The 2026 high school football season is here, as gear will be handed out on Tuesday (August 4th), and athletes will practice in helmets and shorts in week one, then pads starting August 10th in preparation for the season opener(s) later this month.
Several Manitowoc County coaches appeared on WOMT Sports Talk recently to give their thoughts about their team and outlook for the upcoming season.
Manitowoc Lutheran is coming off its most successful season in school history in 2025. They ran the table in the Big East to capture their first conference title since 2011 and advanced to the Division Six state semifinals before falling to eventual state champion Darlington.
The Lancers have a lot of holes to fill as several talented seniors have graduated. 4 year starting center Collin Rounds, lineman and linebacker Tristian Hulse, 3 year starting quarterback Jaymen Ott, and skill players Issac Wagner, Isiah Muchka, and Wesley Hecker, among others, have moved on.
Head Coach Ryan Hulse admits they’ll be tough to replace, but he’s excited about the prospects of the 2026 Lancers.
” It was great to be able to work in the weight room with these boys during the summer, and we’re all excited to get the season underway.” Hulse adds—
“It’s time to get going, and everyone can’t wait to get onto the field and play together,” he says. “We have a great group of boys that are ready to utilize what gifts God has given them, and we all look forward to having another great season.”
Evan Smith begins his third year at the helm of Manitowoc Lincoln. The former Green Bay Packers Super Bowl champion lineman took over a program that once won 48 consecutive games and three consecutive state titles (1984-86).
His first win as coach came on Homecoming last season when the Ships defeated Green Bay East, then followed it up with a victory at Sheboygan South to end the season on a high note. Smith says that gives them momentum heading into 2026, and the program is heading in the right direction.
” It’s been a work in progress” he admits. “We are working tirelessly to get this program heading in the right direction. I’ve had to peel back the layers of the onion to really get the kids to understand that it’s not just one player that can win or lose a game. We all must take accountability and responsibility on and off the field and truly understand that we succeed or fail together as a team. “
Kevin Shillcox begins his 14th year as the head coach at Two Rivers. He’s led the Purple Raiders to the playoffs 10 times, advancing to the state semifinals twice.
That success moved them into the very competitive Northeast Conference for two years (2024-2025), where they played what Shillcox referred to as a playoff game every single week.
They return to The EWC (Eastern Wisconsin Conference) this season, where they called home for decades prior to the 2024 season. The Raiders’ head coach tells seehafernews.com that it’s nice to be back home.
” I’m glad that we are back in the EWC (Eastern Wisconsin Conference). It really feels like home to us. There are a few new coaches, but for the most part everything is the way it was when we left. We’re excited to get the season rolling.”
A familiar foe in Roncalli returns to the schedule as the two teams meet on September 10th at Rubick Field, but there’s a new coach at the helm.
Aaron Zepnick, who has plenty of coaching and officiating experience, takes over for Paul Kinsella, who resigned after leading the Jets to the playoffs the last two seasons.
Zepnick says they are big shoes to fill and describes the key ingredient to his coaching philosophy.
” Teach to the heart and the mind will follow. I love these boys, and I truly feel they feel that.” Zepnicks continues—”
“They know that I have their back and they have mine. If they know that you are there for the right reasons, that bond of trust develops much quicker, and it’s much easier to teach the X’s and O’s of the game. I can’t wait to see what this group can accomplish this season.”
Manitowoc Lincoln will open the season at home August 20th against De Pere, Two Rivers opens on the road at Marinette August 21st, while Roncalli and Manitowoc Lutheran kickoff the season against each other August 21st at Rubick Field. Previews of all local and area football teams will follow in the days ahead on air and at seehafernews.com.
