Boiling Springs Begins New Chapter Focused on Development, Speed and Long-Term Growth
A one-win season can either define a program or motivate it.
At Boiling Springs, the Bubblers are determined to make it the beginning of something better.
Head coach Fred Menke enters the 2026 season with a young roster, new coordinators on both sides of the football and a renewed emphasis on building the program from the ground up. After finishing 1-9 in 2025, the Bubblers understand there is plenty of work ahead, but they also believe their youthful roster provides a strong foundation for future success.
Boiling Springs returns several experienced contributors while introducing numerous newcomers expected to make an immediate impact.
The record from a year ago may not reflect where the program believes it is headed.
The Bubblers’ focus this season extends beyond wins and losses.
They want to establish an identity, develop young players and lay the groundwork for sustained success in the highly competitive Mid-Penn Conference Colonial Division.
Learning From a Difficult 2025 Season
Boiling Springs opened last season on a positive note with a convincing 35-13 victory over Littlestown.
The remainder of the schedule proved to be one of the most challenging in District 3.
The Bubblers faced a difficult Mid-Penn slate that included West Perry, Susquehanna Township, Middletown, East Pennsboro, Big Spring, Trinity, Milton Hershey and Greencastle-Antrim.
Although victories were hard to come by, the coaching staff believes those experiences accelerated the development of many underclassmen who now return with valuable varsity experience.
The Bubblers also gained a clearer understanding of what it takes to compete every week in one of Pennsylvania’s strongest football conferences.
That experience should benefit a roster featuring many young players expected to contribute immediately.
Youth Will Shape the 2026 Season
Boiling Springs enters the fall with one of the younger teams in the Mid-Penn.
Rather than viewing that as a weakness, the coaching staff sees it as an opportunity.
“We are a youthful team with a ton of potential and new faces who will contribute immediately,” Menke said. “We are looking to build the program the proper way, and developing the players we have is our ultimate goal.”
That philosophy will influence every aspect of the season.
The Bubblers understand improvement will not happen overnight.
Instead, they want to see consistent progress from week to week as younger players become more comfortable at the varsity level.
If those players continue developing throughout the season, Boiling Springs could become a dangerous team by October while simultaneously building momentum for future years.
New Offensive Coordinator Returns to Gun-T Roots
One of the biggest offseason changes came on the offensive side of the football.
New offensive coordinator Brandon Ellis will oversee an attack that returns to the fundamentals of the Gun-T offense.
The Bubblers believe the system fits their personnel and allows multiple players to become involved in both the running and passing games.
The emphasis will be on execution, physicality and discipline.
Boiling Springs wants to establish a consistent rushing attack while creating opportunities for explosive plays through play-action passing.
The coaching staff believes returning veterans have already embraced leadership roles, helping younger teammates understand the responsibilities within the offense.
That leadership should help accelerate the learning process during preseason camp.
Returning Leaders Set the Tone
The Bubblers return several experienced offensive contributors expected to become the foundation of the new system.
Dante White, Liam Stouffer, Wyatt Lawyer, Darian Thompson and Ky’Mere Hawkins all return after gaining valuable varsity experience.
Although several key starters graduated, this group understands the speed and physicality of Mid-Penn football.
Their experience should help bridge the gap between the returning veterans and the many newcomers entering significant roles.
Leadership often becomes even more important than statistics during rebuilding seasons.
The Bubblers are counting on those veterans to establish the daily work habits necessary for long-term success.
Building Around the Ground Game
The return to the Gun-T offense signals Boiling Springs’ desire to become more balanced while emphasizing physical football.
The offensive line and running game will play major roles in that transition.
The coaching staff wants to establish consistent production on the ground while creating manageable passing situations.
Doing so should reduce pressure on younger skill-position players and allow the offense to control the tempo of games.
The Bubblers know sustained drives will also benefit the defense by keeping it off the field.
Executing the fundamentals of the offense consistently will be more important than relying solely on explosive plays.
New Faces Will Have Immediate Opportunities
One of the advantages of Boiling Springs’ youthful roster is the opportunity available for younger players.
Several newcomers are expected to compete for starting positions and meaningful varsity snaps immediately.
The coaching staff believes that competition has created a more energetic offseason.
Players understand there are opportunities to earn significant playing time.
That competition should improve depth throughout the roster while creating healthy internal competition.
As the season progresses, Boiling Springs hopes those younger players become increasingly comfortable within the offense.
Defense Shifts to Aggressive 4-2-5 Scheme
The Bubblers will also feature a new defensive identity under defensive coordinator Bill Ortman.
Boiling Springs is transitioning to a 4-2-5 defense designed to maximize the team’s speed and athleticism.
The scheme provides flexibility against both run-heavy and spread offenses while allowing the defense to be more aggressive.
The Bubblers return experience along the defensive line and in the secondary, giving the new system an established foundation.
The biggest challenge will be developing an entirely new group of linebackers.
Learning new responsibilities, reads and communication will be one of the defense’s primary objectives throughout preseason camp.
Veteran Core Leads Defensive Transition
Wyatt Lawyer, Dante White, Liam Stouffer and Kyle Shirk all return as starters on defense.
Their experience will be invaluable as younger teammates learn the new scheme.
The coaching staff expects those veterans to become leaders both on the field and during practice.
Communication is especially important in a new defensive system.
Returning players who already understand varsity football can help younger teammates recognize alignments, assignments and adjustments before the snap.
That leadership should allow the defense to improve steadily throughout the season.
Speed Becomes Defensive Identity
One of the primary reasons for adopting the 4-2-5 alignment is speed.
The Bubblers believe they have athletes capable of making plays across the field.
The new system allows those players to attack rather than react.
Boiling Springs expects dynamic playmakers to emerge at every level of the defense.
The defensive line must create pressure, the linebackers must quickly learn their new responsibilities and the secondary must capitalize on turnover opportunities.
If all three levels develop together, the Bubblers believe the defense can become the strength of the football team.
Special Teams Could Become Major Weapon
Special teams may already be one of Boiling Springs’ greatest strengths.
Senior Eli Ackerson returns after establishing himself as one of District 3’s top specialists.
Ackerson demonstrated impressive range and consistency last season.
He connected on field goals beyond 30 yards while also showcasing a powerful leg in the punting game.
Several of his punts traveled more than 70 yards, consistently flipping field position.
That type of weapon can dramatically change close football games.
The Bubblers expect Ackerson to remain a major factor in all kicking situations.
His presence should also give the offense confidence when drives stall near scoring range.
Hawkins Adds Big-Play Ability
Ky’Mere Hawkins also returns as an important part of the special teams unit.
The coaching staff saw flashes of explosive return ability throughout last season.
With another offseason of development, Hawkins could become one of the team’s most dangerous playmakers.
Field position often becomes critical for young teams.
A single explosive return can provide momentum while shortening the field for the offense.
The Bubblers hope Hawkins can consistently provide that spark.
Players to Watch
Dante White: Veteran returning starter expected to provide leadership on both sides of the football.
Liam Stouffer: Experienced contributor returning as one of the leaders of both the offense and defense.
Wyatt Lawyer: Two-way starter expected to anchor the defense while helping lead the offense.
Darian Thompson: Returning offensive starter who should play an expanded role in the new Gun-T offense.
Ky’Mere Hawkins: Dynamic athlete capable of making plays offensively and in the return game.
Kyle Shirk: Veteran defender expected to help lead the transition into the new 4-2-5 defensive scheme.
Eli Ackerson: Outstanding kicker and punter whose powerful leg gives Boiling Springs a significant special teams advantage.
My thoughts on Boiling Springs
Boiling Springs enters 2026 focused less on immediate results and more on building a sustainable program.
The Bubblers have embraced a long-term approach centered on player development, competition and establishing a consistent identity.
The return to the Gun-T offense under Brandon Ellis should provide structure for a young offense, while Bill Ortman’s new 4-2-5 defense is designed to maximize the team’s athleticism and speed.
Experienced players such as Dante White, Liam Stouffer, Wyatt Lawyer, Darian Thompson and Ky’Mere Hawkins will be asked to guide a large group of younger teammates through the inevitable challenges of a rebuilding season.
Special teams could become one of the program’s biggest strengths thanks to Ackerson’s exceptional kicking ability and Hawkins’ explosiveness as a returner.
The Mid-Penn Colonial Division remains one of the toughest conferences in Pennsylvania, and every Friday night will present another opportunity for growth.
The Bubblers understand success won’t be measured solely by the final record.
If the young roster develops as expected, the offensive and defensive systems take hold and the leadership group establishes the proper culture, Boiling Springs could lay the foundation for a much brighter future while becoming a far more competitive team as the 2026 season unfolds.
Head Coach: Fred Menke
Assistant Coaches:
Brandon Ellis
Donald Chamberlin
Bill Ortman
Sam Glesner
Bryan Oles
Tony Franklin
Josh Ward
Noah Davis
Dave Boyle
Zack VonStein
Team Name: Boiling Springs Bubblers
District: 3
Class: 4A
League: Mid-Penn Conference, Colonial Division
2025 Record: 1-9
8/22 @ Littlestown (3A) 7:00 pm W 35-13
8/29 @ West Perry* (4A) 7:00 pm L 0-28
9/05 Susquehanna Township* (4A) 7:00 pm L 0-55
9/12 @ Middletown Area* (4A) 7:00 pm L 6-35
9/19 East Pennsboro* (4A) 7:00 pm L 7-35
9/26 @ Big Spring* (3A) 7:00 pm L 7-53
10/03 Trinity* (3A) 7:00 pm L 3-36
10/09 @ Milton Hershey* (4A) 7:00 pm L 21-49
10/17 Greencastle-Antrim* (4A) 7:00 pm L 13-26
10/24 Halifax (2A) 7:00 pm L 20-52
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Delone Catholic (1A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 @ ELCO (4A) 7:00 pm
9/04 Big Spring (4A) 7:00 pm
9/11 @ Hanover (3) (4A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ West Perry* (4A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Greencastle-Antrim* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Milton Hershey* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Trinity* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/16 East Pennsboro* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Middletown Area* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Susquehanna Township* (4A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters lost:
Demetri White
Ethan Noll
Tyler Whitmire
Ryan Heller
Dom Beck
Javier Rosario
Cash Carothers
Colson Hoover
Offensive Starters Returning:
Dante White
Liam Stouffer
Wyatt Lawyer
Darian Thompson
Ky’Mere Hawkins
Defensive Starters Returning:
Wyatt Lawyer
Dante White
Liam Stouffer
Kyle Shirk
Special Team Starters Returning:
Eli Ackerson
Ky’Mere Hawkins
Key Newcomers:
Jax Crow
Will Williams
Dom Peters
Jack George
Isaiah Chripczuk
Lane Hughes
Ben Oles
Ethan Whitmire
2026 Outlook: We are a youthful team with a ton of potential and new faces who will contribute immediately. We are looking to build the program up the proper way and developing the players we have is our ultimate goal.
Offense: Under new offensive coordinator, Brandon Ellis, we look to get back to the basics of the Gun-T offense and be able to utilize multiple newcomer players in the Run and Pass game. With a few players returning to the offense, we have been able to get things rolling from a leadership perspective and teaching the younger players their jobs within the offense.
Defense: Under new defensive coordinator, Bill Ortman, the Bubblers look to use their speed in a newer look 4-2-5 defense. We return some key components to the line and secondary but will be teaching a new group of linebackers. Look for some dynamic playmakers at all 3 levels of the defense this year.
Special Team: Returning Eli Ackerson is a key component to our special teams, as he proved his ability to kick and punt is special. Netting a few punts over 70 yards and kicking 30+ yard FG last year will allow us to be more dynamic in the red zone. Ky’Mere Hawkins showed us glimpses of big play potential in the return game.