Council Grove Football enters the 2026 season with high expectations after returning 16 starters from last year’s 7-3 team. The Braves reached the Class 2A Round of 16 in the first season under head coach Derron Reddick, and with so much experience back, there’s optimism that year two can bring an even deeper postseason run.
The Braves return one of the area’s most accomplished players in Reid Buttrey, who earned All-State honors as an offensive athlete, linebacker, and punter. Tight end Mason Samuels and defensive back David McDiffett are also back after first-team All-State junior seasons. With eight starters returning on both offense and defense, Reddick believes continuity will be one of his team’s biggest strengths heading into the fall.
Senior quarterback Luke Stewart is back under center after serving as the Braves’ starter since his freshman year. Stewart is coming off a season in which he threw for more than 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns, giving Council Grove an experienced leader to direct an offense that returns several key playmakers.
The road to another playoff appearance won’t be easy. Council Grove will look to knock off defending Flint Hills League champion Osage City, while a challenging district schedule should have the Braves well-tested by the time the postseason arrives.
Council Grove opens the 2026 season on September 4 with a Flint Hills League matchup against Mission Valley.
