Stanton Head Coach Jeff Grebin optimistic as numbers rise and roster develops, Junior QB Nolan Cases is ready for year two

Stanton Viking head football coach Jeff Grebin is entering the 2026 season with a larger roster and a clear focus on developing mental toughness and leadership among a young group. Numbers are up thanks to a large freshman class that makes up roughly half the team, even as the Vikings work without several players from last year’s squad.

KCSI Sports visited with Grebin on the field in Stanton as fall practices began. The longtime coach pointed to junior quarterback Nolan Case as a steadying presence after Case’s starting experience a year ago. “He’s a good, level-headed kid. Stays composed under the pressure,” Grebin said of his returning signal-caller.

Only eight players return from last year’s team, but nearly everyone who was on that roster saw game action, giving the core group valuable minutes. Grebin and his staff spent time after summer lifting sessions working fundamentals on both sides of the ball. With the season opener against Seymour at home on August 21, the Vikings are moving quickly into full install of offensive plays and defensive calls.

Grebin’s staff this year includes assistant Drew Wigham and Andrew Norris along with volunteer coaches Dan Case and Mike Dryer. The continuity and positive presence of the assistants has been a boost for a program that finished last season with just one varsity win.

Looking ahead, Grebin’s top priority is building mental toughness. Last year’s small roster of 14 players finished the season, something the coach takes pride in given the challenging schedule that includes state-championship-caliber teams. He also noted a unique aspect of this year’s group: four or five sets of brothers among the roughly 20 players on the roster, something the program plans to celebrate throughout the year.

Stanton Viking junior quarterback Nolan Case is entering his second season under center with a clearer picture of what it takes. After a challenging “baptism by fire” as a starter last year, Case spent the summer putting in the work with his teammates and is focused on helping the Vikings take a step forward in 2026.

KCSI Sports caught up with Case on the field in Stanton as fall practices got underway. The multi-sport athlete described a productive summer built around early-morning team lifting sessions followed by on-field work throwing the football and installing plays.

“Last year was definitely an awakening,” Case said. “I learned a lot, and hopefully this year I’ll come in more prepared.” The experience of starting as a young quarterback has helped the game slow down. Knowing the offense and the expectations that come with the position has given him a stronger foundation heading into the new season.

Stanton returns a young roster after losing key pieces from a year ago, including Brody. Case noted the importance of practice time to get the new group on the same page. In addition to running the offense, he will again contribute on defense at linebacker and serve as the team’s field goal kicker. He has grown more comfortable flipping between the two sides of the ball after working his way into a starting defensive role late last season.

When asked about team goals, Case kept it straightforward: make the playoffs and post a winning record — a clear improvement from last season. Away from football, the junior stays busy with baseball, basketball, and golf. His parents are Dan and Cheryl Case, and his brother Emmett is also on the Viking roster.