NTL FOOTBALL: COWANESQUE VALLEY '26 SEASON PREVIEW (August 24, 2026)

Northern Tier West Sports Report
WESTFIELD — There are big changes coming to Cowanesque Valley by way of brand new facilities in the near future and a jump to the NTL-I while third-year Head Coach Jacob Lane is focusing on continuing to build a football program that Northern Tioga can be proud of. 

“I’m extremely proud of the direction our program is headed,” says Lane, “It’s a privilege to coach these young men and represent our school, our community and the Cowanesque Valley tradition.”

The Indians went 5-5 in the regular season last year as a member of the NTL small school division and fell to the eventual State Champion Southern Columbia Tigers in the first round of the District IV AA playoffs, despite a small roster that was further depleted by injuries throughout the year.

Lane is excited about better numbers this season.

“We’re expecting close to 40 athletes this year,” says Lane, “Which is key as a big focus for us has been continuing to build depth throughout the program. We want every player to understand their role, develop their skills and be prepared when their opportunity comes. A strong program is built from the bottom up, and developing every player in our program is important to our long-term success.”

Lane points to a strong core of returning players that he and his staff will be looking to for leadership in the 2026 season.

“Kegan (Lane) returns after a strong junior season where he rushed for over 1,000 yards and 11 TD’s and was our defensive leader as well,” says Coach/Dad Lane, “Kegan has continued to grow as a football player, especially with his football IQ, preparation and leadership.”

“Stevie (Olson) is another important returning player who brings toughness, physicality and experience to our defense,” says Lane, “He has the ability to make an impact in every game and will be counted on to help lead our defensive unit.”

“Justin Schaar returns with valuable varsity experience and will be counted on to provide consistency and leadership,” says Lane, “He’s continued to develop as a football player and understands the importance of doing his job within the team. We expect him to take another big step forward this season.”

“Xander Wybell is another returning starter who brings toughness and a willingness to compete,” Lane says, “Xander has gained valuable experience and will be expected to play with confidence and physicality. His continued development will be important to our team.”

“Dave (Hess) brings experience and a strong work ethic to our returning group,” says Lane, “He understands the expectations of our program and what it takes to compete at the varsity level. We’re looking for him to become one of those dependable players our team can count on every Friday night.”

“Max Millard is a player who has continued to develop and grow since stepping onto the varsity field last season,” Lane says, “he showed a lot of potential last season and we’re excited to see what another offseason of work will do for him. His confidence and understanding of the game has continued to improve.”

“We also have several other returning players who may not always receive the attention, but are extremely important to our success,” Lane explains, “Our expectation is for those players to continue improving, take ownership of their positions and become leaders within our program.”

Lane is also optimistic about a promising group of underclassmen. 

“We have several younger players who will have the opportunity to compete for varsity playing time this season,” explains Lane, “Many of these players have worked extremely hard during the offseason and have put themselves in a position to contribute. We want our younger players pushing our returning players every day .. our philosophy is simple .. the best players will play, regardless of grade level. If a player is willing to work, learn, and compete, they will have an opportunity.”

While big changes await the Indians this season, Lane is sticking to his convictions of what is best for his program. 

“We’re always looking for ways to improve our program,” Lane says, “but we don’t believe in changing things just for the sake of change. Our biggest emphasis this season will continue to be on fundamentals, physicality, discipline and consistency. We want to be a team that plays hard every snap, executes assignments and does not beat itself.”

As for goals that the Indians hope to reach this season, Lane explains, “Our goals start with the things we can control every single day .. we want to improve every day, compete every day and represent Cowanesque Valley the right way.”

“We want to play fast, physical football and build confidence in our players,” Lane continues, “and we want our players to understand that WE is greater than ME. When we put the team first and commit to the process, we give ourselves the best opportunity to succeed.”

With the completion of the Indians’ new field and facilities still up in the air, CV will take to the road for at least the first six games .. except for their Week 4 homecoming match-up against Wytalusing, which is scheduled to be played at Mansfield University.

The Indians open the season at Canton next Friday night. 




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