Experienced Skill Talent and Defensive Speed Have Ephrata Eyeing a Return to District Contention
Ephrata quietly put together another winning season in 2025, finishing 6-4 while navigating one of the toughest schedules in the Lancaster-Lebanon League. The Mountaineers opened the year with impressive victories over Red Lion, Manheim Central and Garden Spot before closing the regular season with wins over Lebanon and Governor Mifflin.
Although Ephrata narrowly missed the postseason conversation after a difficult midseason stretch, the year reinforced that the Mountaineers possess the talent to compete with anyone in Section 2.
Now, head coach Kris Miller enters his latest season with perhaps his most balanced roster in several years.
The Mountaineers return nine offensive starters, 11 defensive starters and one of the deepest collections of skill players in District 3 Class 5A. While replacing All-Star specialists Aaron Young, Evan Honberger and several veteran linemen won’t be easy, the core of the football team remains intact.
Quarterback Carson Martin returns after an injury cut short his 2025 campaign. Dynamic athlete Malachi Knowles gives the offense one of the most versatile players in District 3, while a veteran offensive line and athletic defense provide optimism that Ephrata can challenge for the top of the Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 2 standings.
The expectation inside the program isn’t simply to improve.
The expectation is to compete for championships.
Martin Returns Healthy to Lead the Offense
One of the biggest offseason additions isn’t a newcomer at all.
It’s the return of senior quarterback Carson Martin.
Martin started last season strong before suffering an injury that forced him to miss the final seven weeks of the season.
Before getting hurt, he completed 32 of 54 passes for 502 yards and eight touchdowns while adding 12 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack defensively.
Now fully healthy, Martin gives Ephrata an experienced leader at quarterback.
His size at 6-foot-3, combined with his arm strength and understanding of the offense, allows offensive coordinator Clint Surgeoner and passing game coordinator Jeremy Franck to expand the passing attack.
Martin won’t have to carry the offense by himself.
Instead, he’ll distribute the football to one of the deepest groups of skill players in the Lancaster-Lebanon League.
His leadership and health may ultimately determine how high the Mountaineers can climb this fall.
Knowles Headlines Dynamic Offensive Attack
If there is one player opposing defensive coordinators must account for on every snap, it is Malachi Knowles.
Knowles is the definition of an offensive weapon.
Last season he threw for 656 yards and four touchdowns while completing 39 of 73 passes. He also rushed for 447 yards on just 86 carries while scoring 10 rushing touchdowns.
Few players in District 3 possess his versatility.
Whether lining up in the backfield, split wide or taking direct snaps, Knowles has the ability to change a game with one touch.
His athleticism forces defenses to remain disciplined, opening opportunities for the rest of the offense.
The Mountaineers will continue finding creative ways to put the football in his hands.
With Martin returning at quarterback, Knowles can move around the formation even more, creating matchup problems that few opponents can consistently defend.
Talented Receiving Corps Returns
Martin will have no shortage of weapons in the passing game.
Senior Josiah Grant returns as Ephrata’s primary deep threat.
Standing 6-foot-4 and 209 pounds, Grant combines size with athleticism, making him a difficult matchup for defensive backs.
He caught seven passes for 38 yards and a touchdown last season while contributing 27 tackles defensively.
Senior Aaden Shuman returns to patrol the slot position.
While his offensive statistics were limited last season, Shuman’s quickness and football instincts make him an important piece of the offense.
His ability to create separation underneath should complement Grant’s vertical presence.
Senior tight end Eli Frain gives Martin another dependable target.
Frain caught nine passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns last season while emerging as one of the team’s most complete two-way players.
At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Frain creates matchup problems against linebackers and defensive backs alike.
Together, the trio provides Ephrata with one of the more experienced receiving groups in Section 2.
Balanced Running Game
Although Knowles remains a dangerous rushing threat, the Mountaineers expect a more balanced backfield in 2026.
Bentley Rearich and Jayden Artis are expected to share responsibilities alongside Martin and Knowles.
The coaching staff believes fresh legs and multiple ball carriers will allow the offense to maintain its physical identity while limiting wear on its top playmakers.
Establishing the running game will also create more opportunities for play-action passes to Grant, Frain and Shuman.
Balance has become one of the defining goals for this offense.
With experienced skill players returning across the board, Ephrata has the personnel to attack defenses in multiple ways.
Veteran Offensive Line Anchors the Offense
Every successful offense begins in the trenches, and Ephrata returns a veteran offensive line.
Senior Ian Ellis anchors the group at center.
His communication and leadership are critical to identifying defensive fronts and making protection adjustments before the snap.
Senior tackle Bryson Carpenter returns after recording 17 tackles, seven tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks on defense last season.
At 6-foot-5, Carpenter possesses the length and athleticism to become one of the top linemen in District 3.
Senior Edward Ramirez provides power on the interior.
At 271 pounds, Ramirez gives the Mountaineers another experienced blocker capable of creating movement in the running game.
The combination of Ellis, Carpenter and Ramirez provides stability for an offense loaded with skill-position talent.
Defense Built Around the Front Seven
If the offense grabs headlines, the defense may ultimately determine Ephrata’s ceiling.
The Mountaineers return virtually their entire front seven.
Drake Ciran, Ian Ellis, Bryson Carpenter, Eli Frain, Edward Ramirez and Kaleb Herr headline an experienced defensive line that combines size with athleticism.
The coaching staff wants that group to dominate the line of scrimmage by occupying blockers and allowing the linebackers to run freely.
That philosophy fits the personnel perfectly.
The Mountaineers don’t necessarily need overwhelming sack numbers.
They want consistent disruption, disciplined gap control and physical football.
If the defensive front accomplishes that goal, Ephrata’s linebackers become one of the most dangerous groups in the league.
Rice Headlines Outstanding Linebackers
Senior Caleb Rice returns after one of the most productive defensive seasons in District 3.
Rice recorded an eye-popping 110 tackles, five tackles for loss and two sacks in 2025.
His ability to diagnose plays, pursue sideline to sideline and consistently finish tackles makes him the heart of the defense.
Junior Ben McCracken is expected to assume a much larger role after gaining valuable varsity experience last season.
Behind a veteran defensive line, Rice and McCracken should have opportunities to make plays throughout the field.
Few linebacker combinations in the Lancaster-Lebanon League return as much experience and production.
Athletic Secondary Creates Turnovers
The Mountaineers also feature an experienced secondary.
Grant, Knowles, Shuman, Martin and Christian Wilkes give defensive coordinator Kyle Gesswein a versatile collection of defensive backs.
Each player brings different strengths.
Grant provides length.
Knowles offers elite athleticism.
Shuman excels in coverage.
Martin brings physicality.
Together, they create a secondary capable of matching up against both spread offenses and balanced attacks.
The coaching staff wants this group to play aggressively while creating turnovers.
With pressure expected from the defensive front, opportunities for interceptions should naturally increase.
Speed Will Define the Defense
Throughout the offseason, one word has repeatedly surfaced inside the Ephrata program.
Speed.
The Mountaineers want to play faster than their opponents.
That philosophy extends beyond foot speed.
It means recognizing formations quickly, communicating efficiently and attacking without hesitation.
An experienced roster naturally allows players to react faster because they spend less time thinking.
Ephrata believes that combination of athleticism and experience gives its defense the opportunity to become one of the better units in District 3 Class 5A.
Replacing an All-Star Specialist
One of the biggest challenges entering the season is replacing All-Star kicker and punter Evan Honberger.
Honberger enjoyed an outstanding 2025 campaign, averaging 37.2 yards per punt with nine kicks inside the 20-yard line while converting 33 of 34 extra points and four of five field goals, including a long of 41 yards.
Replacing that production won’t be easy.
Several players will compete for both kicking positions throughout training camp.
Fortunately, the return game remains in excellent hands.
Knowles and Shuman are expected to handle return duties, giving Ephrata two explosive athletes capable of flipping field position with one play.
Winning the hidden yardage battle remains a major point of emphasis entering the season.
Players to Watch
Carson Martin, Sr., QB/LB: Healthy once again after an injury-shortened season, Martin gives the Mountaineers an experienced leader at quarterback.
Malachi Knowles, Sr., ATH/DB: One of District 3’s most dynamic athletes after accounting for more than 1,100 total offensive yards and 14 touchdowns last season.
Caleb Rice, Sr., LB: Defensive leader who recorded 110 tackles and five tackles for loss in 2025.
Eli Frain, Sr., TE/LB: Complete two-way player who caught two touchdown passes while recording 27 tackles.
Josiah Grant, Sr., WR/DB: Big-play receiver and athletic defensive back with outstanding size.
Aaden Shuman, Sr., WR/DB: Veteran slot receiver and dependable defensive back who finished with 49 tackles.
Bryson Carpenter, Sr., OL/DL: Athletic 6-foot-5 lineman who anchors both offensive and defensive fronts.
Ian Ellis, Sr., C/DL: Veteran center who provides leadership on both sides of the football.
Edward Ramirez, Sr., OL/DL: Powerful interior lineman who brings physicality to the trenches.
Drake Ciran, Sr., FB/DL: Experienced two-way starter who helps anchor the defensive front.
My thoughts on Ephrata
Ephrata enters the 2026 season with the ingredients necessary to become one of District 3 Class 5A’s most dangerous teams.
The Mountaineers return a veteran quarterback, one of the area’s most explosive athletes in Malachi Knowles, an experienced receiving corps and a seasoned offensive line. Martin’s return from injury gives the offense stability, while Knowles’ versatility allows the coaching staff to create mismatches virtually every week. If the offensive line continues to develop, Ephrata should field one of the more balanced offenses in the Lancaster-Lebanon League.
Defensively, the Mountaineers may be even stronger. Returning nearly the entire front seven, led by Rice, Frain, Carpenter, Ellis, Ramirez and Ciran, provides Ephrata with experience, toughness and athleticism at every level. Behind them, a talented secondary featuring Knowles, Grant, Shuman, Martin and Christian Wilkes has the speed to create turnovers and limit explosive plays.
Replacing All-Star kicker Evan Honberger will be one of the few significant question marks, but the Mountaineers have enough athleticism in the return game to continue winning the field-position battle.
The Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 2 once again promises to be one of Pennsylvania’s toughest conferences, but Ephrata has positioned itself to contend. If Martin stays healthy, the offense capitalizes on its abundance of playmakers and the experienced defense performs to its potential, the Mountaineers have the talent to challenge for a league title, return to the District 3 playoffs and make noise in the Class 5A postseason.
Head Coach: Kris Miller
Assistant Coaches:
• Clint Surgeoner – Offensive Coordinator and Oline Coach
• Jeremy Franck – Passing Game Coordinator and QB Coach
• Bruce Millard – Wide Receivers Coach
• Brian McDermott – Tight Ends and Strength & Conditioning Coach
• Josh Clair – Running Backs and Kicking Coach
• Kyle Gesswein – Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach
• Jason Vollertsen – Defensive Line Coach
• Jon Edwards – Defensive Line Coach
• Dr. Lenny Harding – Linebackers Coach
• Pat Ross – Defensive Back Coach
Team Name: Ephrata Mountaineers
District: 3
Class: 5A
League: Lancaster-Lebanon League, Section 2
2025 Record: 6-4
8/22 Red Lion Area (6A) 7:00 pm W 45-6
8/29 @ Manheim Central (5A) 7:00 pm W 17-6
9/05 Garden Spot (5A) 7:00 pm W 40-31
9/12 @ Conestoga Valley* (5A) 7:00 pm L 7-31
9/19 @ Elizabethtown Area* (5A) 7:00 pm W 20-14
9/26 Exeter Township* (5A) 7:00 pm L 0-24
10/03 @ Cocalico (5A) 7:00 pm L 21-33
10/10 @ Muhlenberg* (5A) 7:00 pm L 28-33
10/17 Lebanon* (6A) 7:00 pm W 57-12
10/24 @ Governor Mifflin* (6A) 7:00 pm W 28-20
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Dallastown (6A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 Warwick (5A) 7:00 pm
9/04 Cocalico (5A) 7:00 pm
9/11 @ Garden Spot (5A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Exeter Township* (5A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Conestoga Valley* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Muhlenberg* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Manheim Central (5A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Governor Mifflin* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Elizabethtown Area* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Lebanon* (6A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
• Aaron Young – WR/S
• Evan Honberger – K/P
• Austin Bryant – WR/CB
• Micah Spring – WR/CB
• Jackson Nolt – OL/DL
• Alex Ortiz – OL/DL
• Chase Prange – RB/LB
• Dustin Hoover – LB
• Hunter Ferris – OL
Offensive Starters Returning:
• Eli Frain – TE, 6’3” 215
• Carson Martin – QB, 6’3” 200
• Malachi Knowles – Athlete, 6’1” 165
• Aaden Shuman – WR, 5’10” 155
• Josiah Grant – WR, 6’4” 209
• Drake Ciran – FB, 6’3” 235
• Bryson Carpenter – OL, 6’5” 235
• Ian Ellis – OL, 6’ 212
• Edward Ramirez – OL, 5’ 10” 271
Defensive Starters Returning:
• Caleb Rice – LB, 5’10”, 180
• Eli Frain – LB, 6’3” 215
• Carson Martin – LB, 6’3” 200
• Malachi Knowles – DB, 6’1” 165
• Aaden Shuman – DB, 5’10” 155
• Josiah Grant – DB, 6’4” 209
• Drake Ciran – DL, 6’3” 235
• Ben McCracken – LB, 6’3” 192
• Bryson Carpenter – DL, 6’5” 235
• Ian Ellis – DL, 6’ 212
• Edward Ramirez – DL, 5’ 10” 271
Special Team Starters Returning:
• Evan Honberger K/P
Key Newcomers:
• Tyler Wloczewski Soph OL/DL 5’11” 175 LB
• Brycen Helms Soph OL/DL
• Brody Heck Soph WR/DB 6’1” 156
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Eli Frain
9 catches for 127 yards and 2 TDs and 27 total tackles and 1 TFL
Carson Martin
32 of 54 passes for 502 yards and 8 TDs and 12 total tackles and 2.5 TFL and 1 sack
Malachi Knowles
39 of 73 passes for 656 yards and 4 TDs and 447 yards rushing on 86 carries and 10 TDs and 39 total tackles
Aaden Shuman
2 catches for 7 yards and 49 total tackles and 1 TFL
Josiah Grant
7 catches for 38 yards and a TD and 27 total tackles
Caleb Rice
110 total tackles and 5 TFL and 2 sacks
Drake Ciran
19 total tackles and 4 TFL
Ben McCracken
5 total tackles
Bryson Carpenter
17 total tackles and 7 TFL and 3.5 sacks
Ian Ellis
15 total tackles and 3 TFL
Edward Ramirez
15 total tackles and 1 TFL
Special Team Starters Returning:
Evan Honberger
Averaged 37.2 yards per punt, 46 long and 9 inside the 20 and 33 of 34 PAT and 4 of 5 Field Goals, 41 long
2026 Offensive Outlook: The Mountaineers return a number of skill players on offense. The biggest of which are Athlete Malachi Knowles, Deep Threat Josiah Grant, Slot Receiver Aaden Shuman, and tight end Eli Frain. In the backfield Carson Martin returns at QB after missing the last 7 weeks an injury. Beside him Bentley Rearich and Jayden Artis look to help tote the rock. Upfront the line will be anchored by Senior Ian Ellis (Center), Bryson Carpenter (Tackle), and Edward Ramirez.
2026 Defensive Outlook: On defense the Mountaineers return a number of players in the front seven. Drake Ciran, Ian Ellis, Bryson Carpenter, Eli Frain, Edward Ramirez, and Kaleb Herr will anchor an athletic defensive line. They will occupy offensive linemen allowing linebackers Ben McCracken and Caleb Rice to run sideline to sideline making plays. The secondary will be led by ball hawkers Josiah Grant, Aaden Shuman, Malachi Knowles, Carson Martin, and Christian Wilkes. The Mountaineers will look to use their speed and athleticism to make plays all over the field
2026 Special Teams Outlook: The Mountaineers will need to replace All-Star Kicker and Punter Evan Honberger. There will be a couple of guys trying out for the positions. In the return game the Mountaineers will lean on Malachi Knowles and Aaden Shuman to help them win the field position battle.