The Canton South Wildcats are gearing up for the 2026 season with a new head coach at the helm, Badre Bardawil, who returns to the program after notable tenures at Massillon, McKinley and St. Thomas Aquinas, where he posted records of 7‑3 and 9‑3.
The team brings back 14 lettermen from a 2025 campaign that saw them reach the Division IV playoffs, a foundation that includes standout performances from running back Braylon Conley, who amassed 830 yards and eight touchdowns, and receiver Torez Conley, who posted 48 catches for 793 yards and nine scores. Senior quarterback Brodee Beegle will also anchor the offense.
A Fresh Start for the Wildcats
The schedule opens with a clash against the Garaway Pirates on August 21, 2026, and continues with matchups against regional powerhouses such as Tuslaw, Northwest and Orrville. All home contests are slated for 7 p.m., and the team will face Akron East, Manchester and Fairless as part of a balanced slate.
Bardawil’s coaching staff features veteran defensive coordinator Josh Grimsley, who transitioned from Matt Dennison’s previous staff, ensuring continuity on that side of the ball. The new head coach has emphasized a balanced offensive approach and a culture built on positivity and accountability.
Looking back, the Wildcats’ 2025 record stood at 2‑5 before a playoff push, a turnaround that set the stage for the current optimism. With a senior‑laden roster and a coaching staff that blends fresh ideas with proven experience, the program aims to sustain momentum and compete at a higher level.