Hill School Football Enters 2026 with Veteran Core and Rising Talent Poised for Breakthrough Season
The Hill School enters the 2026 season looking to turn valuable experience and an influx of new talent into success against one of the nation’s most demanding prep football schedules.
Competing in the highly respected Mid-Atlantic Prep League, the Blues finished 3-6 in 2025, earning victories over Kiski School, Academy of the New Church and St. Luke’s School while facing perennial national-caliber opponents including Episcopal Academy, Blair Academy, Wyoming Seminary and Lawrenceville School.
The record only tells part of the story.
Week after week, The Hill School competes against some of the strongest independent school programs in the Northeast, providing players with an opportunity to test themselves against elite competition.
Head coach Mike Boyer believes the 2026 roster is better equipped to handle those challenges.
Although the Blues graduated several outstanding seniors—including All-League performers Sam Brebner, Nate Govan III, Julian Matera, Gabe Smith, Lawton Paddock, Jack Lignelli and Barkley Reid—they return a strong nucleus highlighted by multiple All-League selections on both sides of the football.
The addition of two talented quarterbacks, improved offensive line depth and an athletic secondary gives The Hill School reason to believe it can take a significant step forward this fall.
Quarterback Competition Creates Excitement
Perhaps no position battle will draw more attention than quarterback.
The Blues expect to play both senior Jack Kenneff, a Division I commit to the University of Maine, and junior Cole Murray this season.
The coaching staff has confidence in both players and believes each brings different strengths to the offense.
That competition should elevate the entire unit.
Regardless of who starts a particular series, The Hill School expects its passing game to improve dramatically from a year ago.
Both quarterbacks possess the arm talent to stretch defenses vertically while taking advantage of an experienced receiving corps.
Having two capable quarterbacks also provides valuable depth throughout a demanding prep schedule.
The offense does not have to rely on one player carrying the entire load.
Instead, Boyer and his staff can maximize each quarterback’s strengths while allowing the competition to bring out the best in both.
Passing Game Could Become Offensive Strength
The Hill School returns one of its deepest collections of pass catchers in recent years.
Senior Rohan Tyagi, a returning Second Team All-League selection, leads the group after establishing himself as one of the league’s most dependable receivers.
At 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds, Tyagi combines speed with polished route running and consistently creates separation.
Joining him is senior Chase McCusker, a physical 6-foot-1, 205-pound receiver who creates matchup problems with his size and strength.
The coaching staff also expects freshman newcomers Dalton Mourar and Michael Beattie to provide immediate impact on the outside.
Their arrival adds another dimension to an already talented receiving corps.
With improved quarterback play and multiple athletic targets, the Blues expect to attack defenses through the air far more effectively than they did last season.
If the passing game develops as anticipated, The Hill School could become one of the more explosive offenses in the Mid-Atlantic Prep League.
Boyer Continues All-League Career
Junior Griffin Boyer returns after earning First Team All-League honors at tight end for the second consecutive season.
He has developed into one of the league’s premier two-way players.
At 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, Boyer provides tremendous versatility.
He is equally effective catching passes over the middle, sealing the edge in the running game and creating mismatches against linebackers.
His reliable hands make him an ideal security blanket for both quarterbacks.
Boyer’s blocking ability may be just as valuable.
The Hill School plans to improve its running game, and his work at the point of attack will be critical.
Few tight ends in the league influence games in as many ways as Boyer.
Expect him to once again become one of the focal points of the offense.
Smallwood Anchors Improved Offensive Line
Junior Blake Smallwood returns after earning First Team All-League honors on the offensive line.
At 6-foot-5 and 295 pounds, Smallwood has developed into one of the premier linemen in prep football.
The coaching staff expects much of the running game to operate behind his side of the line.
His size, strength and athleticism give the Blues a dominant presence at tackle.
The addition of transfer Avery Winters at center further strengthens the offensive front.
Together, Winters and Smallwood should provide the stability necessary for both quarterbacks to operate comfortably.
Improved protection should also allow the passing game to flourish.
The offensive line enters the season as one of the team’s greatest strengths.
If the unit consistently controls the line of scrimmage, The Hill School’s offense has the potential to become significantly more productive.
Running Back by Committee
Replacing graduated production at running back will require several players.
Rather than relying on one feature back, the Blues plan to use a committee approach early in the season.
Senior Gabe Auger is expected to receive the opening carries while younger backs continue developing.
Freshmen Michael Davies and Owen Carr, along with sophomore Crisiano Fardella, all possess promising potential.
The committee approach should allow the coaching staff to evaluate which combinations work best while keeping runners fresh throughout games.
As the season progresses, one player may eventually emerge as the primary ball carrier.
Until then, The Hill School expects several athletes to contribute.
The success of the running game will depend heavily on the offensive line and the versatility of Boyer at tight end.
Offensive Balance Will Be Critical
The Blues believe balance will be the key to offensive success.
Improved quarterback play should open the passing game.
An experienced offensive line should create opportunities on the ground.
The receivers provide speed.
The tight end offers versatility.
The running backs bring depth.
Now the challenge becomes execution.
The Hill School wants to force defenses to defend every area of the field.
If opponents focus too heavily on stopping the pass, the running game must capitalize.
If they crowd the line of scrimmage, the quarterbacks have the weapons to attack downfield.
Maintaining that balance will make the offense considerably more difficult to defend.
Defensive Front Returns Difference Makers
The defensive front begins with senior Aaron Okyere.
The 6-foot-3, 225-pound defensive end returns as one of the team’s premier pass rushers and emotional leaders.
Joining him is junior Blake Smallwood, whose size creates problems inside for opposing offensive lines.
The coaching staff also expects Abreal Okyere, Aaron’s younger brother, to make an immediate impact opposite his brother at defensive end.
That combination gives The Hill School length, athleticism and physicality along the defensive front.
The Blues intend to play with a much higher tempo this season.
Creating pressure without sacrificing gap discipline will be essential.
If the front consistently disrupts opposing offenses, the defense can become much more aggressive behind it.
Young Linebackers Bring Athleticism
Although relatively inexperienced, the linebacker group possesses outstanding athletic potential.
Boyer returns to lead the unit after another strong season as a two-way contributor.
Fardella is expected to assume a larger role, while several other young outside linebackers will compete for playing time.
The coaching staff values speed and versatility at linebacker.
The group must cover ground quickly, defend the run and contribute in pass coverage.
Their development throughout the season may determine how much the defense improves.
If the young linebackers mature quickly, the Blues could field one of the more athletic defenses in the conference.
Secondary Headlines Defensive Strength
The greatest strength of the defense resides in the secondary.
Senior Chase McCusker, a two-time First Team All-League safety, returns alongside senior Gabe Auger, a returning Second Team All-League safety.
Together they form one of the premier safety tandems in prep football.
Both players excel against the run while also possessing excellent coverage skills.
Their versatility allows Defensive Coordinator Shaquan Jones to disguise coverages and bring pressure from multiple angles.
At cornerback, Tyagi returns after another strong season and will be joined by talented freshman Dalton Mourar.
Their athleticism allows The Hill School to play aggressive man coverage on the outside.
The confidence the coaching staff has in its secondary opens numerous possibilities defensively.
Defensive Flexibility Creates Opportunities
Because of the experience at safety and athleticism at corner, The Hill School expects to be far more multiple defensively.
McCusker and Auger provide the freedom to rotate coverages, disguise blitzes and support the run without sacrificing pass defense.
The coaching staff believes the defense can dictate tempo rather than simply reacting to opposing offenses.
Communication will be essential, particularly with several younger contributors stepping into larger roles.
If the front generates pressure and the secondary continues performing at an All-League level, the Blues have the potential to become one of the conference’s better defensive units.
Special Teams Must Improve
Special teams remain the biggest question entering preseason camp.
The coaching staff has identified that phase as an area requiring significant attention throughout August.
Developing consistency in the kicking game, improving coverage units and creating explosive returns will all receive emphasis.
The Blues understand that hidden yardage often determines close games.
Improvement on special teams could easily translate into additional victories over the course of the season.
Finding dependable specialists and building confidence in every phase will remain a priority from the opening day of camp.
Players to Watch
Jack Kenneff, Sr., QB: University of Maine commit expected to compete for the starting quarterback position and elevate the passing attack.
Cole Murray, Jr., QB: Talented young quarterback who will also see time behind center.
Griffin Boyer, Jr., TE/OLB: Two-time First Team All-League tight end and one of the league’s premier two-way players.
Blake Smallwood, Jr., OT/DL: First Team All-League offensive lineman whose dominance up front anchors both lines.
Rohan Tyagi, Sr., WR/CB: Returning Second Team All-League receiver and athletic cornerback capable of impacting every game.
Chase McCusker, Sr., WR/S: Two-time First Team All-League safety who also gives the offense a physical receiving target.
Gabe Auger, Sr., RB/S: Returning Second Team All-League safety expected to contribute as the team’s opening running back.
Aaron Okyere, Sr., DE: Veteran edge rusher who leads the defensive front.
Dalton Mourar, Fr., WR/CB: Highly regarded freshman expected to contribute immediately on both sides of the football.
Avery Winters, C: Newcomer expected to strengthen the offensive line from the center position.
My thoughts on Hill School
The Hill School enters 2026 with considerably more optimism than its 3-6 record from a year ago might suggest.
The Blues return multiple All-League performers, add talented newcomers and possess significantly more depth at several key positions.
Quarterback appears stronger with Kenneff and Murray competing for playing time.
The offensive line should be improved with Smallwood and Winters leading the way.
The receiving corps is among the deepest in recent memory, while Boyer continues to establish himself as one of the Mid-Atlantic Prep League’s elite tight ends.
Defensively, McCusker and Auger headline an outstanding secondary capable of allowing the Blues to play aggressively.
The defensive front also has the pieces to generate more consistent pressure.
The biggest question remains special teams, where improvement will be necessary against one of the nation’s toughest prep schedules.
The Hill School has assembled the talent to compete with anyone in the Mid-Atlantic Prep League.
If the quarterback competition produces consistent play, the running game develops through its committee approach and special teams become more reliable, the Blues have the opportunity to significantly improve on last season’s record and emerge as one of the league’s most improved programs in 2026.
Head Coach: Mike Boyer
Assistant Coaches:
Gavin Harter
Ernest Higginbotham
Payton Reid
Jay Williams
Craig Boyer
Dex Mozell
Kellen Boyer
Team Name: The Hill School Blues
Class: 3A
League: Mid-Atlantic Prep
2025 Record: 3-6
9/06 @ Kiski School 7:00 pm W 16-14
9/12 @ Episcopal Academy 7:00 pm L 6-36
9/20 @ Academy of the New Church 1:00 pm W 42-0
9/26 @ Pennington School (NJ) 6:00 pm L 14-49
10/11 @ Peddie School (NJ) 2:00 pm L 20-40
10/18 St. Luke’s School (CT) 1:00 pm W 23-13
10/24 @ Wyoming Seminary 7:00 pm L 3-20
10/31 Blair Academy (NJ) 7:00 pm L 0-35
11/08 Lawrenceville School (NJ) 3:00 pm L 0-64
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
9/04 Kiski School 7:00 pm
9/11 Calvert Hall School (MD) 6:00 pm
9/18 @ Episcopal Academy 7:00 pm
9/25 Pennington School (NJ) 7:00 pm
10/09 Peddie School (NJ) 7:00 pm
10/17 @ Kingswood Oxford (CT) 1:00 pm
10/23 Wyoming Seminary 7:00 pm
10/31 @ Blair Academy (NJ) 3:00 pm
11/07 @ Lawrenceville School (NJ) 3:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Sam Brebner (All-League DB)
Nate Govan III (All-League DE/OL)
Julian Matera (QB), Gabe Smith (LB/RB)
Lawton Paddock (OL/LB)
Jack Lignelli (OL/DL)
Barkley Reid (DB)
Offensive Starters Returning:
Sr WR Rohan Tyagi, 5’10 – 170
Sr WR Chase McCusker, 6’1 – 205
Jr OT Blake Smallwood, 6’5 – 295
Jr TE Griffin Boyer, 6’1 -215
Defensive Starters Returning:
Sr DB Gabe Auger, 6’1 – 195
Sr DB Chase McCusker, 6’1 – 205
Sr DE Aaron Okyere, 6’3 – 225
Jr OLB Griffin Boyer, 6’1 – 215
Sr CB Rohan Tyagi, 5’10 – 170
Jr DL Blake Smallwood, 6’5 – 295
Key Newcomers:
Sr QB Jack Kenneff, 6’3 – 220
Sr OL Avery Winters, 6’5 – 300
Jr QB Cole Murray, 6’2 – 210
Soph DB/WR Gavin Rushin
Fr DB Dalton Mourar, 6′ – 160
Soph DE Abreal Okyere, 6’1 215
Soph ILB Cristiano Fardella, 5’9 – 175
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Offensively: Jr TE Griffin Boyer is returning (2x) 1st Team All-League TE, Jr OL Blake Smallwood is returning 1st Team All-League OL, Sr WR Rohan Tyagi is returning 2nd Team All-League WR
Defensively: Sr DB Chase McCusker is returning (2x) 1st Team All-League Safety, Sr DB Gabe Auger is returning 2nd Team All-League Safety
2026 Offensive Outlook: Offensively we should be able to throw the ball much better this season behind either of our two incoming QBs. We have confidence in both of them with senior, Jack Kenneff (D1 commit to Maine Uni.) and junior, Cole Murray; both will see time behind center this fall.
We have improved ourselves upfront with Avery Winters coming onboard to anchor the line at center. Blake Smallwood continues to get bigger and better and should see the workload of the running game run to his side. We have a very versatile TE in Griffin Boyer, who has reliable hands and is a major factor blocking in the run game. We have a stable of talented wide receivers led by senior speedsters Rohan Tyagi and Chase McCusker.
They will be joined by newcomer freshmen Dalton Mourar and Michael Beattie on the outside. Running back is the area that will need to sort itself out as it looks to be “back by committee” in the early part of the season. Curently, senior Gabe Auger should look to get the initial carries in the season until freshmen running backs Michael Davies, Owen Carr, and sophomore Crisiano Fardella are ready to handle more carries.
2026 Defensive Outlook: On the defensive side, we will look to bring a very hi-tempo approach to this year’s squad. Upfront, we return senior DE Aaron Okyere and junior DT Smallwood. Look for Abreal Okyere, Aaron’s younger brother, to make his presence know at the other DE position this season. The linebacking corp will be young be very athletic with Boyer, Fardella, and a handful of other potential OLBs.
The corners posses great athleticism with Tyagi and Mourar and will be able to play a heavy amount of man coverage on the outsides. Defensively we are strongest at the Safety position. Both McCusker and Auger are extremely talented in defending the pass as well as the run from their safety positions. Each of them will allow us to play multiple coverages and bring pressure up front.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: This is an area that we will need to spend a ton of time on during team camp in August.