A New Chapter for the Phantoms
West De Pere football is preparing for the 2026 season with a bold new direction. After capturing the Division 2 state championship last year, the program will compete in Division 1 for the first time, a move that feels less like a step up and more like a fresh start.
At the helm of that transition is Keegan Wirtz, who has been promoted from assistant to head coach. Wirtz, a former player and integral part of all three of the school’s state titles, stresses an aggressive, attack‑oriented philosophy and a simple mantra: prove that the Phantoms belong at the top of Division 1.
The coaching staff has largely remained intact, allowing continuity while inviting a handful of new assistants. Senior left tackle Sam Schmidt, who has watched Wirtz’s career from the sidelines, says the coach “knows exactly what it takes to win a state championship.” At the same time, senior linebacker and fullback Braylon Stegall notes that the divisional jump offers a “fresh perspective” for a team that has already tasted success.
Quarterback will be one of the most watched battles. Multiple candidates are vying for the starting spot, each bringing a different skill set. Wirtz believes the competition has already been valuable, because “each quarterback brings something different” to the offense.
The roster’s depth is evident in the numbers: more than 100 players took part in summer workouts, the largest turnout in program history, and over 50 athletes saw varsity action during the championship season. The expectation remains unchanged — another championship, this time in Division 1.