JOPLIN, Mo. — High school football is back, and for New Heights Christian Academy, the 2026 season brings a fresh look, a youth movement, and plenty of dynamic energy.
With up to four freshmen stepping into starting roles, the Cougars enter the fall as a young, hungry unit leaning heavily on fundamental execution, leverage upfront, and game-changing playmakers to guide the way.
Experienced Trench Play Meets Dynamic Playmakers
While youth is the narrative across the roster, the core strength of the offensive unit starts upfront with veteran experience on the line. Senior Max Long (Right Guard) and junior Jett Bender (Left Guard) return as key starters to anchor the front. Joined by sophomore center Madden Jensen and freshman Jack Fanning, the Cougars line relies on crisp technique and low leverage to dictate tempo.
"We’re not a big, physical front, but we use good technique to create leverage. We have to be a ball-control, fundamentally sound unit that moves the ball."
That ball-control offense will feature one of the state's most electric weapons in junior running back David Williams. Coming off a monster sophomore campaign where he tallied 760 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, and 33 receptions for 8 more scores, Williams brings big-play potential every time he touches the rock. Freshman Deuce Hermann will also see significant touches in the backfield to keep the ground attack relentless.
At quarterback, two standout freshman athletes—Isaac Kuhls and Dylan Bowen—are taking reps under center. Surrounding the signal-callers, Bowen will also split out wide alongside senior first-year wideout Garrett Keizer (a speedster with reliable hands) and Williams, while Bender and freshman Zack Cronenwett hold down tight end.
Defense: Gap Control & Team Tackling
On the defensive side of the ball, New Heights returns three core starters to lead the charge:
Max Long (Senior / Defensive Line)
Jett Bender (Junior / Linebacker)
David Williams (Junior / Free Safety)
Upfront, Long leads a defensive line alongside Jack Fanning, Madden Jensen, and Kyle Watson. The linebacking corps features Bender, Deuce Hermann, and Zack Cronenwett, while Dylan Bowen, Ethan Williams, Garrett Keizer, and David Williams form a tight secondary.
The defensive mindset is simple: force teams to earn every inch. The Cougars aim to keep everything in front of them, maintain strict gap control, and swarm to the football with two or three hats on every tackle.
Breakout Players to Watch
David Williams (RB/FS): Possesses game-breaking speed and the potential to contend for All-State honors every time he touches the ball.
Max Long (OL/DL): A multi-year starter whose improved footwork and technical polish make him one of the top surface players in the region.
Success Beyond the Scoreboard
For the Cougars, success this fall isn't measured solely by wins and losses. Success means week-to-week growth, playing fundamentally sound football, and enjoying the game together as a team.
New Heights will fine-tune its execution in Lincoln for jamboree action alongside Midway, Slater, Northwest, Drexel, and host Lincoln before officially kicking off the 2026 regular season at home on August 28 against Copan.