The West Valley Eagles football program is entering the 2026 season with a renewed sense of purpose after a tumultuous offseason that saw longtime head coach Jason Weston step down in December and the search for a replacement stall.
Athletic director Kol Zuppan, hired in late June after a period of board meetings and a student protest, has declared the team’s new mantra to be relentless, emphasizing perseverance and a structured approach to overcome the challenges that have defined the program’s recent years.
Returning Talent and New Leadership
Despite losing several seniors, the Eagles will bring back three All‑Northern Athletic League selections, including top running back Chayce Reed, who amassed 1,094 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2025, and dominant offensive lineman Gabe Keeton, a 6‑foot‑7, 304‑pound presence on the line.
Sophomore Bryson Cordova has been named the starting quarterback, stepping into the role with the expectation that his athleticism and leadership will complement Reed’s ground game through play‑action fakes and bootleg maneuvers.
The offensive skill positions also feature Savior Kelley, Austin Coffman, Jayden Miller and Brody Gurney, with Kelley slated to assume a larger share of the workload, while junior Kale Springer will anchor the defense at linebacker after a positional shift.
Defensive Adjustments and Outlook
The defensive line will miss several senior contributors, but returning offensive linemen and sophomore Liam Crossman are expected to help fill the gaps, while Miller aims to double his 2025 interception total of three.
West Valley finished third in the Northern Athletic League last season behind Lassen and Yreka, and the schedule opens with matchups against Kimball on August 28, Del Norte on September 11 and Anderson on October 9, giving the team a clear path to climb the standings.
Coach Zuppan’s message to the squad is simple: be relentless and never give up, a mantra that will guide the Eagles as they look to improve on last year’s 7‑3 record and push for a top finish in the league.