Berks Sports Report Paul Roberts
Muhlenberg’s football team made tremendous progress last fall. The Muhls doubled their win total from the previous season and reached the District 3 playoffs for the first time since 2013. They snapped a 21-game losing streak to Gov. Mifflin with a 35-17 victory in Laureldale. Muhlenberg finished third in Section 2 of the Lancaster-Lebanon League with a (8-3, 4-2) mark. The Muhls fell to #8 seed Spring Grove 35-0 in the opening round of the District 3-5A tournament.
Head coach Rob Flowers, a star quarterback at Muhlenberg in the late 1990s, is entering his third season at the helm. “All of our guys have progressed really well, super excited about that. They got after it this offseason,” he said. Flowers and his staff must replace nine starters on offense and six on defense. The Muhls are also moving up to Class 6A this year. In addition, they have a date with Wilson scheduled for September 11th in Laureldale. “I’m a firm believer in we have to challenge ourselves. People call me crazy for scheduling Wilson. You gotta dance with the big dogs to get there,” replied Flowers. The Muhls and Bulldogs will be squaring off for the first time in 18 years. Wilson won that District 3-4A quarterfinal 46-0. “We’ve never shied away from any kind of game. We want to be to that elite level. You can’t get there by playing teams that aren’t gonna be on that path,” added Flowers.
Cam Small ended his career with 3,817 rushing yards, a school record. He was a two-time All-State selection at Muhlenberg. Ian Rodriguez, a rising junior, is one running back to keep an eye on this fall. The Muhls lost Mike Miller and Freddy Lacey to graduation. Miller racked up 112 career catches, the most in Muhlenberg history. Kalib Perez, Noel Irzarry, Jayden Faulkner, and Rabentz Joseph will make up the wide receiving corps in 2026. “We really like the guys we got catching the ball,” emphasized Flowers. Trent Stoyer, a senior offensive tackle, is the lone returning starter on the offensive line.
The Muhls have more experience on the defensive side of the ball. Chase Zona, Joseph, and Perez are back in the secondary. Julian Baez and Justin Jacquez will be counted on up front. “This group has their own special, unique bond about them. I’m looking forward to that,” said Flowers. Muhlenberg kicks off the season at Cocalico on Friday, August 28th. The Muhls face rival Reading in Week 2. That matchup is on Thursday, September 3rd at Albright’s Shirk Stadium.