has already received high praise from his teammates before taking a snap.

“ He has shown all summer long that he’ s a leader, he wants to be here and he wants to work,” said Van Wart.

DeBerry’ s top target, Ball, believes his new QB’ s arm strength and ability to throw on the run definitely give the Wildcat receivers a chance to make a play. Christian Morgan and Ethan Marski return as well on the outside. Jacob Montalvo will feature in the slot once again.

“ Our receivers have the capability to get open very easily,” Ball said.

Dudgeon also mentioned the size advantage at the tight end position.

Godley’ s point of emphasis remains in its running game behind large bodies on the offensive line. Van Wart sees the inside run as the offense’ s best opportunity to be successful on the ground due to the line and the skill set of the running back duo.

Sean Warren played alongside Pempsell in 2025, continuing his role as the statback for the Wildcat backfield. Joining him will be junior Caleb Auzenne, a 200-lb physical runner who played on JV last year.

Dudgeon explained how Pempsell had a punch and explosiveness when he ran that will need to be replaced by the updated backfield, but is hopeful that Auzenne can fill in that role.

“ We’ re never gonna outrun anybody at Godley. That’ s not something that we just have in this area right now. But we do have kids that can go make a play and really be dynamic when they have the ball in their hands.”

Defense

The real growing pains lie on the other side of the ball for the Wildcats, as only one senior starts on defense. Traditionally a 3-4 defense in recent years, Godley moves to a 4-2-5 scheme in 2026 since it fits the personnel better, Dudgeon noted.

Putting pressure on the quarterback and relieving some stress off the second level is what Dudgeon believes is best as that group gets settled in. The Wildcat head coach has seen some rough points as the defense learns, but has seen some bright spots as well.

Plus, the new scheme allows Godley to be more creative in its looks.

johnson county gridiron 2026 23

QB Brock DeBerry WR / CB Coby Ball RB Caleb Auzenne

Week 5 @ Alvarado( Sept. 25)