At the end of the 2025 season, the Ashland Grizzlies sat at 2-6, falling to Hidden Valley at home. Despite scoring 55 points in the game, they allowed 58 points. The Grizz showed flashes of potential last season despite some of their losses.

  One example came on the road against Marshfield. Despite being heavy underdogs, the Grizzlies were able to storm out to a 12-0 lead at the end of the 1st quarter against a top-rated team in the state. However, the young Grizzlies were not able to hold the lead, and Marshfield came back to comfortably win at home. Senior-to-be Esa Dygert looks back on that loss and is using the lessons line coach Austin Brower has been pushing this offseason: “He’s teaching us a lot about mental toughness. We read a book about staying strong, not letting your opponent get the best of you, and overcoming adversity.”

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  Senior lineman Keller King spoke to the team’s preparation this offseason and feels ready for his senior campaign. “I’m definitely way more ready for this season than I was last season.” Keller emphasized the importance of their offseason workout schedule and getting stronger this summer to prepare for the season kickoff.

  The feeling around this Grizzly team is positive, as they look to build off the successes from last season. Senior defensive back and tight end Saxon Brock had the honor of playing in the Les Schwab Bowl Game this summer, representing the Grizzlies as one of the top defensive backs in the state. “We have a lot of good players this year and need to keep the energy high,” says Brock, when looking back on this past season and how they can improve mentally during games by not letting off the gas when they’re in an explosive groove. Saxon also stated the goal to leave a mark on Grizzly history by bringing back a state championship trophy to the town, “I want to be the first team to win a state championship since ‘98.”

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  The Grizz will open this year’s season by reigniting a rivalry that’s been dormant for years. Ashland and Roseburg haven’t played since 2005, and the old rivals will be facing off on August 28th. The two programs hold a lot of history; Ashland defeated Roseburg in 1989 to secure its first-ever state championship. Ashland and Roseburg were heated rivals in the ’80s and ’90s, not only facing off each regular season, but meeting many times in the playoffs. Ashland and Roseburg won a combined seven state titles in the ’80s and ’90s, four by Roseburg (‘81, ‘90, ‘95 & ‘96) and three for Ashland (‘89, ‘91 & ‘98). Head Coach Greg White is excited for the opportunity to face Roseburg once again and has stated that Ashland football alumni are ecstatic to watch Ashland play Roseburg.

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  Other matchups to keep an eye out for are the home opener against North Valley, where former head coach Beau Lehnerz will make his return to Walter A. Phillips Field. Cascade Christian will be an intense matchup for the Grizzlies, as Cascade Christian has had a lot of success over the past decade, winning five state championships since 2010. Finally, the season finale against Hidden Valley will be an opportunity for Ashland to get some payback for their tough loss in 2025.

  Check out the AFC website for the full schedule of Grizzly games this season.

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  As we head into the 2026 season, be sure to watch and cheer on this group of seniors as their Grizzly careers come to a close. When asked what Grizzly football means to each of them, here’s what some of the seniors had to say:

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  “Grizzly football has been everything for me, going into my freshman year, you can feel the culture and brotherhood in this program. It’s brought so much purpose to my life.” – Esa Dygert

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   “I’ve met all my friends through football and it’s really changed my life.” – Keller King

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  We invite all Grizzly fans to come to each game, or watch the livestream of the games on our YouTube channel.

  Come support our seniors, and support our Ashland Grizzlies this fall.

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  Go Grizz!

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