2026 Countdown to Kickoff: Greenwood Gators

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) - The Greenwood Gators enter 2026 with Tony Adams taking over as head coach, a new-look offense and high expectations after a 7-5 season and playoff appearance.

Adams played at Greenwood before returning as a coach and eventually becoming defensive coordinator. Now, he’s looking to establish a physical identity.

“Tough physical hard workers. That’s what I want us to be,” Adams said. “I think a team takes their, however their head coach is and becomes like them a little bit. I think that’s something that I would love our team to look like.”

Greenwood scored 31 rushing touchdowns last season, but the Gators are replacing much of that production. Junior quarterback Tyson Howell takes over as Greenwood spreads the field and speeds up the offense.

Howell described the new approach simply: “We’re going to be more spread out. We’re going to pass the ball out more. We’re going to be really quick. Smart decision making.”

Howell already has chemistry with senior wide receiver Max Isenhower. The two have played together since middle school, while Isenhower returns after catching three touchdowns last season.

The returning receiver expects that connection to help create more explosive plays: “I think y’all are going to see that we’re really explosive and very quick on our feet on the way we move.”

Defensively, Greenwood returns a unit that recorded 19 sacks last season. Senior Karon Tidwell had 4.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss.

More tempo is coming with that same physical edge, as Tidwell described the difference entering 2026: “Definitely more tempo, more fast and the energy is definitely different from last year. Way more energy from last year.”

Senior linebacker Cesar Ortega expects that energy to show up through Greenwood’s physical style.

“Physicality. If someone touches you, you’re going to feel it. That’s how we play.”

The defensive line remains a major piece of the Gators’ defense, with Adams pointing to the position as the foundation for the unit.

“I think any year is going to be your D-line. Your D-line has to be good in a year. You know, there’s been some great teams in this area with Bowling Green, South, who every year they have a really strong big defensive line and I think that’s what we’re trying to build and get to be able to compete with guys like that.”

Greenwood is also emphasizing a team-first mentality entering the new era.

For Ortega, that means putting individual goals aside and allowing the entire group to succeed together.

“I think it’s being less selfish, letting everyone succeed, not just yourself. He’s been telling us that ego and selfishness is going to kill us. And as long as we get that away, we’re going to be pretty good.”

After a playoff win over Madisonville-North Hopkins last season, Greenwood’s run ended against Owensboro.

Now, the Gators have their sights set higher.

Isenhower isn’t shy about the ultimate goal: “I mean, I just think we’re going to be one of the best team five teams in 5A. I’m trying to we’re trying to go all the way to Kroger, to be honest.”

Adams is keeping that ambition grounded in the daily work.

“Win today. That’s what we’re looking to do. And, they have great aspirations and they put a lot of work into this. But I just, we take it day by day, trust the process, don’t fall in love with the outcome. That’s what we’re going to try to do every day.”

2026 Greenwood Football Schedule:

Week 1 - Aug. 21 vs. Station Camp

Week 2 - Aug. 28 vs. Warren East

Week 3 - Sept. 4 vs. South Warren

Week 4 - Sept. 11 at Logan County

Week 5 - Sept. 18 vs. Grayson County*

Week 6 - Sept. 25 at Warren Central*

Week 7 - Oct. 1 at Barren County*

Week 8 - BYE

Week 9 - Oct. 16 at Bowling Green*

Week 10 - Oct. 23 at East Robertson*

Week 11 - Oct. 30 vs. Union County*

*District game