A New Chapter Under Coach Bill Nesbitt
The Cheboygan Chiefs entered the 2025 season with a modest 3‑6 record, but the experience gained under second‑year head coach Bill Nesbitt set the stage for a more ambitious 2026 campaign. Nesbitt, now in his third year at the helm, has built on the foundation laid during his debut season, when the team surprised many by breaking a long‑standing losing streak.
The opening test comes on August 28, when the Chiefs travel to face Sault Ste. Marie. A 19‑7 victory in their last meeting fuels optimism that the defense, which struggled in the previous year, can hold its own against a disciplined opponent. Players are eager to translate early‑season momentum into a statement win.
Conference play begins with a September 4 showdown against Kalkaska, a squad that finished 5‑4 a year ago. The matchup promises a test of offensive firepower, while the Chiefs also keep an eye on a rematch with Boyne City, a rival they have not beaten in five straight meetings. Overcoming that streak remains a priority.
Key Matchups to Watch
Later in the schedule, Charlevoix arrives on September 25 for a revenge game after the Eagles posted an 8‑2 record and a playoff berth in 2025. The Chiefs will also host Kingsley on October 2, a team that went 11‑3 and reached the playoffs, followed by a road trip to Redford Union on October 10. Each of these opponents brings a different challenge, from the high‑powered offense of New Lothrop to the gritty defense of Grayling.
The final stretch of the Northern Shores Conference schedule culminates with a home game against New Lothrop on October 23, a potential payback match that could seal a playoff berth. Throughout the season, the Chiefs aim to translate early successes into sustained performance, targeting a winning record and a deep run in the postseason.