Ingalls went 9–2 and brings back a veteran core that has seen two to three years of varsity action. Head coach Logan Hernandez, in his second year, is assisted by Scott Stinemetz and Sean Urban. Booster president Toby Whipple is listed as the main contact. Hernandez says they are “excited about returning a great core group of players” but notes they face a tough district and schedule; the hope is that this will give them valuable experience when playoff time arrives.
The 2026 schedule includes Granada, Deerfield, Ashland, Satanta, Centre, Bucklin, South Barber, Moscow and then the postseason bracket—regional, sectional, sub‑state and state dates outlined. Offensively, four starters return in an I‑tight, ground‑and‑pound system. Senior running back Keegan Nothern (6‑1, 170) carried 91 times for 759 yards and 13 touchdowns and caught nine passes for 223 yards and four scores. Senior quarterback Logan Simon (6‑1, 170) went 45‑for‑90 for 751 yards, 14 TDs and three interceptions. Senior fullback Jackson Combs (5‑9, 165) logged 11 carries for 113 yards and two TDs, and senior center/receiver Reyce Frick (5‑10, 175) chipped in four catches for 74 yards and two TDs. Hernandez describes the offense as “I Tight Heavy. Ground and Pound, wear everyone else out,” with multiple backs rotating to keep fresh legs on the field and relentless effort as the standard.
Defensively, three starters return in a 3‑3 stack. Simon at linebacker had 13 tackles, five assists and two interceptions, Nothern at linebacker posted 26 tackles, six assists, one pick and two forced fumbles, senior DB Ervin Ruiz (5‑10, 140) made 29 tackles and 10 assists with an interception, and Combs at linebacker added 30 tackles, 12 assists, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Hernandez says they strive to be a team that hits hard and creates turnovers, with a goal of being positive in every turnover battle and having six players to the ball on every play.
Nothern is singled out as standing “above the rest not only as a player, but also as a person.” His season was cut short by a broken wrist, yet he still earned first‑team all‑state. Hernandez says Nothern leads by example and is willing to call teammates out if they don’t show up, work hard or meet the program’s effort standard. His mother, Jessica Nothern, is deeply involved with the booster club and makes sure meals are taken care of for away games, supporting all student‑athletes across sports. With a seasoned backfield, physical 3‑3 stack defense and a strong culture headlined by Nothern, Ingalls expects to be battle‑tested and dangerous come November.
To nominate someone for a story email [email protected]
