Ryan Walters-Kutztown

More and more college football teams have switched to a spread offense. Offensive coordinators want to stretch the defense, find mismatches, and take advantage of their speed at the skill positions. That philosophy has trickled down to the high school level. It’s not unusual to see high school quarterbacks throwing for more than 2,000 yards in a season.

At Kutztown High School, however, they still want to play the game in a phone booth. The Cougars are all about grinding out the tough yards between the tackles. “It works. We were one of the best offenses in the Lancaster-Lebanon League last year. We run our system well,” said running back Ryan Walters. In 2025, Kutztown became the first team in Berks County history with three 1,000-yard rushers. “It was definitely cool making history, and to experience something like that with the older guys,” replied Walters. The 5’11, 175-pound junior finished with 1,031 yards and 13 touchdowns on 137 carries. Mason Sherry had a team-high 1,351 yards on 168 touches. He was named a first team running back and linebacker in Section 5 of the L-L League. Fullback Ian Bahr added 1,008 yards and ten touchdowns on 153 carries. Sherry and Bahr left an impression on Walters before they graduated. “I definitely learned a lot. They pushed each other and they definitely pushed me,” emphasized Walters.

Athan Amato, a rising senior, returns for his second season at quarterback. “He knows our system very well,” noted Walters. Levi Martin, who’s entering his sophomore campaign, will take over at fullback. Hunter Amato, a junior halfback, joins them in the backfield this fall. Seniors Aiden Showers and Tallan Fitzsimmons will handle the tight end position. They’re two of the most physical players on the team. Fitzsimmons is back after suffering an injury a season ago. “Our tight ends are beasts,” said Walters. The Cougars had 37 players on their roster last year, up from just 31 in 2024.

Unfortunately, all of those rushing yards only translated into a pair of wins last fall. Kutztown tied for sixth place in Section 5 with a (1-6) record in league contests. The Cougars did knock off Pequea Valley 36-28 in their regular season finale. Walters, who also plays baseball, is hoping for significant improvement. “One of our goals this year is to go .500 or better because that would most likely get us into the playoffs,” said Walters. Kutztown has never qualified for the District 3 tournament. Larry Chester guided the Cougars to a school record six victories in 2004. Chester is in his second stint as Kutztown’s head coach. He’s preparing for his 13th season at the helm of the football program.