EXPERIENCE, RENEWED CONFIDENCE TO LEAD EAGLE FOOTBALL

writingwithwilldur
3 hours ago
3 min read

By Staff

Entering the 2026 season, the Canton/Galva football program has something missing the past couple of seasons which were defined by youth, injuries, and one of the roughest district schedules in 8-Man Division 1 – they have upperclassmen, depth, and a clear identity.

“We have had only five graduating seniors in two years with a pair in 2025 and three in 2024,” noted third-year head coach Ted Regehr. “When I took over the program two years ago, this group of upperclassmen were the ones getting me excited and looking forward to working with. In 2026 we have a roster anchored by juniors and seniors who have varsity reps, weight-room maturity and leadership potential. This group represents the turning point I have been waiting for.”

2025 was a season of tough lessons as the Eagles finished 4-5 including a win in their non-playoff finale. The record does not explain how the Eagles navigated one of the most difficult districts in 8-Man Division I football as they faced perennial powers Ell-Salie, Little River, and Central Plains. With limited senior leadership, several underclassmen were pushed into major roles and the team found consistency hard to find.

“We were still trying to find our identity and what we wanted to do on both sides of the ball.”

After opening with early wins, the team struggles once district play began and their postseason hopes came down to the matchup with Solomon – a game where they led early before adversity and inexperience allowed a comeback they were unable to overcome.

Somehow, the Eagles finished the season with a pair of victories which improved their overall record from the previous season and gave the program momentum heading into 2026.

Expecting the best roster numbers since Regehr became the head coach, Canton/Galva has depth to fuel competition in practice – something the staff believes will accelerate improvement overall.

The returning core of starters will be the key for the season and they include three seniors – Jaxon Nightingale, athlete/linebacker; Jaxon Chrislip – running back/linebacker; and Ethan Brozek – wide receiver/defensive back; along with junior Mag Cathey – athlete/defensive lineman; and sophomore Wes Prieb – offensive and defensive lineman.

Regehr pointed out, “My staff (Zac Hoppes, Jerrid Nightingale, and Seth Moddelmog) and this group of kids now have finally figured out what has worked best for us. We feel we have found our identity in what we want to do and how we want to play.”

Beyond the core of starters, the Eagles have six player poised for a breakout season. They include senior Ty Herrera - running back/linebacker; juniors Drayden Hoppes – quarterback/defensive back; Cade Schmidt – running back/linebacker; an#tch out for sophomore Levi Henry – tight end/linebacker, and freshman Levi Regehr – running back/defensive back.

Canton/Galva expects to be more balanced and more explosive with improved size up front, more speed in the skill positions and a quarterback entering his junior season.

The team likes the new district games as it contains several unfamiliar opponents, meaning the Eagles will enter each Friday without preconceived expectations.

Closing out his pre-season thoughts, coach Regehr added, “We feel like we can show up and be competitive against every team we play Friday night. The goal is simple – be playing our best football in late October and return to the postseason after missing out the last two seasons.”

EAGLE 2026 ROSTER:

Seniors = Jaxon Chrislip – RB/LB; Ethan Brozek – WR/DB; Landon Potts – OL/DL; Jaxon Nightingale – Ath/LB; Aiden Long – OL/DL; Ty Herrera – RB/LB

Juniors = Mag Cathey – Ath/DL; Levi Reynolds – TE/LB; Dallas Jones – WR/DB; Cade Schmidt – RB/LB; Copeland Krause – TE/LB; Drayden Hoppes – QB/DB

Sophomores = Heath Ratzlaff – OL/DL; Levi Henry – TE/LB; Chase Westcott – RB/LB; Tanner Riley – WR/DB; Wes Prieb – OL/DL

Freshman = Blake Nightingale – WR/DB; Julan Montez – OL/DL; Levi Regehr – RB/DB

EAGLE 2026 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE:

Friday, Sept. 4 = hosting Goessel

Friday, Sept. 11 = at Randolph Blue Valley

Friday, Sept. 18 = hosting Little River

Friday, Sept. 25 = at Solomon

Friday, Oct. 2 = hosting Herington

Friday, Oct. 9 = at Clifton/Clyde