Tigers’ biggest challenge in 2025: meeting their own high expectations
For Ephrata High School football, the biggest challenge this season might not be found among Central Washington Athletic Conference opponents. Rather, it will be the challenge of playing to their own standards and expectations every single game, according to fourth-year head coach Patrick Mitchell.
"This year's team brings back a lot of playing experience as we only graduated six seniors from a year ago," Mitchell said. "Many players are coming back with the confidence and knowledge of our systems, and are looking forward to competing this year."
Leading the offensive attack are four seniors who were CWAC standouts last year: offensive tackle Michael Park (second-team offense), quarterback Brady Hendrick (honorable mention offense), punter Caleb Moberg (honorable mention specialists), and dual-threat player Brice Strickler (first-team all-league offensive lineman and second-team defensive lineman).
As a junior operating the Tigers’ spread shotgun offense, Hendrick put up some impressive stats, passing for 1,328 yards and 11 touchdowns, and running for 539 yards and eight TDs. Other seniors returning on offense include starting receiver Hunter Mills and tight end Calvin Lybbert. Mitchell said a three-way competition for running back is heating up between senior Jacob Reyes, junior Carson Andrus, and sophomore Chance Lee.
Rounding out the Tigers’ veteran lineup are two juniors, inside linebacker Owen Fitch and lineman Cooper Kriete, who both received CWAC honorable mention recognition for their play on defense as sophomores.
Despite the experienced roster, Mitchell is looking for talented underclassmen to step into new roles.
"We have some big shoes to fill – we had some seniors in some key spots last season," said Mitchell, then adding, "We have some young sophomores who are talented and want to get on the field."
Othello claimed the league title in 2024 and advanced to the state Class 2A tournament along with CWAC squads Toppenish, Prosser, and East Valley (Yakima) in the opening round of 32 teams. Ephrata compiled a 4-4 record and finished sixth in the conference standings, with the offense averaging 16 points a game while the defense gave up an average of 20 points per outing.
Those numbers will likely need to improve this year to have playoff aspirations. Assistant coach/defensive coordinator David Tempel intends to incorporate multiple 3-4 schemes (three down linemen, four linebackers) to be more dynamic and provide strategic versatility. The real test this year will be whether the Tigers can execute week after week at the level Mitchell expects from his program. But he believes Ephrata's tradition of community support plays a big role in inspiring players to meet lofty demands.
"We are proud to live in such a great community, who are involved in helping fund-raise, parents who are cooking meals before home games, and the overall community support being loud and proud for our games on Fridays," Mitchell said.
A veteran of the coaching ranks, Mitchell has been part of Ephrata's football culture for six years, starting as an assistant before taking over when longtime coach Jay Mills stepped down. Mitchell’s resume also includes assistant roles at Royal City and Chewelah, where he doubled as head wrestling coach.
The Tigers began preseason practices Aug. 20. Their first action under the lights will be hosting a scrimmage jamboree against Moses Lake and Royal City on Friday, Aug. 29. Junior varsity and freshman matchups will start at 5 p.m., followed by varsity scrimmages.
Ephrata opens league play on Sept. 5, traveling to Prosser High School to face the Mustangs. “We have had 4 great games with Prosser in the last four years that have come down to the team who seems to have the ball last. So, we are preparing for a great game with a tough opponent,” Mitchell said.
The Tigers’ first home contest is slated Sept. 19 when they host the Ellensburg Bulldogs.
