Montgomery Returns Championship-Caliber Core After Breakthrough 10-Win Season
Montgomery enters the 2026 season with unfinished business.
The Red Raiders are coming off one of the strongest campaigns in program history, finishing 10-2, reaching the District 4 Class 1A championship game and producing one of the most dominant defenses in Pennsylvania.
Montgomery won 10 consecutive games following an early loss to Warrior Run, including a 33-0 shutout of Muncy in the district semifinals. The Red Raiders then traveled to Line Mountain for the District 4 championship and came within one possession of claiming the title, falling 20-14.
That defeat ended an otherwise remarkable season, but it also provided additional motivation for a veteran roster returning most of its offensive production and eight defensive starters.
Head coach Joel Knoebel welcomes back three running backs who combined for more than 2,700 rushing yards, five of the defense’s leading tacklers and several experienced linemen. The Red Raiders must identify a new quarterback and replace two starting offensive linemen, but the overall foundation remains strong.
Montgomery will not be satisfied simply returning to the postseason.
With All-State talent, an established defensive system and one of District 4’s deepest backfields, the Red Raiders have the pieces to compete for the program’s ultimate goal: a district championship.
Three-Back Rotation Drives Powerful Offense
Montgomery’s offense begins with a veteran backfield that was responsible for more than 2,700 rushing yards last season.
Senior Trace Furman, junior Josh Knoebel and senior Lincoln Miller all return, giving the Red Raiders three proven runners capable of carrying the offense.
Furman and Knoebel each surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in 2025.
Furman brings speed, vision and big-play ability. His athleticism allows Montgomery to use him in different areas of the formation, while his toughness enables him to handle difficult carries between the tackles.
Knoebel adds another physical and productive option. At 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, he runs with balance and determination and should again be one of the offense’s primary ball carriers.
Miller completes the rotation with a combination of size, power and versatility.
The Red Raiders can keep their backs fresh, attack defenses with different running styles and maintain their physical approach throughout four quarters.
Few Class 1A teams return that much proven production in one backfield.
Quarterback Competition Takes Center Stage
The biggest offensive question is at quarterback following the graduation of Parker Persing.
Montgomery enters the preseason with two leading candidates: senior Briar Persing and sophomore Gage Furman.
Both players bring different strengths to the competition.
Persing is a 6-foot-2, 220-pound returning starter at tight end and a versatile athlete who has already contributed on offense and defense. His size, experience and familiarity with the system could help him transition into the quarterback role.
Furman is a young but talented athlete who started at linebacker as a sophomore. His athleticism and competitiveness make him another intriguing option.
The Red Raiders do not necessarily need the new quarterback to carry the offense immediately. With three accomplished running backs and an experienced supporting cast, the priority will be making sound decisions, protecting the football and distributing the ball efficiently.
However, preseason workouts have indicated that Montgomery could develop a more balanced attack through the air and on the ground.
If the quarterback competition produces a dependable passer, the offense could become considerably more difficult to defend.
Persing Offers Matchup Problems
Regardless of where Briar Persing lines up, he will be an important part of the offense.
At tight end, he gives Montgomery a large and physical target in the passing game. His ability to block at the point of attack is also valuable in a system built around the running game.
Persing’s versatility allows the coaching staff to move him around the formation and create different looks without changing personnel.
If he wins the quarterback position, he will bring size and physicality to the backfield.
If he remains at tight end, he could become one of the top receiving threats in the Northern Tier League Small School Division.
Offensive Line Returns Experienced Foundation
Montgomery must replace graduated linemen Lane Gingery and Caleb Parkyn, but the Red Raiders return several important pieces up front.
Senior Ethan Hugar, senior Connor Jarret and junior Evan Hugar provide experience and physicality.
Ethan Hugar, listed at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, gives Montgomery size and leadership along the line. Jarret brings another veteran presence, while Evan Hugar gained valuable experience as a sophomore and should continue developing.
The competition to replace the two graduated starters will be one of the most important storylines during camp.
Montgomery believes it has a talented group of young linemen ready to compete for those openings.
That competition should improve the unit’s overall depth, but the new starters must develop quickly. The Red Raiders rely on precise blocking, physical execution and the ability to control the line of scrimmage.
If the line comes together, the backfield should again rank among the most productive in District 4.
Passing Game Could Become Larger Part of Attack
Senior Logan Joy returns at wide receiver and gives the new quarterback an experienced target.
Joy’s athleticism and ability to create plays in space should help Montgomery develop the balanced offense the coaching staff envisions.
The Red Raiders were able to overpower many opponents with the running game last season, but a more consistent passing attack would prevent defenses from committing extra defenders to the box.
Persing’s size at tight end and Joy’s experience on the perimeter give Montgomery two dependable options.
The coaching staff will continue identifying additional receivers capable of expanding the rotation.
Montgomery does not need to abandon the physical rushing identity that produced 10 victories. Instead, a more efficient passing game could complement it and create additional explosive-play opportunities.
Defense Was Among Pennsylvania’s Best
Montgomery’s 2025 defense was not simply good by Class 1A standards.
It was one of the best units in Pennsylvania.
The Red Raiders allowed just 7.4 points per game, the best mark in District 4 and the fourth-best average across all PIAA classifications.
Montgomery held four opponents scoreless and limited eight teams to seven points or fewer.
The unit also forced 30 turnovers, blocked four kicks and recorded a safety.
Even more encouraging for the Red Raiders is the amount of production returning.
Eight starters are back, including all five of the team’s leading tacklers.
The 2025 season was Montgomery’s second year in its 3-4 defensive system, and the improvement was dramatic. With another offseason to refine assignments and technique, the Red Raiders believe the defense can become even more disciplined and effective.
Furman Leads Secondary After All-State Season
Trace Furman returns at strong safety after earning All-State recognition.
In addition to his offensive production, Furman surpassed 100 tackles for the second consecutive season.
His ability to diagnose plays, close quickly and tackle in space makes him one of the most complete defensive backs in District 4.
Furman provides leadership in the secondary and gives Montgomery a defender who can contribute against both the run and pass.
His physical style fits the identity of the defense.
With Furman patrolling the back end, the Red Raiders can play aggressively while maintaining protection against explosive plays.
Woltz Serves as Defensive Quarterback
Senior inside linebacker Cameron Woltz is the defensive play caller and another returning player who has exceeded 100 tackles in each of the past two seasons.
At 5-foot-9 and 200 pounds, Woltz combines instincts, toughness and a strong understanding of the system.
His communication is essential to the 3-4 defense.
Woltz is responsible for helping align the front, identifying offensive formations and making adjustments before the snap.
Once the play begins, he consistently finds the football.
The experience of Furman and Woltz gives Montgomery leadership at the two most important levels of the defense.
Miller Provides Pressure off the Edge
Lincoln Miller returns at outside linebacker after leading the team with five sacks and five forced fumbles last season.
His ability to create pressure and attack the football adds an aggressive element to the defense.
Miller must remain disciplined against the run, but his speed and physicality make him a dangerous edge defender.
The Red Raiders do not need to blitz recklessly to create disruption.
With Miller attacking from the outside and Woltz controlling the middle, Montgomery can generate pressure while maintaining its structure.
Joy Anchors Ball-Hawking Secondary
Joy led Montgomery with six interceptions last season.
His ability to locate the football and capitalize on mistakes was an important part of a defense that created 30 turnovers.
Joy and Furman give the Red Raiders two proven playmakers in the secondary.
Their experience should help Montgomery limit passing attacks and avoid giving up the explosive plays the coaching staff works so hard to prevent.
The graduation of defensive back Austin Luckenbill creates an opening, but the returning leadership should help a new starter develop.
Defensive Front Brings Size and Experience
The Red Raiders return senior linemen Briar Persing, Ethan Hugar and Gary Ulrich.
Ulrich, listed at 5-foot-10 and 290 pounds, provides size in the middle of the defensive front.
Hugar brings length and physicality, while Persing gives the unit versatility and athleticism.
Their primary responsibility in the 3-4 system is to control blockers and allow the linebackers to run to the football.
The defense’s success last season was built on every player understanding his role.
The front occupied space, the linebackers attacked downhill and the secondary limited explosive plays while creating turnovers.
With so much experience returning, Montgomery should be able to play faster and communicate even more effectively.
Disciplined Pursuit Remains Defensive Standard
The Red Raiders want to play a physically and mentally disciplined style of defense.
That means maintaining proper leverage, limiting big plays and getting multiple defenders to the football.
Montgomery’s turnover production was not accidental.
The defense emphasizes pursuit and arrives at the ball with the intention of creating takeaways.
The Red Raiders must continue balancing aggression with discipline.
Against a competitive Northern Tier League schedule, missed assignments can quickly become touchdowns. The returning experience should help Montgomery avoid those mistakes.
If the Red Raiders again limit opponents to single-digit scoring averages, they will be difficult to beat regardless of how quickly the offense develops.
Greater Focus on Special Teams
Montgomery is placing additional emphasis on special teams entering the season.
Last year, much of the offseason focus was devoted to installing a new offense and continuing the development of the 3-4 defense. With those systems now more established, the coaching staff can devote additional practice time to the third phase.
Senior Dylan Sherman returns as the kicker and provides experience in the kicking game.
The Red Raiders also return several athletes capable of contributing in coverage and return roles.
Special teams can influence field position, momentum and the outcome of close games. That became especially clear in the six-point district championship loss to Line Mountain.
Montgomery wants all three phases working together in 2026.
A stronger special teams unit could provide the difference in the season’s biggest games.
Players to Watch
Trace Furman, Sr., RB/SS: All-State safety and two-way standout who rushed for more than 1,000 yards and recorded more than 100 tackles last season.
Josh Knoebel, Jr., RB/LB: Productive two-way player who surpassed 1,100 rushing yards and returns as one of Montgomery’s leading ball carriers.
Cameron Woltz, Sr., LB: Defensive play caller who has exceeded 100 tackles in each of the past two seasons.
Lincoln Miller, Sr., RB/LB: Versatile senior who led the defense with five sacks and five forced fumbles.
Briar Persing, Sr., TE/DL/QB: Physical and versatile athlete competing for the quarterback position while remaining a key contributor on defense.
Logan Joy, Sr., WR/DB: Returning receiver who led the defense with six interceptions last season.
Ethan Hugar, Sr., OL/DL: Experienced two-way lineman expected to anchor both fronts.
Gary Ulrich, Sr., DL: Veteran 290-pound defensive lineman who provides size in the middle of the 3-4 front.
Gage Furman, Soph., LB/QB: Talented young defender and quarterback candidate with the athleticism to earn a larger role.
Dylan Sherman, Sr., K: Returning kicker who will play an important role in Montgomery’s increased special teams emphasis.
My thoughts on Montgomery
Montgomery enters the 2026 season as one of the leading contenders in District 4 Class 1A.
The Red Raiders return nearly all of their rushing production, eight defensive starters and several of the best individual defenders in the district.
Their three-back rotation gives the offense a proven identity, while the returning offensive linemen provide a strong foundation. The biggest questions are at quarterback and at the two open line positions.
If Montgomery identifies a dependable quarterback and creates the balanced attack shown during preseason workouts, the offense could improve upon an already successful season.
Defensively, the expectations are even higher.
The Red Raiders return the core of a unit that allowed 7.4 points per game, forced 30 turnovers and ranked among the top defenses in Pennsylvania. Furman, Woltz, Miller and Joy give Montgomery elite production and experience, while the returning defensive front provides stability.
The team must also continue developing depth and improve its special teams performance.
Montgomery came within six points of a district championship last season.
With a veteran roster, an established defensive identity and one of the most productive backfields in Class 1A, the Red Raiders enter 2026 capable of finishing what they started.
Head Coach: Joel Knoebel
Assistant Coaches:
Max Furman
Randal Campbell
Brennan Bailey
Rhyle Strausbaugh
Shane Miller
Jason Campbell
Team Name: Montgomery Red Raiders
District: 4
Class: 1A
League: Northern Tier League, Small School Divisio
2025 Record: 10-2
8/22 @ Hughesville (2A) 7:00 pm W 14-6
8/29 @ Warrior Run (2A) 7:00 pm L 7-24
9/05 Sayre* (1A) 7:00 pm W 58-0
9/12 @ Wyalusing Area (2A) 7:00 pm W 28-6
9/19 Canton Area (1A) 7:00 pm W 54-0
9/26 @ Muncy* (1A) 7:00 pm W 27-7
10/03 Northwest Area* (1A) 7:00 pm W 62-0
10/10 Holy Redeemer (2A) 7:00 pm W 57-6
10/17 @ South Williamsport* (2A) 7:00 pm W 42-14
10/24 Cowanesque Valley* (2A) 7:00 pm W 21-6
10/31 Muncy (1A) 7:00 pm W 33-0 Dist. 4 Class A Semifinal
11/07 @ Line Mountain (1A) 7:00 pm L 14-20 Dist. 4 Class A Championship
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Warrior Run (2A) 10:00 am Scrimmage; with Mount Carmel Area
8/28 Hughesville (2A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ Canton Area* (1A) 7:00 pm
9/12 South Williamsport* (2A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Troy Area (2A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Muncy* (1A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Wyalusing Area* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Sayre* (1A) 7:00 pm
10/16 Towanda (2A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ North Penn-Mansfield (2A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Cowanesque Valley (3A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Lane Gingery OL
Caleb Parkyn OL
Austin Luckenbill DB
Parker Persing QB
Offensive Starters Returning:
Sr Trace Furman RB 5-9 165
Sr Lincoln Miller RB 5-10 180
Sr Briar Persing TE 6-2 220
Sr Ethan Hugar OL 6-3 250
Sr Connor Jarret OL 5-9 210
Sr Logan Joy WR 5-9 160
Jr Evan Hugar OL 6-2 225
Jr Josh Knoebel RB 5-9 180
Defensive Starters Returning:
Sr SS Trace Furman
Sr DB Logan Joy
Sr LB Cameron Woltz 5-9 200
Sr LB Lincoln Miller
Jr LB Josh Knoebel
Soph LB Gage Furman 5-10 200
Sr DL/S Briar Persing
Sr DL Ethan Hugar
Sr DL Gary Ulrich 5-10 290
Special Team Starters Returning:
Sr K Dylan Sherman 6-3 150
Key Newcomers:
Fr DL Lyle Huggler 6-4 230
Soph OL Brik Bonilla 5-10 225
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Josh Knoebel +1,100 rushing yards
Trace Furman +1,000 rushing yards
Trace Furman +100 tackles
Cameron Woltz +100 tackles
2026 Offensive Outlook: Offensively Montgomery returns all 3 running backs responsible for over 2,700 yards of rushing both Trace and Josh went over 1,000yds last season. Beyond those 3 there are 5 other returning starters in different positions. Will be looking at who our Quarterback will be early on to lead the offense, currently 2 great candidates in Briar Persing and Gage Furman.
Replacement of two graduated linemen will create great inter team competition as the season gets started amongst a very young talented pool of athletes. Every indication points to a much more balanced attack thru the air and ground this season based of preseason workouts.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Defensively, we are returning 8 starters, which were at the core of last year’s stellar defense. 2025 was our second year running the 3-4 defense and the gains were astronomical. The defense was ranked best in District 4 for points allowed at 7.4/game and 4th overall in all of PIAA regardless of division. We will look to build on that success as we return all five of our top tacklers to include All-State S Trace Furman who will solidify the secondary and ILB Cam Woltz the defensive play caller, both have crested the 100 tackle mark the past two years.
Other notable returners include OLB Lincoln Miller, who led the team in sacks and forced fumbles totalling 5 each, and CB Logan Joy, who led the team with 6 INTs. While our defense is very stingy last season with points allowed we also created 30 turnovers, blocked 4 kicks and scored a safety. We will continue to look for opportunities to limit our opponents offensively through playing a physically and mentally disciplined style of defense that limits big plays while massing on the football with the intent of causing turnovers.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: This season, we’re placing a greater emphasis on our special teams. Last year, much of our focus was on installing a new offense while continuing to develop our defense. Now that those systems are more established, we’re able to dedicate more time and attention to the third phase of the game. We believe special teams can have a major impact on field position, momentum, and ultimately the outcome of games, and we’re excited about the progress we’ve made as we work to put all three phases together.