Football

Newport Wildcats Aim for Team‑Centric Success in 2026

Coach Paul Wiggins emphasizes collective goals while standout players like Jaden Conley and Sean Hurry look to build on last year’s achievements

A season built on unity

Head coach Paul Wiggins has made it clear that the Wildcats’ focus this year is on collective performance rather than individual statistics. His philosophy centers on fostering a culture where every player contributes to the team’s overall success, a stance that has shaped the program’s approach heading into the new campaign.

Among the returning leaders, senior quarterback Jaden Conley stands out after a 2025 season in which he amassed 819 passing yards and 10 touchdowns while throwing only four interceptions. His reliability has become a cornerstone of the offense, and he will continue to rely on trusted targets such as Demarco Jackson, who caught 23 passes for 468 yards and six scores last year.

Defensively, edge rusher Sean Hurry led the squad with 86 tackles, including 23 for loss and six sacks, providing a relentless pass rush that helped the team limit opponents to just 225 points in 2025. Complementing his efforts, junior center Ryder Brewer contributed 46 tackles and 4.5 sacks, and he has praised recent coaching techniques that emphasize fundamentals and discipline along the line.

The Wildcats’ offensive line is entering a period of maturation, with Brewer noting improvements in technique and cohesion. This development is expected to open up more opportunities for the backfield and protect Conley more effectively as the season progresses.

Opening the 2026 schedule at home against Ludlow on August 21, the team is eager to start strong and maintain the momentum from a 2025 campaign that saw them finish 8‑5 and reach the Class A quarterfinals for the second straight year. With five games last season that produced more than 35 points, the Wildcats hope to translate that offensive firepower into a consistent presence in the playoffs.

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