The 2026 campaign of the FRCC‑North conference arrives with a sense of anticipation that stretches beyond the usual preseason chatter. Building on a two‑year stretch that saw Bay Port capture the 2024 state title and West De Pere rebound to claim the 2025 crown, the league now faces a fresh mix of expectations, roster turnover and emerging talent.
Both Bay Port and West De Pere enter the new season with distinct advantages. Bay Port returns an unprecedented depth of 28 seniors and 37 juniors, a factor that head coach Steven Jorgensen has highlighted as a cornerstone for sustained success. In contrast, West De Pere, after a thrilling victory over Bay Port in the 2025 final and a subsequent appearance in the state title game, must navigate the departure of head coach Chris Greisen, who has stepped down to be replaced by Kegan Wirtz.
Title Contenders
Pulaski and De Pere are both poised to break into the top two positions that have eluded them in recent years. Pulaski finished third in 2025 and is bolstered by a powerful rushing attack anchored by Bohdan Schmidt, who amassed 1,471 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. De Pere, despite a playoff exit at the hands of Waunakee, shocked Neenah and Hudson before that loss and returns with a strong defensive core.
Green Bay Preble and Appleton West each have playoff aspirations of their own. Preble returns quarterback Harrison Selk, who completed 61% of his passes for 1,546 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025, along with a talented group of skill players that narrowly missed the postseason a year ago. Meanwhile, Appleton West, having transitioned from the FVA to the FRCC‑North, brings back every All‑Conference player from the previous season, giving them immediate credibility in their new environment.
Key Players to Watch
The statistical leaders from 2025 provide a glimpse of who might shape the upcoming narrative. Cayden Cavanaugh of De Pere was a First Team All‑Conference linebacker, tallying 112 tackles, while Landon Kibbe of West De Pere ranked second in receiving yards (616) and touchdowns (10). Connor Navis of Appleton West threw for 1,543 yards and 18 touchdowns, and Sam Schmidt of West De Pere earned First Team All‑Conference honors on the offensive line and has committed to Western Michigan.
Additional standouts include Harrison Selk of Green Bay Preble, whose passing efficiency placed him among the conference’s most reliable quarterbacks, and Bohdan Schmidt of Pulaski, whose rushing production could prove decisive in close games. The depth at Bay Port, highlighted by Steven Jorgensen’s comments, suggests that the conference may see a cascade of contributions from players who have yet to receive individual accolades.
Coaching changes add another layer of intrigue. In addition to Greisen’s departure, West De Pere’s new head coach Kegan Wirtz inherits a roster that includes Sam Schmidt, a lineman whose collegiate destination is set for Western Michigan. Across the board, teams are blending seasoned veterans with promising underclassmen, creating a dynamic environment where outcomes could shift dramatically week by week.