Penn Charter Looks to Turn Experience Into Inter-Academic League Success
Few leagues in the country test a football program like the Inter-Academic League.
Every Saturday presents another nationally respected opponent, another roster filled with college prospects and another opportunity to prove a team’s toughness.
William Penn Charter experienced that challenge throughout the 2025 season, finishing 4-6 overall and 2-3 in league play. While the record may appear modest, the Quakers earned quality victories over Blair Academy, Wyoming Seminary, The Haverford School and Germantown Academy while playing several one-possession games against elite competition.
Now, head coach CJ Yespelkis enters the 2026 season with a veteran quarterback, an experienced offensive line, a talented running back tandem and one of Pennsylvania’s premier defensive linemen leading the way.
Penn Charter also must replace one of the strongest senior classes in recent memory.
The Quakers graduated numerous college-bound standouts, including Northwestern commit Tom McGlinchey, Dickinson-bound Tristan Padgett, Taft standouts Damian Albeck and Matt Furda, St. John Fisher commit Michael Banks, Morehouse’s Jaden Black, Widener commit Dom Comitale, Georgetown commit Kirwan Elliott, Temple commit Zsuzsi Pollock, Notre Dame’s Charlie Rullo, Navy commit Augie Turner and Penn State commit Jake Tyer.
Replacing that level of production and leadership will not be easy.
However, Penn Charter believes its returning nucleus provides an excellent foundation.
Senior quarterback Nate Hartman returns after starting last season. Running backs Kristian Athill and Christian Downs provide a productive rushing attack. Kingston Rountree returns as one of the offense’s most explosive athletes, while AJ Bouie anchors a defense that expects to become one of the team’s greatest strengths.
The Quakers understand the margin for error in the Inter-Academic League is extremely small.
Protecting the football, creating turnovers and winning field position will likely determine whether Penn Charter can transform several close losses into victories this fall.
Hartman Returns to Lead the Offense
Senior Nate Hartman enters his second season as the Quakers’ starting quarterback.
Hartman completed 64 of 135 passes for 933 yards, six touchdowns and valuable varsity experience against one of the nation’s most demanding schedules.
While the raw statistics may not immediately stand out, they came against elite competition that regularly features Division I prospects across the defensive front and secondary.
That experience should benefit Hartman entering his senior campaign.
He now understands the speed of the Inter-Academic League, has a full offseason in the system and returns with an experienced supporting cast around him.
Penn Charter’s offensive philosophy begins with protecting the football.
The coaching staff believes winning the possession battle provides the best opportunity to compete every week.
Hartman will play a central role in that objective.
The Quakers do not need him forcing throws into coverage or trying to create every explosive play himself.
Instead, they want him making smart decisions, distributing the football efficiently and allowing the team’s athletes to produce after the catch.
If Hartman reduces turnovers while continuing to grow as a passer, Penn Charter’s offense could take a significant step forward.
Productive Running Back Tandem Returns
Few teams in the Inter-Academic League return as much experience in the backfield as Penn Charter.
Junior Kristian Athill rushed 111 times for 447 yards and four touchdowns last season.
Senior Christian Downs added 428 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 77 carries.
Together, they combined for 875 rushing yards and six touchdowns while averaging more than five yards per carry.
The contrasting styles of Athill and Downs give the Quakers flexibility.
Athill provides excellent balance, vision and explosiveness. Downs offers another dependable option capable of keeping the running game productive throughout four quarters.
The experienced offensive line should create additional opportunities for both runners.
A productive rushing attack also takes pressure off Hartman and allows Penn Charter to dictate tempo.
The Quakers want to sustain drives, control possession and create favorable situations for their explosive athletes.
The running game will be an important part of accomplishing those goals.
Rountree Ready for Bigger Offensive Role
Junior Kingston Rountree enters the season poised for an expanded offensive role.
Rountree caught 11 passes for 107 yards and one touchdown last season while gaining valuable experience against outstanding defensive backs throughout the Inter-Academic League.
At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, he possesses the athleticism to become one of Penn Charter’s primary playmakers.
The coaching staff wants to place its athletes in space where they can use their speed to create explosive plays.
Rountree fits that philosophy perfectly.
Whether lining up outside, in the slot or receiving the football on designed touches, he has the ability to turn routine plays into significant gains.
With several veteran receivers graduating, Rountree’s production becomes increasingly important.
He will likely become one of Hartman’s favorite targets while also contributing in the return game and defensively.
Veteran Offensive Line Anchors the Unit
Penn Charter’s greatest offensive strength may be its offensive line.
Senior Gianluca Needham, senior Stephen Canady and sophomore Nate Givens headline an experienced group expected to establish the physical identity of the offense.
Needham brings outstanding size at 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds.
Canady adds another experienced presence at 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds.
Givens gained valuable varsity experience as a freshman and should continue developing into one of the program’s future leaders.
The Quakers believe this group can provide the consistency needed to improve offensively.
A veteran offensive line helps every position.
It creates rushing lanes, protects the quarterback and allows coaches greater flexibility in the passing game.
Penn Charter wants to sustain drives rather than relying solely on explosive plays.
That objective begins with winning at the line of scrimmage.
The coaching staff expects the offensive line to become one of the team’s leaders throughout the season.
Young Skill Players Bring Excitement
While Penn Charter graduated several accomplished seniors, the Quakers also have a number of young skill players expected to contribute.
The coaching staff believes the roster features explosive athletes capable of making big plays.
The challenge will be developing consistency.
Young skill players often possess outstanding athletic ability but must learn route discipline, blocking assignments and how to consistently execute against experienced varsity defenses.
Penn Charter’s experienced offensive line and veteran quarterback should help accelerate that development.
The Quakers do not need one player to replace every graduate.
Instead, they need multiple young contributors to emerge throughout the season.
If those players continue improving, the offense could become much more dynamic as the year progresses.
Ball Security Will Define Offensive Success
The offensive goals are straightforward.
Protect the football.
Create explosive plays.
Sustain drives.
Penn Charter believes limiting turnovers will dramatically improve its chances of winning close games.
Several losses last season were decided by one possession or remained competitive into the fourth quarter.
Winning the turnover battle often determines those contests.
The Quakers also want to create favorable matchups for their athletes.
That means using formations, motion and play design to isolate defenders while allowing Athill, Downs and Rountree opportunities to operate in space.
Efficiency will be just as important as explosiveness.
Penn Charter wants to avoid negative plays, remain ahead of the chains and consistently finish drives.
AJ Bouie Headlines an Aggressive Defense
Senior defensive lineman AJ Bouie returns as one of Pennsylvania’s premier defensive players.
Bouie recorded 61 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and an interception last season while consistently disrupting opposing offenses.
His combination of size, strength and athleticism makes him a difficult matchup regardless of where he aligns.
At 6-foot-2 and 290 pounds, Bouie can dominate the line of scrimmage.
He occupies multiple blockers, creates pressure without requiring additional blitzers and routinely forces offenses into long-yardage situations.
His production extends beyond statistics.
Opposing offenses must account for Bouie on every snap, creating opportunities for teammates throughout the defense.
Penn Charter expects Bouie to establish the physical tone every week.
His leadership will also be invaluable after the graduation of several veteran defenders.
Secondary Built Around Playmakers
Rountree returns as a starting defensive back after gaining valuable varsity experience.
Athill also demonstrated exceptional instincts last season by recording three interceptions.
The Quakers want to continue creating turnovers at a high rate.
Early in 2025, Penn Charter consistently forced mistakes and created extra possessions for the offense.
Maintaining that production throughout the season is one of the defense’s primary objectives.
Communication will be especially important.
The Inter-Academic League features sophisticated passing attacks capable of exploiting coverage mistakes.
The Quakers must eliminate communication breakdowns while continuing to play aggressively.
If the secondary combines disciplined coverage with Bouie’s pressure up front, Penn Charter could generate significantly more takeaways.
Defense Focused on Finishing Games
Several of Penn Charter’s losses remained competitive deep into the second half.
The coaching staff believes improved communication, relentless effort and situational execution can help finish those games successfully.
The defensive philosophy emphasizes speed, physicality and sound fundamentals.
Players are expected to pursue relentlessly while maintaining gap integrity and assignment discipline.
Creating turnovers remains another major priority.
Takeaways not only prevent opponents from scoring but also provide favorable field position for the offense.
Bouie, Athill and Rountree all possess the ability to create game-changing defensive plays.
If the Quakers consistently win the turnover battle, they should improve in close contests.
Special Teams Can Become an Advantage
Penn Charter views special teams as a difference-maker.
Sophomore Marcus Addimando returns after gaining valuable experience kicking last season.
The Quakers benefited from multiple specialists handling different responsibilities during 2025, creating stability throughout the kicking game.
Addimando now returns with greater confidence and experience.
Penn Charter wants to emphasize field position, disciplined coverage and efficient execution.
Winning hidden yardage often determines close Inter-Academic League games.
The coaching staff also expects the return game to become more explosive with several athletic skill players capable of producing big plays.
Special teams are not viewed as a separate phase.
They are expected to create momentum and consistently place the offense and defense in favorable situations.
Players to Watch
AJ Bouie, Sr., DL: One of Pennsylvania’s premier defensive linemen after recording 61 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and an interception. His disruptive presence makes him the centerpiece of the Quakers’ defense.
Nate Hartman, Sr., QB: Veteran quarterback entering his second season as the starter after passing for 933 yards and six touchdowns.
Kristian Athill, Jr., RB/DB: Dynamic two-way playmaker who rushed for 447 yards, scored four touchdowns and intercepted three passes.
Christian Downs, Sr., RB: Experienced running back who added 428 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Kingston Rountree, Jr., WR/DB: Explosive athlete expected to assume a larger role on offense while starting in the secondary.
Gianluca Needham, Sr., OL: Veteran lineman expected to anchor one of the team’s strongest position groups.
Stephen Canady, Sr., OL: Experienced blocker who provides leadership and physicality along the offensive front.
Marcus Addimando, So., K: Returning kicker expected to play a larger role in the special teams unit.
My thoughts on William Penn Charter
Penn Charter enters the 2026 season with an experienced offensive nucleus, one of the area’s top defensive players and the belief that several close losses from last season can become victories.
Replacing a remarkable senior class will not be easy.
The Quakers lost numerous college-bound standouts who contributed on offense, defense and special teams. Their leadership and production cannot be replaced by one player.
Instead, Penn Charter will rely on collective improvement.
Hartman returns with another year of experience. Athill and Downs provide one of the league’s more experienced backfields, while Needham, Canady and Givens anchor the offensive line.
The defense begins with Bouie, whose dominance along the line of scrimmage gives Penn Charter a chance to compete with every opponent on its schedule.
The secondary also returns athletic playmakers capable of creating turnovers.
The Inter-Academic League remains one of the nation’s toughest conferences, leaving little margin for error each week.
Penn Charter’s goals are clear.
Protect the football.
Create takeaways.
Win field position.
Finish close games.
If the Quakers accomplish those objectives while their young playmakers continue to develop, Penn Charter has the talent to climb the Inter-Academic League standings and become one of the league’s most improved teams in 2026.
Head Coach: CJ Yespelkis
Assistant Coaches:
Colin Brown
Adam Schneck
John Estok
Kyle Jones
Jake Martillotti
Edward Saydee
Michael Brown
Keith Bloom
Ricky Venuto
Muhammad Harris
Alex Green
Malcolm Ford
Team Name: William Penn Charter Quakers
Class: 2A
League: Inter-Academic League
2025 Record: 4-6 (2-3 Inter-Ac)
8/29 @ Calvert Hall School (MD) 7:00 pm L 7-33
9/06 @ Pennington School (NJ) 1:30 pm L 14-19
9/13 @ Blair Academy (NJ) 4:00 pm W 13-7
9/20 Wyoming Seminary 1:00 pm W 27-0
9/27 Kiski School 1:00 pm L 13-22
10/11 @ The Haverford School* 1:00 pm W 11-0
10/18 Episcopal Academy* 1:00 pm L 24-31
10/25 Springside Chestnut Hill Academy* 1:00 pm L 7-42
11/01 @ Malvern Prep* 1:00 pm L 14-49
11/08 Germantown Academy* 1:30 pm W 14-10
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/28 Academy of the New Church 12:00 pm Scrimmage
9/04 Pennington School (NJ) 12:00 pm
9/11 Lansdale Catholic (3A) 4:00 pm
9/19 @ Kiski School 1:00 pm
9/26 Blair Academy (NJ) 2:00 pm
10/02 @ Red Lion Christian Academy (DE) 7:30 pm
10/17 The Haverford School* 1:00 pm
10/23 @ Episcopal Academy* 7:00 pm
10/31 @ Springside Chestnut Hill Academy* 1:00 pm
11/07 Malvern Prep* 12:00 pm
11/14 @ Germantown Academy* 1:30 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Tom McGlinchey (*Northwestern)
Tristan Padgett (*Dickinson)
Damian Albeck (*Taft)
Matt Furda (*Taft)
Michael Banks (St. John Fisher)
Jaden Black (Morehouse)
Dom Comitale (Widener)
Kirwan Elliott (Georgetown)
Zsuzsi Pollock (Temple)
Charlie Rullo (Notre Dame)
Augie Turner (US Naval Academy)
Jake Tyer (Penn State)
Offensive Starters Returning:
Sr. OL Gianluca Needham, 6-3, 270
Sr. OL Stephen Canady, 6-2, 235
So. OL Nate Givens, 5-11, 240
Sr. QB Nate Hartman, 6-0, 180
Jr. WR Kingston Rountree, 5-11, 180
Jr. RB Kristian Athill, 5-9, 190
Sr. RB Christian Downs, 5-9, 180
Defensive Starters Returning:
Sr. DL AJ Bouie, 6-2, 290
Jr. DB Kingston Rountree, 5-11, 180
Special Team Starters Returning:
So. K Marcus Addimando
Key Newcomers:
Sr. LB/TE Cole Cubbin, 6-1, 205
Sr. LB Porter Sillwagon, 6-0, 200
Sr. OL/DL Alliric Willis, 5-10, 190
Jr. ATH Jeremiah Camara, 5-9, 175
Jr. WR/DB Bradley Canady, 6-2, 170
Jr. WR/DB Adrian McCleaf, 5-10, 150
Jr. ATH Finn McCloud, 6-1, 185
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Hartman 64 for 135, 933 yards, 6 TD Passing
Athill 111 for 447, 4TD Rushing
Downs 77 for 428, 2TD Rushing
Rountree 11for 107, 15.3 ypg, 1 TD Receiving
Bouie 61 tackles, 20 TFL, 1 INT
Athill 3 INT
2026 Offensive Outlook: Offensively, the focus this season will be on taking care of the football and putting our playmakers in position to succeed. Limiting turnovers will be a point of emphasis, as winning the possession battle gives us the best chance to be successful every week. We also want to get the ball into the hands of our athletes in space, allowing them to use their speed and playmaking ability to create explosive plays. We have a lot of young, explosive skill players and an experienced group of lineman. By executing efficiently, playing disciplined football, and sustaining drives, we believe this offense has the potential to be productive.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Defensively, our identity will be built on playing fast, physical, and fundamentally sound football. We did a great job last year of creating turnovers early in the season and want to carry that trend throughout the entire year. We played a lot of close games and want to put ourselves in better positions to win those games late. If we communicate well and play with relentless effort, our defense can set the tone for the entire team.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Special teams can be the difference in close games, and we expect this unit to play an important role throughout the season. We were fortunate to have a group of kickers all take on specific roles last season and were able to make special teams an advantage. Field position, discipline, and execution will be emphasized on every kick and return. We want to be fundamentally sound in coverage, capitalize on return opportunities, and consistently put our offense and defense in favorable situations.