Nickerson High School
Last Season: 1-8
Nickerson heads into 2026 coming off a 1-8 season, but head coach Parker Bruce believes the Panthers built a real foundation late last year and now bring back more experience than the record suggests. Nickerson returns multiple offensive weapons, a large roster of 50-plus players and a team entering its second year in the same playbook.
The offense will revolve around junior running back Rylan Morrell after his 830-yard, seven-touchdown season, while Connor White, Zein Rector, Conner Bower and junior tight end KC Keeler are also key pieces. A major question is quarterback, where Noah Weber is expected to step in after two years as the JV quarterback and replace three-year starter Kris Monroe Jr.
Defensively, the Panthers bring a lot back in the front and secondary despite graduating top tacklers Riley Brawner and Gabe Taylor. Bruce highlighted returning players such as Connor White, Keeler, Brady Engelland, Aaden Vedder, Zein Rector, Kagyn Rice, Dagan Schneider, Corbin Shelton, Chase Welch, Maxx White and Jeffren Rodriguez, giving Nickerson a bigger base to build from in 2026.
