Little River enters the 2026 season looking to build on a strong 9-2 campaign while replacing eight seniors from last year’s team.
Little River is listed by Sports in Kansas as an Eight-Man II Team to Watch in 2026. The Redskins dropped down from Eight-Man I.
The Redskins open the 2026 season with a road game at Ell-Saline on Friday, Sept. 4. Other road games are Canton-Galva, Sept. 18; Stafford, Oct. 2; and Sylvan-Lucas, Oct. 16.
The first home game for Little River is against Herington on Sept. 11. Other home games are Victoria, Sept. 25; La Crosse, Oct. 9; and Ellis, Oct. 23.
The 8-Man Division I program has plenty of experience returning, led by Jaren Garrison at quarterback, running back and linebacker.
Garrison will be one of the key pieces for a team looking to remain among the state’s top programs.
The Redskins also return a strong group of two-way contributors, including Blayne Baldetti at tight end/defensive end, Jhet Ewertt at running back/free safety, Elijah Stagner at offensive line, Logan Schubert at wide receiver/defensive back and Bryson VanEaton at offensive and defensive line.
Cooper Hjetland provides additional size up front, while Jake White returns at linebacker.
The development of the younger players will be critical following the graduation losses.
Little River went 9-2 last season, with both losses coming by one score, and the program will look to finish those close games differently this fall.
“Graduation hit pretty hard with the loss of eight seniors. Finding players to fill those roles will be critical,” head coach Kevin Ayers said. “Chemistry and leadership will dictate how good we will be. We hope to play a physical disciplined style of ball that puts a better team on the field each week.”
Ayers heads into Year 7 at Little River with an overall record of 67-15.
