Tuscola preparing for 'everything' ahead of season-opener at Warrensburg-Latham

TUSCOLA, Ill. (WAND) - This week's WAND Matchup of the Week highlights the Warrensburg-Latham Cardinals and the Tuscola Warriors.

The Cardinals enter the 2026 season with a new head coach, DT Thornton, leaving plenty of speculation as to what their on-field product will look like. As a result, Tuscola has had limited information to plan their week 1 preparation and practices.

"You hate playing new head coaches in week 1," says Andy Romine, entering his 12th season with the Warriors. "Even if it's a great team, it's an average team, there's some excitement always with a new head coach. Week 1 they feel like they've got something to prove."

Tuscola didn't play Warrensburg-Latham's varsity or JV team last Fall. Romine knows of Thornton's previous coaching history and has studied film on program's he used to be with. However, their approach has been in the dark.

Nonetheless, a passionate roster returns eager to make a statement. After an upset loss in the first round of the 2025 postseason to Nokomis, the Warriors are fortunate to return half of their starters on both offense and defense. Following an active offseason of workouts, they're hopeful they can make another playoff run without any miscues.

"People underestimate how much preparation comes in to a successful football team," says Tytus Hornaday, a senior fullback. "Ever since day one with strength and conditioning over the summer, I'd say we've been dialed in nonstop, working hard. We definitely have the right mindset coming into the season."

Tuscola has only missed the postseason twice since the 1994 campaign. They hope to begin their trek back to the playoffs with a win in week 1 over the Cardinals.