See the top defensive returners in Bucks high school football this fall

Sure, it's April.

But that doesn't mean we can't talk Bucks County area high school football, so let's do it.

Here's a look at the top returning defensive players per position heading into the fall season.

The players are listed in their current grade level. Statistics and all-league recognitions are from last season.

Here's the defense. The offense will be in a separate story.

Defensive linemen in Bucks County High School

Bradan McNicholas, junior, Archbishop Wood: A second-team Philadelphia Catholic League Blue Division pick, he'll again anchor the Vikings' defensive front in the fall.

**Djecy Ngoyi, junior, Souderton:**A first-team Suburban One League Continental Conference pick, he had 34 tackles, 5.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.

Gavin Sailer, junior, Council Rock South: A first-team Suburban One League Continental Conference pick, he had 10 tackles for loss.

Central Bucks West's Louie Cipollo, 2, makes a catch against North Penn during a Suburban One League football game in Lansdale on Oct. 17, 2025.

Linebackers in Bucks County High School

Blake Landherr, sophomore, Pennridge: A first-team Suburban One League National Conference pick, he had a team-high 135 tackles, including 14 for loss.

Justin LaRue-Madison, junior, Pennsbury: A second-team Suburban One League National Conference selection, he'll again help lead the Falcons defense in the fall.

Nick Miletto, junior, Central Bucks West: A first-team Suburban One League National Conference pick, he had 115 tackles, including nine for loss.

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Zykee Scott, junior, La Salle: A first-team Philadelphia Catholic League Red Division pick, he's ranked as the top linebacker in Pennsylvania and a four-star recruit.

Defensive backs in Bucks County High School

Louie Cipollo, junior, Central Bucks West: A first-team Suburban One League National Conference pick, he had 55 tackles and a pair of interceptions.

Upper Dublin wide receiver Anthony Paone catches before running the ball into the end zone for a touchdown against Central Bucks West in a football game, Friday, August 29, 2025, at War Memorial Field in Doylestown Borough. The Bucks defeated the Cardinals 24-7.

Gavin Mensch, junior, William Tennent: An honorable-mention Suburban One League American Conference pick, he not only anchors the secondary but is also the Panthers quarterback.

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Anthony Paone, junior, Upper Dublin: A first-team Suburban One League Continental Conference pick, he will anchor the Cardinals secondary again.

Carter Tucholski, sophomore, Quakertown: An honorable-mention Suburban One League Continental Conference choice, he will be a factor on both sides of the ball for the Panthers (he also plays receiver).

Drew Markol covers local sports for PhillyBurbs.com. Support our journalism with a subscription.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: PA High School Football Top Defensive Returners Bucks County PIAA