Head coach: Andre Bailey (2nd season)
2025 record: 8-3-6 overall, 6-1-4 in the Big 9
Top returners: Sr., Colin Norgaard (D, All-Big 9); Sr., Carson Niven (MF, All-Big 9); So., Nathan Niven; So., Xavier Zarwaira.
Outlook for 2026: Thanks to the return of several key contributors, the Panthers enter the season with high expectations. Defender and All-Big 9 selection Colin Norgaard helped lead a unit that allowed just 18 goals in 17 games a season ago, while Carson Niven was great in the midfield on his way to All-Big 9 honors as well. They will need to replace standout Miles Russell, who graduated after an All-State campaign, scoring eight goals and seven assists. Second-year coach Andre Bailey is confident newcomer Berin Dudakovic will fill Russell’s shoes, providing “a strong presence in the midfield”. Grant Rice will join Norgaard on an experienced backline at defense. Overall, Century has the makeup to deliver a solid season.
Coach Bailey says: “We are excited this year to have a number of players returning. The experience of this team will help us be competitive this season. We are expecting to be able to compete for the Big 9 Conference title and be a strong contending team in the section tournament.”
Head coach: Abdul Noor (6th season)
2025 record: 15-2-3, 8-0-3 (Big Nine champs, Section 1-3A champs)
Top returners: Sr., Lennox Robinson (D, All-Section 1-3A); Sr., Elijah Sawatsky (MF).
Outlook for 2026: John Marshall had a year to remember last season. In addition to capturing their first Big Nine Conference championship since 1996, the Rockets won their first Section 1, Class 3A title since 2014. It was the fourth time in five years a Rochester school won the section.
With the graduation of several key contributors, including All-State keeper and Mr. Soccer finalist David Carter, this year’s team will look much different. But coach Abdul Noor says his “squad isn’t reloading, it’s recharging.” Lennox Robinson, Elijah Sawatsky, Israel Barbosa and Zakary Najya are key returners in the midfield for the Rockets. Those three are among several talented returners who will mix with a good crop of newcomers. Keep an eye on the likes of Perpany Omot, Beckham Sommers, Suhail Noor and Mohamid Yousif. Overall, Noor likes what this group has to offer. It could be another great season for the Rockets.
Coach Noor says: “The roster is loaded with experienced seniors ready to step up, alongside a wave of hungry underclassmen eager to make their mark. And don’t sleep on the newcomers; this group brings speed, skill, and serious upside. JM has finished top two in the Big 9 conference for three straight years. This 2026 season, they’re coming for more. The standard is set. The mission is clear.”
Head coach: Eric Feil (4th season)
2025 record: 13-5-1, Section 1-1A runner-up
Top returners: Sr., Will Jacob (GK); Sr., Michael Buntrock (D); Jr., Jaxon Seelhammer (D); Sr., Luke Broadbent (D).
Outlook for 2026: The Eagles lost a lot from a team that reached the Class 1A state championship match in 2024, but still found a way back to the Section 1-1A championship. They did come up just short, falling to Stewartville. Lourdes’ season is off to a strong start, with an impressive 1-0 win over perennial power St. Cloud Cathedral and a 5-0 drubbing of Kasson-Mantorville. The Eagles certainly seem to have the pieces to win the HVL and their fourth section title in six years.
Head coach: Tim Jennings (6th season)
2025 record: 12-3-3, 8-1-2. Big 9 champs, Section 1-3A runner-up
Top returners: Sr., Amani Gupta (MF, All-Big 9); Sr., Anton Wolf (MF, All-Big 9); Sr., Fionn Pittock (D); Sr., Sage Markham (D); Sr., Finn Slama (MF).
Outlook for 2026: The Spartans graduated 15 seniors, but coach Tim Jennings will once again have a talented group to work with. It starts with all-conference midfielders in Amani Gupta and Anton Wolf. Both scored six goals last season and combined for 12 assists. Senior Sage Markham will lead an experienced defensive backline, and Finn Slama and Slayton Steffes will each play major roles.
Jennings is also eager to see newcomers Yannik Tiedje Oglesbee, Maxim Matveyenko and Brennan Zeone — all juniors — as well as freshman Jair Odihiri-Dogo, contribute.
Coach Jennings says: “Mayo should field another strong team despite graduating 15 seniors last year. We have 20 returning lettermen and a strong group of captains. Competition at tryouts was intense. Amani Gupta will return to a solid center midfield group. Anton Wolf will lead an exciting attacking group. Sage Markham will anchor an impressive defensive line. Overall, this looks like another team that can make a deep run in October.”
Head coach: Todd Nagel (23rd season)
2025 record: 5-7
Top returners: So., Lucas Schutz; So., Jason McClure.
Outlook for 2026: The Lions return almost everyone from a team whose five wins were the most since seven victories in 2021. They also won a playoff game for the first time since 2022. In fact, SA loses just one player, but it’s a big one in Luke Friese. The multi-year varsity contributor netted 24 goals in just 12 games last season. But the impact he had off the field was just as vital as on it. Still, longtime coach Todd Nagel is confident this crop of players is ready to pick up where they left off last season.
Coach Nagel says: “Almost everyone is returning from last year’s young squad. We are excited about more experience and greater skills. We hope to improve on last year’s record.”