KQ2 Pigskin Preview: Troy High School moves to 8 Man Lineup ahead of 2026 season

TROY, Kan. (KQTV) -- The Trojans look to keep the walls at Troy High School impenetrable ahead of their first 8 Man Football season.

Last year, Troy went 6-5 in their final year as an 11-man football team.

Despite having some disappointment upon hearing the news of the transition, Head Coach Derek Jasper is optimistic going into the new season.

"Our school has never played 8 Man before. But as the summer goes on, we've really embraced this and are really excited about the challenge," Jasper said. "With the newness of how the game is going to be, the field's a little narrower, but we're getting used to all that stuff."

As for the players, the goal remains the same no matter how many guys are on the field.

"When I heard we were going to 8-man, I wasn't too worried about it cause it's still football," Senior Ty Horner said. "We still got tough teams to play against."

"I just want us to compete out there cause we know there's a couple (of) good teams out there, so we'll have a challenge for sure," Senior Kaston Jasper said. "I just want to have a good playoff run to end it."

The Trojan team will look to go to war with every team this season with an upperclassmen-heavy roster.

"We've got six seniors and eight juniors, so that experience is there," Coach Jasper said. "A lot of our juniors didn't get to play a whole lot last year, but those six seniors have done a great job at leading us."

Troy's first assignment will take place on Friday at the Axtell High School Football Jamboree, where they will compete against Washington County and Axtell at 7 p.m.

The following Friday, they will take on Lyndon High School in their season opener.