Football

West Monroe Rebels gear up for 2026 season amid upgrades and talent surge

Coach DeMichael Dizer and a seasoned senior class aim to reclaim state glory

Rebels poised for a pivotal 2026 campaign

Under the steady leadership of Coach DeMichael Dizer, the West Monroe Rebels are entering the 2026 football season with a renewed focus on consistency and championship ambition. Dizer, who also serves as athletics director for a school that boasts more than 500 athletes, has overseen a major staff expansion that includes Brian West, Glenn Hunt and Bakari Guice, each bringing fresh perspectives to the program.

The team’s infrastructure has kept pace with its ambitions. In May, the school unveiled a $4.5 million sports‑medicine facility and a $2.9 million covered practice complex, signaling a commitment to player health and year‑round development. Dizer has spoken openly about the responsibility that comes with such investments, emphasizing that modern amenities are only valuable when paired with a culture of accountability.

Senior quarterback Brady Guillot, one of the team’s marquee talents, has praised Dizer for shaping a competitive environment that pushes every player to excel. "He’s installed a great culture and constantly challenges us to be our best," Guillot said, highlighting the trust the coaching staff places in the senior class to lead by example.

The Rebels’ roster blends proven veterans with emerging talent. Alongside Guillot, the lineup features Jordan Coleman, Jordan Perkins, Tre King, Tyson Mills and Lane Russell, all of whom have been part of the program since childhood. Their chemistry is amplified by a close‑knit 2027 recruiting class that shares a long‑standing bond.

District 2‑5A remains one of Louisiana’s most competitive circuits, with road tests against traditional rivals Neville, Ouachita and Brandon (MS). The Rebels also host Central, the 2024 D‑I nonselect champion, adding another layer of excitement to the schedule. The stakes are heightened by an eight‑year championship drought and a 15‑year gap since the program’s last title, fueling a collective desire to trust the process and break through.

Beyond football, other West Monroe programs — such as powerlifting and softball — have continued to excel, reinforcing the school’s reputation as a multi‑sport powerhouse. With the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) overseeing competition, the Rebels are positioned to make a deep run in the playoffs and, ultimately, vie for a state championship that has eluded them for far too long.

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