On Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, Quakertown seniors Brady Martin, Jackson Connelly & Owen Richwine were recognized for committing to play collegiate football. (Photos provided courtesy of Jen Banas/QCHS)
Jackson Connelly – East Stroudsburg University (Football)
Reasons for choosing East Stroudsburg: “The coaching staff and the culture.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in football at the collegiate level? “I’ve been thinking about playing in college since I was little. The recruitment process started for me my sophomore
year through Twitter and camps.”
Quakertown coach George Banas: “Jackson was one of our captains this year, and he’s going to East Stroudsburg University where he’ll be able to see Brady once a year, maybe twice if they meet up again in the playoffs. It’s great to have kids at the PSAC level. He’s been a force on the field for us for many years on the defensive side of the ball playing defensive end. This year, he was also a force on the offensive side of the ball, coming out of the backfield – catching passes and running over defensive opponents. He’s a well-rounded young man who can play a multitude of positions over the years. This year alone, he went from D-end to inside linebacker. When he was recruited, he was being recruited at four different positions on the field, and numerous coaches would tell me that. Jackson was named second team running back this season and second team linebacker. He won our True Grit award for the second year in a row because he deserved it. Playing through a multitude of injuries and position changes, he never once complained. These attributes will make him a success at ESU and in life.”
About Jackson:
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite movie: Step Brothers
Favorite artist: Jason Aldean
Brady Martin – Kutztown University (Football)
Major: Finance
Final list of colleges: Kutztown, West Chester, Bloomsburg
Reasons for choosing Kutztown: “The people and winning program.”
Quakertown coach George Banas: “Brady was one of our captains this year. He played on both sides of the ball for three years, and for almost half
this season did not come off the field except for PATs. That doesn’t happen anymore in high school football. In high school football, everybody is one-sided – ‘I’m going to do this’ or maybe play both ways but definitely not every single special team as well, which is what he did for us the last half of the season with, in his words– ‘Whatever gives us the best chance to win, I’ll do’ mentality, It’s his drive, attitude plus athletic ability that he was able to be a major asset for us and will be a major asset for KU.
“He was a first team quarterback this year along with safety. He was our team MVP along with our Bo Rushmush Most Dedicated and Roger Jones Spirit Award winner. He amassed a multitude of records, including fourth for passing yards in a season and second in career, second in completions in a season and second in career, fifth in passing touchdowns for a game and second for a career. He is fourth for most TDs in a career and made it in the 1,000-yard passing club for the second time in his career, which he is now first and fourth on that list, being the only 2,000-yard passer in school history. He received a Mini Maxwell Award, which there are only 55 recipients in Pennsylvania. Congratulations on all those accolades and look forward to the ones that come at Kutztown.”
About Brady:
Favorite food: Steak & mashed potatoes
Favorite movie: Creed 2
Favorite artist: J Cole
Owen Richwine – King’s College (Football)
Major: Finance
Final list of colleges: King’s, Ursinus, TCNJ, Susquehanna
Reasons for choosing King’s: “King’s College has a strong finance program, a winning football team and a great location.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in football at the collegiate level? “College coaches began coming in to talk to me during my junior year.”
Quakertown coach George Banas: “Owen was one of our four captains. He came into camp in really phenomenal shape this year with a goal of not coming off the field
on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. He succeeded in that goal and was also very unselfish in moving defensive positions from D-end to D-tackle where most people do not like to play. We also had to count on him down the road to be on so many special teams as well. I hope he relies on his hard work and ethics to lead him forward. Owen was named first team offensive line and honorable mention defensive line. He was also named outstanding defensive lineman for our team this season. His hard work and determination will take him very far in life. We wish him the best of luck at King’s.”
About Owen:
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite TV show: Prison Break
Favorite music: Country
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