The Cuba High School football program will have a new look this coming season after dealing with injuries and a low number of players last year.

The Wildcats had just 20 healthy players in its final game last season against Hermann. They are expected to have 38 players in the program this year, according to Cuba’s head coach, Kaleb Cason. That includes 13 players from Steelville High School, who have the opportunity to play high school football for the first time after both school districts agreed in spring 2026 to join forces.

Cason said that at least four Steelville players will start on varsity. He noted that their excitement to play football is already rubbing off on his team.

“More than anything, I think it just brings some excitement,” Cason said. “The Steelville guys thought that they’re never going to play football again. Now, they’re getting that opportunity, so they’re amped up.”

During Cason’s first year as head coach, Cuba finished last season with a 2-8 record, including a forfeit loss in its homecoming game because of a lack of healthy players.

“After last year, with our low numbers and you know the situations we went through, our guys are excited that that won’t happen again,” Cason said.

“We’re not going to have games where we finish with under 20 people on the field, and they’re excited for that. So I think more than anything, yes, we got a bunch of really good athletes that are going to be really good for us. But just the energy they brought, knowing that we’re not going to be short on numbers, and that they get to play again, that’s been the biggest positive.”

It also appears likely that Cuba will have a junior varsity season this year, after having to cancel last year due to low numbers.

“I fully anticipate a JV season unless we have just an astronomical amount of kids quit out of nowhere. I expect us to play some JV,” Cason said.

Already, a pair of Steelville athletes have cemented themselves as leaders on the team, even though they have just competed in the voluntary summer workouts. 

Cason said that one Cardinal who immediately stood out to him and his staff is senior Max Harmon, who was a District Champion discus thrower this past spring. He has already earned a starting spot on the interior offensive and defensive line after showcasing his strength, footwork and relentless energy.

Harmon is “going to be huge for us,” Cason said. “He brings infinite energy and he’s always cheering on other guys. He’s awesome, I’m glad we got him.”

Cason said that he sees Harmon and another Steelville senior, Will Bailey, as leaders on the team along with Cuba seniors Zane Brown, Ethan Noltkamper and Jesse Shireman.

“Will and Max from Steelville, man. They came in, and it’s so natural for them. They’re doing a great job. They’re getting along really well with those other three guys, and between those five, it seems like every day we just have a great energy and attitude of practice, and that’s what their goal is.”

Also joining the Cuba football program is Steelville assistant coach Phillip Gambill, who has coached football at Waynesville High School, and will coach the Wildcat’s offensive backfield and defensive line. He is also entering his second year as head coach of Steelville’s varsity girls’ basketball team during the winter.

Gambill said that the combination of the players from the two schools has gone smoothly so far.

“The Cuba coaches, players and community have really embraced our players as if we have been playing with them all along,” Gambill said. “We are at a place where we view each other as family; a team who just happens to go to class at different locations. The coaching staff and players have been great. Players and coaches have formed friendships and we all have the same goals playing the game we love.”

Cuba’s coaches have also adjusted their roles this year. After former offensive coordinator DJ Dace resigned from the position, Cason moved from calling the defense, to running the offense. Cason said that the team’s offense is completely new, and will feature a ‘run first approach.’

Randy Bouse will take over the defensive coordinator role. According to Cason, Cuba will run a 4-3 defense this season compared to a 3-4 last year, but otherwise the concepts will stay the same.

Cason said that the team will feature a number of sophomores who have earned significant playing time, including two brothers.

“Cooper and Carter Medows came out this year and they’re going to be a huge help, and Steelville sophomores Ripken Halbert, Nolan Marty and Aiden Greenwalt all look really good,” Cason said.

“We’ll play a lot of sophomores this year, and it’s not because we don’t have the upperclassmen like normal. It’s because we got some really good athletes who are sophomores.”

Cason added that his team’s freshmen class has also shown potential, led by standout speedster Spencer Walker.

The Wildcats have been competing in voluntary 7-on-7 practices each Monday at Tiger Field in St. James and returned to the field to participate in a full-contact team practice on July 23 at the field along with Southern Boone, St. James and possibly Salem.

One week later on Thursday, July 30, Cuba will compete in a team camp at Union High School. After a dead week with no practice from Aug. 3-7, the Wildcats will have the first mandatory practice at 8 a.m. on Aug. 10 and will compete on Aug. 21 in the Sullivan Jamboree. Cuba will open the season on Aug. 28 in Linn and play its home opener at 7 p.m. on Sept. 11 against Grandview (Hillsboro) at Wildcat Field of Pride.

Cuba didn’t compete in team camps last season, and Cason said that he was thrilled that his team could test themselves against top programs and make adjustments by looking at the film.

“We just didn’t have the guys to go to a summer camp last year,” he said. “So getting to do that, getting to see us compete against other high-quality varsity teams in the summer, to get that on film, to make the adjustments going into the season, I think is going to be really helpful for us.”