AMHERST — After navigating injuries, limited depth and a challenging final season in Class C-2, Amherst is returning to familiar territory this fall.
The Broncos will move back to eight-man football and compete in Class D-1 during the 2026 season. Head coach Faron Klingelhoefer believes the transition will allow Amherst to take better advantage of its numbers, experience and athleticism.
“I would say it’s probably easier going back to eight than it was going up to 11,” Klingelhoefer said. “From a personnel standpoint and schematically, there’s not as much stuff going on. It’s a little easier to make that adjustment for the kids.”
Amherst finished 3-6 last season, scoring 163 points and allowing 217. The Broncos ended the year on a positive note with a 50-24 victory over Gordon-Rushville. Their other wins came against Hastings St. Cecilia and St. Paul. MaxPreps’ 2025 results show three of Amherst’s losses were decided by eight points or fewer.
Injuries contributed to the difficult season, but they also provided valuable varsity experience for players who will take on larger roles this fall.
“A lot of guys got a chance to play on this year’s team because of those injuries last year,” Klingelhoefer said. “This group understands the importance of depth and quality practice. We’re fortunate to have good numbers for the eight-man game.”
Senior Ryker Boersma will move into the starting quarterback role while also playing defensive back. According to Amherst’s reported 2025 MaxPreps statistics, Boersma led the Broncos in receiving at 12.1 yards per game.
“He’s played a lot of varsity football for us,” Klingelhoefer said. “He’s definitely one of our leaders.”
Senior Preston Roeder will contribute at wide receiver and defensive back after earning varsity playing time last season. Cooper Freeze returns on both the offensive and defensive lines, while Mason Trampe is expected to provide leadership after serving in a smaller role a year ago.
“Mason is a really cerebral, smart football player and a great kid,” Klingelhoefer said. “Really, the whole senior group has done a good job of directing this team in the direction they want to take it.”
The Broncos will also welcome back Jaxon Graham, who returned to football for his senior season and is expected to play significant varsity minutes. Klingelhoefer praised Graham’s work ethic and the enthusiasm he has brought to practice.
Several underclassmen are also competing for playing time. Freshman Callen Easterday has impressed in the backfield and could contribute in the return game, while sophomore Jack West is working along the line of scrimmage.
“We’ve got a big group of youthful players pushing the older guys right now,” Klingelhoefer said.
Amherst may not possess overwhelming size up front, but the Broncos plan to rely on their speed. Klingelhoefer said the offense will incorporate misdirection and other concepts designed to get athletes into space.
“We’re not necessarily always going to line up and try to run right at people,” he said. “We’ll use a lot of misdirection and different things to suit our skill set better.”
Defensively, Amherst’s success will depend on tackling consistently and getting away from blocks. That becomes especially important in eight-man football, where plays develop more quickly, and defenses have fewer players protecting the back end.
The Broncos open the season Aug. 28 at Ravenna. Their home opener comes Sept. 4 against nearby Pleasanton in a game that will also serve as parents’ night and homecoming.
“It’s always a competitive game,” Klingelhoefer said of Pleasanton. “We’re both excited, with us moving back down to eight-man, to rekindle some of those FKC games.”
Amherst will visit Arcadia-Loup City on Sept. 11 before hosting Hastings St. Cecilia and Gibbon. The Broncos’ schedule also includes road games against Sandy Creek and Kimball, a home matchup with Elm Creek and the regular-season finale at Alma. Sandy Creek enters the season as the two-time defending state champion. Amherst’s complete 2026 schedule includes nine games.
Klingelhoefer knows a demanding schedule will test the Broncos, but he wants Amherst to continue improving throughout its return to eight-man football.
“We want to win. We want to make the playoffs,” he said. “If we give each game our best shot, play our style of football and play it to the best of our abilities, we’ll be satisfied with that. Hopefully, that takes care of the wins and losses.”
