Bringing Back That Bulldog

Even SpaceX would be jealous of the trajectory of Kettle Falls football has taken recently. The Bulldogs went 4-3 last fall, continuing a turnaround that began with a 2-7 season the year be- fore following a string of winless campaigns. Now, head coach Greg Mace and his players enter 2026 looking to take an- other step forward while navigating the always brutal NE2B league.

“Our expectation is to be competitive in a very tough league,” Mace said. “We really don’t talk about winning the league or things like that. Our focus is on competing, improving every day, and being the best version of ourselves every time we step on the field.” For a program that has steadily worked its way back toward competitiveness, last season provided another building block. A fun building block, as the team’s skill players really shined last season as the Bulldogs finished above .500. Mace said the value of the year went beyond the final record. “Last year had its ups and downs, but I thought we grew throughout the season and learned a lot that we can build on this year,” he said.

Kettle Falls will have experience at several of its offensive skill positions as it at- tempts to continue that progress. Senior Cody Adams will take over at quarterback and will be counted on to guide the Bull- dogs’ offense. Around him, Kettle Falls has several returning playmakers capable of creating problems for opposing defenses. “Adams will be at quarterback and is someone we will rely on to lead our offense,” Mace said.

“Senior Alex Mazanek and junior Zac Burch give us two talented options at wide receiver, and junior Aiden Fowler will be a big part of what we do at running back. Senior tight end Cooper Mckern will play a larger role this year as well. Those guys all have the ability to make plays and change a game quickly.” Anyone who watched Kettle Falls football last season knows that things can change in a hurry for the Bulldogs and not scoreboard is safe. And no operator should be napping.

“Our strength is definitely the number of skill players we have who can change a game very quickly,” Mace said. “We feel like we have several guys who can make plays with the ball in their hands.” That youth will also give several players their first opportunities to take on significant varsity roles. The bigger question will come closer to the line of scrimmage. “There will be a learning curve there, and those guys are going to have to develop quickly,” Mace said. “We have a number of younger players who are going to have opportunities to step into bigger roles this season,” Mace said.

“We are especially young up front, so there will be some new faces on the offensive line who will need to grow up quickly. We’re excited to see who takes advantage of those opportunities.” Kettle Falls competes in the NE2B, a league Mace believes offers quality teams throughout the standings and provides little margin for error from week to week.

“I think the NE2B is one of the best leagues in the state from top to bottom,” Mace said. “There really aren’t any weeks where you can afford to have an off night. Every team is well coached, physical, and capable of beating you, so you have to come ready to compete every week.” For Kettle Falls, that means continuing the approach that has helped the program climb out of its recent struggles.

The Bulldogs have gone from winless seasons to two victories and then to four wins last fall. Rather than focusing on how far the program has already come, Mace wants this year’s team concentrating on daily improvement, discipline and consistency. “I really like the attitude of this group,” Mace said. “We want to be disciplined, play fast and physical, and do our jobs.” With veteran playmakers at the skill positions and a young group developing up front, how quickly the Bulldogs improve could determine how far their recent turnaround continues in 2026. “If we can continue to improve throughout the season and consistently compete at a high level, I think we have a chance to be a really fun football team to watch,” Mace said.