A Season of Incremental Gains
Roxana High School’s football squad, known as the Shells, is set to open its 2026 campaign on August 21 in Nashville, stepping onto the field for the Metro Valley Conference showdown.
The excitement is tempered by the prospect of a teachers strike within the Roxana Community Unit School District 1, where more than 90 percent of the Roxana Education Association voted to walk out after contract talks stalled on August 4.
Adding to the uncertainty, the Illinois High School Association recently broadened its playoff bracket from 256 to 384 teams, a move that grants extra postseason slots to squads with modest records or tough schedules, giving the Shells a clearer path to a fifth straight appearance.
Coach Wade DeVries has built the season around steady progress rather than early victories, emphasizing continuity as the team integrates a core group of returning standouts.
Among those standouts are quarterback Cohen Dugan, running back Mekhi Shorter, tight end Aiden Stemm, and defensive anchors Bennett Luck and Jordan Roach, all of whom are expected to shoulder larger roles.
The coaching staff also welcomes three new assistants: Cody Markle, who will oversee the offensive line; James Herring, the new linebackers coach; and Zeb Katzmarek, tasked with guiding the defensive backs.
Last season’s departure of seven all‑conference selections, including Brody Morris and Nick Miles, leaves sizable shoes to fill, but the returning roster offers a blend of experience and fresh energy.
Despite the looming labor action that could ripple through practices and games, the Shells remain focused on incremental improvement, hoping the expanded playoff format will reward their measured approach.