Stroudsburg Returns Record-Setting Backfield Looking to Climb the EPC Mountain Division
Stroudsburg enters the 2026 season with plenty of reasons for optimism.
Despite finishing 5-6 a year ago, the Mountaineers return one of the most productive quarterback-running back combinations in District 11, along with an experienced offensive core that gives head coach Jim Miller confidence heading into another demanding Eastern Pennsylvania Conference schedule.
The Mountaineers will have to replace several key seniors from last year’s squad, but with eight returning starters on offense and experienced specialists back in the kicking game, Stroudsburg believes it has the pieces to compete in both the EPC Mountain Division and District 11 Class 6A.
“Our goal is to be very competitive in our league and our non-league schedule as long as we can stay healthy,” Miller said.
Building on a Competitive 2025 Season
The Mountaineers battled through one of the toughest schedules in District 11 last fall.
They opened the season with a convincing 28-7 win over Wallenpaupack before dropping an overtime thriller to Wilkes-Barre and later facing perennial EPC powers Bethlehem Liberty, Emmaus, Easton Area and eventual district finalist Parkland.
Within the Mountain Division, Stroudsburg defeated Pocono Mountain East in overtime, Pocono Mountain West, East Stroudsburg North and East Stroudsburg South before narrowly falling to Pleasant Valley.
Although the final record settled at 5-6, the Mountaineers gained valuable experience against elite competition while several underclassmen emerged as impact players.
That experience should pay dividends this season.
Mitchell Returns After Record-Setting Year
Junior quarterback Jack Mitchell enters the season as one of District 11’s most accomplished returning signal callers.
Last fall, Mitchell established a new Stroudsburg single-season passing record with 1,567 passing yards, showcasing poise and consistency throughout the year.
Now entering his second full season as the starter, Mitchell is expected to take another step forward.
His experience gives the Mountaineers stability at the game’s most important position.
More importantly, he returns with several familiar playmakers surrounding him, allowing the offense to continue expanding rather than rebuilding.
Johnson Headlines Dangerous Ground Game
While Mitchell excelled through the air, junior running back Keyen Johnson was equally impressive on the ground.
Johnson rushed for 1,421 yards in 2025, giving Stroudsburg one of the most productive rushing attacks in the EPC.
His combination of speed, vision and toughness makes him one of the premier returning backs in District 11.
With Mitchell forcing defenses to respect the passing game, Johnson should continue to find opportunities behind an experienced offensive line.
The Mountaineers expect him to remain the centerpiece of the running attack.
Balanced Attack Remains Offensive Identity
One of Stroudsburg’s greatest strengths entering 2026 is balance.
The Mountaineers return both a 1,500-yard passer and a 1,400-yard rusher, giving opposing defenses difficult decisions every Friday night.
Coach Miller expects that versatility to remain the offense’s identity.
“We should be able to run and pass the ball with a balanced attack,” he said.
Eight returning offensive starters and several additional players with varsity experience should allow the offense to continue developing without starting over.
That continuity is one of the biggest reasons for optimism entering the season.
Munch Does It All
Few players are as valuable to Stroudsburg as junior Keegan Munch.
The versatile H-back caught 31 passes for 437 yards last season while also serving as one of the team’s defensive leaders.
On defense, Munch finished second on the team with 62 tackles, including 11 tackles for loss.
His versatility allows the Mountaineers to move him throughout the formation offensively while relying on him to anchor the middle of the defense.
Whether catching passes, blocking or making tackles, Munch impacts every phase of the game.
Experienced Skill Players Return
Mitchell will also have talented receivers back on the outside.
Josh Ivers-Green returns after another productive season and gives the Mountaineers a big-play target with his 6-foot-3 frame.
Kahlid Trimmingham provides additional speed and athleticism on the perimeter.
The backfield also remains deep with Jarel Jackson returning as another experienced runner while contributing defensively at linebacker.
Combined with Johnson and Munch, Stroudsburg possesses multiple offensive weapons capable of creating explosive plays.
Offensive Line Provides Foundation
Success up front will determine just how dangerous the Mountaineers become.
The offensive line returns several experienced players, including Albert Suggs, Damien Martinez, Fah-Mak Rogers, and promising sophomore Madden Bauer.
Suggs brings size at 6-foot-1 and 295 pounds, while Bauer already checks in at 310 pounds entering his sophomore season.
That group will be expected to establish the running game while protecting Mitchell.
If the offensive line continues developing, Stroudsburg could field one of the more balanced offenses in the EPC.
Defense Must Replace Veteran Leadership
While the offense returns much of its production, the defense faces a greater rebuilding challenge.
The Mountaineers graduated several key contributors, including Alex Ball, Anderson Soto, Aren Quintero, Camron Satterfield, Joe Monaco and Zion Essington.
Replacing that experience won’t happen overnight.
Coach Miller believes success will depend on communication and playing together as a unit.
“We need all 11 guys to work together and communicate,” he said.
With several new faces stepping into larger roles, chemistry and execution will be essential.
Munch Leads Defensive Core
Munch once again headlines the defensive unit.
His 62 tackles and 11 tackles for loss demonstrate his ability to impact games near the line of scrimmage.
He’ll be joined by experienced linebacker Kevin Rodriguez Jr., along with returning linemen Suggs, Rogers and Bauer.
Jarel Jackson also contributes defensively at linebacker, giving the Mountaineers another athletic playmaker.
The coaching staff expects the returning experience in the front seven to help ease the transition as younger players gain confidence.
Special Teams Could Be Major Advantage
Few teams in District 11 enter the season with the level of confidence Stroudsburg has in its kicking game.
Hunter Fuller converted all 29 extra-point attempts last season, providing remarkable consistency.
Meanwhile, Gabe Ferguson owns the school record with a 49-yard field goal, showcasing one of the strongest legs in the area.
Ferguson also handles punting duties, giving the Mountaineers another advantage in field position.
Coach Miller believes the experienced kicking tandem could play an important role throughout the season.
Having reliable specialists often proves invaluable during close games in the EPC.
Players to Watch
Jack Mitchell, Jr., QB – Returns after setting the school single-season passing record with 1,567 yards.
Keyen Johnson, Jr., RB – One of District 11’s top returning rushers after gaining 1,421 yards in 2025.
Keegan Munch, Jr., H-Back/ILB – Versatile two-way standout who caught 31 passes while recording 62 tackles and 11 tackles for loss.
Josh Ivers-Green, Jr., WR/CB – Big, athletic receiver capable of stretching opposing defenses.
Jarel Jackson, Jr., RB/LB – Experienced two-way contributor who adds depth and versatility.
Albert Suggs, Jr., OL/DL – Physical lineman expected to anchor both fronts.
Damien Martinez, Jr., C – Returning center who provides leadership for the offensive line.
Fah-Mak Rogers, Jr., OL/DT – Experienced interior lineman on both sides of the football.
Hunter Fuller, Jr., PK – Perfect on 29 extra-point attempts last season.
Gabe Ferguson, Jr., K/P – School-record holder with a 49-yard field goal and one of the area’s top specialists.
My thoughts on Stroudsburg
Stroudsburg enters the 2026 season believing it has the offensive firepower to compete with anyone on its schedule.
Returning a record-setting quarterback, a 1,400-yard running back and an experienced supporting cast gives the Mountaineers one of the more balanced offenses in District 11 Class 6A.
The biggest question will be on defense, where replacing veteran leadership and improving communication will determine just how high this team’s ceiling can be.
If the new defensive starters develop quickly and the experienced front seven provides stability, Stroudsburg has the potential to improve on last year’s five-win campaign.
The special teams unit, led by Ferguson and Fuller, should consistently provide an edge in field position, while Mitchell, Johnson and Munch give the Mountaineers proven playmakers on offense.
In what promises to be another challenging EPC season, Stroudsburg has the experience, talent and offensive balance to position itself as a legitimate contender for a District 11 Class 6A playoff berth.
Head Coach: Jim Miller
Assistant Coaches:
John Bozena
Ken Sickler
Tony Rose
Brett Youngken
Steve Ruhl.
Jeff Zimmeramn
Jake Cirillo
Jordan Fernandez
Benny Pembleton
Dominick Magalhase
Josh Fernandez
Team Name: Stroudsburg Mountaineers
District: 11
Class: 6A
League: EPC – Mountain Division
2025 Record: 5-6
8/22 Wallenpaupack (4A) 7:00 pm W 28-7
8/29 @ Wilkes-Barre (6A) 7:00 pm L 42-48 OT
9/05 Bethlehem Liberty (6A) 7:00 pm L 17-49
9/12 @ Emmaus (6A) 7:00 pm L 10-48
9/19 @ Pocono Mountain East* (5A) 7:00 pm W 40-34 OT
9/26 Easton Area (6A) 7:00 pm L 0-62
10/03 @ Pocono Mountain West* (6A) 7:00 pm W 30-15
10/10 East Stroudsburg North* (4A) 7:00 pm W 28-6
10/17 East Stroudsburg South* (5A) 7:00 pm W 45-19
10/24 @ Pleasant Valley* (5A) 7:00 pm L 6-10
10/31 @ Parkland (6A) 7:00 pm L 14-49 Dist. 11 Class 6A Quarterfinal
2026 Schedules:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Hazleton Area (6A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 George Washington (6A) 7:00 pm
9/04 Wilkes-Barre (6A) 7:00 pm
9/10 @ Bethlehem Liberty (6A) 7:00 pm
9/17 @ Parkland (6A) 7:00 pm
9/25 @ Pocono Mountain East* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/02 Nazareth Area (6A) 7:00 pm
10/08 Pocono Mountain West* (6A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ East Stroudsburg North* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ East Stroudsburg South* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Pleasant Valley* (5A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters lost:
Alex Ball
Anderson Soto
Aren Quintero
Camron Satterfield
Essam Alrefai
Jaylin Rieara
Joe Monaco
Karis Wilkens
Octavian Riszko
Zion Essington
Offensive/Defensive Starters Returning:
Albert Suggs, (OL/DL, 6-1, 295, 2027)
Damien Martinez, (C, 5-10, 220, 2027)
Fah-Mak Rogers, (OL/DT, 5-9, 230, 2027)
Gabe Ferguson, (K/P, 5-11, 150, 2027)
Hunter Fuller, (PK, 5-6, 130, 2027)
Jack Mitchell, (QB, 5-9, 170, 2027)
Jarel Jackson, (RB/LB, 5-9, 165, 2027)
Josh Ivers-Green, (WR/CB, 6-3, 190, 2027)
Kahlid Trimmingham, (WR/DB, 5-9, 165, 2027)
Keegan Munch, (H-Back/ILB, 6-1, 220, 2027)
Kevin Rodriquez Jr., (H-Back/ILB, 5-10, 220, 2027)
Keyen Johnson, (RB, 5-9, 175, 2027)
Madden Bauer, (OL/DL, 5-9, 310, 2028)
Key Newcomers:
Anderson Slatky, RB/LB
Andres Batista, WR/S
Bennett Mitchell, H-Back/LB
Eric Vazquez, H-Back/DE
Joe Kramer, H-Back/DE
Kevin Owusu-Ansah, OL/DL
Kieran Wilkins, WR/LB
Kygen Damato, WR
Landon Babb, OL/DL
Maxim Tutty, QB/LB
Nick Klein, OL/LB
Owynn Ulmer, OL/DL
Troy Carson, OL/DL
Victor Casese, WR/CB
Xavier Dean, OL/DL
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Jack Mitchell threw for a season record 1,567 yards last year.
Keyen Johnson rushed for 1,421 yards
Keegan Munch had 31 receptions for 437 yards, defensive side Keegan was second on the team with 62 tackles, 11 for loss.
Hunter Fuller last year was 29 for 29 on Xtra-Points made
Gabe Ferguson holds the school record with a field goal of 49 yard.
2026 Outlook: We should be very competitive in our league along with our non-league games as long as we can stay healthy.
Offense: We should be able to run and pass the ball with a balanced attack. We have 8 guys returning on this side of the ball, with others who had some varsity experience last year. We have a 1000 yard passer and rusher back.
Defense: We need to replace some key losses from last year, but we need all 11 guys to work together and communicate.
Special Teams: We have two kickers back that have a lot of experience that will help in field position.