Kickoff to the 2026 football season is around the corner for the New York Mills Eagles.

“It’s just getting better as we go just throughout camp here,” said second year head coach Zach Hocking.

New York Mills has 32 athletes out for football in 2026. Under second year head coach Zach Hocking, the Eagles are making sure they are prepared for whatever the season throws at them. And leaning on their experienced players to make an impact this season.

“I think just our total [experience] game wise. Last year we lost a couple of close games right away,” said Hocking. “I think that just sets the tone. You’re right in them. now that we have guys returning. a lot of our lineman are returning.”

Also returning are starters at skill positions like quarterback and running back. Coach Hocking sees the veterans expertise at those positions as building blocks for the upcoming campaign.

“It’s going to be a lot of run game. We got a good running back. He’s going to ground and pound,” said Hocking. “Then we got some flashy guys that like to get out in the open and we’re just going to go. So it’s going to be a mix of things. But we’re just going to have some heart out there this year.”

Senior Carlyle Tumberg is ready to make his mark in his final season in the blue and white. As an experienced player, his contributions will be needed on both sides of the football.

“I play wide receiver and [cornerback],” said Tumberg.

As a two-way player, he knows both sides of the ball are impactful. But he loves the opportunity to streak down the field and make plays in open space as a pass catcher the most.

“I like going deep and catching balls so probably wide receiver,” said Tumberg. “Just the adrenaline.”

Improving on last season’s 2-7 record is goal number one for coach hocking and staff in 2026. With rivals like Otter Tail Central, Parkers Prairie, Menahga, and Wadena-Deer Creek on the schedule. New York Mills is ready for the challenge to double last season’s win total.

“We were in a lot of games,” said Hocking. “That’s what matters. It’s just got to be dog fights.”

A matchup at home vs. Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa will kick off the Eagles 2026 season. Coach Hocking is ready for his squad to play in front of a community ready for another fall of New York Mills Eagles football.

“Football is a crazy sport. Everybody comes out. It’s the only sport that on friday night is under the lights. You get your brothers out there. You get the whole town coming together to watch football. It’s crazy. It’s a whole different feeling. I know walking over from the school to the first home game, you get tingles just walking over there cause no sport is like this.”

To view this content referenced from YouTube, click here.