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Goodland Football Enters New Era For The 2026 Season

PHOTO CREDIT: Jackie Elliott


GOODLAND, Kan. — A new era of Goodland Cowboy football begins Thursday night as the Cowboys open the 2026 season against Cimarron.


First-year head coach Dax Ruhs takes over a Goodland program that enters the season with renewed confidence following a productive summer.


Seniors Ethan Horinek and Jackson Miller said the Cowboys were pushed throughout the offseason, particularly in the weight room.


“We’ve never been pushed as hard,” Miller said. “Everyone just worked their butt off in the weight room, so hopefully it’s going to be a good year.”


Rather than traveling to a team camp, Goodland stayed home this summer, allowing the Cowboys to continue lifting while spending additional time installing their new systems.


Ruhs has made simplifying things on both sides of the ball a priority. Horinek said the approach has allowed players to become more comfortable with their assignments while playing faster and more physical.


Ruhs said the Cowboys have quickly picked up the new system, allowing the coaching staff to focus on mastering the basics before adding more as the season progresses.


Horinek and Miller will each take on different offensive roles this season. Horinek moves from the offensive line into more of a skill position, while Miller expects to be used both as a receiver and in the running game.

Horinek also expects Goodland to take a step forward defensively.


“I think we’re going to have a better defense than we have had in the past,” Horinek said. “I think we’re going to be tougher and just be able to adapt to more things and really get to the ball.”


Horinek has set an individual goal of surpassing 100 tackles while helping Goodland advance beyond the opening round of the playoffs. Miller said one of his goals is helping the Cowboys finish with a winning record.


Ruhs also believes the potential is there for Goodland to have a successful season.


“I think we’ve got a team that can win, like really win games and be very successful,” Ruhs said.


The Cowboys get their first opportunity to prove it Thursday night when they face Cimarron on the road in the season opener and GWAC opener.


Seniors Ethan Horinek & Jackson Miller:


Coach Dax Ruhs:


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