A New Era for West De Pere Football
The West De Pere football program entered the offseason as the undisputed champions of Division 2, having finished the 2025 campaign without a single defeat. The undefeated record earned the team a place in the state history books and set the stage for a bold move to Division 1 in the upcoming 2026 season.
Headlining the transition is senior safety Cooper Borowicz, who capped his high school career with a state championship and all‑conference honors in the Fox River Classic. Borowicz has already committed to Northern Michigan University, where he will continue his football journey at the NCAA Division II level. His leadership tone is clear: the team must stay hungry and avoid the complacency that can follow a title.
The departure of quarterback Patrick Greisen, a record‑setting passer with more than 100 career touchdown throws, leaves a void in the offense. Replacing him will be a collective effort, but the coaching staff sees an opportunity to reshape the unit. Defensive coordinator Kegan Wirtz, a former all‑state defensive back, was promoted to head coach after impressing administrators with his strategic vision and ability to develop talent.
Wirtz inherits a defense that lost key pieces such as linebacker Ethan Collar and defensive back Mason Werner, the latter earning FRCC‑North defensive back of the year honors. Despite those losses, the new coaching staff believes the remaining varsity‑experienced players can step up. The revamped defensive alignment, built around Wirtz’s expertise, aims to maintain the aggressive style that helped the team defeat Division 1 opponents in recent years.
Off the field, the schedule promises early tests. Nonconference matchups against Sun Prairie East and Appleton North will gauge the team’s readiness, while the traditional rivalry game against De Pere looms as a highlight. Wins in those contests could signal that the transition to Division 1 will be smoother than many expect.
Overall, the blend of seasoned veterans, a motivated senior class led by Borowicz, and a coach eager to prove himself creates a narrative of resilience. If the team can translate its championship mentality to a tougher slate, West De Pere may not only survive the move to Division 1 — it could thrive.