The Gehlen Catholic football team opens its 2026 season with a matchup at Hinton to open their non-district schedule.
From the start of practice, the Jays have been eager to improve upon last year’s 4-6 season that saw them make the playoffs once again. Head coach Jeremy Schindler says he has loved the enthusiasm the guys have been showing up to practice with.
Last year’s playoff run saw the Jays travel to Britt as a big underdog and knock off a district champion in West Hancock. The very next round, Gehlen was shut out by eventual state champs MMCRU. Coach Schindler says those two results are motivating the guys to put forth their full effort to get better.
Offensively, Gehlen Catholic returns one of the better running backs from last year in Wyatt Konz who ran for over 1,100 yards and 10 scores. Coach Schindler says having a key piece return like Konz is huge for the offense.
Gehlen also returns two vital pieces on the offensive line that will pave the way for Konz and other players all season. Coach Schindler says Drake Hodgson and Mason Small are difference-makers up front.
On the defensive side, the Jays have put the work in this offseason into making sure they can trick some teams. Coach Schindler says guys have bought in to these new schemes and have learned them well.
After getting their feet wet with a scrimmage last week, the Jays will be getting things going for real against Hinton in their season opener. Coach Schindler says this week has been focused on cleaning up small things from last week’s scrimmage.
Gehlen’s matchup with Hinton kicks off at 7:00 tonight. Pregame coverage can be heard on KLEM starting at 6:15. Live video streaming is also available on the KLEM Radio YouTube channel.
Listen to our full interview with Gehlen Catholic head coach Jeremy Schindler in the player below.
GEHLEN CATHOLIC JAY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE:
August 28 – at Hinton
September 4 – SIBLEY-OCHEYEDAN *
September 11 – at Sioux Central *
September 18 – HARTLEY-MELVIN-SANBORN * (Homecoming)
September 25 – WOODBURY CENTRAL
October 2 – at MMCRU *
October 9 – SOUTH O’BRIEN *
October 16 – at West Sioux *
