The West Bend-Mallard football team enters 2026 hoping to return to the playoffs, after a young Wolverine squad finished 3-5 in 2025, snapping a three year run of playoff appearances.
West Bend-Mallard returns most of the core of 2025’s roster, after graduating only two seniors from that team. Additionally, big freshman and sophomore classes have increased the numbers for the program according to Head Coach Tyson Wirtz.
At quarterback, Trent Morey returns after going over 500 yards in both passing and rushing. Morey scored eight touchdowns on the ground in 2025, while throwing eight touchdown passes compared to seven interceptions. Sophomore Carter Stalzer also has quarterbacking experience after stepping into the starting role when Morey went down with an injury last season.
Senior Abner Zaugg is expected to be an anchor on the end on both offense and defense. Zaugg finished last season with 36 tackles, while leading the team in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
According to Wirtz, the offensive skill positions are where the Wolverines bring the most depth into the season. Senior Cesar Falcon takes over as the starting tailback after starting at fullback last season. Carter Stalzer, Wyatt Hanson, and Lex Christensen are also vying for carries, while Zaugg, Kacen Flynn, and Grady Goddard look poised to hold down the tight end spots.
On the defensive side of the ball, in spite of graduating linebacker and team captain Leydan Grimm, Wirtz says the Wolverine unit is in a great spot with the understanding of the scheme and communication.
In order to return to the playoffs, West Bend-Mallard will have to find wins against a schedule that features 2025 playoff teams for 6 of the 8 contests. The Wolverines begin the season with three non-district games, before their district opener against Northwood-Kensett on September 11th, something Wirtz says will allow the team to experiment with different roles for players.
Wirtz says the expectation remains to contend for the playoffs.
West Bend-Mallard kicks off the season on Thursday, August 20th in Fort Dodge against St. Edmond.
