Featuring photos by Susan Dengler (Owlcatraz Photography)
If you enjoy this type of coverage, please let us know by Following us on social media:
Twitter/X – @lebcosports1 and Facebook.
For any questions, comments, or discrepancies, please reach out to dan@lebcosports.com.
Brady Ryan
After missing most of last season due to injury, Brady Ryan entered his senior year at Northern Lebanon determined to make the most of his opportunity to get back on the football field.
It has taken Ryan all of 2 games to make his presence felt.
The senior opened the season by finding the end zone 4 times in Northern Lebanon’s 41-2 victory over Pine Grove. Ryan carried 11 times for 137 yards and 2 touchdowns, returned an interception 46 yards for another score, and added a 52-yard punt-return touchdown as the Vikings opened their 50th anniversary season with a convincing victory.
The performance showed Ryan’s ability to impact the game as a runner, defender, and returner. It also caught the attention of LebCoSports.com voters, who selected him as a LebCo Athlete of the Week.
Ryan did not slow down after receiving the honor.
In Week 2, Northern Lebanon hosted Hamburg looking to move to 2-0. Ryan scored on runs of 1 and 13 yards during the first quarter to help the Vikings build a 14-0 halftime advantage. He struck again in the fourth quarter when freshman quarterback Markus Miller connected with him for a 44-yard touchdown, then capped the scoring by breaking free for a 57-yard touchdown run.
Another game. Another 4 touchdowns.
More importantly to Ryan, it resulted in another Northern Lebanon victory. The Vikings defeated Hamburg 28-0 to improve to 2-0, with their defense yet to surrender an offensive point through the first 2 weeks of the season.
Following the victory, Ryan kept his reaction focused on the group around him.
“We had a great team win and played together as a team,” Ryan said. “I’m looking forward to Minersville next week.”
The early-season production has Ryan well on his way toward one of the individual goals he established for his senior season. He is aiming to rush for 1,000 yards, but staying healthy carries even greater significance after what he has experienced over the past few years.
Injuries have been one of the biggest challenges Ryan has faced during his high school career. They ultimately kept him off the field for most of his junior season, forcing him to wait for another opportunity. Through it all, Ryan leaned heavily on his faith.
“Injuries over the past years have kept me from playing, including last season, but I trusted God’s plan, and He is blessing me,” Ryan said.
That faith remains an important part of how Ryan views both his success and his life. When asked who he wanted to recognize for helping him reach this point, his answer was straightforward.
“I just want to thank God for all my success,” Ryan said. “All of it comes from Him, and everything I do in my life is for Him.”
While Ryan’s production has certainly helped Northern Lebanon get off to its unbeaten start, his role within the program goes beyond what happens when the ball is in his hands. As one of the Vikings’ seniors, he sees himself as a leader who can mentor younger teammates as they take on larger roles.
First-year Northern Lebanon head coach Nate Monroe has seen those qualities firsthand.
“Brady is a great kid and leader for our program,” Monroe said. “He gives 110% effort in all he does. I’m excited to see how the rest of the season will be for him.”
That work ethic is also something Ryan takes considerable pride in. Asked to share a fun fact about himself, the senior instead offered a statement that says plenty about the mentality he brings to competition.
“No one is a harder worker than I am,” Ryan said.
Football is only part of Ryan’s athletic experience at Northern Lebanon. The senior is a 3-sport athlete who also competes in basketball and Track & Field, giving him little downtime throughout the school year.
His family also has a connection to football beyond Northern Lebanon, as his brother Brendan plays at Lebanon Valley College. Ryan hopes to continue his own football career at the college level and eventually become a physician assistant.
Away from training and competition, Ryan can most often be found spending time with family or friends. Those relationships are also part of what he values about athletics, with Ryan saying what he enjoys most is “having the opportunity to play with my teammates and coaches.”
After waiting through an injury-shortened junior season, Ryan is once again getting that opportunity. Through 2 weeks, he has certainly made the most of it.
Now comes another chance.
Northern Lebanon will travel to Minersville for Week 3 with an opportunity to move to 3-0. A determined Ryan will head there looking to continue his current tear, but just as importantly, help the Vikings keep theirs going.
Congratulations to Brady on earning LebCo Athlete of the Week honors, and best of luck to him and the Vikings as they continue their unbeaten start to the 2026 season.
Photos by Susan Dengler (Owlcatraz Photography)
LebCo Female Athlete of the Week: Keirra Sholl
Carriage House Car Wash
Buzgon Davis Law
ProSeal
Penn Realty
