Young Broncos Look to Build on Breakout Season

The 2025 Russell Broncos Football season was a memorable one.  The campaign included landmark victories and new individual school records.

Last season Russell posted its best record since 2003 with a 7-3 record that included road wins over TMP-Marian and Minneapolis and just the second-ever victory over Norton and first at home.  The team also won a playoff game on the road for the first time since 1979 and took an early lead before falling to eventual Class 2A state finalist Southeast of Saline in the regional round.

The team was led by 12 seniors, most of whom were starters but who have now graduated, leaving a younger squad for third-year coach Cole Greenwood.

Greenwood looked back on the 2025 season and the seniors who made it so successful.

Greenwood talked about some of the returning players who have stood out through the summer and in the early stages of fall practice.

While Russell expected some challenges after losing so many seniors, one that wasn't anticipated was their home field not being available to them for at least some home games after a June storm made the field unplayable.  While plans were made to replace the 12-year old Field Turf surface, it was later discovered that the base underneath it had to be completely replaced as well after it was deemed unstable, which means Russell will have to play at least its first two games, scheduled for Shaffer Field on the road.  The Broncos will open the season on Friday, September 4 in Smith Center, which means the Broncos will now host the Redmen in the 2027 season opener and the rivalry match-up with TMP-Marian will be played in Hoisington on September 11.  Other home games which include the Homecoming game against Ellsworth on September 25 and the Senior Night game with Beloit on October 16 are tentative depending on how soon the new field will be ready.

Coach Greenwood says he met with his players and discussed the field situation.

There are 32 players on the 2026 roster and the season opener at Smith Center this Friday along with all Bronco Football games will be broadcast live on KRSL 95.9 FM, online at KRSL.com and streamed on Alexa devices with Erik Stone and Jason Drake on the call for their second season.