08/19/2026
Sports in Kansas 4A Team to Watch
Augusta enters the 2026 season looking to build on last season with a strong foundation returning defensively. The Orioles bring back nine defensive starters, giving Dawson Elliott’s team plenty of experience on that side of the ball. Mason Pringle headlines the group and will be one of the key players to watch, while Roman Bridwell, Jackson Ingram, Daltin Apel, Jett Highfill and Cale Wills provide additional experience across the defense.
Elliott enters his third season as head coach at Augusta, with the program continuing to build under his direction. Coach Elliott said, “We hope to build on the success of last season, returning several key starters on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively, we will need to replace a significant amount of production, but we’re confident our younger players will step up and fill the roles left by a strong senior class.”
Offensively, Augusta will have more production to replace after graduating a strong senior class, but the Orioles have several younger players ready for expanded roles. Jadyn Harris returns in the backfield after averaging nearly 10 yards per carry last season, while Bridwell, Ingram, Highfill and Wills all provide returning experience in the passing game. The development of those younger offensive players will be an important storyline as the season progresses.
With a challenging 4A landscape ahead, Augusta will look to use its defensive experience and develop its younger offensive talent throughout the season. The Orioles have the pieces to make 2026 an important year for the program as they continue to build momentum.