The Allen Canaries football team is gearing up for the upcoming season with renewed enthusiasm under the leadership of coach Joel Rupp. As Rupp enters his third season, he expressed a strong sense of optimism following a year that showcased both challenges and triumphs for the team.
Recently, Rupp and his team members contributed to their community by operating the concession stand during the annual Drum Corps International (DCI) competition at J. Birney Crum Stadium. This event not only supports the football program financially but also brings a vibrant atmosphere to Allentown. “Running the concession stands for that helps the football program a lot,” Rupp remarked. He added, “It’s also good for Allentown and our kids to see the stands packed like that. I tell the kids all the time that when I played football at Dieruff years ago, the stadium was always filled like that.”
The Canaries demonstrated potential last season with a promising start, winning their first two games against Philadelphia teams and delivering a thrilling upset victory over rival Dieruff in overtime. Despite a challenging midseason that included seven losses, Rupp noticed progress, leading him to feel “extremely optimistic” about the future. “We got everything we need for No. 1s; we’re just missing some depth,” Rupp explained. He is particularly enthusiastic about the team’s passing game, which he believes will be a significant improvement from last season.
With the graduation of key players such as Kemahni Wimberly and Ja’lil Johnson, who combined for 17 touchdowns, the Canaries will rely on returning talent including junior receivers Jaylen Walker and Michael Taylor, along with senior Zion Stokes. Junior TeShon Gaynair, who scored a touchdown in the pivotal win over Dieruff, will also play a crucial role on both offense and defense, building on his six sacks from last year. Defensive end Kymanhi Moss and defensive back Elijah Watkins are expected to be key contributors to the team’s defensive strategy.
Despite having the smallest roster in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (EPC), Rupp remains focused on the strengths of his committed players. He recalled a time when he was an assistant coach and faced similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of discipline and reliability among his current squad. “You know it is my dream to have 100 kids on the sideline… but we’re ready to take a cupcake and roll with that,” Rupp stated.
The coach acknowledged his disappointment regarding the current roster size, which has dropped from 70 participants during offseason activities to about 40. “Some were here for maybe a week, and they realized that they’re not cut out for football,” he noted. This shift reflects the heightened standards for participation in the program, which now emphasizes both athletic performance and academic responsibility. Rupp is hopeful that additional players will join once the school year begins on August 25, 2025, allowing recruitment until the fourth week of league games.
Rupp also expressed confidence in his coaching staff, which includes returning coordinators Eric Collazo and Derek Thorne. New additions to the coaching team, such as Alvin Wright and former Allen players Ivan Nieves and Isaac Williams, aim to enhance the program’s overall effectiveness. “I am excited about our additions because it gives us more eyes out on the field and will help with in-game adjustments,” Rupp said.
In a recent highlight, the Canaries participated in a one-day camp led by Philadelphia Eagles receiver AJ Brown, which attracted significant interest from the community. “A lot of the city youth were involved with that, and many of our players helped out,” Rupp commented, reflecting on the positive impact of having a Super Bowl champion engage with local athletes.
As the season approaches, the Canaries’ schedule is set, with games beginning on August 23 against Dobbins Vo-Tech and continuing through the fall. The team aims to build upon last season’s momentum, striving for victories that will bring energy and excitement back to J. Birney Crum Stadium and its dedicated fans. With Rupp’s leadership and the commitment of the players, the Allen Canaries are ready to face the challenges of the upcoming season.