Take a look at the Canadian Wildcats heading into the 2026 football season. Press Pass Sports talked with Canadian head football coach Andy Cavalier during fall workouts. Cavalier talked about the Wildcats motto this season and the importance of playing together. Cavalier also spoke on the expectations for Canadian and what he feels the strength is of his team that includes the offensive and defensive fronts.

2025 resume

Head coach: Andy Cavalier, fourth season at Canadian, 35-7. Seventh season overall, 45-27.
2025 Record: 11-2 overall, 4-0 in District 1-3A Division II. Class 3A Division II regional semifinals.

Returning starters

Offense: 3
Defense: 4
Season opener: vs Panhandle, 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28.

Football player in a helmet grips a football outdoors, ready to throw on a sunny day. — Canadian quarterback Weston Mitchell threw for 3,291 yards last season with 39 touchdowns. [Tyler Anderson/ Press Pass Sports]

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Weston Mitchell, 6-foot-1, 195-pounds, QB, Jr.

Mitchell is following in the footsteps of standout Canadian quarterbacks from the past after developing into one of the Texas Panhandle’s top passers thanks to a sensational sophomore year. In 13 games last season, Mitchell completed 215-of-324 passes for 3,291 yards with 39 touchdowns. Mitchell also showed he could scoot, rushing for 587 yards with another 10 scores.

Aiden Gerhardt, 6-foot-1, 195-pounds, OL-DL, Sr.

The strength of the Canadian Wildcats this season is definitely in the trenches. Gerhardt is a key cog to both sides of the line. He’ll be responsible for opening holes in the run game and keeping QB Mitchell protected at all times. Defensively, Gerhardt will be responsible for coming off the edge at end and making life miserable for opponents. Gerhardt did a good job of that last year by racking up 80 tackles and five sacks.

Gunner Brady, 6-foot-4, 220-pounds, WR-DL, Soph.

Though there were growing pains, Brady made the freshman transition quite smoothly becoming a starter and role player for an 11-win Canadian team in 2025. Brady’s role will significantly pick up this season thanks to his 6-foot-4 stature and his ability to frustrate quarterbacks. Last season, Brady tallied 74 tackles with five sacks, and even made a mark at tight end with 136 receiving yards with a pair of touchdown catches.