The Neosho Wildcats enter the 2026 season with elevated expectations after posting back-to-back winning records, including a 6-4 mark last year that featured a 5-4 conference finish and a first-round playoff victory over Branson before a district semifinal loss to Carthage. Under fifth-year head coach Brandon Taute (18-34 overall), the program has steadily grown, and this veteran-laden roster is primed to compete for wins and climb the COC standings in Class 5.
“To put together back-to-back winning seasons in conference and to prove that it wasn’t just one group, because we lost a lot of good kids two years ago, it’s a testament to the kids buying in and being able to build something that is going to be sustainable,” Taute said. “It’s just about getting rid of that old stigma that was here before. Our kids believe that we’ve got the formula and know how to do it. As long as we work and put in the time, we’re able to reload and have those new kids step up and make plays for us.”
Neosho returns 11 starters and 25 lettermen after losing just 10 starters and 15 lettermen. The offense, which averaged 36.5 points, 272.3 rushing yards and 172.3 passing yards per game, brings back the bulk of its skill talent, returns senior quarterback Blayne Patterson (6-1, 205), an all-conference, all-region and all-district selection, alongside senior wide receiver/defensive back Haven Plummer (6-0, 180), also all-conference, all-region and all-district, and senior athlete Lincoln Howard (6-0, 190), an all-conference and all-region honoree. Center Michael Schellhorn (5-11, 245), anchors the line with additional experience coming from seniors Mason Spiva, Brodie Leach, Connor Hay and Caleb Wilfong along the lines and skill positions.
Defensively, the Wildcats, which allowed 32.1 points per game, returns starting senior linebacker Colby McGehee (5-11, 230), a three-year starter, all-conference and all-region pick, senior defensive end/offensive lineman Jaxon Ertel (6-3, 240), another three-year starter with all-conference, all-region and all-district honors, and senior Andre McCamish.
Junior newcomers include wide receiver/linebacker Kaide Sikes, running back/linebacker Kaleb Godberson, wide receiver/defensive back Westen Richardson, quarterback/defensive back Easton White and offensive/defensive lineman Abram Rogers are expected to push for playing time.
Neosho opens up with Week 1 at Ozark (Aug. 28) before its first home game against Glendale in Week 2.
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