A year ago, the New Glarus Glarner Knights produced one of the finest football seasons in school history. They went 10-2, won a conference championship and advanced to Level 3 of the WIAA Division 5 playoffs, setting a new standard for a program that had been steadily building under head coach DJ Schuett.

Now comes the challenge Schuett has preached about since taking over the program: Do it again — not by chasing last year’s record, but by concentrating on the work that made it possible in the first place.

“Last season was a great year,” Schuett said. “Much like my first year when we happened to be on the other end of that record at 2-8, my expectations for this year’s team are much the same. I am hoping that this year’s team works hard, becomes a family and has a great season.”

That message may be especially important in 2026. New Glarus graduated several of the playmakers who helped fuel last year’s run, but the Glarner Knights return considerable experience where football games are often decided — along the line of scrimmage — along with a coaching staff that remains largely intact.