A fresh start for the Cougars
The New Heights Christian Cougars are looking to bounce back from a rough 1‑9 campaign last fall, and the excitement surrounding the 2025 fall season is palpable.
Head coach John Lucas has built the program around a core of returning starters who already know the system, while also welcoming a wave of talented freshmen eager to prove themselves.
Returning talent and new faces
Among the veterans, senior offensive lineman Max Long, junior running back/defensive back David Williams and junior linebacker Jett Bender will anchor both sides of the ball. Long, who earned all‑district honors last year, will line up on the interior of the offensive line, while Williams brings a potent rushing threat after posting 857 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground.
Williams also proved his versatility by leading the team in receptions, catching 33 passes for the same yardage total. His dual‑threat ability gives the Cougars flexibility in play‑calling.
Freshmen Isaac Kuhls and Dylan Bowen are battling for the quarterback spot, a position they have never played before. Both bring athleticism and a fresh perspective, and their competition is expected to elevate the entire offense.
Line play and defensive scheme
The offensive line will feature Long alongside sophomore Madden Jensen, freshman Jack Fanning and fellow senior Jett Bender, who can also contribute at tight end. The depth at the line is seen as a major strength for a unit that aims to control the line of scrimmage.
On defense, the Cougars plan to run a gap‑control scheme that emphasizes disciplined assignments and team tackling. Max Long, Jack Fanning, Madden Jensen and Kyle Watson will form the front line, while Bender, Deuce Hermann and Zack Cronenwett will man the linebacker corps. The secondary will rely on the speed of Bowen, Ethan Williams, Garrett Keizer and David Williams to limit big plays.
Schedule and outlook
The schedule opens with a jamboree in Lincoln on August 21, where the Cougars will face Midway, Slater and the host Cardinals before traveling to Copan, Oklahoma, for their season‑opening game on August 28.
Coach Lucas stresses that the team’s focus is on mastering fundamentals, building chemistry and, most importantly, enjoying the process. ‘If we play with confidence and cohesion, the results will follow,’ he said.