Monett High School's football program is gearing up for the 2026 campaign with a sense of optimism that has been absent for several years. After finishing the previous season at 5‑6, the Cubs are looking to build on a playoff win over McDonald County and push deeper into the postseason.
A New Era for the Cubs
At the helm of the offense is senior quarterback Dylan Washick, who in 2025 amassed 4,433 passing yards and 44 touchdowns. Coach Ben Mauk, who has been fine‑tuning a pass‑heavy scheme for several seasons, says Washick's senior year will be defined by speed and quick decision‑making.
The receiving corps returns standout Carson Nestleroad, the state’s top receiver last year with 1,324 yards, alongside Brayden Seitz, who caught 61 passes for 829 yards and 11 scores. The wide‑out group will operate out of a five‑wide spread, rotating seven players through the slot to keep defenses guessing.
Defensively, the Cubs bring back a core of senior linebackers and linemen, including Oscar Hinojosa, Chris Calhoun and Kelton Carr. Safety Kasen Carr, twin of linebacker Kelton, adds experience to the back end, while sophomore Tucker Goetz, formerly a quarterback, will now patrol the secondary.
Challenging Opening Slate
The 2026 schedule opens on August 28 with a road test at Cassville, part of the annual Barry County Brawl. A week later, Monett returns home for a rivalry clash with Mt. Vernon, followed by a trip to Knob Noster, where the Panthers are dedicating a new athletic facility.
Rivalries Reignite
The Cubs' traditional rivalries with Cassville, Aurora and the Mountaineers add extra intensity to the season. Each matchup is circled on the calendar, and the coaching staff expects those games to be pivotal in shaping playoff positioning.
With three state titles in school history, the program sees 2026 as another opportunity to add to its legacy. The combination of a potent offense, a seasoned defense and a demanding schedule sets the stage for what many expect to be a breakthrough season.