Reno High School’s 4A North football squad fell just short of the regional title last season, a defeat that still lingers in the locker room. The memory of that loss has become a catalyst for the Huskies, who are now channeling that disappointment into a determined push for the championship they narrowly missed.
Building on a foundation of experience
At the heart of the team’s resurgence are several standout athletes who earned all‑region honors a year ago. Braylon Wilson, the 4A North Offensive Player of the Year, returns as a key weapon, while running back Jackson Mathews is expected to shatter the school’s all‑time rushing record. Both players bring a blend of speed, vision and experience that coaches hope will translate into a potent offense.
The quarterback position remains a focal point of competition. Two sophomores are vying for the starting role alongside senior Thadeus Kuszmaul, a veteran presence who adds depth and poise. Coach C.J. Wintch has voiced confidence that the group’s collective talent will allow the offense to execute a balanced, high‑tempo scheme.
The offensive line also benefits from the return of Brainard Loney and Eli Sellers, both of whom earned all‑region recognition and provide continuity along the front. Their experience is expected to protect the backfield and open lanes for Mathews and the emerging rushing attack.
Defensively, the Huskies will lean on the same core of returning players, with Mathews and Sellers anchoring a unit that emphasizes leadership and physicality. The coaching staff believes that the blend of seasoned starters and hungry newcomers will give the team the resilience needed to navigate a demanding schedule.
Reno’s slate includes road tests at Reed, Bullard, Foothill, Sequoia, Bishop Manogue and Spanish Springs, among others. Each matchup presents a chance to prove the team’s mettle, and the Huskies are preparing to meet those challenges head‑on.
Beyond the regular season, the ultimate goal is clear: to capture a regional championship and secure a berth in the state title game. With a roster that returns 14 all‑region athletes and a coaching staff that refuses to settle for anything less than excellence, the Huskies are poised to turn last year’s near‑miss into a defining moment for the program.