Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm this evening, then some lingering showers still possible overnight. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 52F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall may reach one inch..
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm this evening, then some lingering showers still possible overnight. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 52F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall may reach one inch.
Updated: April 11, 2026 @ 3:20 pm
First-year head coach Jeff Scheller is hoping his experiences will guide the Hillsdale football team to more than just one win this season.
Scheller, a 1991 Hillsdale graduate, was part of the last group that experienced football success when the Knights went undefeated in PAL play and captured a CCS title.
"I tried to bring in [coaches] who played when Hillsdale was a more competitive team," Scheller said. "I think the numbers (of players) show the excitement."
Excitement will only go so far. The Knights need talent and they may have some this season. After a breakout season last year, junior quarterback Wes Price moved himself into consideration for one of the top signal callers in the league. He needs to follow up last year's performance with another solid season to become a legitimate big-time player.
"I think he's shown a lot of poise," Scheller said. "He's not a real vocal guy but when he's on the field, it's his offense. He might not verbally talk about it, but through his actions he shows he's in control."
Price put himself on the map with in his second start last season when he threw for 208 yards and three touchdowns, completing 13 of 28 passes. He guided the Knights from a 24-0 halftime deficit to a 26-24 win.
But it wasn't the touchdowns or passing that impressed Scheller, an assistant last season. During the game-winning drive, Price scrambled out of the pocket and took off downfield. Instead of trying to get every last inch of real estate, wasting precious seconds off the clock, Price picked up the first down and then stepped out of bounds to stop the clock.
It should come as no surprise then that the Knights will be throwing it early and often and Price has a couple of targets to choose from. Wilson Castro, a junior wide receiver, saw some time last season and has an expanded role this year. Price's main man will probably be tight end Anthony Chiechi, who will also anchor the defense from the linebacker position. Chiechi, a three-year varsity starter, struggled a bit last season after moving from offensive and defensive line positions to tight end and linebacker.
"He knew he belonged (at the varsity level) as a sophomore," Scheller said. "Last year, he might have been confused. He was trying a new position. Now, he has a year (of experience) under his belt."
The Knights take a hit with a hand injury to wide receiver/defensive back Oscar Cortez who gives them some experience in the backfield. Scheller said he expects Cortez to only miss a few games.
"He's our emotional leader," Scheller said.
The biggest newcomer is senior center and defensive lineman Blaiz Davis. He sat out his junior year after making the varsity squad as a sophomore. Despite the layoff, Scheller said the game has come back pretty easily for Davis.
"He's done great," Scheller said. "He always tries to get better every day. Having a year off is not going to help him, but he's picked it up pretty easily."
Scheller is under no delusions the Knights will contend for an Ocean Division title. He just wants Hillsdale to be competitive and win a few games.
"I'm not going to believe we're going to go 10-0," Scheller said. "The main goal is to show we can play with anybody.
"[The kids] don't believe (they can win). I really think what's really going to get them to believe is to win. Believing you can win is an attitude."
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