All-around threat Ben McHenry makes early impact for Quaker Valley

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, August 31, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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The subplot for the Quaker Valley football season opener was dubbed, “The Ben McHenry Show.”

The Quakers defeated Class 2A Freedom, 38-20, in their Week Zero game Aug. 22 at Chuck Knox Stadium as McHenry was a virtual one-man show for the home team.

One of nine returning starters, McHenry rushed for 110 yards on 14 carries, scored on an impressive 88-yard kickoff return, threw a 50-yard scoring pass, kicked a 38-yard field goal and, for good measure, tacked on a 16-yard touchdown run.

It was inarguably the best all-around performance of his varsity career.

“McHenry had a great night and made some clutch plays when needed,” QV coach Tom Eshenbaugh said. “Along with an 80-plus-yard kick return, he made a clutch field goal to put us up by two scores in the third quarter.”

McHenry is a 5-foot-10, 180-pound senior running back/wide receiver who helped make Eshenbaugh’s coaching debut with the Quakers a rousing success.

“I felt good about my performance, and I thought I was able to make the most of my opportunities,” McHenry said. “More importantly, our team played with great energy and trusted each other, which made the difference. We’re excited to keep building and improving each week.”

Eshenbaugh, 45, has returned to the QV sideline after working as special teams coordinator and position coach at Freedom. He was QV’s junior high coach and varsity assistant from 2017-2022 and previously served as president of the Quaker Valley Football Boosters and youth football organization.

Eshenbaugh’s chief task appears to be restoring a positive attitude in the varsity football program leading to a winning culture for the Quakers.

“Overall, to start the season with a win is big for morale,” Eshenbaugh said. “This was a total team effort and everyone on the field made some timely plays that helped secure the win.

“Besides some penalties — we had 45 yards of celebration penalties — the team played well. As a group, we have to learn how to win like a great team. I’m extremely happy for the boys. We’ve had some unfortunate roster losses over the last couple weeks, and some guys have really stepped up.”

Quincy Hopkins was forced to switch positions for the season opener. Hopkins, a senior, and freshman Lukas Cevarr both did admirable jobs on the offensive line while another freshman, Donnie Gilmore, saw considerable playing time at linebacker.

Sophomore lineman Tyler Cunnard registered a big-time sack in the third quarter that stalled a Freedom drive.

QV finished 1-5 in the Class 3A Western Hills Conference last season and ended up 2-7 overall.

“We have installed new offensive and defensive schemes,” Eshenbaugh said. “This will allow us to better utilize the players who are on our roster. We will play fast and physical.

“Off the field, I expect the players to be people first, students second and players third. We want our players to leave us being great young adults. Football is a privilege. Give us your all while you’re here, and hopefully walk away being community leaders, great students and respectful young adults.”

McHenry picked up where he left off a year ago in the 2025 season opener.

As a wide receiver last fall, McHenry racked up 481 yards on kickoff returns, rushed for 76 yards, returned punts and, on defense, ranked among the team leaders in tackles. He also logged 110 yards on four interception returns and was an all-conference selection at defensive back.

McHenry and Logan Benedict combined for 35 receptions for 350 yards in 2024.

A few months later, the versatile McHenry landed PIHL all-star status as a leading forward on the QV hockey squad.

McHenry starts at wingback and safety for the Quakers and is a kick returner, kicker and punter.

“I want to be a reliable weapon on both sides of the ball,” McHenry said. “And I want to help bring the hockey team’s winning mentality to the football program. I want to have my best performance each game.”

Benedict, a 5-9, 175-pound senior running back/defensive back, reached the end zone twice against Freedom on an 11-yard dash and 50-yard reception. He had two catches for 52 yards overall and finished the game with 100-plus all-purpose yards.

“I’m feeling good about our performance. It’s definitely good to see us come out on top in Week Zero,” Benedict said. “We still have a lot to work on, though. We need to stop with the silly penalties and just play our game without setting ourselves back.

“Our defense started off slow, but our offense kept us in the game. I’m really liking our new offensive coordinator Scott Lazarus and his play-calling ability. Personally, I feel my offensive game was better than my defensive game.”

Benedict said he has one thing solely on his mind for the Quakers in ‘25.

“My only real expectations are to win games this year,” he said.

QV’s Ronnie Berry, a 6-3, 180-pound senior wide receiver/linebacker, reeled in a big 44-yard touchdown toss from senior QB Atticus Barr against the Bulldogs.

Ironically, Eshenbaugh expected McHenry to make his presence felt more on defense than offense this year.

“I anticipate Ben McHenry, Logan Benedict, Josh Odom and Ronnie Berry to be our defensive leaders,” said the rookie field boss.

McHenry, Benedict, and seniors Rex Fatur and Kris Brown are all fourth-year starters for the Quakers. McHenry, Benedict, Barr and senior Ty Popowich (RB/DB) represented the team at the pregame coin toss ceremony in the season opener.

The Quakers picked up 202 yards on the ground against Freedom.

Tags: Quaker Valley