KQ2 Pigskin Preview: Stewartsville/Osborn hoping better roster depth helps team in 2026

STEWARTSVILLE, Mo. (KQTV) - Stewartsville/Osborn is coming off a 2-9 season in the tough 275 conference. In their defeats, the Wildcards were outscored by their opponents 528-170.

One of the biggest goals second-year head coach Duke Jacobs has been working on this offseason is fixing Stewartsville/Osborn's defense.

"A big thing for us this year that we've been trying to push is confidence. Confidence has been real low (in past seasons)," said Jacobs. So sometimes I feel like we get into some games where we're kind of beat before we get there, from last year and prior years. So trying to build on confidence and go in confident, because it'll help you play better. Expect to win, expect to have a good rep."

A senior class led by players like starting quarterback Ian Saunders, Cooper Langley, Max Daniel, and Elliott Stawkowski help lead the way to try and capture the co-op's first winning record since 2022. Stewartsville/Osborn has a higher player turnout this season as well, giving the team some much-needed depth.

"On the line, it's amazing because last year we had no one. So having more size and more people on the line to really go against with our starters is really helping us get better as a whole team," said Daniel.

"It gives us starters that the past couple of years that would have to play all game. It gives us a second to catch our breath," said Stawkowski. "I think it's going to be crucial in long games. I think it's going to help out a lot and it's nice to have the bodies to practice too."

The Wildcards will have to learn to improve quick this season as four of their first five opponents this year all finished with winning records in 2025.

"Well, it's pretty tough with good teams like Rock Port. But really, you just can't be scared of them," said Stawkowski. "You just have to go out there and be confident, do what we know we can do and it'll be the best for us."

The Wildcards will host King City to open the season on Friday, August 28th at 7 p.m.