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SEASON OPENER
Elgin and Manor will renew a football rivalry that has been dormant for more than a decade when the Wildcats open the 2026 season Friday night at Manor High School.
The last meeting between the programs came in 2015, when the Mustangs came out on top 57-22. With kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. Aug. 28, Elgin head coach Rich Lucero said the history may resonate more with the communities than with the players themselves.
“The rivalry hasn’t been played in nearly 10 years, so I don’t think our kids fully understand the magnitude of that,” Lucero said. “I think the rivalry might be more of a community thing … but I’m sure they will be excited to play Manor for the first time.”
While the rivalry adds an interesting storyline to the opener, Lucero said his biggest focus will be seeing how his young, rebuilt team handles its first live game of the season.
“I’m just excited to see how our kids will do playing four quarters of football … to see where we are at as a program in terms of playing a complete game,” he said. “It’s always a challenge week one.”
The Wildcats will hit the field with plenty of changes.
Elgin graduated more than 20 seniors from last year’s squad and is expected to start sophomore Tanner Modesette at quarterback.
New offensive coordinator Sean Van De Merghal also takes over play-calling duties from Lucero. The former state championship- winning coach most recently had a successful stint at Georgetown East View.
Despite the green roster, Lucero said he believes the new-look offense is ahead of where it was at this point last season.
“I’m excited — I feel good about where we are at,” he said. “We are young and inexperienced, but our offensive coaches have done a good job.”
Elgin looks to build on last year’s 2-8 overall record and 2-5 mark in district play. The Mustangs are similarly looking to rebound from a winless season, going 0-10.
With both teams fighting for a better start, the Wildcats will need to slow a Manor rushing attack led by junior running back Andre Terry. Terry averaged 87.7 yards per game and scored two touchdowns last season.
Senior wide receivers David Grant and Jaylon Fenix, who led Manor in receiving yards, will also present challenges in the air for Elgin’s secondary.
The Mustangs will field a new quarterback after Camden Huff graduated in the spring.
The Wildcats did not win any non-district matchups last season.
