Barker/Roy-Hart builds 2026 outlook around physical line play

Overview

• Coach Bill Bruning called Barker/Roy-Hart "cautiously optimistic" entering 2026, with line play expected to be a major strength.
• Carter Dersarkissian rushed for 576 yards and six touchdowns and made 46 total tackles as a junior in 2025.
• Bruning identified Ashton Ark, Carter Dersarkissian, Max Townsend, Owen Maedel and Matthew Aquilina as returning all-stars.
• The Bulls' 2026 schedule includes home dates with Newfane, Springville, JFK and Cleveland Hill, plus road games at Tonawanda, Eden/North Collins, Akron and Alden.

Barker/Roy-Hart Bulls Football Preview

Barker/Roy-Hart enters the 2026 football season with Bill Bruning back leading a program he describes as "cautiously optimistic."

The Bulls have major production to replace at the skill positions following graduation, Bruning said. Bruning still sees a foundation that can keep Barker/Roy-Hart in the Class C North mix because of the group up front.

"Physical Upfront!" is the identity Bruning wants, and the line is where the Bulls can start. He pointed to RJ Townsend, Jakob West, Logan Flint and John Brigham as returning experience up front, with Dylan Ames, Caden Rogers, William Jaques and others also part of the line picture.

RJ Townsend, a senior OL/DL, had 32 total tackles, two tackles for loss and two sacks as a junior in 2025. Jakob West, a junior OL/DL, added 26 total tackles and three sacks last fall. Caden Rogers, a senior OL/DL, had 15 total tackles and an interception, while Brigham, a junior TE/DE, had 10 total tackles and a tackle for loss.

The skill-position transition will matter, but Barker/Roy-Hart still has proven players around the field. Senior Carter Dersarkissian, listed as an S/WR/RB, is one of the biggest names to watch after rushing for 576 yards and six touchdowns in 2025. He also made 46 total tackles, intercepted three passes, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble last season.

Senior Ashton Ark brings experience at WR/LB after an 11-catch, 230-yard, two-touchdown junior season. Junior Owen Maedel, a FB/LB, is another player Bruning identified as part of the returning foundation. Max Townsend, a junior QB/DB, is the quarterback Bruning named entering the season, with the coach's direction kept simple: "Do your Job, keep the game simple and compete when you need to."

Aaron Bowerman is a new contributor Bruning wants readers to know, and Carter Dersarkissian was his pick for a possible breakout season. On special teams, Bruning pointed to William Jaques, a junior K/OL/DL who also handled kickoff and punt duties in 2025.

Bruning named RJ Townsend, Carter Dersarkissian and Ashton Ark as primary leaders.

The 2026 schedule starts with Newfane at Barker Central High School, followed by a road game at Tonawanda. Barker/Roy-Hart then visits Eden/North Collins on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. before returning home for Springville on Sept. 25 and JFK on Oct. 2, both listed for 7 p.m.

The Bulls close the regular-season schedule with road games at Akron on Oct. 9 and Alden on Oct. 16, then a home date with Cleveland Hill on Oct. 22. All three are listed for 7 p.m.