A New Chapter for the West‑8
The Northwoods West‑8 football conference is gearing up for the 2026 season, and early predictions point to a familiar battle for the championship.
Shell Lake captured the 2025 title, but enrollment cap constraints kept them out of the playoffs; they remain just above the threshold heading into next year.
Flambeau, having switched from the East‑8 to the West‑8, returns a defense that earned second‑team honors last season, with Carter Carillion and Sully Reich leading the charge.
Rebuilding and Resurgence
Northwood/Solon Springs, after a rocky start, rallied to win five games and secure a playoff berth for the seventh time in eight years.
Bruce and Washburn face rebuilding years; Bruce earned a playoff spot via forfeit despite only two wins, while Washburn lost key seniors Max Phillips and Anthony Chatterton.
A new co‑op, Mellen/Butternut/Mercer, will be anchored by senior quarterback Brooks Mesko, a 2024 Second Team All‑Conference selection.
South Shore announced the cancellation of its varsity schedule, opting for a JV‑only slate.
Stars to Watch
Gunnar Golembiewski of Northwood/Solon Springs earned First Team All‑Conference honors in 2025, while Alex Marcoux of Shell Lake was the top receiver with six touchdowns.
Blake Nyhagen from Bruce rushed for 681 yards and eight scores in 2025, averaging 10.5 yards per carry and earning First Team All‑Conference recognition.
Brennan Shafer of Shell Lake was named Honorable Mention All‑Conference after ranking third in both rushing and receiving.
The upcoming season promises fresh storylines, from the defensive resurgence at Flambeau to the offensive firepower of players like Nyhagen and Marcoux, all of which will be tracked as the conference unfolds.