New Hope-Solebury Banking on Scrima, Veteran Targets and Stronger Line Play in 2026
New Hope-Solebury enters the 2026 season with a clearer offensive identity, several experienced two-way players and a renewed focus on becoming more physical in every phase of the game.
The Lions finished 2-9 in 2025, earning victories over Kensington and Renaissance Academy Charter before reaching the District 1 Class 2A championship game against Bristol. The season included difficult stretches, but it also provided valuable varsity experience for a roster that now returns multiple starters on offense, defense and special teams.
Head coach Dale Smith believes the Lions have several important pieces in place.
Quarterback Jon Scrima is finally eligible after transferring during the middle of last season. Senior receivers Noah Kolen and Finn Johnson return, Parker Taylor gives the offense another veteran target, and the offensive line brings back experience led by Slevin Sun and Quinn Phillips.
Defensively, New Hope-Solebury returns much of its secondary and several key leaders in the front seven. The Lions know improvement must begin with a more physical mindset, better tackling and a greater refusal to give away easy yards.
The biggest challenge is turning returning experience into consistent execution.
New Hope-Solebury showed flashes of progress last season, but the Lions were held to 13 points or fewer in eight games and surrendered 34 points or more seven times. The 2026 team will need stronger line play, more offensive balance and a defense capable of staying competitive for four quarters.
Scrima Takes Over at Quarterback
The biggest source of optimism is the arrival of Jon Scrima as the starting quarterback.
Scrima transferred to New Hope-Solebury during the middle of last season but was unable to play for the remainder of the year. The Lions spent months waiting for an opportunity to get him on the field, and the coaching staff believes he can become a difference-maker.
Scrima brings dual-threat ability to the position.
He can attack defenses through the air, extend plays outside the pocket and create additional offense with his legs. That versatility should give New Hope-Solebury more options and make the unit more difficult to defend.
The coaching staff also expects him to become the leader of the offense.
Quarterback development will involve more than making big plays. Scrima must command the huddle, protect the football and help the Lions remain composed when drives do not go as planned.
His presence could change the way opponents prepare for New Hope-Solebury. A quarterback who can run and throw forces defenses to account for every gap and often creates favorable matchups for receivers.
If Scrima quickly develops timing with the returning targets and gains confidence behind the offensive line, the Lions should be more explosive than they were a year ago.
Kolen Gives Lions a Proven No. 1 Target
Senior captain Noah Kolen returns after leading the Lions with 452 receiving yards last season.
At 6-foot and 165 pounds, Kolen has worked throughout the offseason to become stronger and faster. The coaching staff has praised his commitment in the weight room and his use of resistance-band training to improve his explosiveness.
That work has also generated interest from several Division II programs.
Kolen will be one of Scrima’s most important targets and one of the offense’s primary leaders.
He has experience creating separation, making plays downfield and producing after the catch. His ability to stretch the field could help open space underneath for the other receivers and tight ends.
The Lions will need him to do more than catch passes.
As a senior captain, Kolen will be expected to set the standard in practice, provide consistency during difficult stretches and help younger players understand the level of preparation required at the varsity level.
His development is one of the clearest signs of progress within the program.
Johnson and Taylor Add Veteran Options
Senior Finn Johnson also returns after contributing 175 receiving yards and leading the defense with 37 tackles.
Johnson brings toughness and competitiveness to both sides of the football.
Offensively, he gives Scrima another experienced receiver who understands the system and can work from multiple alignments. Johnson’s willingness to contribute as a blocker should also be valuable in the running game.
Senior tight end Parker Taylor provides size and versatility at 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds.
Taylor can become a dependable target in the middle of the field, especially on play-action passes, third downs and red-zone situations. His ability to contribute as both a receiver and blocker gives the offense more flexibility.
With Kolen, Johnson and Taylor all returning, Scrima will not be surrounded by an inexperienced receiving corps.
The Lions have enough proven targets to create a more balanced passing game, provided the offensive line gives the quarterback time to operate.
Offensive Line Must Set the Tone
New Hope-Solebury’s offensive ceiling will be determined by the development of the offensive line.
The coaching staff has been direct about the importance of the group: the Lions can only go as far as the line allows.
Senior captain Slevin Sun will anchor the unit at left tackle.
At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Sun combines strength, athleticism and experience. The coaching staff considers him one of the most agile players on the roster despite his size.
Sun has dedicated himself to the weight room and is expected to become one of the team’s most physically imposing players.
Senior Quinn Phillips returns at left guard and will once again line up beside Sun.
The two seniors have played together for three years, giving New Hope-Solebury an experienced left side with strong chemistry and communication.
Phillips is regarded as one of the smartest players on the team. His ability to recognize fronts, make adjustments and work in combination with Sun should help the Lions establish a more consistent running game.
Sophomore center Luke York and sophomore tackle JJ Sun also return with starting experience.
York brings size at 6-foot and 220 pounds, while JJ Sun adds another young lineman who should continue improving physically.
The unit has enough experience to become a strength, but it must prove it can consistently protect Scrima and create movement in the running game.
Running Game Needs New Contributors
New Hope-Solebury returns experience at quarterback, receiver and along the offensive line, but the Lions must identify reliable production in the backfield.
Scrima’s mobility will add another dimension to the rushing attack, but the offense cannot depend solely on quarterback runs.
The Lions need one or more running backs to emerge as dependable ball carriers capable of gaining difficult yards and helping the team stay ahead of the chains.
A productive ground game would also protect Scrima from excessive pressure and create better opportunities for play-action passes.
The experienced left side of the offensive line should give the Lions an area around which to build.
The coaching staff will likely evaluate several candidates throughout training camp and the early portion of the schedule.
Ball security and pass protection could become just as important as rushing ability when determining which backs earn the largest roles.
Offense Must Become More Consistent
New Hope-Solebury scored 115 points in 11 games last season, averaging just over 10 points per contest.
The Lions surpassed 20 points only twice, and both performances came in victories.
That connection is clear.
For New Hope-Solebury to win more games, the offense must sustain drives and finish possessions with points.
Scrima’s arrival should create more explosive-play potential, while the returning receivers give him experienced options. The offensive line also has a strong veteran core.
The next step is bringing those pieces together.
The Lions must reduce negative plays, avoid turnovers and convert on third down. The offense does not need to score on every possession, but it must help control field position and keep the defense from spending too much time on the field.
Sun Anchors the Defensive Front
Slevin Sun will also be one of the most important players on defense.
The coaching staff described him as an absolute force along the defensive line last season and expects an even stronger senior year.
Sun has the size and athleticism to disrupt plays in the backfield, control blockers and prevent opposing offenses from consistently running inside.
His leadership will be especially important because New Hope-Solebury needs to become more physical as a defense.
The Lions want the unit to take every first down personally and play with the mindset that no opponent should be allowed to score.
That standard begins up front.
Sun must set the tone with effort, physicality and discipline. If he consistently wins at the line of scrimmage, the linebackers and defensive backs will have more opportunities to make plays.
Taylor Leads Linebacking Corps
Parker Taylor returns at linebacker after contributing as a two-way starter.
Taylor’s size and experience should make him one of the leaders of the front seven.
The Lions need him to become a dependable tackler, communicate effectively and help younger defenders align correctly.
Sophomore JJ Sun also returns at linebacker after gaining valuable varsity experience.
His continued development could become an important part of the defense. At 6-foot and 190 pounds, he already possesses good size and should become more effective as he gains strength and confidence.
The linebackers must improve against the run and prevent short gains from turning into explosive plays.
New Hope-Solebury allowed at least 48 points in five games last season. Better play in the middle of the defense will be essential to reducing those totals.
Johnson Sets Standard in Secondary
Finn Johnson led the Lions with 37 tackles last season.
That production reflects both his willingness to play physically and the amount of responsibility placed on the secondary.
Johnson will once again be expected to serve as one of the defense’s emotional leaders.
His competitiveness is one of his defining traits, and the Lions need that approach to spread throughout the entire unit.
Senior Noah Kolen and senior Quinn Phillips also return in the secondary, giving New Hope-Solebury several experienced defensive backs.
Junior Nick Ferlazzo returns after intercepting four passes last season.
Ferlazzo’s ability to create turnovers gives the defense a proven playmaker on the back end. His instincts and ball skills could become even more valuable if the defensive front generates more pressure.
The secondary has experience, but it must become more consistent in coverage and tackling.
The Lions cannot afford to allow missed assignments or poor angles to turn routine plays into touchdowns.
Ferlazzo Provides Takeaway Ability
Ferlazzo’s four interceptions were one of the bright spots of the 2025 defense.
Takeaways can completely change the momentum of a game, especially for a team attempting to develop confidence.
Ferlazzo has shown the ability to read quarterbacks, break on the football and finish plays.
The Lions will look for him to build on that production while taking on a larger leadership role.
New Hope-Solebury needs more defenders to match that playmaking mentality.
Interceptions, forced fumbles and tackles for loss can give the offense shorter fields and reduce the burden on a developing unit.
The defense must still become more consistent on a down-to-down basis, but creating turnovers could help accelerate its improvement.
Defense Must Embrace Physical Identity
The coaching staff’s defensive message is direct.
New Hope-Solebury must become physically imposing.
The Lions want every player to take pride in preventing points and react to every opposing first down as a personal challenge.
That mindset must be matched by execution.
Playing aggressively without maintaining gap discipline can create additional problems. The defense must combine emotion with sound tackling, proper leverage and strong communication.
The returning seniors will be responsible for establishing that culture.
Sun, Johnson, Kolen, Phillips and Taylor have all played meaningful varsity football. They understand the difficulties the program experienced last season and now have the opportunity to help lead the turnaround.
The Lions do not need to become dominant overnight.
They need to improve week by week, reduce explosive plays and make opponents earn every yard.
Reider Could Become a Major Weapon
Senior Chris Reider returns to handle both the kicking and punting duties.
Reider has spent the offseason working with a special teams coach and has made significant progress.
According to the coaching staff, he has consistently put kickoffs into the end zone, punted the football between 45 and 50 yards and converted field goals from the 35-to-40-yard range.
That type of specialist can change games.
Touchbacks prevent dangerous kickoff returns and force opponents to begin drives deep in their own territory. Strong punts can flip field position and give the defense additional room to operate.
Reider’s field-goal range could also allow the Lions to come away with points on drives that stall outside the red zone.
His experience gives New Hope-Solebury stability in a phase that can be especially important for an independent program facing a varied schedule.
Players to Watch
Jon Scrima, QB: Dual-threat transfer expected to take over the offense after sitting out the remainder of last season. He brings playmaking ability as both a passer and runner.
Noah Kolen, Sr., WR/DB: Senior captain who recorded 452 receiving yards and has drawn interest from Division II programs.
Slevin Sun, Sr., OT/DL: Powerful and athletic two-way lineman who will anchor both fronts.
Finn Johnson, Sr., WR/DB: Veteran competitor who recorded 175 receiving yards and led the defense with 37 tackles.
Parker Taylor, Sr., TE/LB: Experienced two-way player who provides size, toughness and leadership.
Quinn Phillips, Sr., OG/DB: Intelligent veteran lineman who forms an experienced left side
Head Coach: Dale Smith
Assistant Coaches:
Joe Goodman-DC
Varney Dassin -OC
Chris Leahy-OL/DL
Jaylen Quick-WR/DB
Matthew Kolen -QBs
Joe Catalano-Volunteer Assistant
Team Name: New Hope-Solebury Lions
District: 1
Class: 2A
League: Independent
2025 Record: 2-9
8/22 @ Academy of Palumbo (5A) 7:00 pm L 0-56 at Philly Supersite
8/30 Kensington (6A) 5:00 pm W 27-14
9/05 @ Springfield-Montco (4A) 7:00 pm L 8-54
9/13 @ Thomas Edison (4A) 1:00 pm L 7-58
9/20 Northwest Area (1A) 1:00 pm L 12-34
9/26 Morrisville (1A) 7:00 pm L 13-22
10/03 Renaissance Academy Charter (1A) 7:00 pm W 26-15
10/10 @ Jenkintown (1A) 7:00 pm L 8-26
10/18 @ Executive Education Academy (2A) 7:00 pm Forfeit lost
10/24 Lower Moreland* (4A) 7:00 pm L 6-50 Senior Night
11/01 @ Bristol (2A) 7:00 pm L 8-48 Dist. 1 Class 2A Championship
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Palisades (2A) 6:00 pm Scrimmage
8/28 @ South Hunterdon Regional (NJ) 7:00 pm
9/04 Kensington (6A) 7:00 pm
9/11 Pequea Valley (3A) 7:00 pm
9/18 Pine Grove Area (2A) 7:00 pm
9/25 @ William Tennent (6A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Delaware County Christian School* (1A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Morrisville (1A) 7:00 pm
10/16 Jenkintown (1A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Academy of the New Church 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Lower Moreland (4A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Jacob Peterson
Chase Lumio
Jason Huggins
Kenny Johnson
Offensive Starters Returning:
Sr. OT Slevin Sun, 6’3”, 230
Sr. WR Noah Kolen, 6’0”, 165
Sr. OG Quinn Phillips, 5’8” 210
Sr. WR Finn Johnson, 6’0” 165
Sr. TE Parker Taylor, 6’2”, 175
Soph. C Luke York, 6’0”, 220
Sop. OT JJ Sun , 6’0” , 190
Defensive Starters Returning:
Sr. DL Slevin Sun, 6’3”, 230
Sr. DB Noah Kolen, 6’0”, 165
Sr. DB Quinn Phillips, 5’8” 210
Sr. DB Finn Johnson, 6’0” 165
Sr. LB Parker Taylor, 6’2”, 175
JR. DB Nick Ferlazzo 5’8” 150
Sop. LB JJ Sun , 6’0” , 190
Special Team Starters Returning:
Sr. K/P Chris Reider, 6’1” , 185
Key Newcomers:
Sr. QB/DB Jon Scrima , 6’0” , 185
Sr. WR/DB Samir Sababu, 5’6”, 140
JR. WR/DB AJ Todd, 5’7, 165
Soph . OL/DL Beckett King, 5’10” , 200
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Noah Kolen – 452 receiving yards
Finn Johnson – 175 receiving yards, 37 tackles
Nick Ferlazzo – 4 INTs
2026 Offensive Outlook: Jon Scrima will be taking over the reins at QB. He transferred in midseason last year. He had to unfortunately sit out remainder of season. We look forward to finally getting him on the field. He is an absolute dynamite player. We need him to be that leader on the field. He is a threat in the air and on the ground. Noah Kolen , Finn Johnson and Parker Taylor return to give him some veteran targets. Senior captain Noah Kolen stepped up this offseason to be a leader in the weight room and in practice.
He has packed on muscle and drastically improved his speed doing resistance band training He has had a few division D2 schools interested in him. We can only go as far as our OL lets us. Up front, Slevin Sun will anchor our line. Our Senior Captain has really dedicated himself to the weight room this offseason. Slevin is incredibly strong and one of the most agile players. Joining him on the left side will Quinn Phillips. Quinn is one of the smartest players. Slevin and Quinn have been together for the last three years, and we look forward to watching them together once again as a dominant, physically imposing left side.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Last season Finn Johnson, led us in tackles. He is an absolute competitor on the field and we need him to step up to be that player once again. Slevin Sun is an absolute beast on the DL. Last season he was very dominant and we expect an even bigger year from him.
We need our defense to take it personally this year to not allow a single point to be scored. We need them to take it personal every first down gained. We need the to be physically imposing and dominate for us to win.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Chris Reider has really been working on his craft this off-season with a special team’s coach. He has been putting every kickoff in the end and punting the ball 45-50 yards. He is making 35-40 yard field goals.