Tuslaw Mustangs Gear Up for 2026
The Tuslaw Mustangs have turned a modest 2025 campaign into a springboard for the upcoming season, finishing with four victories under head coach Broc Dial, who enters his third year at the helm with a 6‑14 career record.
Dial’s second‑season surge was anchored by a win over the 10‑win Toronto squad and a triumph against 8‑win Caldwell, culminating in the first Blue Cup victory over rival Fairless since 2018.
The team returns 18 lettermen, among them seniors Parker Reinhart and Patrick Fox, who will serve as team leaders and top tacklers. Reinhart led the defense with four interceptions and five touchdown receptions on 20 catches, while Fox averaged nearly six yards per carry and scored three touchdowns.
At quarterback, Koen Lehman, a returning senior, will take over from graduated All‑Principals Athletic Conference standout Ethan Haer, bringing a fresh arm to the offense.
The 2026 schedule features a demanding PAC‑7 slate, with road tests against Smithville, Chippewa, Orrville, Triway, Manchester, Toronto, Northwest Canton South and Fairless, plus a home matchup against Caldwell. Competing in Division V, Region 17, the Mustangs confront one of the toughest brackets in the division, but the coaching staff remains optimistic that a winning season could finally restore playoff eligibility, a feat not achieved since 2018.