St. Bede's Linemen Lead Charge for 2026 Season
Source: The Shaw Local News Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
The 2025 season served as a crucible for St. Bede Academy, forging a squad that endured a 2-7 record but emerged with hard-earned lessons. Now, as the Bruins prepare for the 2026 campaign under second-year head coach Jack Brady, those lessons are translating into tangible progress. The preseason has been a productive stretch for a team that looks sharper, more aware, and more cohesive than the one that struggled a year ago.
Brady, who took over the program last year, sees a fundamental shift in his players' approach. The biggest difference, he noted, is that the players now understand exactly what they need to tackle early in the summer to progress the way they want. They are more comfortable with his coaching style and know what he expects. The result is a faster buildup of preparation and execution. Schemes are being absorbed more quickly, allowing the team to expand its playbook well ahead of schedule.
Much of that optimism starts in the trenches. The Bruins' line play, on both sides of the ball, is anchored by a trio of experienced linemen: seniors Demian Baker and Gavin Gillan, and junior Luke Fess. Baker, who will line up as left tackle, emphasized the unit's improved understanding of blocking assignments and the increased physicality at the point of attack. He believes the line sets the tone for the entire team, and if they do their job, the rest of the squad can trust them to lead the way.
Joining them in the rotation are juniors David De Le Torre and Brock Pikul, along with sophomores Landon Moss and Kahne Gentert, all vying for the remaining starting spots. Gillan will anchor the right tackle position, while Fess returns at right guard. This seasoned front will protect a new-look backfield, where senior Stuart McGunnigal and sophomore Bruno Baker are competing for the starting quarterback role. Brady noted that regardless of who wins the job, the QB will have the benefit of a veteran lineman next to the two new starters, which should smooth out communication and in-game adjustments.
The offensive backfield also features senior Niko Pappas, a News-Tribune All-Area selection last season at tight end and H-back. He is joined by seniors Landon Marquez, Brennen Hirst, Chase Riva, and Brody Burris, as well as junior Max Moreno. At wide receiver, sophomore Bronko Withey and junior Jacob Inman top the depth chart.
Defensively, Marquez steps into the starting middle linebacker role, leading a group that includes Burris, Hirst, and sophomore Nolan Siebert. Brady highlighted Marquez's summer progress in reading plays and adjusting to opposing guards' movements. The defensive line, anchored by the same linemen, provides a strong foundation. In the defensive backfield, McGunnigal and Bruno Baker are expected to contribute, along with Moreno, Riva, Withey, and Inman.
As the season opener approaches, the Bruins are eager to shift from hitting each other in practice to facing real opponents. Brady senses the team's excitement and focus, noting that they are tired of the intra-squad battles but that it is a good place to be. St. Bede kicks off the season at home against Fulton, a team they last met in 2019 when the Steamers won 28-20.
Article commentary
St. Bede Academy's 2026 outlook is defined by a fundamental shift in program culture. After a 2-7 debut season, head coach Jack Brady has clearly instilled a deeper understanding of his system, and the players are responding with accelerated learning curves. The emphasis on line play, both offensively and defensively, is a smart strategy for a team that struggled to control the trenches a year ago. Anchoring the line with seniors Demian Baker and Gavin Gillan, along with junior Luke Fess, provides a proven foundation. The competition at quarterback between Stuart McGunnigal and Bruno Baker is a critical storyline; whoever wins the job will benefit from veteran protection, but the new starter will still face the pressure of orchestrating a revamped offense. Brady's second-year advantage cannot be overstated. The comfort level between coach and players is evident in their ability to absorb schemes more quickly. This is a common trajectory for programs in transition – the first year is about establishing baseline expectations, while the second year allows for refinement and execution. The Bruins appear to be ahead of schedule in that regard. Defensively, Landon Marquez's development at middle linebacker is a key area to watch. Brady's comments about his summer progress suggest that the coaching staff has invested significant time in his field vision and decision-making. If the defense can hold its own, the team has a realistic path to improving on last season's record. The season opener against Fulton, a team that defeated St. Bede in 2019, offers an immediate test of the Bruins' progress. Fulton is a familiar opponent but not a regular one, so the game will hinge on preparation and execution. Given the current momentum, St. Bede has a legitimate chance to start the season with a win, which would build confidence for the rest of the schedule. While the roster is still young in spots, the leadership from the senior class, particularly along the line, should provide stability. The key will be consistency – avoiding the lapses that plagued the 2025 team. If Brady's early optimism is justified, St. Bede could be a surprise contender in its conference. The foundation is being laid, but the true test begins on the field.