The 2026 campaign marks a turning point for the East Alton-Wood River Oilers, a program that traditionally thrives on depth and experience. This year the team will field roughly 35 athletes, a stark contrast to the 20‑30 senior‑laden squads they regularly face across the Cahokia Conference.
A Roster Like No Other
Coach Garry Herron has openly described the situation as a "numbers game," acknowledging that the limited roster size presents a unique challenge. Rather than viewing the scarcity of players as a deficit, he frames it as an opportunity to instill discipline, resilience, and a strong work ethic from the outset.
The Oilers will test themselves against a slate of varsity opponents that includes four new schools joining the conference this season. Their opening match took place on August 21 against Casey‑Westfield, and a home showdown with Jersey follows on August 28, setting the tone for a schedule that promises both variety and rigor.
Returning Leadership
At the heart of the team are seven returning seniors who bring a blend of on‑field savvy and off‑field leadership. Among them are Tavis Brown, Elijah Spratt, Landen Smith, and AJ McLain, each of whom has experienced the program’s recent playoff runs and understands the expectations that come with representing East Alton‑Wood River.
The coaching staff, led by Garry Herron and his brother Kyle Herron, also includes Geoffrey Martinez, Caleb Osborne, Zach Kincade, and Richard Seitzinger. Their combined expertise aims to translate the seniors’ experience into a cohesive unit that can compete despite the roster’s modest size.
New Faces to Watch
Alongside the seasoned seniors, several younger athletes are slated to make significant contributions. Sophomore Jaxon Hancock, along with Austin Woods, Emerson Rout, Trenton Homer, and Colton Kramer, are expected to inject fresh energy and skill into the lineup. Their development will be closely monitored as the team seeks to balance experience with emerging talent.
Fundamentals First
Garry Herron has repeatedly emphasized that fundamentals will be the cornerstone of the Oilers’ approach. With an inexperienced core, the staff is dedicating ample practice time to perfect blocking schemes, tackling techniques, and situational awareness. This focus on basics is intended to build a solid platform from which more complex strategies can emerge as the season progresses.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Herron stresses a culture of accountability and personal growth. He points to former players who have leveraged their high school experiences into successful post‑graduation paths as a testament to the program’s broader impact. The message to current athletes is clear: success is measured not only by wins but by the character and competence they develop along the way.
Looking Ahead
As the Oilers prepare for their early‑season matchups, the blend of returning seniors, promising newcomers, and a coaching staff committed to fundamentals creates a narrative of cautious optimism. While the odds may be stacked against them in terms of sheer numbers, the team’s resolve to rebuild with purpose suggests that the 2026 season could lay the groundwork for a resurgence in the years to come.