The Highland Cougars are set to begin the 2026 season under first‑year head coach Mason Swisher, a move that follows a disheartening 1-10 record the previous year. Swisher has come in with a clear vision: rebuild the program’s confidence by honing fundamentals and fostering relentless effort, rather than attempting a wholesale rebrand.
Central to Swisher’s plan is a return to basics — mastering the playbook, tightening execution, and cultivating a culture where every player embraces the grind. The coach emphasizes that improvement will be incremental, with each practice and game serving as a building block toward a stronger, more cohesive unit.
Returning junior quarterback Dawson Hedges embodies the team’s new mindset. Hedges, who will lead the offense, has voiced a priority on collective success over personal statistics, stating that the squad’s focus is on lifting each other and delivering consistent performances week after week.
Players across the roster have expressed heightened enthusiasm, describing the atmosphere as "high vibes" and noting a shared belief that the team can reverse last year’s shortcomings. This optimism is rooted in the daily work ethic instilled by Swisher and the camaraderie that has developed during offseason training.
Looking Ahead to the Opener
The Cougars will open the season at home against Mark Twain this Friday, a matchup that will serve as the first test of Swisher’s system. While the opponent presents a challenge, the team’s goal is simple: compete fiercely, execute their fundamentals, and keep the momentum moving toward a November postseason berth.
With a renewed emphasis on effort, leadership, and teamwork, the Highland Cougars hope to transform a difficult previous season into a springboard for future success. The early games will be crucial in gauging progress and solidifying the identity of a squad eager to prove it belongs among the contenders.