Northwest Football 2026 Season Preview

(Grand Island, NE) - The Kyle Carder head coaching era is officially underway at Northwest High School. Carder was named head football coach, taking over for Kevin Stein, who retired from coaching after the 2025 season. 

Last year, the Vikings made the playoff field for Class B, ending the season at 4-6 with a first-round loss to the eventual Class B state champs, Waverly, 35-13. The Vikings in 2025 suffered three tough losses, with two of them coming at Viking Field. Northwest had a hard-fought game with Bennington playing with the Badgers and giving them a scare for nearly three quarters until Bennington pulled away 27-7. The Vikings would fall to their rivals, Aurora, 34-21. Northwest would suffer a two-point loss later to York, 18-16. 

Northwest will open up the 2026 campaign on Thursday, August 27th, hosting Waverly. Listen to every single Viking football game all season long on 103.1 FM & kjcountry1031.com. 

Northwest Viking Football Schedule - HERE 

Key Northwest Returners 

SR - James Burhman 
SR - Bennett Murdoch 
SR - Keith DeLaet 
SR - Owen Wiese 
SR - Zane Harb 
SR - Ian Cross 
SR - Aiden DeNeui 
SR - Evan Wiles 
SR - Brock Ostdiek 
JR - Gavin Burt 
JR - Blake Wissing 
JR - Kellan Dorsey 
JR - Bryson Walker 
JR - Austin Britton 
JR - Jaxon Delgado