Line Mountain Reloads After District 4 Championship Season
Line Mountain enters the 2026 season with a much different roster, but the Eagles still have enough returning talent to remain one of the teams to watch in District 4 Class 1A.
Head coach Brandon Carson guided Line Mountain to an 11-1 record last fall, including a perfect regular season and a 20-14 victory over Montgomery in the District 4 Class A championship game. The Eagles’ season ended with a 31-20 loss to Lackawanna Trail in the opening round of the PIAA playoffs, but 2025 established a high standard for the program.
Now the challenge is replacing a large and accomplished senior class.
Gone are record-setting quarterback and free safety Kaiden Maurer, receivers Dalton Schadel and Bryce Smeltz, linemen Jackson Kauwell, JD Brightbill, Jacob Schwalm and Tyson Smeltz, fullback Ethan Lenker, defensive back Waylon Shaffer and versatile Max Johnson.
The Eagles also lost returning center and linebacker Evan Schaffner for the season, creating another major hole in a lineup already undergoing significant change.
Even so, Carson believes the 2026 group has enough talent to remain dangerous.
Massive Offensive Transition
The offense will look considerably different after losing Maurer and essentially the entire offensive line.
Maurer’s departure leaves a major void at quarterback, while the Eagles must also replace several of their top blockers and skill-position contributors.
Carson knows the offense cannot simply copy what last year’s team did.
“We need to replace a lot of production from 2025,” Carson said. “Various All-Staters, a record-setting QB, the whole OL. We need to adapt to what we have coming back and gel as an offense.”
That adaptability will be one of the biggest themes of the season.
Dunkelberger Becomes Offensive Leader
Senior Kaden Dunkelberger is one of the top returning playmakers.
He rushed 87 times for 524 yards and 11 touchdowns last season and should see an even larger role in 2026.
Dunkelberger brings experience, toughness and proven production to a young offense that will need veteran leadership.
With the quarterback position and offensive line being rebuilt, his ability to consistently move the chains will be especially valuable.
Malfara Gives Eagles Explosive Receiving Threat
Sophomore Henry Malfara returns after a breakout season.
Malfara caught 31 passes for 475 yards and eight touchdowns while adding 61 rushing yards and two more scores.
He also contributed significantly in the return game, giving Line Mountain one of its most versatile offensive weapons.
With several receivers gone from last year’s team, Malfara should become one of the primary targets in the passing game.
Derk Could Play Major Role at Quarterback
Sophomore Preston Derk is one of the players to watch in the quarterback competition.
Derk gained valuable varsity experience last season in several roles, rushing 14 times for 91 yards and a touchdown while catching four passes for 32 yards.
His defensive production also showed his instincts and athletic ability.
Derk recorded 25 tackles and four interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.
That experience should help him if he takes on a larger role behind center.
Troutman Adds Backfield Depth
Junior Liam Troutman gives the Eagles another experienced runner.
He rushed for 323 yards on 38 carries last season and scored one touchdown.
His production gives Line Mountain another proven option in the backfield alongside Dunkelberger.
A deeper running game could be critical as the Eagles break in a new quarterback and inexperienced offensive line.
Offensive Line Is Biggest Question
The offensive line will be the most important area to watch.
Line Mountain must replace nearly the entire starting unit, and Schaffner’s season-ending absence removes the one returning center with significant experience.
That means several young linemen must become varsity-ready quickly.
The Eagles’ success may depend less on individual talent and more on how quickly the new group develops chemistry.
Carson emphasized that minimizing penalties and turnovers will be critical for a young offense.
If the line improves steadily, the offense has enough skill talent to become productive as the season progresses.
Defense Could Still Be a Strength
Despite the graduation losses, Carson is optimistic about the defense.
“I think we could be better defensively this year than we were last year,” he said. “We have the talent.”
That confidence starts with several productive returning defenders.
Line Mountain brings back playmakers at linebacker, safety and defensive end.
The challenge will be replacing experience while maintaining communication and discipline.
Dunkelberger Leads Returning Defense
Dunkelberger was one of the Eagles’ most productive defenders last season.
He recorded 87 tackles, including 58 solo stops, 18 tackles for loss, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and two blocked punts.
Both interceptions were returned for touchdowns.
Those numbers make him one of the top returning defenders in District 4 Class 1A.
He will be expected to become the emotional and statistical leader of the defense.
Luke Malfara Brings Physicality to Secondary
Junior Luke Malfara returns at strong safety after recording 72 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, seven pass breakups, one forced fumble and one blocked punt.
His combination of size and production gives the Eagles a proven defender in the secondary.
Malfara can support the run, cover receivers and create turnovers.
That versatility will be especially important as the defense introduces new starters around him.
Feger Poised for Bigger Year
Sophomore defensive end Cade Feger is another major returning piece.
Feger recorded 65 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, one sack and one forced fumble last season.
At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, he already has the physical tools to become one of the top young defensive linemen in the district.
He will be expected to provide pressure off the edge and help anchor a rebuilt defensive front.
Cockeril Provides Toughness Up Front
Junior Garrett Cockeril also returns after recording 30 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks and two fumble recoveries.
His production gives Line Mountain another player capable of disrupting plays near the line of scrimmage.
Cockeril’s physicality should help the Eagles as they replace several experienced defensive linemen.
Communication Will Be the Key
The defensive philosophy is simple.
The Eagles need to work together, understand their assignments and communicate.
With several new starters entering the lineup, those fundamentals become even more important.
Line Mountain has enough athletic talent to make plays, but avoiding breakdowns will determine whether the defense can truly improve on last season.
Special Teams Return Key Pieces
Henry Malfara returns as a dangerous return specialist after producing 80 punt return yards and 253 kickoff return yards.
Feger also returns as the kicker.
The biggest special teams question is at punter.
Finding a dependable option there will be one of the coaching staff’s priorities during camp.
Players to Watch
Kaden Dunkelberger, Sr., RB/LB – Two-way leader who rushed for 524 yards and 11 touchdowns while recording 87 tackles and 18 tackles for loss.
Henry Malfara, So., WR/FS/RET – Explosive young playmaker who caught 31 passes for 475 yards and eight touchdowns.
Luke Malfara, Jr., SS – Physical defensive back who recorded 72 tackles and seven pass breakups.
Cade Feger, So., DE/K – Emerging defensive standout who posted 65 tackles and 10 tackles for loss.
Preston Derk, So., QB/CB – Athletic young player who intercepted four passes and could have a major offensive role.
Garrett Cockeril, Jr., FB/DT – Physical two-way contributor who recorded seven tackles for loss and two sacks.
Liam Troutman, Jr., RB/OLB – Productive runner who averaged more than eight yards per carry.
My thoughts on Line Mountain
Line Mountain enters 2026 with more questions than it had a year ago, but the Eagles also return several players capable of becoming stars.
The offense must replace a record-setting quarterback, nearly the entire offensive line and several major contributors. That will likely create some early growing pains.
The defense appears further along, with Dunkelberger, Luke Malfara, Feger and Cockeril providing a strong core.
The Eagles’ biggest keys will be developing the offensive line, settling the quarterback position and avoiding the penalties and turnovers that often hurt young teams.
The schedule begins with difficult nonconference games against Tri-Valley, Glendale and Northern Bedford before Mid-Penn Capital Division play begins.
If the young offense develops quickly and the defense plays to its potential, Line Mountain has enough talent to remain in the District 4 Class 1A championship conversation and make another postseason run.
Head Coach: Brandon Carson
Assistant Coaches:
Mike Carson
Ryan Feger
Randy Kehler
Rodney Knock
John Vovakes
Desmond Young
Dalton Schadel
Caleb Snyder
Team Name: Line Mountain Eagles
District: 4
Class: 1A
League: Mid-Penn Conference, Capital Division
2025 Record: 11-1
8/22 Lewisburg (3A) 7:00 pm W 38-13
8/29 Newport* (2A) 7:00 pm W 62-7
9/05 @ Juniata* (4A) 7:00 pm W 35-0
9/12 Halifax* (2A) 7:00 pm W 62-14
9/19 @ Upper Dauphin* (2A) 7:00 pm W 33-20
9/26 Steelton-Highspire* (2A) 7:00 pm W 36-26
10/04 @ Middletown Area (4A) 1:00 pm W 27-26
10/10 @ James Buchanan* (3A) 7:00 pm W 54-8
10/17 Camp Hill* (2A) 7:00 pm W 49-13
10/24 @ Susquenita* (3A) 7:00 pm W 63-14
11/07 Montgomery (1A) 7:00 pm W 20-14 Dist. 4 Class A Championship
11/15 Lackawanna Trail (1A) 1:00 pm L 20-31 PIAA Class A 1st Round @ Shamokin
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Muncy (1A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 @ Tri-Valley (1A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ Glendale (1A) 7:00 pm
9/11 Northern Bedford (1A) 7:00 pm
9/18 @ Upper Dauphin* (2A) 7:00 pm
9/25 Camp Hill* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/02 @ Susquenita* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Steelton-Highspire* (1A) 7:00 pm
10/16 Halifax* (1A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Juniata* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Newport* (2A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Kaiden Maurer QB/FS
Dalton Schadel WR/CB
Bryce Smeltz WR/OLB
Jackson Kauwell OG/DT
Ethan Lenker FB/OLB
Waylon Shaffer CB
JD Brightbill OT
Jacob Schwalm OT
Max Johnson TB/TE/DE
Tyson Smeltz DT
Offensive Starters Returning:
Kaden Dunkelberger, RB, 5-8, 165, SR
Henry Malfara, WR, 5-8, 160, SO.
Evan Schaffner, C, 5-10, 190, JR (out for season)
Defensive Starters Returning:
Kaden Dunkelberger, LB, 5-8, 165, SR
Henry Malfara, FS, 5-8, 160, SO.
Luke Malfara, SS, 6-1, 210, JR
Evan Schaffner, ILB, 5-10, 190, JR (out for season)
Cade Feger, DE, 6-3, 220, SO
Special Team Starters Returning:
Henry Malfara, RET, 5-8, 160, SO
Cade Feger, K, 6-3, 220, SO
Key Newcomers:
Niam Braswell, JR, 5-8, 160, RB/CB; Preston Derk, SO, 5-10, 170, QB/CB; Garrett Cockeril, JR, 6-0, 180, FB/DT (all 3 guys started games last season).
Liam Troutman, JR, RB/OLB, 5-10, 170
Caleb Shadle, SR, WR, 6-1, 180
Elijah Bradley, JR, 6-0, 210, OT/DT
Wyatt Hoffman, JR, 6-1, 300, OT/DT
Hayden Weaver, JR, 5-9, 240, DT
Lucas Laudenslager, JR, 6-2, 250, C/DE
Keefer Wetzel, SO, 6-0, 270, DT
Caden Carson, FR, 5-10, 205, FB/ILB
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Henry Malfara, 12 carries , 61 yds, 2 TD, 31 catches, 475 yds, 8 TD’s, 7 PR, 80 yds, 15 KO returns, 253 yds. 23 tackles, 5 PD, 2 FR
Kaden Dunkelberger, 87 carries, 524 yds, 11 TD’s, 87 tackles, 58 solo, 18 TFL, 2 INT, both returned for TD, 2 FR, 2 punt blocks
Luke Malfara, 72 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT, 7 PD, 1 punt blocked, 1 FF, 8 catches, 123 yds, 1 TD
Cade Feger, 65 tackles, 10 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FF
Preston Derk, 25 tackles, 4 INT, 1 returned for TD, 3 PD, 4 catches, 32 yds, 14 carries, 91 yds, 1 TD
Garrett Cockeril, 30 tackles, 7 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 FR
Liam Troutman, 18 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack, 3 PD, 38 carries, 323 yds, 1 TD.
2026 Offensive Outlook: We need to replace a lot of production from 2025. Various all staters, record setting QB, the whole OL. We need to adapt to what we have coming back and gel as an offense. We will be fairly young so minimizing penalties and turnovers will be key.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Just need to work well together, understand roles and fundamentals, and communicate. I think we could be better defensively this year than we were last year. We have the talent.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: find a punter, continue improvement on special teams.