Trego-WaKeeney enters the 2026 football season looking to build on a 10-1 campaign while replacing several key players and leaders from last year’s team.
The Eagles return five starters on both offense and defense, giving them a solid foundation. But coach Pat Haxton knows replacing the contributions and leadership of last year’s seniors will be one of the team’s biggest challenges.
“We return 5 starters on both sides of the ball but lose some great football players and some tremendous leaders,” Haxton said. “We will have to find leaders in this group in order to have success.”
One strength Haxton expects to carry over is team speed. Trego-WaKeeney should have plenty of athleticism on both sides of the ball, although depth remains a concern.
“We should have very good team speed on both sides of the ball,” Haxton said. “Our depth is a concern so we have to stay healthy.”
The Eagles’ offense will continue to operate from a spread, stretch-zone system designed to create multiple opportunities for its skill players. Trego-WaKeeney will use motions and shifts to keep defenses off balance while incorporating several option looks.
“We are a spread stretch zone team,” Haxton said. “We will run multiple motions/shifts with several option looks thrown in.”
Senior running back Jack Conness will be one of the key pieces of that offense. A three-year starter, Conness rushed for 1,462 yards in 2025 and returns as a major threat in the backfield.
He also brings plenty of experience and leadership to a team that will need both.
“Jack is a very dedicated hardworking young man,” Haxton said. “He has been a starter at RB for us the last two years and has been a very important part of our offensive success.”
Haxton said Conness has put in significant work during the offseason and is focused on helping the Eagles succeed as a team.
“Jack is a very respectful kid that naturally goes out of his way to help his teammates whenever they need,” Haxton said. “Great kid!!”
Senior offensive linemen Hudson Deines and Christopher Ghumm will help anchor the line. Deines is 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, while Ghumm stands 6-3 and weighs 245.
Sophomore quarterback Vladon Crawford also returns after contributing 235 receiving yards last season. Sophomore Jared Aschenbrenner, who rushed for 170 yards and added 214 receiving yards in 2025, provides another versatile option. Junior receiver Westyn Windholz rounds out a group Haxton will rely on to provide playmaking ability.
Defensively, Trego-WaKeeney also returns five starters and will work primarily from a 4-2 or 3-3 alignment.
Aschenbrenner was one of the Eagles’ top defensive performers last season, recording 65 tackles and 9.5 sacks as a sophomore. Crawford added 53 tackles and three interceptions, while Conness recorded 73 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Ghumm returns after making 49 tackles and recording nine tackles for loss along the defensive line. Windholz also returns after intercepting three passes last season, while Deines gives the Eagles another experienced option up front.
Sophomore Tripp Hudson is another player Haxton expects to make an impact, particularly on defense.
“Tripp is going to be a big part of our team defensively this fall,” Haxton said. “He has worked very hard to get the trust of his coaches and teammates. He is very dedicated to getting better and has improved tremendously the last year.”
While the Eagles have several players capable of making an impact, Haxton said developing leadership and maintaining a consistent approach will be critical.
“I believe we have a chance to be pretty good again this year but the kids will have to buy into getting better everyday and not just on Friday in order to get to where they say they want to be,” Haxton said.
That daily commitment could determine whether Trego-WaKeeney can match the success of its 10-1 season and remain among the area’s top programs.
Senior Hudson Deines is another example of the type of commitment Haxton wants from his players. A two-way starter at defensive line and offensive line, Deines also operates his own mowing business while competing in three sports during the school year and playing summer baseball.
“He is never ending working. On the field and off the field,” Haxton said. “He never misses practices or workouts for it and still manages his time well enough to keep his business successful.”
Haxton said Deines has earned the respect of his teachers and teammates through his maturity and ability to balance his responsibilities.
“Very mature impressive young man,” Haxton said.
With five starters returning on each side of the ball, plenty of team speed and experienced players such as Conness, Trego-WaKeeney has the pieces to make another strong run.
The challenge will be replacing last year’s leadership, staying healthy despite limited depth and making sure improvement remains a daily priority.
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