2026 Teams to Know Season Preview: West Deptford (NJ)

West Deptford won nine games and reached the second round of the New Jersey playoffs last season. The Eagles now return eight offensive starters and all 11 on defense, one of the strongest continuity profiles in this entire set.

Cole Paskiewicz, Charles Schriver, Zamir Davis, Al Dayrell and Curtis Pearson Jr. give West Deptford experience across the formation. Tim Holmes Jr. enters at quarterback with Michael Joseph, Colton Sabo, Kam Simpkins, Shane Cruz, Nick Cruz, Tyler Sim, TJ Cross, Talib Bogar and David Shields III adding exceptional depth around him.

Team Snapshot

Team: West Deptford Eagles

Location: West Deptford, New Jersey

Head Coach: John R. Emel

2025 Record: 9-2

2025 Finish: NJSIAA second round

Returning Starters: 8 offense, 11 defense

Nineteen Starters Change Everything

All 11 defensive starters return. That should allow John Emel to carry more of the scheme into the opening weeks and demand a higher level of communication immediately. Dayrell, Schriver, Davis, Pearson and the broader returning group can make the defense the weekly constant.

The offense returns eight starters but introduces Holmes at quarterback. That is a favorable way to make a position change: the protection, skill group and terminology are already familiar around him. Paskiewicz and Davis can help keep the offense balanced while Holmes learns the full responsibility.

I would not lower the expectation to another playoff appearance. West Deptford has too much experience for that. The Eagles should be judged by whether their veteran defense and supported new quarterback can carry them beyond the second round.

Players to Know

Cole Paskiewicz, RB/CB

Paskiewicz gives West Deptford a proven two-way contributor.

Charles Schriver, DL/OL

Schriver adds two-way line experience to a roster returning 19 starters.

Zamir Davis, RB/DB

Davis gives the Eagles another two-way skill player.

Al Dayrell, EDGE

Dayrell gives the defense a source of pressure from the edge.

Curtis Pearson Jr.

Pearson adds another flexible defender to a unit returning every starter.

Tim Holmes Jr., QB

Holmes steps into a favorable quarterback situation with eight offensive starters back.

Michael Joseph, Colton Sabo, Kam Simpkins, Shane Cruz, Nick Cruz, Tyler Sim, TJ Cross, Talib Bogar and David Shields III

That group gives West Deptford exceptional experience and competition throughout the 2026 roster.

Rising Sophomores to Follow

Mason DeJesus, Vince Busbee, Mason Vandergrift and Jackson Budd give the Eagles another young layer behind a veteran lineup.

Complete 2026 Schedule

Aug. 28: Kinnelon at Ocean City, NJ — Battle at the Beach Football Classic

Sept. 4: Willingboro

Sept. 11: Paulsboro — Mayor's Trophy

Sept. 17: at Paul VI

Sept. 25: Haddonfield

Oct. 2: at Overbrook

Oct. 10: at West Nassau — Florida Travel Game

Oct. 16: Delran

Oct. 23: at Seneca

Biggest Question

Can West Deptford turn 19 returning starters and a veteran defense into a run beyond the second round?

The defensive continuity gives the Eagles control. Holmes does not have to carry the offense immediately because eight starters surround him. If he protects the ball and the veteran lineup plays to its experience, West Deptford can become one of New Jersey's hardest teams to eliminate.

Bottom Line

West Deptford has the strongest returning-starter case in this set. All 11 defensive starters return, and the new quarterback has real support. I expect the Eagles to contend for a sectional title.

MISTER F00TBALL's National High School Football Composite Rankings, partnered with and powered by Prep Gridiron Logistics, the only rankings to include every national poll and every team receiving a Top 25 vote.

Follow MISTER F00TBALL: X · Facebook · Instagram

T25PS Prediction

Regular Season 8-1; Sectional champs

Want to put your company in front of high school football audiences nationally, in Western Pennsylvania or across Georgia? Email alex@‌t25ps‌.com to discuss T25PS sponsorship and advertising opportunities with partnered brands.

Thanks for reading,

Alex | T25PS

FULL PRESEASON TOP 100

FULL 2026 TEAM PREVIEWS