Homer senior Xander DuBois (1) looks for running room verus Jonesville last season.?DuBois and the Trojans return to the Big 8 for the 2026 season. (Photo courtesy of Xander DuBoise Facebook)
by Chris Francetic
It’s late August, and that means football is BACK! The Homer Trojan varsity football squad has been hard at work through the first couple of weeks of practice, and head coach Nic Cass is seeing speed, strength, and consistency from his squad.
Friday night, the Trojans will kick off the 2026 season with a road game against Union City, in a return to the Big 8 Conference that has the team and town buzzing. “The kids are excited to get into a new conference, and I think the community is looking forward to being back in the Big 8,” Cass said.
While the return to the Big 8 provides an added storyline heading into the season, Cass has his squad’s attention narrowed down to improvement from last season. “As a team and coaching staff, we’re trying to focus on where we can get better,” Cass said.
So far this season, Cass is delighted to see how his players have started off the pre-season in the weight room and on the practice field. “This is the best eight or nine days of practice we’ve had to start the season here at Homer compared to those we’ve had in the past,” Cass said. “We’re stacking good days. Our best players are setting the tone, and the others are bound to follow.”
Last season offered plenty of room for improvement with a 36 record and Cass identified resilience as the team's biggest hurdle. When opponents landed the first punch last season, the Trojans sometimes struggled to respond, allowing adversity to snowball and take the games out of reach. “Our biggest hurdle last year was mental fortitude,” Cass said. “Our team struggled to recover after opponents struck first and developed a ‘here we go again’ mentality.”
This year, the Trojans are attempting to replace that mindset with a more resilient approach. When asked to describe his 2026 team, Cass was quick to identify three characteristics : Driven, coachable, and consistent.
“We haven’t had a moment when a player resists our coaching,” he said. “They’re all open to learn and they all have spent time every day watching film, which is a new team requirement.” Cass and his staff are utilizing the film of practices and scrimmages as a tool for each player to see what corrections they can make and apply them.
He’s also leaning on three returning all-conference seniors in Kamron Burns, Preston Mann, and Xander DuBois, who are displaying the leadership Cass is looking for. Burns returns as an all-conference lineman, while Mann earned all-conference honors at linebacker and DuBois returns after an all-conference season at safety. “All three of these guys are consistently vocal and visual leaders in the huddle and on the field,” Cass said.
Mann will once again be a key piece of the Trojan offense while also anchoring the defense at linebacker. In 2025 as quarterback, he scored six touchdowns, showing off versatility with his arm and his legs, racking up 460 yards on the ground and over 300 yards in the air.
DuBois also returns to the Trojan backfield, having led Homer in rushing last season while averaging a little over five yards per carry. If you were in the stands last season, you’ll remember his slashing moves and quick-twitch speed from the handoff, as well as his sure hands for receiving passes in the field.
Kooper Manning will also be a reliable option for the pass as the senior stands at 6’4” and will be a capable downfield threat for Mann when he’s matched up in a one-on-one with a defensive back or safety, where he can high-point the ball.
The Trojans will also look to several other players to step into important roles as the season progresses, including junior Cameron Minix, who is entering his second season as a starter and has continued to develop during the offseason. Cass considers him the team's secondbest lineman behind Burns and said improved footwork has been one of the most noticeable areas of growth.
It’s late August, and that means football is BACK! The Homer Trojan varsity football squad has been hard at work through the first couple of weeks of practice, and head coach Nic Cass is seeing speed, strength, and consistency from his squad.
Friday night, the Trojans will kick off the 2026 season with a road game against Union City, in a return to the Big 8 Conference that has the team and town buzzing. “The kids are excited to get into a new conference, and I think the community is looking forward to being back in the Big 8,” Cass said.
While the return to the Big 8 provides an added storyline heading into the season, Cass has his squad’s attention narrowed down to improvement from last season. “As a team and coaching staff, we’re trying to focus on where we can get better,” Cass said.
So far this season, Cass is delighted to see how his players have started off the pre-season in the weight room and on the practice field. “This is the best eight or nine days of practice we’ve had to start the season here at Homer compared to those we’ve had in the past,” Cass said. “We’re stacking good days. Our best players are setting the tone, and the others are bound to follow.”
Last season offered plenty of room for improvement with a 36 record and Cass identified resilience as the team's biggest hurdle. When opponents landed the first punch last season, the Trojans sometimes struggled to respond, allowing adversity to snowball and take the games out of reach. “Our biggest hurdle last year was mental fortitude,” Cass said. “Our team struggled to recover after opponents struck first and developed a ‘here we go again’ mentality.”
This year, the Trojans are attempting to replace that mindset with a more resilient approach. When asked to describe his 2026 team, Cass was quick to identify three characteristics : Driven, coachable, and consistent.
“We haven’t had a moment when a player resists our coaching,” he said. “They’re all open to learn and they all have spent time every day watching film, which is a new team requirement.” Cass and his staff are utilizing the film of practices and scrimmages as a tool for each player to see what corrections they can make and apply them.
He’s also leaning on three returning all-conference seniors in Kamron Burns, Preston Mann, and Xander DuBois, who are displaying the leadership Cass is looking for. Burns returns as an all-conference lineman, while Mann earned all-conference honors at linebacker and DuBois returns after an all-conference season at safety. “All three of these guys are consistently vocal and visual leaders in the huddle and on the field,” Cass said.
Mann will once again be a key piece of the Trojan offense while also anchoring the defense at linebacker. In 2025 as quarterback, he scored six touchdowns, showing off versatility with his arm and his legs, racking up 460 yards on the ground and over 300 yards in the air.
DuBois also returns to the Trojan backfield, having led Homer in rushing last season while averaging a little over five yards per carry. If you were in the stands last season, you’ll remember his slashing moves and quick-twitch speed from the handoff, as well as his sure hands for receiving passes in the field.
Kooper Manning will also be a reliable option for the pass as the senior stands at 6’4” and will be a capable downfield threat for Mann when he’s matched up in a one-on-one with a defensive back or safety, where he can high-point the ball.
The Trojans will also look to several other players to step into important roles as the season progresses, including junior Cameron Minix, who is entering his second season as a starter and has continued to develop during the offseason. Cass considers him the team's secondbest lineman behind Burns and said improved footwork has been one of the most noticeable areas of growth.
Raymond Begarowicz also figures to be an important contributor, bringing a powerful presence as a running back while also making an impact defensively.
The Trojans also expect some new faces and added size in the trenches. “Our front seven is going to be pretty solid,” Cass said. Cam Vanderpool and Blaine Payne are expected to add size to the group, giving Homer a little more physicality up front.
On offense, Chaz Hopkins will resume his duties as offensive coordinator after taking over the responsibility of calling plays late last season. Defensively, Cohen Sangster will continue as defensive coordinator after holding the position last season.
The Trojans enter the season with approximately 45 players between the varsity and junior varsity programs, providing Homer with a solid foundation as the program begins its return to the Big 8.
Before taking the field for their regular-season opener at Union City, the Trojans already had an opportunity to see how their offseason work translated against another program.
Homer's preseason scrimmage against Eaton Rapids provided that first opportunity, and Cass was particularly interested in seeing how his players responded to the physical nature of another team.
“I’m eager to see how our guys respond to physicality,” Cass said. “It’s one thing to be physical in practice against one another, but I want to see how they respond to our opponents’ physicality.”
For Cass, the goal isn't simply to talk about improvement. It is to establish a daily standard and maintain it throughout the season. “I think we have good athletes and strong kids, and I’m most excited to see them reach their full potential,” Cass said.
The Trojan head coach is thinking about something that seemed less certain entering last season: a return to the playoffs. Cass believes Homer can earn a postseason berth, but he isn't placing the emphasis solely on a final record.
“I think this team is capable of getting to the playoffs this year,” he said. “If we can stay consistent with our approach, and the team can be consistent with their work, I think we have a shot.”
Cass also isn’t only counting wins and losses. “Obviously, if this team finishes the season 5-4 and we don’t make the playoffs, but we stay committed to ourselves, that’s a successful season,” he said.
The first test comes Friday night at Union City, where Homer will begin its return to the Big 8 and get its first opportunity to turn all those productive preseason days into results that count. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
For now, however, the Trojans remain focused on the process that began in the offseason: Show up, stay focused, and put in the work. That formula will produce the outcome Cass and the Trojan gridiron gang is looking for.
Fast and physical Litchfield football looks to open with a bang
Litchfield’s Caleb Bills (14)?returns from injury this season and will step back into the quarterback position.
The Litchfield Terriers will rely on a very physical run game this season as they have high hopes on offense with both the passing and running game.
Photos by Torri Ballentine
by Bill Mullaly
The Litchfield Terrier varsity football team will be 15 players strong as they begin year five of the Michael Langhann era.
The season got off to a disappointing start when the home opener against Athens was wiped out due to the Indians' failure to produce a team for the fall season. Athens has since entered into a co-op with St. Phil, allowing those Athens players wishing to play the opportunity to do so.
Even with the news of the coop, the Terriers still needed to find an opponent for week one and they did just that, however, the trip will be a little longer than they had originally planned - all the way to Plymouth, Ohio to tangle with the PlymouthShiloh Big Red. It’s a threehour journey for the Terriers.
“We are excited to be playing a game in week one,” said Langhann. “It may be a long ride on the bus against an unknown opponent, but I feel like our boys are ready for the challenge.”
Langhann has plenty of athletes on the field that can make a difference in the team’s fortunes. There are five seniors on the squad, led by running back and linebacker Brayden Bradley, who returns for his fourth year with the Terriers. Another key contributor is offensive lineman Caleb Wilson, who can also play a fullback-type position on offense and middle linebacker on defense.
Two key returning senior linemen on both sides of the ball will be Nate Reed and Dominic Carter. The final senior, Reece Moyer, will battle for time as a halfback and defensive back.
The Litchfield Terrier varsity football team will be 15 players strong as they begin year five of the Michael Langhann era.
The season got off to a disappointing start when the home opener against Athens was wiped out due to the Indians' failure to produce a team for the fall season. Athens has since entered into a co-op with St. Phil, allowing those Athens players wishing to play the opportunity to do so.
Even with the news of the coop, the Terriers still needed to find an opponent for week one and they did just that, however, the trip will be a little longer than they had originally planned - all the way to Plymouth, Ohio to tangle with the PlymouthShiloh Big Red. It’s a threehour journey for the Terriers.
“We are excited to be playing a game in week one,” said Langhann. “It may be a long ride on the bus against an unknown opponent, but I feel like our boys are ready for the challenge.”
Langhann has plenty of athletes on the field that can make a difference in the team’s fortunes. There are five seniors on the squad, led by running back and linebacker Brayden Bradley, who returns for his fourth year with the Terriers. Another key contributor is offensive lineman Caleb Wilson, who can also play a fullback-type position on offense and middle linebacker on defense.
Two key returning senior linemen on both sides of the ball will be Nate Reed and Dominic Carter. The final senior, Reece Moyer, will battle for time as a halfback and defensive back.
Looking to make his mark is junior standout Gavin Gutting, who is back for his third year on the varsity squad. He has the speed to be a serious deep threat as a wide receiver and in the secondary defending the pass.
Logan Perkins is another solid athlete in the junior class and nearly mirrors Gutting in positions played, serving as a wideout and a defensive back.
The third and final junior on the roster will be a key lineman in David Reed, who will see plenty of time on both sides of the ball.
The sophomores bring some well-established names to the table, especially the last name of Bills, as Caleb is healthy and returns as the team’s signal caller. Bills battled injuries last year and missed several games but is now healthy and back taking the snaps, looking ready to lead the offense.
After the injury to Bills last season, the quarterback spot went to Connor Kerr who responded well, giving Langhann two signal callers that he can count on this season. Kerr also will get plenty of looks from Bills as the tight end when pass plays are called. On defense, Kerr will be a dependable linebacker.
James Carter will be an offensive and defensive lineman who will also see time as a linebacker on defense.
The final member of the sophomore class is Jayden Holton, who is a running back and a linebacker on the defensive side of the ball.
Every 8-person football program relies on its freshmen class to provide depth, and Litchfield will have three rookies playing this fall.
Ayden Gutting is a superb athlete who will see time at wide receiver and in the secondary on defense, while Gabe Prater will add depth as a wide receiver and as a defensive back. Noah Nickles will be a wide receiver and a defensive lineman, providing depth in the trenches on defense.
“I would say we have five key players to watch this season, and we are counting on them to do some good things,” said Langhann, who was referring to Bradley, Watson, the older Gutting, Kerr and Bills.
Langhann feels his defense could be the key to the team’s success during the 2026 campaign.
“Our defense is fast and physical,” said Langhann, who replaced Curtis Lennard for the start of the 2022 season. “We can run different fronts and be very diverse on defense with the kids we have,” said Langhann.
The offense will be counted on to produce as well, and Langhann feels they can do just that. “We have a solid starting group that can create a nice balanced offense,” said Langhann, who works at the Wal-Mart Distribtion Center for his day job.
The coach does have one minor concern heading into the season, as he would like to have a few more players.
“Our depth, having just 15 players, is a possible weakness as it doesn’t give us a lot of room for injuries or other issues,” said Langhann. “We will certainly need to get our less experienced players to be dependable role players if one or two of our guys do go down.”
The Terriers were at Concord last Thursday for their annual preseason scrimmage against the Yellowjackets, Dansville, Colon and Potterville.
“We feel very comfortable going into the season,” said Langhann, who will have Corey Bills, Keith Bradstreet, David Howard and Luke Miller as his assistants. “Things feel like all three phases are ahead of schedule. We just need to keep working on the little things, but our boys are excited for the upcoming season.”
The home opener will be Thursday, September 3, against the Spartans of Waldron in SCAA action.
Tekonsha football enters Kazmar era short handed but not short on heart
Tekonsha starting QB Alfred Marshall, III
Picture courtesy of Facebook
by Bill Mullaly
The Tekonsha 8-person football Indians enter a new era of football as former assistant coach Justin Kazmar takes over the reigns from legend Tim Jenkins who decided to enter full-time retirement.
While not overly deep, Tekonsha has 10 solid players ready to go for the season opener Friday at home as they take on Battle Creek St. Philip.
“We have just enough to play and we have as a goal to field a team for each of our nine games,” said Kazmar, who has been a Tekonsha assistant coach the past two years. “We have a goal to finish the season. We hope to add some players along the way, but for our first game we will have 10 guys ready to go.”
Kazmar knows his troops have to stay healthy and that concept was put to the test this past Friday at Waldron when Tekonsha participated in a five team scrimmage down in Spartanland. Camden-Frontier, North Adams-Jerome and Britton-Deerfield were the other three scrimmage foes.
“We really needed the scrimmage to learn about ourselves and what we have and what we need,” said Kazmar, who will be assisted by Isaac Henry, who will be the offensive and defensive coordinator. “I figure the season-opening scrimmage will be a real eye-opener for us, but we need the work and it will be like a practice for us as we get ready for the first game. This is a learning project for all of us. We will learn a lot about this team at the scrimmage which will help prepare us for the season opener,” said Kazmar, who during the school day works as a maintenance supervisor at a factory in Marshall.
One position the Indians have settled on is the quarterback spot, as the team’s lone senior Alfred Marshall III will take snaps in the pistol formation in what will be a run-heavy offense.
“Alfred is a bit better runner than passer but he can do both well,” said Kazmar. “He is our leader and will be a key player for us on both sides of the ball. With him being the lone senior, we will lean on him for a lot of leadership.”
One of the main ball carriers will be Kaden Grubbs, who is more of a fullback. “He is strong, powerful and has speed,” said Kazmar.
Another runner will be Jace Smith. He will be more of a halfback type player when the Indians use a two backfield set. Both these runners are freshmen, with Grubbs being the bigger and stronger of the two, and Smith the more of a scatback type of runner with his quickness.
On the line, Dakota Owens, a sophomore, will be the anchor in the middle as the center. Owens started last year as a freshman, while teammate Jamison Waid will also be a key blocker as a guard.
In addition, a newcomer from Coldwater will help as freshman Casee Risk is going to be counted on to block on the line. Sophomore Wyatt Wendling will also provide depth as an offensive lineman.
The Tekonsha 8-person football Indians enter a new era of football as former assistant coach Justin Kazmar takes over the reigns from legend Tim Jenkins who decided to enter full-time retirement.
While not overly deep, Tekonsha has 10 solid players ready to go for the season opener Friday at home as they take on Battle Creek St. Philip.
“We have just enough to play and we have as a goal to field a team for each of our nine games,” said Kazmar, who has been a Tekonsha assistant coach the past two years. “We have a goal to finish the season. We hope to add some players along the way, but for our first game we will have 10 guys ready to go.”
Kazmar knows his troops have to stay healthy and that concept was put to the test this past Friday at Waldron when Tekonsha participated in a five team scrimmage down in Spartanland. Camden-Frontier, North Adams-Jerome and Britton-Deerfield were the other three scrimmage foes.
“We really needed the scrimmage to learn about ourselves and what we have and what we need,” said Kazmar, who will be assisted by Isaac Henry, who will be the offensive and defensive coordinator. “I figure the season-opening scrimmage will be a real eye-opener for us, but we need the work and it will be like a practice for us as we get ready for the first game. This is a learning project for all of us. We will learn a lot about this team at the scrimmage which will help prepare us for the season opener,” said Kazmar, who during the school day works as a maintenance supervisor at a factory in Marshall.
One position the Indians have settled on is the quarterback spot, as the team’s lone senior Alfred Marshall III will take snaps in the pistol formation in what will be a run-heavy offense.
“Alfred is a bit better runner than passer but he can do both well,” said Kazmar. “He is our leader and will be a key player for us on both sides of the ball. With him being the lone senior, we will lean on him for a lot of leadership.”
One of the main ball carriers will be Kaden Grubbs, who is more of a fullback. “He is strong, powerful and has speed,” said Kazmar.
Another runner will be Jace Smith. He will be more of a halfback type player when the Indians use a two backfield set. Both these runners are freshmen, with Grubbs being the bigger and stronger of the two, and Smith the more of a scatback type of runner with his quickness.
On the line, Dakota Owens, a sophomore, will be the anchor in the middle as the center. Owens started last year as a freshman, while teammate Jamison Waid will also be a key blocker as a guard.
In addition, a newcomer from Coldwater will help as freshman Casee Risk is going to be counted on to block on the line. Sophomore Wyatt Wendling will also provide depth as an offensive lineman.
There is just one junior on the team, as Theodore Field will be a tight end for the Indians, used mainly as an interior blocker. The wideout will be Kyrell King, a 6-6 lanky sophomore who brings speed to the team as a pass catcher and plenty of height. Another wide receiver who can also carry the ball will be freshman Brendon Miller.
When the Indians play defense in what Kazmar thinks will be pretty much a 3-3-2 formation, many of the same offensive lineman will handle the spots of defensive tackle and the defensive end positions.
“Obviously, with our lack of numbers most everyone will be going both ways,” said Kazmar, who noted Owens, Waid, Risk, Field and Wendling as his main defensive linemen. Grubbs and Marshall will be the key linebackers. King, Smith and Miller will help in the secondary, covering the pass and coming up to stop the run.
The Indians are going to need to stay healthy, and Kazmar knows he needs to recruit a few more players.
“Our goal is simple and that is to start and finish the season but we know we will need some help,” said the first-year coach, who will also have Ricky Hale as his assistant on the varsity as a volunteer. “We also want to get the program going in the right direction and that starts at the lower levels. We need to build things up. We are going to try but having good numbers at all levels is one of the most important things.”
Kazmar noted that Cody Suhonen and Pratt Howells will be the middle school coaches.
The Indians were supposed to host Athens in the season finale; however with Athens entering into a co-op with St. Phil a new opponent was needed. Tekonsha will now end their season at home with a battle with Blanchard Montabella.
