Our Crimson Knights

Knights look to lean on elite front seven; dynamic offensive weapons in 2024 campaign 

Since Salisbury Varsity Football moved to the Northeast Prep Football Conference in 2021, one of the best in New England, progress has occurred each season. Head Coach Chris Phelps has constructed an ardent program that consistently competes with premiere schools. Now, he looks to take the next step. 

Relying on a team built on culture and fresh talent, Phelps feels his fifteenth season on the Hilltop could be one for the books—largely due to the front seven on defense. It’s a unit Phelps believes has the potential to be “the best defensive front, maybe ever.” Coached by Defensive Coordinator Brent Barbato, the group is headlined by Georgetown commit Henry Eber ‘25, a true game-wrecker on defense. Lining up alongside the 6’5” 245-pound Hoya commit are key players including Cooper Long ‘25 and Alexander Hicks ‘25. Hicks, while short for his position (6’, 255 pounds), is “as good as we’ve had,” according to Phelps. The group is rounded out by Kenneth Forbes ‘25, Harrison Jennrich ‘25, and Jahnoi Prentice ‘25. All three possess great size and skill. 

The linebacker position is anchored by Cornell commit Michael Taylor ‘25 and Hayden Barnes ‘25, both multi-year starters. The addition of Ethan Roossien ‘25, the NEPFC Defensive Player of the Year last season at Deerfield, is another huge piece. The secondary is locked down by cornerback Kelby Hampton ‘25 and the quickly developing cornerback Nasir Stevenson ‘26.  It is evident the Knights have the makings of one of the best defenses in the conference. 

But this team is not built solely on defense. They have the offensive firepower to score in bunches and the speed to beat anyone. Orchestrating the offense is Coordinator James Simboli, who will have plenty of talent to work with this season. Quarterback Cooper Ganz ‘25 brings a unique skillset that has him poised to be a gamebreaker with his legs. While he can make the short, medium, and long throws, Ganz’s best trait is his athleticism. An uptick in designed QB runs has been added to the playbook this fall, which will provide balance for a backfield that has a longstanding tradition as one of the best in New England. This year, UMass commit Dajoure Hollingsworth ‘25 leads the charge, with Osi Yearwood ‘27 serving as a dynamic second tailback. 

Both will be heavily involved in the passing game too, due to a receiving corps that lost key players to graduation. “Our big-play capability came out of our receivers last year,” Phelps said. This year, it will be the tailbacks, QB runs, and a deep position loaded with talent—tight end. Barnes ‘25, Eber ‘25, and Long ‘25 will all get reps on the field. Blocking will be key for the tight ends this season, not just because of the dynamic backfield, but also due to a thin offensive line. 

Led by returning players Alexander Hicks ‘25, Tomm Hopp ‘25, and Bruce Pimental ‘25, the O-line has talent and experience but lacks depth. Istvan Szcesei ‘26 and Aidan Cuff ‘27 round out the starting five and aim to make a major impact in their first year at Salisbury. Cooper Long ‘25 has been getting reps at tackle if needed, as has Harrison Jennrich ‘25. The line’s success will be heavily dependent on health this season, as is standard for arguably the most important positional group in the game. 

As Coach Phelps prepares for what he hopes is another step in the right direction, he has been preaching two phrases: “212” and “W.I.N.” The number 212 represents the temperature at which water starts to boil, a metaphor Phelps has used for multiple years now. “When everybody gets up to 212, you can harness that energy and do some unbelievable things with it, but it doesn’t take a lot to get the water to stop boiling,” he said. “It can be those small, day-to-day things that kind of get in the way and don’t allow you to tap into the highest level.” 

W.I.N. is an acronym the team has adopted for multiple years as well—What’s Important Now. Whether it is one specific play on the field, paying attention in class, or being there for a brother in the dorm, Phelps wants his team to recognize what is important now. 

Through these two messages, a roster full of returners and talent, and a coaching staff committed to excellence, the Knights are poised for a big year.