Seneca’s football program, once a dominant force in the Big 8, now faces the 2026 season as an underdog after graduation stripped the roster of nine All‑State performers.
A New Chapter for Seneca Football
Coached by Cody Hilburn, the team looks to rebuild after a run that included five straight district titles, three consecutive state championship appearances and a 2025 Class 3 Show‑Me Bowl victory over Lift For Life Academy.
Junior Klay Davidson, a 6‑foot‑2, 210‑pound signal‑caller, will take the snap, blending a linebacker’s mentality with a strong arm and physical play style.
Senior Silas Ball shifts from H‑back to tailback, promising a bruising, pad‑heavy running approach that can chew up clock and keep defenses honest.
Backup quarterback Brant Laughlin will slide into an H‑back role and has committed to wrestle at Southern Illinois‑Edwardsville next year, adding a unique two‑sport dimension to the squad.
Hilburn notes that 23 sophomores are training this summer, a talent pool he believes can provide the depth needed to sustain performance across the schedule.
Landon Hughes, the lone returning All‑State player, anchors the offensive line alongside senior center Jeffrey Todd, while Easton Hanes brings speed to the edge as a wideout and defensive back.
The defense will lean on Aiden Crane, a dual‑role defensive end and former second tight end, and on juniors Jaxon Yoakam and Ryder Owens, who are expected to see time in both offensive and defensive backfields.
Competitors such as Paxtyn Ray and Drew Scribner are battling for defensive end snaps, while wrestler Drew Manley is in the mix for an inside linebacker spot.
Seneca opens the season at home against cross‑county rival East Newton on August 28, a game that will set the tone for a schedule that includes only four home contests.
Hilburn stresses a no‑fluff philosophy in the Big 8, insisting that every opponent must be prepared for, lest the team be outplayed on any given night.
The offense plans to string together 10‑ to 14‑play drives, move the ball into the red zone and use a stout defense to wear down opponents in the fourth quarter.
With a mix of youthful energy and seasoned leadership, the 2026 Seneca Bulldogs hope to rewrite their narrative from underdogs back to title contenders.