Another Jack Dunkley ensures Neshaminy tradition continues for third generation

There are five second-generation players on the Neshaminy roster.

Ashton Lovelace (Antione Lovelace, Class of 1999), James Glessner (Jim Glessner, '99), Ron Smith III (Ron Smith Jr., '99), Payton Smolenak (Joe Smolenak, '90) and Gavin Moss (Keith Moss, '88) followed their fathers by playing football on Friday nights at Heartbreak Ridge.

Senior defensive lineman Jack Dunkley's dad, also Jack Dunkley (Class of 1993), and grandfather Jack Dunkley (Class of 1969) make it three generations of Dunkleys at Neshaminy, a program that dates back to 1928.

"My grandfather and my dad have always hyped it up to me being the third Dunkley to play here and I have to make it count," said the youngest Dunkley. "I feel like I have made it count. I feel honored. It's a big (deal) to play for Neshaminy."

Coach Steve Wilmot believes being a third-generation Neshaminy player "gives you a different perspective as a player — the perspective being that you are not just doing this for yourself, but you are playing for those who came before you and also future generations of Neshaminy players."

Dunkley completely agrees.

"My position coach, Coach (Tom) Coates, said last week, 'Who do you play for?' " Dunkley said. "I said, 'My father and grandfather show up to every game. They never miss any sporting event for us. My grandfather still shows up to practices. That's how much it means to them.'"

Grandfather John George Dunkley was a 6-foot, 200-pound guard on Jack Swartz's 1968 squad, sharing the unsung hero award with Jim Ryder as a senior.

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"I have heard some of stories about the exploits of Jack's grandfather when he played for Coach Swartz in 1968 through different alumni that I have met," Wilmot said. "I’m sure Jack has heard them all at the Thanksgiving table his entire life."

Father John Wayne Dunkley was a 6-4, 220-pound linebacker for Dick Bedesem in 1991-92 and was named Mr. Linebacker and homecoming king as a senior.

"Coach Ray Kelly on our staff (the athletic director in 1992) often talks about Jack’s dad when he played for Coach Bedesem," Wilmot said. "He describes him as a gritty, hard-nosed player who wouldn’t back down from any challenge. I’m sure Jack was raised the same way that his dad played."

John Fletcher Dunkley, a 6-4, 240-pounder, is playing defensive tackle as a senior, though he's being recruited as a defensive end. He has received three scholarship offers so far — to Army-West Point, Saint Francis and Duquesne. Neither of the previous two Jack Dunkleys played in college.

The youngest Dunkley is third on Neshaminy in tackles (37) and tackles for loss (eight) in 2022. He also has five sacks and two forced fumbles. As a junior, Dunkley contributed 49 tackles, eight of which were for loss, and had 21 tackles, three for loss, in the abbreviated 2020 campaign as a sophomore.

"Jack is a high-motor kid who is a valuable asset to our defensive line," Wilmot said. "… This past offseason he won an award for strongest player, pound for pound, on our team. He is a terrific leader, a captain and a great role model for the younger players to strive to be."

"I don't want to tell him but he's the best of (the three of) us," said Jack Dunkley, the dad.

Neshaminy is 4-4 heading into Friday's matchup with 7-1 Central Bucks East before closing out the regular season Oct. 28 vs. archrival Pennsbury (also 7-1). It probably needs to win both home games to qualify for the PIAA District One Class 6A playoffs.

"Two games left and his high school career is over," father Jack Dunkley said. "You'll wish you were back on that field (after that)."

Football has been important to the hundreds of Neshaminy players over the past 94 years. That is especially the case for the three Jack Dunkleys.

"When they tear that field up, I'm going up there with a shovel to get a piece," said Jack Dunkley, the dad. "All three of us touched that field. I don't know if there's going be a fourth (Dunkley playing for Neshaminy)."

Tom Moore: tmoore@couriertimes; @TomMoorePhilly

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Jack Dunkley ensures Neshaminy tradition continues for 3rd generation