The Freedom Irish football team enters the 2026 season with a potent offensive nucleus, anchored by junior quarterback Owen Henkel and sophomore rushing standout Axzil Eggert, both of whom powered the squad to a 9‑3 record a year ago.
Fundamentals First
Coach Charlie Jadin says the priority this spring is to cement the basics — blocking, tackling, and execution — before layering in more complex schemes.
Last season the defense proved formidable, surrendering just 139 points across nine wins, including three shutouts and two games where opponents were held to single digits, a stark contrast to an offense that struggled for consistency.
Four starters on the line return, among them Max Ver Voort, a junior who earned first‑team all‑conference honors, and Cody Scheibe, a second‑team all‑conference selection, giving the backfield a solid foundation.
Axliz Eggert, who amassed over 1,000 rushing yards and ten touchdowns as a sophomore, is eager to see the line click, noting that the chemistry built during the offseason could translate into bigger gains on the ground.
Defensive depth remains a strength, with seniors such as Henry Van Asten expressing confidence that the unit can build on last year’s success and maintain the aggressive front that limited opponents.
The schedule opens on August 21 against Lake Mills L‑Cats, and the team will adopt a one‑game‑at‑a‑time mindset, aiming to peak at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin, where the ultimate goal is a playoff victory.