Josh Jackson-Exeter

Josh Jackson only got 19 carries last season, but he was able to learn from one of the best running backs in school history. Leo Brown broke the single-season record for rushing yards in Berks County with 2,444. He surpassed former Central Catholic star David Gilmore. Brown averaged a staggering 8.7 yards per carry and scored 28 touchdowns as Exeter went (10-3, 5-1). “He taught me a lot, how to keep your head down and keep working. He would get hit hard on a lot of those runs, but he had the mentality to get right back up and continue to run hard,” explained Jackson. Brown is now at Kutztown University, while Jackson is preparing for his senior season. He was named one of the Eagles’ captains for this fall. Jackson considers himself to be a patient running back, similar to the style of former Steelers’ standout Le’Veon Bell.

Exeter only returns three starters on the offensive side of the ball. Riley Martinez, Jayden Ware, Aidan Dauble, Joel Ummarino, Andre Osborne, and Brown all graduated. Ware, Ummarino, and Brown were All-State selections in Class 5A. The Eagles suffered another blow recently when they learned that Kevin Oswalt was transferring to Wyoming Seminary. Oswalt was a first team pick as an offensive and defensive lineman in Section 2 of the Lancaster-Lebanon League. In addition, he was a two-time state qualifier in wrestling with 125 career victories.

Wyatt Richard (6’4, 250) and Matt Lis (6’5, 250) are back to pave the way for Jackson, along with tight end Braylon Reinert (6’4, 230). Richard is committed to Towson and Reinert’s younger brother, Cayden, picked up an offer from Maryland in June. Cayden Reinert will be in the mix at tight end. The sophomore is already 6’4 and 210 pounds. Eddie Farrar, a 260-pound senior, is another player to watch in the trenches. Jackson knows that the offensive line has been critical to Exeter’s success. “They’re very important. They set the tone of the game,” he replied. The Eagles averaged 249 yards per game on the ground last year.

As for who will be throwing the ball in Reiffton, that hasn’t been decided yet. According to head coach Matt Bauer, Aidan Gerhart and Xavier Mercado are competing for the quarterback job. Riley Martinez was a three-year starter at that position. Unfortunately, he suffered a fractured leg in 2024 and a broken scapula in 2025.

Jackson is a factor on defense as well. The 5’11, 185-pound safety made 56 tackles a season ago. Donovyn Alvarez and Braylon Reinert are a pair of experienced linebackers. Alvarez finished second on the team with 86 tackles and Reinert added 58. Nick Pashley will be an impact player in the secondary. The 5’11, 165-pound senior was named a captain after making 37 tackles last fall.

Conestoga Valley has claimed the Section 2 crown in each of the previous two seasons. The Eagles, however, took down the second-seeded Buckskins 41-34 in the District 3-5A quarterfinals last year. Conestoga Valley was also hit hard by graduation. The Buckskins will return four starters on defense and five on offense. Cam Bair is taking over at quarterback for Sawyer Esbenshade. “I believe we have the talent to win Section 2. We have to live up to that and play our brand of football,” stated Jackson.

Exeter has put together 15 consecutive winning seasons. Bauer is entering his 18th year at the helm with a school record 135 victories. The Eagles have made three trips to the District 3 championship game over the past five seasons. They fell to Bishop McDevitt 42-0 in the semifinals last fall. After capturing five straight District 3 titles, the Crusaders are moving up to Class 6A this year. “I expect us to go just as far if not further, and play as a team every single game,” said Jackson.

Exeter will face a tougher schedule in 2026. The Eagles battle Spring-Ford and York High in back-to-back contests in early September. They wrap up the season with a crossover matchup against Twin Valley, followed by a road test versus Conestoga Valley. Exeter kicks off its season at Norristown on Friday, August 28th.