The 2026 high school football season in Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties is shaping up to be one of transition and anticipation, as teams navigate new conference alignments, fresh coaching appointments and evolving rosters.
Conference Realignments Bring New Dynamics
Mishicot and Two Rivers are set to return to the Big East and Eastern Wisconsin Conference, respectively, a move that promises better competitive balance and reduced travel burdens for both programs.
Kohler/Lutheran/Christian, known as KLC, will feel the sting of realignment as it loses Two Rivers and welcomes the Sheboygan Falls Raiders into its schedule, a shift that could test the team's depth early in the year.
Adding to the coaching carousel, Remington Michael has taken the helm of KLC, while Andrew Wagner now leads the Howards Grove Tigers, both looking to imprint their philosophies on young squads.
Meanwhile, Manitowoc County welcomes new faces on the sidelines: Joe Baeten at Mishicot, Aaron Zepnick at Roncalli and Jon Lenz at Valders, each bringing fresh energy to their respective programs.
On the field, Mishicot’s quarterback Aiden Oldenhoff returns to the fold, and Harry Schroeder will spearhead the Howards Grove offense, giving both teams a familiar anchor heading into the campaign.
Continuity will also be a factor for Brayden Lenz at Mishicot and Ben Staudinger at Valders, whose return adds experience to the mix as the teams fine‑tune their strategies.
Manitowoc Lutheran enjoyed its most successful season in program history in 2025, a breakthrough that has raised expectations that the 2026 campaign could see even greater heights.
Across town, the New Holstein Huskies, guided by Matt Rupp, are poised for a leap forward, bolstered by returning starters Conner Schaefer and Ely Kohlman, though the loss of Landon Floyd’s graduation presents a notable transition for the offense.