Talented starting lineup tasked with turning Quaker Valley football in right direction

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, August 24, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Quaker Valley’s football players have worked vigorously in preparation for the 2025 season.

They have been diligent in their passion for the game, according to their coach.

It was a challenging offseason for the Quakers, who since the end of last year anticipated playing in their season and home opener Aug. 22 against Freedom.

QV lost a 7-0 decision to Freedom in the 2024 season opener and ended the year with a 2-7 record, including a 1-5 mark in the Class 3A Western Hills Conference.

Freedom finished 1-6 in the Class 2A Midwestern Conference a year ago and 2-6 overall.

The Quakers have nine returning starters in 2025 including seven seniors: Atticus Barr, Logan Benedict, Ben McHenry, Ronnie Berry, Ty Popowich, Rex Fatur and Kris Brown.

Barr is back at the quarterback position, and Benedict is one of the Quakers’ skill players who won’t be coming off the field much during games.

“Logan Benedict returns as an ‘athlete’ for us,” said Tom Eshenbaugh, QV’s first-year coach. “He’s playing on both sides of the ball at an offensive skill position and at defensive back.”

The 5-foot-9, 175-pound Benedict starts at the wingback or slot receiver position on offense and at strong safety on defense.

“I’m expecting us to have a better season than how my high school career’s been going,” Benedict said. “I feel if we do our jobs and buy into what we are being taught by the new coaching staff, we can make a playoff run this year.

“Our offseason was the best we’ve had with our workouts and field work, and overall, just more people showing up and putting in the work. We would have one group of guys one day and a different group the next. But now everyone has been here consistently.”

Other integral players on offense for the Quakers include the trio of McHenry, Berry and Fatur. Defensively, Berry and Fatur are featured as linebackers; McHenry plays in the secondary.

“We will be looking at one game at a time. Right now, our focus is on beating the Freedom Bulldogs,” McHenry said. “We had lots of conditioning in the offseason that has the team looking (cohesive) since most of us play on both sides of the ball.

“And we have a new offense that should allow us to be explosive this year.”

Along with starting at running back and safety, McHenry (5-10, 180) is a kick returner, kicking specialist and punter. He was an all-conference selection at defensive back last season and was chosen as a PIHL all-star a few months later.

McHenry was a leading scorer from his forward position on the QV hockey team over the winter.

“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.

“Doing all of this should also help me with college looks in the future.”

Other returning starters include junior Josh Odom (OL/LB) and sophomore Tyler Cunnard (OL/DL), who join Brown, a two-way starter, in the trenches.

QV’s projected starting offensive lineup for 2025 consists of Barr (QB), Benedict (wing), McHenry (wing), Fatur (FB), Berry (WR), junior Quinn Marcotte (TE), sophomore Malachi Adams (C), Cunnard (G), Odom (G), Brown (T) and freshman Lukas Cevarr (T).

At 6-3, 180 pounds, Berry may prove to be one of the tougher wideout/linebacker combinations to handle in the conference.

“Things went good in the offseason. There was a lot of energy and excitement in the weight room,” Berry said. “I’m expecting bigger offensive plays this year with our young O-line, and good defensive plays.”

Defensively, it’s Adams (NG), Brown (T), senior Jackson Moore (T), Fatur (ILB), Odom (ILB), senior Benny Janeway (OLB), Berry (OLB), senior Ty Popowich (CB), sophomore Cam Neal (CB), McHenry (S) and Benedict (S).

“My goals are playoffs, multiple touchdowns, and sacks,” Berry said.

Eshenbaugh was hired earlier this year to replace Jason Cappa, the Quakers’ coach for three seasons.

“Things are moving along. We’re still a work in progress,” Eshenbaugh said. “Some of the kids are day to day. I had a few unable to participate in our scrimmage due to minor injuries.

“We have a great group of core players. We are in the process of changing the culture. The jury is still out, but I think we will turn a few heads this year.”

Eshenbaugh has a history with the Quakers that began more than a decade ago.

He returns to the QV sideline after working as special teams coordinator and position coach for running backs, tight ends and defensive backs at — you guessed it — Freedom.

“I am extremely thrilled to return to what has always felt like home,” he said. “The support of the community has been positively overwhelming.

“We’re going to build a team that is resilient, disciplined, and plays with heart.”

Scott Lazarus and Jack Martha are the Quakers’ offensive and defensive coordinators. The team’s other assistants are Paul Mulbah (WR/DB), Smith Johnson (RB/OLB) and Adam Cross (RB/ILB), who oversees the team’s strength and conditioning program.

“We have installed new offensive and defensive schemes this year,” Eshenbaugh said.

Three of the Quakers’ first four games are at home at Chuck Knox Stadium. The Freedom game will be followed by a road test Aug. 29 against Keystone Oaks.

QV hosts Freeport (Sept. 5), then North Catholic (Sept. 12) in its conference lid-lifter.

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