The Havana High School football program, known locally as the Ducks, is entering the 2026 season with a renewed sense of purpose after a challenging 0‑9 campaign the previous year. Coach Kolton Hammond, who guided the team through a 4‑5 record in 2022 and the winless 2023 season, has emphasized leadership, reduced turnovers and a stronger team culture as the foundation for improvement.
A Roster Restocked with Experience
The Ducks will field seven returning offensive starters and nine defensive players, giving them a core of experience that was missing a year ago. Junior quarterback Jack Turner, who struggled early with a 4‑for‑12 performance in Week 1, finished the season with just three interceptions in the final two‑thirds of play, showing steady growth. Tight ends Drake Stephens and Charlie Sapp are also back, providing additional depth at skill positions.
Last season’s top running back Cayden Green, who amassed 971 yards and 13 touchdowns, and receiver Carter Brooks, who contributed 38 catches for 617 yards and eight scores, have graduated. Their departures have opened opportunities for seniors such as Brock Ellet, who brings rushing experience, and junior Carson Tyler, who added 218 yards and a touchdown as a runner. The coaching staff believes the blend of returning starters and motivated underclassmen will keep the offense balanced and competitive.
Cultural Shifts and Leadership Initiatives
Beyond X’s and O’s, Hammond introduced a series of leadership initiatives, including team book studies and structured cultural activities, aimed at fostering confidence and accountability. Senior running back Brock Ellet has spoken about the positive shift in morale, noting that the team’s focus on reducing turnovers has translated into a more assured mindset during practice and games.
The schedule begins with a home opener on August 21 against Farmington, a team that finished 11‑1 the previous year. The Ducks’ first conference matchup arrives on September 18 against Rushville‑Industry, a program that will field a relatively young lineup after heavy graduation losses. Both games will serve as early barometers for a team looking to prove that the improvements made in the offseason can translate into on‑field success.
Looking Ahead
Coach Hammond has expressed excitement about the energy and work ethic he sees in the locker room, stating that the players are eager to embrace the challenges ahead. With a stronger roster, a clearer cultural identity and a more demanding postseason format, the Ducks hope to move beyond last year’s winless record and compete meaningfully in the Illinois High School Association’s expanded playoff field.