Shamokin Area Returns Championship Core With State-Title Aspirations in 2026
Shamokin Area enters the 2026 season carrying both momentum and expectation.
The Indians are coming off one of the finest seasons in program history, finishing 13-1, capturing the District 4 Class 4A championship and advancing to the PIAA quarterfinals before falling to Southern Lehigh, 30-27, in a game decided by a field goal.
Head coach Marc Persing now brings back a roster loaded with experience, speed and high-level talent on both sides of the football.
Shamokin Area returns its starting quarterback, its featured running back, four offensive linemen, several explosive receivers and nine defensive starters from a unit that overwhelmed opponents for most of last season.
The Indians also bring back multiple All-State selections, two four-year starting linebackers and a Division I quarterback committed to Wake Forest.
After winning 13 consecutive games and breaking numerous school rushing records in 2025, Shamokin Area enters the new season with the personnel to accomplish even more.
Steele Returns for Fourth Season Under Center
Senior quarterback Logan Steele remains the centerpiece of the program.
The Wake Forest commit earned First Team All-State honors on both offense and defense last season and enters his fourth year directing the Shamokin Area offense.
His experience gives the Indians a major advantage.
Steele understands the system, has played in championship environments and has demonstrated the ability to make an impact in every phase of the game.
Although Shamokin Area established its identity through the running game last season, Steele’s presence prevents defenses from loading the box without consequences.
He can distribute the football to an athletic group of receivers, extend plays with his mobility and attack defenses when opportunities develop down the field.
His leadership and decision-making will be essential as the Indians attempt to build upon last year’s historic run.
Ringes Takes Over as Featured Runner
Senior Noah Ringes is expected to receive the bulk of the carries after playing a major role on both sides of the football throughout his career.
Ringes is already one of the most decorated defenders in the region, earning First Team All-State honors at linebacker in both 2023 and 2024.
Now, he will take on an even larger offensive role.
The Indians rushed for approximately 4,000 yards last season, setting multiple school records along the way.
With four starters returning on the offensive line, the coaching staff believes the offense is capable of surpassing that total in 2026.
Ringes combines vision, toughness and physicality. His background at linebacker is evident in the way he finishes runs and attacks contact.
A heavy workload should give him the opportunity to emerge as one of District 4’s premier running backs.
Bickert Adds Explosiveness Across Formation
Senior Ryan Bickert provides the offense with another dynamic option.
Listed as an athlete, Bickert is expected to play a larger role in both phases of the offense.
His speed allows Shamokin Area to move him throughout the formation and force defenses to account for him before the snap.
Bickert can contribute as a runner, receiver and potential return threat.
Used alongside Ringes and Steele, he adds another layer to an offense already difficult to defend.
The Indians can attack between the tackles, stretch the field horizontally and create explosive plays when Bickert gets the football in space.
Veteran Offensive Line Fuels High Expectations
Shamokin Area’s championship hopes begin with the offensive line.
The Indians return four starters in Bobby Whitmer, Tyrone Garrison, Brandt Krieger and Nate Kaleta.
That continuity is one of the primary reasons the coaching staff believes the rushing attack can improve upon last year’s record-setting performance.
The returning group already understands the blocking schemes and has experience playing together in high-pressure games.
Their physicality helped Shamokin Area average more than 41 points per game in 2025 and control the line of scrimmage against nearly every opponent.
The line will be expected to create running lanes for Ringes and Bickert while providing Steele enough time to take advantage of the athletes on the perimeter.
If this unit remains healthy, it should rank among the strongest offensive fronts in District 4.
Deep Receiving Corps Creates Problems
The Indians return several experienced receivers, including Colin Steinhart, Brayden Cavanaugh and Leland O’Connell.
The group gives Steele multiple targets and allows the offense to remain balanced.
Steinhart is one of the team’s most versatile players and should continue to be used in a variety of roles.
Cavanaugh and O’Connell give the Indians additional size, speed and experience on the outside.
Shamokin Area may remain a run-first offense, but the passing game cannot be overlooked.
With so much attention likely to be placed on Ringes and the rushing attack, the receivers should find opportunities against isolated coverage.
Offense Could Be Even More Dangerous
The Indians broke school records in the running game last season, yet the coaching staff believes the unit still has room to improve.
That confidence comes from the number of proven players returning.
Steele is entering his fourth season at quarterback.
Ringes is ready to become the featured runner.
Bickert gives the offense elite speed.
Four offensive linemen return.
Several veteran receivers are also back.
The goal will be to remain physical while becoming even more difficult to predict.
With athletes aligned across the field, Shamokin Area can force defenses to defend every gap and every area of the formation.
Defense Returns Nine Starters
As impressive as the offense was last season, the defense may have been even more dominant.
Shamokin Area’s starting defense allowed fewer than seven points per game during the 2025 campaign.
The Indians posted shutouts against Lewisburg and Jersey Shore and held nine opponents to 14 points or fewer.
Nine starters return from that unit.
The defense will feature speed at every level, beginning with an experienced secondary and continuing through a veteran linebacker corps and aggressive defensive front.
Expectations are understandably high.
Steele and Steinhart Lead Secondary
Steele returns in the defensive backfield after earning First Team All-State honors on defense.
His instincts, athleticism and understanding of opposing offenses make him a difference-maker in coverage.
He will be joined by Colin Steinhart, another First Team All-State defensive athlete.
Steinhart gives the Indians a versatile defender capable of covering receivers, supporting the run and creating turnovers.
Bickert also returns in the secondary, while Trey Taylor provides flexibility as a defensive back and outside linebacker.
The experience and athleticism of this group should make it difficult for opponents to generate explosive passing plays.
Montgomery and Ringes Anchor Linebackers
Few teams can match Shamokin Area’s experience at linebacker.
Liam Montgomery enters his fourth season as a starter and has become one of the leaders of the defense.
Ringes is also a four-year starter and brings multiple All-State honors to the position.
Together, they give the Indians two highly experienced linebackers who understand the system and consistently diagnose plays quickly.
Their leadership allows the defense to play fast.
Both players are physical against the run, reliable tacklers and capable of making plays across the field.
Their presence in the middle is a major reason Shamokin Area expects to remain one of the strongest defenses in the state.
Defensive Line Brings Size and Tenacity
The Indians return an experienced front led by Bobby Whitmer, Xavier Paul and Nate Kaleta.
The coaching staff expects the group to play with aggression and control the line of scrimmage.
Whitmer and Kaleta bring valuable experience as two-way linemen, while Paul provides pressure from the edge.
The front must replace several graduated starters, including Zakem Clinton, Izak Glover, Chase Anderson, Jayce Ginck, Dylan Fenix and Andrew Kuzmick across the roster, but the returning core gives Shamokin Area a strong foundation.
If the defensive line consistently occupies blockers and creates disruption, Montgomery and Ringes will be free to make plays behind it.
Speed Defines Defensive Identity
The defining trait of Shamokin Area’s defense is speed.
The Indians can pursue the football from sideline to sideline, pressure quarterbacks and close quickly in coverage.
That speed was evident throughout the 2025 postseason.
Shamokin Area held Shikellamy to seven points in the district semifinal, shut out Jersey Shore in the championship game and limited Bellefonte to 13 points in the opening round of the state playoffs.
With most of that unit returning, the Indians should once again be capable of controlling games defensively.
Steinhart Handles Special Teams Duties
Steinhart will remain a central figure on special teams and is expected to handle all kicking responsibilities.
His athleticism and experience give Shamokin Area confidence in the kicking game.
He also has the ability to create field-position advantages as a returner and coverage player.
For a team with championship aspirations, reliable special teams will be essential, especially in close postseason games.
Players to Watch
Logan Steele, Sr., QB/DB: Wake Forest commit and First Team All-State selection on both offense and defense. He returns for his fourth season under center.
Noah Ringes, Sr., RB/LB: Two-time First Team All-State linebacker expected to become the featured runner in Shamokin Area’s powerful rushing attack.
Colin Steinhart, Sr., WR/DB/K: First Team All-State defensive athlete and versatile three-phase contributor.
Ryan Bickert, Sr., ATH/DB: Explosive athlete expected to play a larger offensive role while remaining a key member of the secondary.
Liam Montgomery, Sr., LB: Four-year starter and veteran leader in the middle of one of District 4’s top defenses.
Bobby Whitmer, Sr., OL/DL: Returning two-way lineman who anchors both fronts.
Nate Kaleta, Sr., OL/DL: Experienced lineman expected to play a major role in the running game and defensive front.
Xavier Paul, Sr., DE: Returning edge defender who brings speed and pressure to the defensive line.
Tyrone Garrison, Sr., OL: Veteran offensive lineman and key part of a unit looking to surpass 4,000 rushing yards.
Brandt Krieger, Sr., OL: Returning starter who provides continuity and physicality up front.
My thoughts on Shamokin Area
Shamokin Area enters 2026 with one of the most complete rosters in District 4.
The Indians return a Wake Forest-bound quarterback, an All-State running back and linebacker, four offensive linemen, multiple veteran receivers and nine defensive starters.
The offense has the potential to improve upon a season in which it rushed for approximately 4,000 yards and broke numerous school records.
The defense returns most of a unit that allowed fewer than seven points per game from its starters.
There are high expectations, but they are supported by experience, depth and proven production.
The Indians have already demonstrated that they can win close games, dominate league opponents and compete deep into the state playoffs.
The next step is clear.
Shamokin Area wants to defend its District 4 championship and advance beyond the state quarterfinals.
With Steele, Ringes, Steinhart, Montgomery and a veteran line leading the way, the Indians possess the talent to challenge for much more than another winning season.
They enter 2026 as a legitimate contender for a PIAA Class 4A championship.
Head Coach: Marc Persing
Assistant Coaches:
Mark Burrows – Run Game Coordinator
Chad Stumhofer – DB/ Defensive Coordinator
Nick Walsh – OL/DL
Joe Costa – OL/DL / Head JV Coach
Jared Haddock – LB’s
Segun Mallard – WR / Weight Room
Gaige Garcia – RB
Volunteers : Carm DeFrancesco, Pat DiRienzo
Team Name: Shamokin Area Indians
District: 4
Class: 4A
League: PA Heartland Athletic Conference, Division I
2025 Record: 13-1
8/22 @ Pottsville Area (4A) 7:00 pm W 34-14
8/29 Lake-Lehman (3A) 7:00 pm W 49-7
9/05 @ Shikellamy* (4A) 7:00 pm W 52-21
9/12 Jersey Shore* (4A) 7:00 pm W 43-42
9/19 @ Central Mountain* (4A) 7:00 pm W 35-7
9/26 Selinsgrove* (4A) 7:00 pm W 57-12
10/03 @ Williamsport* (6A) 7:00 pm W 42-7
10/10 @ Lewisburg (3A) 7:00 pm W 38-0
10/17 Loyalsock Township (2A) 7:00 pm W 42-7
10/24 Mount Carmel Area (3A) 7:00 pm W 26-21
10/31 Shikellamy (4A) 7:00 pm W 37-7 Dist. 4 Class 4A Semifinal
11/07 Jersey Shore (4A) 7:00 pm W 37-0 Dist. 4 Class 4A Championship
11/14 @ Bellefonte (4A) 7:00 pm W 42-13 PIAA Class 4A 1st Round @ Bellefonte
11/21 @ Southern Lehigh (4A) 7:00 pm L 27-30 at Blue Mountain Class 4A Quarterfinals
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ North Pocono (4A) 11:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 @ Pottsville Area (4A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ Danville (3A) 7:00 pm
9/11 Shikellamy* (4A) 7:00 pm
9/18 Jersey Shore* (4A) 7:00 pm
9/25 @ Central Mountain* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Selinsgrove* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Williamsport* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/16 Hanover Area (4A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Blue Mountain (4A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Mount Carmel Area (3A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters lost:
Zakem Clinton
Izak Glover
Chase Anderson
Jayce Ginck
Dylan Fenix
Andrew Kuzmick
Offensive Starters Returning:
QB – Logan Steele
ATH – Ryan Bickert
RB – Noah Ringes
WR – Colin Steinhart
WR – Brayden Cavanaugh
WR – Leland O’Connell
OL – Bobby Whitmer
OL – Tyrone Garrison
OL – Brandt Krieger
OL – Nate Kaleta
Defensive Starters Returning:
Logan Steele – DB
Ryan Bickert – DB
Colin Steinhart – DB
Trey Taylor – DB/OLB
Liam Montgomery – LB
Noah Ringes – LB
Xavier Paul – DE
Bobby Whitmer – DL
Nate Kaleta – DL
Key Newcomers:
TE – Cru Schroyer
WR – Sheldon Sassani
OL/DL – Michael Richardson
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Logan Steele – Wake Forrest Commit , 1st Team All State O & D
Colin Steinhart – 1st Team All State D Ath
Liam Montgomery – 4 year starter at LB
Noah Ringes – 2023/2024 1st Team All State LB
2026 Outlook:
Offense: The Indians will look to improve upon a year in which numerous school records were broken in the run game. The Indians ran for roughly 4,000 yards last year and have the capability to eclipse that mark this season with 4 starters returning on the offensive line and Noah Ringes getting the bulk of the carries. Athletes will be all over the field and will make this Indian squad a tough task to stop. Look for Logan Steele to continue to dominate in year 4 under center, while speedster Ryan Bickert will have more of a role in both phases of the offense.
Defense: The Indians are coming off a 2025 campaign in which the starting defense surrendered less than 7 ppg. There will be speed at every level of this defense, led by Wake Forrest Commit Logan Steele, 4 year starting LB’s Liam Montgomery and Noah Ringes, a returning 1st Team All State DB in Colin Steinhart, and a tenacious DL lead by Bobby Whitmer, Xavier Paul and Nate Kaleta.
Special Team: Colin Steinhart will continue to excel in the special teams phase and will handle all kicking duties