After playing for a state title in 2024, Warsaw finished 6-4 in 2025. Bart Curtis enters his 36th season as a head coach with a Warsaw football team where nearly every position has competition. If the Tigers can make that same thing happen every game, 2026 could be fun. Warsaw hosts Snider to open the season.

The Penn football squad won its second sectional in the last three years last season. Now the Kingsmen want more. Pete Riordan likes his explosive team, and as always, relies heavily on his senior class. Penn will host Valpo in week 1 and then travel to arch rival Mishawaka for the Backyard Brawl on August 28th on Sports Michiana.

After an NIC Title in 2024, Elkhart was 6-4 in 2025. Coach Travon Curry doesn’t view last year as a setback but a building block for this season. Elkhart opens the season Aug 21 vs Concord on Sports Michiana.

Keith Kinder and his Cavemen are bringing an “attack” mentality into 2026. That includes attacking issues that prevented the Cavemen from reaching their goals last year.  Mishawaka was 10-2 last year but came up short on winning a 4th straight sectional title. The Cavemen open the season against Marian and then host arch rival Penn August 28th on the Sports Michiana Game of the Week.

19 seniors. 15 returning starters. 75 players in the program. After spending the last two seasons as one of the area’s youngest teams, Adams enters 2026 as one of its oldest and most experienced. Following a 4-6 season a year ago, the Eagles believe they’re ready to take a big step forward and compete for a championship. Adams opens the season at Culver Academies on August 21st.

The LaPorte football squad posted its highest win total since 2020 last year. Now Austin Epple’s team needs to improve on the little things and prepare for a new sectional for success in 2026. The Slicers open the season on the road at rival New Prairie.

LaVille football has won two sectional titles in the last three years. Now new coach Matt Thacker brings in the triple option, but while the offense changes, the standard for the Lancers remains high. The Lancers’ quest for a 13th straight winning season begins at Triton on August 21st.

It was a tumultuous offseason for the Plymouth Rockies. Longtime assistant Brent Corbett provides some stability as the head coach for 2026. The players say – no matter what – they love being Rockies and love football! Plymouth was 4-7 last year. They open the season at Tippy Valley.

Joe Calderone takes over as the new head football coach at Marian. From the 1st seconds of his first official practice, he showcased his commanding presence. He’s looking to rejuvenate Marian’s proud tradition with a young team built to grow. Marian was 4-8 last season and will open the season hosting city rival Mishawaka. We’ll see the Knights in week 4 when they face Saint Joe on the Sports Michiana Game of the Week.

It’s a fresh start in Syracuse and there’s plenty of optimism for Wawasee football. New head coach Mark Osmialowski has put in a new offense and defense, and returning players like Kaden Andrew and Max Pena are fired up about improving the Warriors program. Wawasee opens the season at Jimtown.