North Football enters the 2026 season believing the groundwork has already been laid.
After a 4-6 campaign in 2025, the Rangers open their first season in the Chagrin Valley Conference with confidence that another year in head coach Shawn Dodd‘s system will lead to improved execution and more success on Friday nights. Now in his 12th season, Dodd has seen his team embrace the culture he’s worked to establish.
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Building the Foundation
North’s optimism starts with the work completed long before opening night.
“Our biggest strengths are our commitment to the offseason, guys raising the standard through leadership, our physicality and being in year two of this system,” Dodd said.
That familiarity should allow the Rangers to play faster and with greater confidence in both their single-wing offense and 3-3-5 defensive scheme. Four starters return on each side of the football, giving North an experienced core to build around.
Quarterback and linebacker Josh Fenick returns to lead the Rangers, while linemen Evan Meyer, Jeremy Jersi and John Murphy provide experience in the trenches. Brand Bambrick also returns as a versatile two-way contributor at tight end and linebacker.
Replacing Big Production
The Rangers’ biggest challenge is replacing one of the area’s most productive rushing attacks.
North graduated several key offensive linemen and lost two running backs who each rushed for more than 1,000 yards, creating significant holes in an offense built around physical football.
“We’re replacing talented guys on the offensive line and lost both running backs who rushed for more than 1,000 yards,” Dodd said.
Several newcomers are expected to help fill those roles.
Javion Whaley brings speed and athleticism to the backfield while also contributing in the secondary. King Matice is another running back expected to make an immediate impact, and Billy Gibson could become an important two-way player at tight end and linebacker.
The Key to 2026
Dodd believes North’s success won’t hinge on one player replacing last year’s production. Instead, it will come from how quickly the Rangers grow together as a team.
“We need a few guys to step up and develop fast,” Dodd said. “We need everyone to focus on doing their job, trust the system and get off to a fast start.”
If North’s experienced leaders can anchor the team while its new playmakers emerge, the Rangers have an opportunity to make a successful debut in the Chagrin Valley Conference. Another year of continuity, combined with a physical style of play, gives North confidence it can take another step forward in 2026.
