North Shore Conference football preview: 2026 outlook and key storylines
The North Shore Conference enters its 2026 season with a mix of established powerhouses and rising contenders, setting the stage for a competitive year in Wisconsin high school football.
Homestead, the 2025 outright champions who advanced to the state semifinals before a heartbreaking one‑point loss to West De Pere, return a strong core that includes quarterback Lee Zortman, running back Rylan Miller and five defensive starters. Coach Drake Zortman and veteran Bill Jacklin will again shape the team’s identity with an experienced roster.
Slinger, the 2024 state champions, finished second in the league last year and will look to rebound despite losing 2,000‑yard rusher Kobe Hendricks. Top returning rusher Peyton Tennies will shoulder the load, while the team copes with a wave of injuries that limited their 2026 campaign.
Whitefish Bay, despite a 2‑5 record in league play, secured a playoff berth and marched to the Division 3 state semifinals. Quarterback Chase Wolter, who led the team in passing yards and touchdowns a year ago, returns as a central figure in the offense.
Wisconsin Lutheran, now a member of the North Shore after a third‑place finish in the Woodland Conference, brings back quarterback Jonah Sadler and offensive lineman Jamail Sewell. Their experience will be tested as the team adjusts to a tougher schedule.
Other programs such as Waukesha West, Hartford, Menomonee Falls and Cedarburg each bring notable storylines. Waukesha West will miss transferred quarterback Jamison Larsen, while Hartford aims for a tenth straight playoff appearance. Menomonee Falls returns seven offensive and nine defensive starters, and Cedarburg’s youngsters, including quarterback Brian Ranson and breakout hopeful Dayton Thielmann, could surprise.
With coaches, players and fans all watching closely, the 2026 North Shore Conference promises twists, breakout performances and the kind of drama that defines high school football.