Marple Newtown Faces Major Rebuild After Accomplished Senior Class Departs
Marple Newtown enters the 2026 season facing one of the biggest roster transitions in the Central League.
The Tigers finished 5-5 during the 2025 regular season and qualified for the District 1 Class 5A playoffs, where they battled Chester before falling 15-10 in the opening round. Marple Newtown showed flashes of explosiveness throughout the year, scoring at least 42 points in five victories, while its defense held four opponents to seven points or fewer.
Head coach Chris Gicking must now replace a senior class that produced 23 victories over three seasons, the fourth-highest total for a three-year period in program history. Eight members of that group are continuing their football careers in college, leaving major openings on offense, defense and special teams.
Only two offensive starters and three defensive starters return.
The challenge is significant, but the Tigers have an experienced coaching staff, a strong offseason development program and several returning players ready to establish their own identity.
Replacing a Historic Senior Class
Marple Newtown’s graduating class left a substantial mark on the program.
The group was led by running back and defensive back Brett Wolski, who will continue his career at Franklin & Marshall. Wolski rushed for 1,310 yards on 171 carries last season, caught 20 passes for 196 yards and finished with 2,002 all-purpose yards and 22 touchdowns.
He was equally productive on defense, recording 65 tackles, two interceptions and six pass breakups.
Wolski concluded his Marple Newtown career with 3,450 rushing yards, 51 touchdowns and 5,280 all-purpose yards, ranking second in program history in all three categories. Defensively, he totaled 204 tackles, seven interceptions, five forced fumbles, 12 pass breakups and three fumble recoveries.
He was far from the only major contributor to graduate.
Quarterback and defensive lineman Sean Grogan, who will play at Widener, accounted for more than 1,600 yards of offense and 15 touchdowns. Wide receiver and defensive back Jack Dean led the team in catches, receiving yards and touchdown receptions.
Linebacker and H-back Aidin Curran recorded 50 tackles despite playing only four-and-a-half games.
The Tigers also graduated Dom DiLuzio, Matt Hopson, Nick Delvecchio, Mike Murray, Jackson Park, Gideon Kwaning, Kyan Chisnall, Trip Drysdale, Kieran Hennessy and Cole D’Ambrosio.
Replacing that production, experience and leadership will require contributions from nearly every level of the program.
New Offense Must Establish Its Identity
Marple Newtown returns only two starters on offense: linemen AJ Corvaglia and Jonel Hoxhaj.
That means the Tigers must replace their quarterback, leading rusher, top receivers, tight ends and most of the offensive line.
The coaching staff’s objective is straightforward. Marple Newtown must develop an offense capable of moving the football both on the ground and through the air.
The identity of the unit will be shaped during training camp.
Several inexperienced players will compete at quarterback, running back and wide receiver. With so many new faces, the Tigers may need to rely on a committee approach while the coaching staff determines which combinations work best.
Protecting the football and executing basic assignments will be especially important early in the season. A young offense cannot afford to compound inexperience with penalties, missed blocks and turnovers.
Corvaglia and Hoxhaj Lead the Offensive Line
The rebuilding process begins with Corvaglia and Hoxhaj.
As the only returning offensive starters, both linemen will be expected to provide leadership, communication and stability.
The Tigers need their veteran blockers to help organize a unit that will feature several first-year starters. Their ability to set protections, communicate adjustments and play consistently will be essential as Marple Newtown breaks in a new quarterback and backfield.
The offensive line will be asked to establish a dependable running game. A productive ground attack would help control the clock, reduce the pressure on the new quarterback and create manageable passing situations.
Developing depth will also be important. The Central League features several physical defensive fronts, and the Tigers must be prepared to withstand injuries and fatigue over a full season.
New Playmakers Must Emerge
The graduations of Wolski, Grogan, Dean, Delvecchio, Kwaning, Hennessy and D’Ambrosio leave Marple Newtown without most of its established offensive production.
That creates opportunity.
Several young players will have the chance to earn carries, receptions and leadership roles during preseason camp. The Tigers need players who can create yards after contact, stretch defenses vertically and make plays in space.
The offense does not need one player to replace Wolski’s production by himself. Instead, Marple Newtown will likely need several players to share those responsibilities.
The coaching staff will search for a balanced combination of power, speed and reliability.
Marple Newtown has shown the ability to produce explosive offenses under Gicking. The question is how quickly the next group can adapt to varsity competition.
Defensive Rebuild Starts With Three Veterans
Marple Newtown returns one starter at each level of the defense.
Senior defensive back Jack Dreger, linebacker Phillip Fingo and defensive lineman Greg Scott provide the foundation for a unit replacing eight starters.
Their leadership will be critical.
Dreger will help organize a secondary that lost several experienced defensive backs. Fingo must provide stability in a linebacker group that graduated Wolski, Curran and Park. Scott will be asked to set the tone along a rebuilt defensive front.
The Tigers need those three veterans to communicate, hold teammates accountable and help younger defenders adjust to the speed of Central League football.
Scott Anchors the Defensive Front
Scott returns as the most experienced player along the defensive line.
Marple Newtown graduated Grogan, DiLuzio, Hopson and Murray, leaving major openings across the front.
The Tigers will need new defensive linemen to emerge quickly. Their responsibilities will begin with stopping the run, maintaining gap discipline and preventing opposing offensive linemen from reaching the linebackers.
A young front cannot rely entirely on blitz pressure. It must first prove capable of controlling the line of scrimmage on early downs.
If the defensive line develops, coordinator Rich Gentile will have more flexibility to create pressure and disguise coverages.
Fingo Must Lead Young Linebacker Group
Fingo returns as the only established starter at linebacker.
The Tigers lost considerable production with the departures of Wolski, Curran and Park. That leaves several younger players competing for significant roles.
Marple Newtown wants its defense to get off the field on third down and create more turnovers. Achieving those goals will require disciplined linebacker play.
The unit must fit the run correctly, tackle consistently and communicate on crossing routes and play-action passes.
Fingo’s experience should help settle the group, but the development of the new starters around him will be one of the biggest factors in the defense’s success.
Dreger Leads Rebuilt Secondary
Dreger returns to lead a secondary that lost Dean, Delvecchio, Kwaning, Hennessy and Wolski.
The Tigers must replace several players who had the athleticism to contribute in man coverage and the physicality to support the run.
Marple Newtown will need its new defensive backs to improve quickly.
Limiting explosive plays will be a major priority. The Tigers also want the secondary to become more active around the football and create takeaways.
Dreger’s ability to communicate coverages and keep the group organized will be particularly important while inexperienced players learn their responsibilities.
Third-Down Defense and Turnovers Are Priorities
Marple Newtown’s defensive goals are clear.
The Tigers want to force opponents off the field on third down and create more turnovers.
That begins with success on first and second down. A defense that stops the run and avoids surrendering explosive plays can put opponents into predictable passing situations.
From there, Gentile and the defensive staff can use pressure and coverage disguises to attack opposing quarterbacks.
Takeaways could also help a young offense by creating short fields and additional possessions.
With only three starters returning, the defense may experience some early mistakes. The key will be learning from them quickly and developing consistency as the season progresses.
Complete Special Teams Overhaul
No phase faces more uncertainty than special teams.
The Tigers must replace kicker and punter Kyan Chisnall, along with their holder and long snapper.
Every major specialist position will be decided during training camp.
Special teams coordinator Skip Barnes and his staff will need to identify dependable players who can handle pressure and provide consistency.
Field position could be especially important while the offense develops. A reliable punter can protect the defense, while consistent kickoffs and extra points can prevent hidden-yardage mistakes.
The return positions also provide an opportunity for a young player to establish himself as an important varsity contributor.
Players to Watch
AJ Corvaglia, OL: One of two returning offensive starters and a key leader for a rebuilt line.
Jonel Hoxhaj, OL: Experienced blocker expected to provide stability and communication up front.
Jack Dreger, DB: Returning defensive back who will lead a young and inexperienced secondary.
Phillip Fingo, LB: Veteran linebacker expected to become one of the defense’s primary leaders.
Greg Scott, DL: Returning defensive lineman who will anchor a front replacing several accomplished seniors.
My Thoughts on Marple Newtown
Marple Newtown enters 2026 with more questions than established answers.
The Tigers must replace nine offensive starters, eight defensive starters and every primary special teams specialist. They also lost a senior class that produced one of the most successful three-year runs in program history.
That makes this a true rebuilding season, but it does not mean expectations disappear.
Corvaglia and Hoxhaj provide leadership on the offensive line. Dreger, Fingo and Scott give the defense experienced players at every level. The coaching staff also has a large group of assistants and volunteers focused on player development, strength, conditioning and position-specific instruction.
The early portion of the season will be about identifying dependable starters, building confidence and creating an identity.
Offensively, the Tigers must establish balance and protect the football. Defensively, they must improve on third down, stop the run and create turnovers. On special teams, they must develop consistency in several completely new roles.
Marple Newtown may not enter the season with the experience of recent teams, but opportunity exists throughout the roster.
If the young players respond, the offensive line develops and the defense improves each week, the Tigers can remain competitive in the Central League and build a foundation for another successful run.
Head Coach: Chris Gicking
Assistant Coaches:
Rich Gentile Defensive coordinator
Shawn Quinn Defensive line
Harry Gicking Defensive line volunteer
Brandon Murray Defensive backs/WR’s
Joey Pham Defensive backs/WR’s volunteer
Skip Barnes Special-teams coordinator/Linebackers/ WR’s
Josh Crooks Offensive Coordinator volunteer
Tony Lerro Quarterbacks volunteer
Kyle Metzler Offensive line
Eric Ruffenach Running backs volunteer
Marlon Weathers Running backs volunteer
Santino Fortebuono asst WR coach volunteer
Pete Rodden Offensive Line
Brian Grob Quality control/ asst Special Teams Coordinator volunteer
Jack Hagerty Quality control/ asst Special Teams Coordinator/TE’s volunteer
Bob Knapp Head 9th grade coach
Chris Boggs asst 9th grade volunteer
Jack Fallows asst 9th grade volunteer
Dan Lapella asst 9th grade volunteer
Anthony Paoletti director of player personnel volunteer
Marcus Weathers Wide receivers volunteer
Kevin Hahn Offensive Line volunteer
Steve Reynolds community football liaison volunteer
Dr. Matt Destefano Doctor/ Defensive analyst volunteer
Joe Small Security volunteer
Tommy Gardler Strength and conditioning
Tyler Anhalt Strength and conditioning .volunteer
Jim Small Strength and conditioning volunteer
Dr. Harris Team Doctor
Logan Barlok Athletic trainer
Parker Brown Athletic trainer
Jim Allsman statistician/TRN volunteer
Luke Frescoln Director of aeronautics volunteer
Patrick Daly Director of aeronautics volunteer
Team Name: Marple Newtown Tigers
District: 1
Class: 5A
League: Central League
2025 Record: 5-5 regular season, lost in playoffs 15 to 10 to Chester
8/22 Hatboro-Horsham (5A) 7:00 pm W 42-21 Military/Police Appreciation Night
8/29 Springfield-Delco* (5A) 7:00 pm L 17-34
9/05 Ridley* (6A) 7:00 pm L 10-42
9/12 Harriton* (4A) 7:00 pm W 42-7 Homecoming
9/19 @ Garnet Valley* (5A) 7:00 pm L 14-19
9/26 @ Strath Haven* (5A) 7:00 pm L 10-34
10/03 Lower Merion* (6A) 7:00 pm W 42-7 Senior Night
10/10 Penncrest* (5A) 7:00 pm L 10-18
10/17 @ Conestoga* (6A) 7:00 pm W 49-7
10/24 @ Radnor* (5A) 7:00 pm W 42-7
11/01 @ Chester (5A) 1:00 pm L 10-15 Dist. 1 Class 5A 1st Round
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Kennett (5A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 Archbishop Carroll (3A) 7:00 pm
9/03 @ Springfield-Delco* (5A) 7:00 pm
9/10 @ Ridley* (6A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Harriton* (5A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Garnet Valley* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Strath Haven* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Haverford High* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Penncrest* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Upper Darby* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Radnor* (5A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost: Senior class leaves with 23 wins in 3 years (4th most in MNHS history for 3 year period)
Brett Wolski RB/DB (Franklin and Marshall) this past year he had 1,310 rushing yards on 171 carries, 20 catches for 196 yards, 2,002 all purpose yards and 22 TDS! On defense he had 65 tackles, 2 INTS, and 6 PBUs. He finishes with 3,450 rushing yards (2nd in MN history), 51 TDS (2nd in MN history) and 5,280 all purpose yards (2nd in MN history) He also finished with 204 tackles, 7 INTS, 5 FF, 12 PBU and 3 Fumble recoveries. We also lose Two way starters to graduation like Wolski; Sean Grogan over 1,600 yards of offense/15 tds (Widener) QB/DL, Jack Dean WR/DB led team in catches, yards and receiving TDS, Aidin Curran LB/H back had 50 tackles in 4.5 games, Dom Diluzio (C/DL), Matt Hopson (Stevenson) OL/DL, Nick Delvecchio (WR/DB), MIke Murray (Williamson) DL/OL, Jackson Park (Lycoming) LB/TE, Gideon Kwaning (Washington and Lee) (DB/WR), Kyan Chisnall (Washington and Lee) (P/K), Trip Drysdale OL, Kieran Hennessy (Williamson) WR/DB), and Cole D’Ambrosio (WR/OLB/Holder) are all gone and will be very hard to replace.
Offensive Starters Returning: We have a lot of work ahead of us to try and replace that senior class that graduated with 8 of them playing college football. Aj Corvaglia OL and Jonel Hoxhaj OL, are back. Replacing 9 of 11 starters will be a challenge.
Defensive Starters Returning: We have a lot of work ahead of us to try and replace that senior class that graduated with 8 of them playing college football. Jack Dreger DB, Phillip Fingo LB, and Greg Scott DL are back. Replacing 8 of 11 starters will be a challenge.
Key Newcomers: (these guys are all seniors): Jonah Abraham (K), Chris Chambers OL/DL, Cayden Hall OL/DL, Jacob Maida LB/H, Nathan Morris OL/DL, Jayon Rawlings WR/DB, Ryan Stowman WR/DB and Chris Tun WR/TE/LB.
2026 Offensive Outlook: We need to move the ball and be able to run and pass the ball.
2026 Defensive Outlook: We need to get of the field after 3rd down and cause turnovers.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: We will have a new kicker ,punter, holder and snapper this year, We have a lot of work to do.