Season Outlook for the Green Wave
Monday, August 17, 2026 marked the first day of practice for the East Grand Forks Senior High School football team, a date that head coach Ryan Kasowski described as the most exciting time of the year. The Green Wave gathered on the field with a palpable sense of energy, ready to translate that enthusiasm into the upcoming season.
The team’s schedule reflects a shift in Minnesota’s classification system, introducing unfamiliar rivals such as Warroad and Pelican Rapids while flipping traditional venues. The season opener at home against Staples‑Motley is set for September 3, a matchup that will test the squad early against a well‑known opponent.
Quarterbacks Jake Stassen and his twin brother Jaxon Stassen headline a returning core that delivered over 1,000 passing yards and double‑digit touchdowns a year ago. Their chemistry and experience provide a stable backbone for an offense that must replace the production of graduates Cole Schmiedeberg and Jez Jones.
To fill the void left by Schmiedeberg’s running game, seniors Cormac Doty, Raf Jones and junior Darion Hall are expected to shoulder increased carries, while the receiving corps leans on Jaxon’s proven track record as a top target.
Defensively, the Green Wave retains several key starters, including Daij Hall, Brody Knutson and Braden Overgaard, who will help shape a deeper depth chart and improve preparation for opponents.
With senior leadership steering both sides of the ball and a focus on defensive refinement, the team aims to translate its offseason momentum into on‑field success. The blend of continuity and new talent positions East Grand Forks to compete strongly within its revised conference landscape.