Homer Finds a Familiar Home in Big 8 Conference; Looking to Compete in 2026

Photos by Hannah Tacy & Henry Black, JTV Sports

Trey Richmond | JTV Sports

Tuesday August 18th

(8-18-2026, 12:00PM): Homer is rejoining the Big 8 with a goal of competing following a 3-6 record last season in the Cascades Conference.

Homer has historically been a Big 8 school but during the Nic Cass tenure, Homer has been in the Cascades Conference. Cass is excited to face new opponents in his fourth season at the helm, but is putting the focus internally on his team. “It doesn’t matter where we’re at, we’re going to compete the same way,” said head coach Cass on switching conferences.

In the final couple of games last season, Nic Cass gave up the play calling responsibility on offense. He felt he called a “terrible game” against Vandercook Lake, so he had Chaz Hopkins take over the play calling to see what they had. Cass believed Hopkins put Homer in a better position to win. Hoping to carry the momentum from the last two games a season ago, Hopkins will enter the season as the offensive play caller.

Hopkins’ offense will be a run heavy scheme. The run game can be taken up a level this season because of the offseason improvements from the offensive line. Cass called them the most improved unit on the team. The line is led by senior Kamron Burns and junior Camden Minix who made it to more lifts than the coaches this summer. They will be paving the way for senior running back Xander DuBois. Under center for the Trojans will be Preston Mann. He played the last five games at quarterback a season ago and, “got us going in the right direction,” said Cass.

Cass felt as though most of the faults from last year’s team were self-inflicted, so he and his team are focused on communication and accountability for the Trojans. “If we let stuff slide now, it’s going to show its head [in games],” said Cass.

Cohen Sangster will be calling the plays for a “heavy hitting” defense led by all conference linebacker Preston Mann. The strengths of the defense are the linebacking core and secondary, led by all conference safety Xander DuBois. He flies around on defense and isn’t afraid to hit anybody, no matter the size. Homer takes on DuBois’ mentality, describing themselves as “resilient” and “physical.” Cass said, “We can’t quit because that’s not an option.”

2026 Homer Football Schedule:

(all games at 7pm unless noted)

8/28 @ Union City

Thursday 9/3 vs Springport

9/11 vs Reading

9/18 @ Bronson

9/25 vs Quincy

10/2 @ Stockbridge

10/9 @ Vermontville Maple Valley

10/16 vs East Jackson

10/23 @ Olivet