason in 2025, Jenkintown enters the 2026 campaign with one of its most experienced rosters in recent memory.
Head coach Joe Cawley welcomes back the majority of a team that finished 4-6 and earned a District 1/12 Class A Regional playoff berth. While the Drakes graduated several key contributors, including Joey Gunn, Lucas Velasquez, Branden Saunders and Angel Rivera, they return nine offensive starters, nearly the entire defensive lineup and a veteran-heavy roster filled with upperclassmen.
The experience extends across nearly every position group. Senior leaders headline the receiving corps, the offensive and defensive lines feature multiple returning starters, and talented juniors have already accumulated valuable varsity experience.
Perhaps just as important, Jenkintown adds veteran defensive coordinator Jeff Gutgesell, whose experience is expected to help elevate a defense that flashed potential throughout last season.
The Drakes know they still have work to do after finishing 4-6, but with a mature roster, continuity throughout the program and several proven playmakers returning, expectations are considerably higher entering 2026.
McIntyre Returns to Lead the Offense
Junior quarterback Liam McIntyre returns after gaining valuable experience as the starter last season.
McIntyre completed passes for 512 yards while throwing six touchdown passes. He also contributed on the ground with 76 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Those numbers only tell part of the story.
Perhaps the biggest advantage for McIntyre entering 2026 is experience. After a full varsity season, he enters camp with a much better understanding of the offense and will benefit from returning nearly every key weapon around him.
The coaching staff plans to expand the offensive scheme this fall, giving McIntyre additional responsibilities at the line of scrimmage while allowing him to utilize the depth of the receiving corps.
With another offseason of development, the Drakes expect improved consistency from the passing game while continuing to use McIntyre’s mobility when necessary.
If he takes the expected step forward, Jenkintown’s offense has the potential to become one of the most balanced units in the Bicentennial Athletic League.
Eichert Headlines the Running Game
Junior Quinn Eichert returns after establishing himself as one of Jenkintown’s most productive offensive players.
Eichert rushed for 496 yards and eight touchdowns while adding a receiving touchdown and an interception return for a touchdown on defense.
His versatility makes him one of the team’s most valuable players.
Whether carrying the football, catching passes out of the backfield or making plays defensively at linebacker, Eichert consistently finds ways to impact games.
He will once again be expected to carry much of the workload in the running game.
With a veteran offensive line returning, Eichert should have more opportunities to find running lanes and build upon last season’s production.
His physical running style also complements Jenkintown’s desire to control possession and keep opposing offenses off the field.
Deep Skill Group Returns
One of the biggest strengths of the Drakes is the experience throughout the receiving corps.
Senior Matty Ecker returns after missing much of last season due to injury. Before being sidelined, Ecker totaled 45 receiving yards, 40 rushing yards, caught a touchdown pass and even threw for a 33-yard touchdown in only four games.
A healthy season could make him one of Jenkintown’s biggest additions despite already being on the roster.
Senior Andreas Kergides returns after catching two touchdown passes last year. At 6-foot-2, he gives McIntyre a bigger target capable of stretching the field and winning contested catches.
Junior Manny Bowens is another versatile weapon.
Bowens rushed for 164 yards while adding 175 receiving yards and four total touchdowns. His ability to line up in multiple positions allows the coaching staff to create mismatches throughout the offense.
Sophomore Wesley Ritter also returns after contributing 77 receiving yards and a touchdown as a freshman.
Veteran tight ends Vinny Avila and Ryan Kahn provide additional options over the middle while contributing as blockers in the running game.
With so many experienced targets returning, McIntyre should have no shortage of reliable receivers.
Veteran Offensive Line Sets the Foundation
Jenkintown’s offensive success begins with an experienced line.
Senior Roman Brown anchors the unit at 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds.
Brown’s size makes him one of the most physically imposing linemen in District 1 Class 1A. His ability to control the line of scrimmage will be critical as the Drakes look to establish a more physical rushing attack.
Senior Anthony Ash returns after starting on both sides of the football, while senior Jesse Scott provides another experienced presence in the trenches.
Junior Tiger Gunn adds another returning starter who continues to develop physically.
The coaching staff believes the veteran offensive line will allow the offense to expand beyond what it accomplished last season.
With experienced blockers and returning skill players, the Drakes should have more flexibility to attack defenses through both the running and passing games.
Expanding the Offense
Returning nine offensive starters gives Jenkintown something many programs do not have—continuity.
Rather than installing an entirely new offense, the coaching staff can build upon last season’s foundation.
That continuity should allow the Drakes to incorporate additional formations, motions and passing concepts while maintaining the physical running game built around Eichert.
The veteran roster should also improve communication before the snap.
Players who have already spent multiple seasons together understand the terminology, expectations and adjustments required during games.
The offense scored 55 points against Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech and 26 against New Hope-Solebury last season, demonstrating the potential that exists when execution is consistent.
The next step is producing that level of efficiency every week.
Experienced Defense Looks for Next Step
Jenkintown returns nearly every significant defensive contributor from last season.
That experience should allow the defense to play faster and communicate more effectively throughout the season.
The addition of veteran defensive coordinator Jeff Gutgesell brings a fresh perspective to an already experienced unit.
His background should help maximize the athleticism and versatility of the returning defenders.
Rather than rebuilding, the Drakes enter the season focused on refining technique, improving discipline and creating more takeaways.
With so many returning starters, expectations are understandably higher.
Veterans Lead the Front Seven
Senior Anthony Ash, senior Roman Brown and senior Jesse Scott provide leadership along the defensive front.
Brown’s size allows him to occupy multiple blockers inside, freeing linebackers to make plays.
Junior Tiger Gunn continues to develop into another physical defensive lineman capable of contributing significant snaps.
At linebacker, Eichert returns after making plays throughout last season, while Ryan Kahn adds experience and versatility.
The combination of veteran linemen and experienced linebackers should help improve the Drakes’ run defense.
Stopping the run consistently will remain one of Jenkintown’s biggest priorities against the physical offenses throughout the Bicentennial Athletic League.
Athletic Secondary Returns
The secondary returns nearly intact.
Ecker, Kergides, Bowens and Ritter all return with valuable varsity experience.
Each brings different strengths.
Ecker is a physical defender with good instincts, while Kergides uses his length effectively in coverage.
Bowens continues to develop into one of the team’s most versatile athletes, capable of making plays on both sides of the football.
Ritter gained valuable experience as a freshman and should continue improving throughout his sophomore season.
The continuity in the secondary should help reduce communication errors and allow the defense to become more aggressive in coverage.
New Defensive Leadership
While many of the players return, one of the biggest offseason additions came on the coaching staff.
Jeff Gutgesell takes over as defensive coordinator, bringing years of coaching experience to the program.
His influence should be evident in the defense’s overall organization, communication and preparation.
A veteran roster combined with an experienced coordinator creates an opportunity for significant improvement.
The players already understand varsity football.
Now the focus shifts toward refining technique, creating turnovers and becoming more consistent throughout four quarters.
If the defense takes that next step, Jenkintown could become a much more complete football team.
Joey White Anchors Special Teams
Sophomore Joey White returns after handling both kicking and punting duties as a freshman.
Having a young specialist with varsity experience is a major advantage.
The coaching staff believes White possesses both accuracy and a strong leg, giving the Drakes confidence in every phase of the kicking game.
His continued development could provide hidden advantages throughout the season.
Reliable kickoffs improve field position, consistent punting helps the defense, and dependable extra points become invaluable during close games.
White gives Jenkintown stability in an often-overlooked phase of the game.
Players to Watch
Liam McIntyre, Jr., QB: Returning quarterback who accounted for eight total touchdowns while gaining valuable varsity experience.
Quinn Eichert, Jr., RB/LB: Versatile two-way standout who rushed for 496 yards, scored eight rushing touchdowns and added a defensive touchdown.
Matty Ecker, Sr., WR/DB: Dynamic senior returning from injury after producing offensively in just four games.
Manny Bowens, Jr., WR/DB: Explosive athlete who totaled 339 offensive yards and four touchdowns.
Andreas Kergides, Sr., WR/DB: Veteran receiver with size who caught two touchdown passes last season.
Roman Brown, Sr., OL/DL: Massive 6-foot-4, 320-pound lineman who anchors both offensive and defensive fronts.
Anthony Ash, Sr., OL/LB: Veteran leader expected to play a major role on both sides of the ball.
Tiger Gunn, Jr., OL/DL: Returning starter who continues to develop into an impact lineman.
Vinny Avila, Jr., TE/DE: Two-way contributor expected to expand his offensive role.
Ryan Kahn, Jr., TE/LB: Versatile junior who contributes as both a blocker and linebacker.
Wesley Ritter, So., WR/DB: Young returning starter expected to take another step after gaining varsity experience as a freshman.
Joey White, So., K/P: Returning kicker and punter with a strong, accurate leg.
My thoughts on Jenkintown
Jenkintown enters the 2026 season in an enviable position for a Class 1A program.
The Drakes return nine offensive starters, nearly every key contributor on defense and one of the most experienced senior classes the program has had in recent years. That continuity should allow the coaching staff to expand both the offensive and defensive playbooks instead of starting over.
Offensively, McIntyre has a full season of experience under center and will be surrounded by an impressive collection of veteran skill players. Eichert provides a dependable running threat, while Ecker, Bowens, Kergides and Ritter give the passing game multiple proven options. Just as importantly, Roman Brown, Anthony Ash, Jesse Scott and Tiger Gunn headline a veteran offensive line capable of controlling the line of scrimmage.
Defensively, expectations are equally high. The addition of defensive coordinator Jeff Gutgesell, combined with a roster loaded with returning starters, should help the Drakes become more disciplined and aggressive. Experience throughout the front seven and secondary gives Jenkintown the opportunity to improve on last year’s defensive performances.
Special teams also appear to be in good hands with Joey White returning after gaining valuable varsity experience as a freshman.
The Drakes reached the District 1/12 Class A Regional playoffs last season despite a young roster and several inconsistencies. With a more mature team, healthier playmakers and experienced leadership throughout the program, Jenkintown has the pieces to compete near the top of the Bicentennial Athletic League and position itself for another postseason appearance. If the veteran core plays to its potential, the Drakes could be one of District 1 Class 1A’s most improved teams in 2026.
Head Coach: Joe Cawley
Assistant Coaches:
Jason West – Offensive Coordinator
Jeff Gutgesell – Defensive Coordinator
Mike Terminello – Defensive Assistant
Kevin Cawley – Offensive Assistant
Team Name: Jenkintown Drakes
District: 1
Class: 1A
League: Bicentennial Athletic League
2025 Record: 4-6, First round playoff appearance
8/22 @ Kipp-DuBois Collegiate Academy (2A) 3:00 pm W 15-8
8/28 Vaux (Big Picture Philly) (2A) 12:00 pm L 20-42
9/06 @ Renaissance Academy Charter* (1A) 1:00 pm W 10-0
9/12 Academy of the New Church 3:45 pm L 12-42
9/19 @ Lower Moreland (4A) 7:00 pm L 6-49
9/27 @ Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech (4A) 1:00 pm W 55-22
10/10 New Hope Solebury (2A) 7:00 pm W 26-8
10/17 Morrisville* (1A) 7:00 pm L 7-54
10/24 @ Bristol* (2A) 7:00 pm L 0-54
10/31 @ Morrisville (1A) 7:00 pm L 8-42 Dist. 1/12 Class A Regional
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Shenandoah Valley (2A) 11:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 Kipp-DuBois Collegiate Academy (2A) 4:00 pm
9/04 @ Vaux (Big Picture Philly) (3A) 3:00 pm
9/11 Renaissance Academy Charter (2A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Lower Moreland* (4A) 4:00 pm
10/03 Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech (4A) 1:00 pm
10/09 @ Delaware County Christian School (1A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ New Hope Solebury (2A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Morrisville* (1A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Bristol* (2A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Joey Gunn
Lucas Velasquez
Branden Saunders
Angel Rivera
Offensive Starters Returning:
Senior Starters Returning
WR/DB Matty Ecker 6-0 160
WR/DB Andreas Kergides 6-2 150
OL/LB Anthony Ash 5-11 195
OL/DL Roman Brown 6-4 320
OL/DL Jesse Scott 6-0 190
Junior Starters Returning
WR/DB Manny Bowens 6-0 140
TE/DE Vinny Avila 6-1 185
RB/LB Quinn Eichert 5-9 165
OL/DL Tiger Gunn 6-1 220
TE/LB Ryan Kahn 5-10 165
Sophomore Starters returning
WR/DB Wesley Ritter 5-9 140
Defensive Starters Returning:
Senior Starters Returning
WR/DB Matty Ecker 6-0 160
WR/DB Andreas Kergides 6-2 150
OL/LB Anthony Ash 5-11 195
OL/DL Roman Brown 6-4 320
OL/DL Jesse Scott 6-0 190
Junior Starters Returning
WR/DB Manny Bowens 6-0 140
TE/DE Vinny Avila 6-1 185
RB/LB Quinn Eichert 5-9 165
OL/DL Tiger Gunn 6-1 220
TE/LB Ryan Kahn 5-10 165
Sophomore Starters returning
WR/DB Wesley Ritter 5-9 140
Special Team Starters Returning:
Sophomore K/P Joey White 5-11 175
Key Newcomers:
Key Freshmen
James Brokenshire OL/DL 5-9 160
Oliver Higley TE/DL 5-11 170
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Liam McIntyre – 512 Passing Yards, 76 yards rushing, 6 Pass TD, 2 Rush TD
Quinn Eichert – 496 rushing yards, 18 receiving yards 8 Rush TD, 1 Int ret. for TD
Manny Bowens – 164 Rushing yards, 175 Receiving yards 1 Rush TD, 3 Receiving TD
Andreas Kergides – 84 Receiving yards 2 Receiving TD
Wesley Ritter – 77 receiving yards 1 Receiving TD
Vinny Avila – 31 receiving yards
Mid-Season Injuries
Matty Ecker – 45 yards receiving, 40 yards rushing, 1 Receiving TD, 33-yard TD Pass (4 games)
Angel Rivera – 146 Rush Yards 3 Rush TD (4 Games)
2026 Offensive Outlook: Returning nine offensive starters and 2 all-league players. We are upperclassmen-heavy for 2026, and will lean on our veteran players as we expand our offensive scheme
2026 Defensive Outlook: Similar to Offense, returning several key defensive starters and welcoming a new Defensive Coordinator for 2026, with years of experience to share with our athletes
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Returning a Sophomore Kicker/punter (Joey White) with an accurate and strong leg.