Written by Jack Hart | ILSportsWire
The Monticello Sages enter the 2026 football season with a veteran group, high expectations and plenty of confidence heading into Week 1.
While last year’s one-point playoff loss to Tolono Unity remains part of the motivation, the focus for the Sages now is on what this year’s team can accomplish.
Monticello returns a large group of experienced players, particularly on defense. Senior captain Zeke Young said the defense could be the team’s biggest strength, with nine players returning, including the entire defensive line and both cornerbacks.
Young also enters the season with plenty of confidence after a strong junior campaign. He spent the offseason working on his speed and believes that improvement will help him take another step forward this year.
The Sages also have a new leader under center.
Senior Colton Schubert takes over as the starting quarterback after spending the summer preparing for his first season in the role. Schubert said repetition, 7-on-7 competition and the opportunity to play 11-on-11 during camp helped him gain confidence.
Now, he’s ready to lead the offense.
Schubert brings a dual-threat ability to the position and believes Monticello has plenty of weapons around him. While opposing defenses may focus on standout receiver Zeke Young, Schubert believes players such as Aiden Will, Eli Tharp and Cole Summers can make teams pay for giving too much attention to one player.
The Sages also return experience in the running game, giving Monticello multiple ways to attack opposing defenses.
Senior Leadership
Senior offensive and defensive lineman Jake Motsegood believes the connection within the team could be one of its biggest strengths.
Motsegood said the players have built strong relationships over the years and know they can rely on one another.
That chemistry has carried into the offseason, where Motsegood focused on getting stronger and preparing for his final season.
After learning from an experienced senior offensive line last year, Motsegood is now one of the players expected to provide leadership up front.
He has high expectations for the group, including a goal of at least eight wins and making a deep playoff run.
Head coach Cully Welter has also been impressed by the leadership coming from his seniors.
Welter said the upperclassmen have taken ownership of the offseason, particularly through weightlifting and summer preparation. Instead of waiting for coaches to tell them what to do, the seniors have stepped up and helped lead the program.
That leadership will be important as Monticello looks to build on last year’s success.
Focused on Week 1
Despite the experience and expectations surrounding the Sages, Welter said the team is keeping its focus on the task directly in front of it.
That task is IVC.
With IVC entering the season with a new coach, Monticello knows there will be challenges and adjustments to deal with in the opener.
Welter said the team isn’t looking too far ahead. The goal is to get better every day and let everything else take care of itself.
For the players, however, there is no denying the excitement surrounding this season.
Schubert said he’s looking forward to playing his final high school games alongside a senior class that he’s been around for years.
Young is excited to see what the experienced defense can accomplish.
Motsegood wants to make the most of his final season and push for a deep postseason run.
And the entire team is carrying the confidence that comes from knowing what it is capable of.
Monticello isn’t trying to simply recreate last year’s team.
This is a new season, with a new quarterback, experienced returning players and a group of seniors determined to make the most of their final opportunity.
The Sages know the road ahead won’t be easy.
But with experience, leadership and plenty of motivation, Monticello is ready to get the 2026 season started.
Week 1 is here. The Sages are ready.
