Changing of the Guard for Concord Football; Hunting History in 2026

Photos by Hannah Tacy & Henry Black, JTV Sports

Trey Richmond | JTV Sports

Tuesday August 25th

(8-25-2026, 12:15PM): Following a 5-4 record last season, Concord football looks to make the playoffs in 2026 and send the seniors out “with a bang.”

Max Clark is entering his 14th season as the head coach for the Concord 8-man football program. He described this team and this season as a “changing of the guard” with a very athletic sophomore class that will have five or six starting on varsity. This young team is inspired by the school’s basketball state championship and wants to match their success. “After seeing basketball win that state ‘chip, something in us switched, that needs to happen in football, it has never happened; it needs to happen,” said the players. The Yellowjackets feel they are expected to make the playoffs, and they want to exceed those expectations. They said, “the minimum bar is making the playoffs.”

Clark also runs the offense. His offense will feature a lot of wide receivers including seniors, Landen Lynn and Garrett Tyler. To create a versatile and balanced offense, Concord has a fast and athletic running back room led by Hunter Watts. The quarterback taking over this season is a sophomore, Wyatte Mandrell, a smart and athletic threat throwing and is not afraid to run the ball or deliver a hit.

Clint Trippett is the defensive coordinator for an experienced Yellowjacket defense that only lost 2 starters. His defense will be physical, determined and more aggressive than last year’s. They are an accountable and disciplined squad who are told to “do your ⅛.” Trippett got high praise from his players for his commitment and drive. They said, “No one wants to win more than our assistant coaches.” While Tyler and Lynn are expected to make an impact at wideout, they are also expected to make an impact on the defensive side as well. At defensive back, Landen Lynn led the team in tackles a season ago, and was named to the all-conference team. From the linebacker position, Tyler led the team in sacks and was also named to the all-conference team. The leader in tackles for loss, senior Adam Miller, is also a player to watch on the line for the Yellowjackets.

Concord is hungry and ready for the season to begin saying they are “tired of losing and coming up short,” and “it’s different now. This year is different.”

2026 Concord Football Schedule:

(all games at 7pm unless noted)

8/28 vs Climax-Scotts

9/4 @ Battle Creek St. Philip

9/11 vs Mendon

9/18 @ Britton Deerfield (7:30pm)

9/25 @ Morenci

10/2 vs Pittsford

10/9 @ Southfield Christian

10/16 vs Adrian Lenawee Christian

10/23 @ Bellevue