Freedom enters the 2026 season with championship aspirations after another deep postseason run and a roster loaded with talented returning underclassmen. The Irish finished second in the North Eastern Conference in 2025, falling only to eventual conference champion and Division 4 state runner-up Little Chute during the regular season before advancing to the WIAA sectional finals.
Despite coming up one step short of Camp Randall, Freedom returns many of the key pieces that fueled last year’s success, making the Irish one of the favorites to contend for both the North Eastern Conference title and another lengthy playoff run.
The offense is positioned to be one of the conference’s most explosive units. Sophomore standout quarterback Owen Henkel enjoyed an impressive debut season under center, throwing for 2,106 yards and 16 touchdowns. Now entering his junior year with a full season of experience, Henkel gives Freedom one of the conference’s top returning signal-callers.
Joining him in the backfield is junior running back Axzil Eggert, who eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark in 2025. Eggert carried the ball 141 times for 1,039 yards while averaging an impressive 7.4 yards per carry and scoring 10 rushing touchdowns. His ability to create explosive plays complements Henkel’s passing attack, giving the Irish a balanced offensive approach.
Perhaps just as important, Freedom returns four starting offensive linemen, providing valuable continuity and experience up front. That veteran line should give the Irish one of the strongest foundations in the conference as they look to build on last season’s offensive production.
The biggest question entering the season comes on the defensive side of the ball. Only four starters return from last year’s unit, meaning several new faces will need to emerge. Fortunately, Freedom still boasts one of the league’s premier defensive linemen in Mason Van Groll, whose leadership and playmaking ability will anchor the defense while younger players gain experience.
Headlined by a talented junior class, Freedom possesses the experience, athleticism, and offensive firepower to challenge for a conference championship. With another year of development for Henkel and Eggert and a veteran offensive line paving the way, the Irish appear well-positioned to remain among the state’s top Division 4 contenders.
Projected Order of Finish:
- Little Chute
- Freedom
- Luxemburg-Casco
- Wrightstown
- Denmark
- Sheboygan Falls
- Kohler/Sheboygan Lutheran/Sheboygan Christian
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