Warriors Hope to Bounce Back from A-Typical ‘25 Season; Experienced Starters Returning

Photos by Hannah Tacy & Henry Black, JTV Sports

David Rice | JTV Sports

Wednesday August 19th

(8-19-2025, 12:00PM): After a 2-7 campaign last year, the Grass Lake Warriors return plenty of starters and hope to return to the exceptional tradition of ‘Warrior Football’ in 2026.

It was an unusual year for Grass Lake in 2025, finishing 2-7 overall with one of those wins coming via forfeit due to East Jackson’s shortened schedule. Almost an entirely new offensive look with younger faces also contributed to those results, it was the Warriors’ first losing season since a 2-7 finish in 2021. Grass Lake has reached the playoffs in 19 of 26 seasons under Cole including reaching the 2007 Division 7 state final.

Head Coach Randy Cole returns for his 27th season at the helm of Grass Lake. Cole is the area’s second longest serving coach behind Lumen Christi’s Herb Brogan. Cole played under legendary coach Joe Bechtel, the stadium’s namesake, and first got his start as a volunteer JV coach. He first joined the varsity staff as an assistant in the early 80’s and has remained there since.

Randy’s son, Anthony, serves as the offensive coordinator. Anthony is a former assistant of the Albion College program. Chris Reul returns for another season as the defensive coordinator. The offense will return to a spread-style look, which is what fans have seen typically from the team with the exception of last year.

Key players for the Warriors this year include seniors Kaline Wescott (QB), Aiden Judson (OL/DL), Braden Snyr (WR/S), Cam Prater (WR/CB), Noah Orban (TE/LB), and Bennett Jones (OL/DL). Juniors Will Ford (TE/DL) and Gage Salts (RB/LB) will also be key pieces. The Warriors will have several new faces on the line and will have several players playing on both sides of the ball. Sophomore Wesley Reul could also see time at quarterback, having a potential QB battle with Wescott.

While Grass Lake has 7-8 returners on both sides of the ball, depth could be an issue for the team throughout the season.

GL opens the season at home against Adrian Madison before facing league play, then closes the regular season on the road at D5 Milan.

2026 Grass Lake Football Schedule:

(all games 7pm unless noted)

8/28 vs Adrian Madison

Thursday 9/3 vs Napoleon

9/11 @ Columbia Central

9/18 vs Manchester

9/25 @ Leslie

10/2 vs Vandercook Lake

10/9 @ Michigan Center

10/16 vs TBD (Cascades Conf. Crossover)