Veteran coach Matt Adorni enters his 23rd year at the helm of the Mogadore Wildcats, a program he has guided to a staggering 219‑58 record. Last season the team finished 11‑2 in Division VII, Region 25, showcasing the stability and experience that have defined Adorni’s long tenure.
At quarterback, Maddox Smith returns after a breakout year in which he rushed for 676 yards and 6 touchdowns on 96 carries while completing 62 % of his passes for 1,153 yards and 15 scores. His dual‑threat ability gives the Wildcats a dynamic offensive nucleus.
Wide receiver and hybrid rover Kade Thomas, a 5‑10 senior, will again be a focal point of the attack. He led the squad last year with 36 catches for 728 yards and seven touchdowns, and his versatility on the flank is expected to create mismatches throughout the schedule.
Leadership and Line Play
Senior offensive lineman Shayne Thomas provides the trenches with a blend of athleticism and playmaking skill. Having started since his freshman season, he anchors the line and will be crucial as the team reshapes its front.
With the graduation of standout players Conner Lehner and Dylan Benedum, the Wildcats will adopt a ‘running back by committee’ approach. Freshmen and sophomore backs such as Quarviyon Siggers‑Greco and junior Landen Williams are slated to share carries and add depth.
Cole Turner joins Shayne Thomas as the only returning starter on the offensive line, but the unit will need several new faces to step up. The coaching staff is confident that the incoming sophomore class will bring the necessary athleticism to fill the gaps.
The 2026 slate features matchups against Crestwood, Canton Central Catholic, Dalton, Malvern, Akron North, Clearview, Marlington, Pymatuning Valley and Brush, all scheduled for 7 p.m. kickoffs unless otherwise noted. Each opponent presents a different test, from regional rivals to traditional powerhouses.
Depth on defense could be a decisive factor. Up to six or seven sophomores are expected to start on that side of the ball, giving the Wildcats a youthful but potentially disruptive front.
Overall, the combination of experienced leadership, a potent mix of returning lettermen and promising underclassmen, and a challenging but manageable schedule positions Mogadore to contend for another deep playoff run.