The La Center Wildcats enter the 2026 football season with a combination of new opportunity and veteran leadership, led by a senior class that has embraced the work required to compete.
At the center of that transition is sophomore quarterback Brody Mills, who coach John Lambert said has shown the confidence and physical tools needed to take on the position.
“He's fearless, and he has great anticipation with the ball,” Lambert said of Mills. “He has a confidence to him that you need to have in a quarterback along with the size and the arm talent.”
Mills represents a change at a position where La Center has seen a different starting quarterback each season since Lambert’s son graduated in 2021. Lambert said Mills has bought into the program’s expectations, including putting in work in the weight room.
His development also gives the Wildcats more flexibility with senior Nate Rembisz, allowing La Center to move one of its key players around the field.
Rembisz emerged as one of the team’s leading workers during the offseason, something Lambert said has translated into his role as a leader.
“He leads from the front, and that's really important,” Lambert said. “He's a great help for Brody (Mills), a great resource for the guys.”
Lambert also pointed to senior Zayne Latham as another important piece of the Wildcats’ leadership group. Latham and Rembisz were among the team’s top performers in workouts, while Lambert said both have encouraged younger players around them.
The Wildcats will also rely on an experienced senior group across the roster, including linemen, tight end and running backs.
“It’s a good group of seniors that we have that really want to be successful and put the work in to get there,” Lambert said.
La Center’s schedule will provide plenty of tests prior to postseason ambitions. Lambert said the Wildcats do not want an easy nonleague slate, pointing to teams such as Woodland, Montesano and Lynden Christian, along with league opponents he described as dangerous.
“I don't want easy games, that doesn't help us at all,” Lambert said.
Rather than looking too far ahead, Lambert said La Center’s focus remains on improving each day and being ready when the biggest games arrive.
Head coach: John Lambert
Classification: 1A
League: Trico
2025 season stats:
Regular season: 7-2
League record: 5-1
