A New Era for Conner Football
The Conner football program finished the 2025 season with a 4‑7 record, a result that set the stage for a comprehensive rebuild as the team looks ahead to 2026.
In June 2025, longtime head coach Dave Trosper passed away unexpectedly, prompting interim coach Noel Rash to step in before the school appointed Chase Floyd as the program’s first‑year head coach.
Floyd quickly embraced Trosper’s rallying cry, ‘One Team, One Mission,’ and has woven the phrase into every aspect of the team’s identity, even printing it on the players’ red shirts as a tribute to the coach’s favorite drink, Code Red.
Among the returning players, junior quarterback Ethan Estvanko is poised to lead the offense, having absorbed lessons from Grayson Montgomery, who threw for 152 passes, 2,065 yards and 22 touchdowns last season.
Legacy and Leadership
Estvanko also contributed on defense a year ago, leading the Cougars with two fumble recoveries, 10 tackles for loss and 45 total tackles, experience that now informs his quarterback decision‑making.
Sophomore receiver EJ Barney is preparing for an expanded role, drawing inspiration from NFL route runners Keenan Allen and Mike Evans as he aims to become a primary target in the passing game.
Veteran coach Roy Lucas Jr., who brings two decades of coaching expertise, has joined Floyd’s staff, adding depth and strategic insight as the program seeks to restore its competitive edge.
Together, the coaching staff and players are emphasizing unity, resilience and the legacy of Dave Trosper, hoping to translate those values into a strong 2026 campaign.