Northwest Area Football Enters a New Era Under First-Year Head Coach
By: Carrie Miner Yaple | SportzWire | August 20, 2026 | Photo courtesy Team Photo
A new era is underway at Northwest Area, and first-year head coach Greg Mullins is making it clear from the outset that this program is not interested in simply going through the motions.
Mullins has taken over the Northwest Area football program with a straightforward philosophy: work hard, compete every day, and build a culture where winning becomes the result of doing the little things the right way.
For Mullins, the expectations were established the moment he accepted the job.
“Your either in or your in the way.”
That message has resonated throughout a Northwest Area program that has undergone a significant transformation under new leadership.
A Program-Wide Revamp
The changes at Northwest Area extend well beyond the varsity sideline. Mullins said the entire football program has been revamped, with new leadership extending from the varsity level down through the junior high program.
That restructuring comes with an important advantage: experience.
With the exception of two players who graduated, Mullins says the roster is made up largely of returning players who have already seen significant football action. Even more importantly, the program boasts 11 seniors who will be counted on to provide leadership as the new era gets underway.
“We have the talent and leadership in our seniors this year,” Mullins said.
That combination of experience, senior leadership and a renewed approach has created optimism surrounding the program heading into the 2026 season.
A Group Ready to Work
Mullins isn't making predictions based solely on what he sees on the practice field.
The Northwest Area athletes have spent the offseason putting in work through powerlifting competitions, 7-on-7 games and tournaments, giving the team opportunities to build strength, chemistry and competitiveness before the regular season arrives.
According to Mullins, the work has already begun to change the mindset of the athletes.
“We have made hard work and effort a priority and our athletes have bought into it,” he said.
And that buy-in may be one of the most important storylines surrounding Northwest Area this fall.
Mullins believes his players have the determination and enthusiasm necessary to take the next step.
“Let me tell you this now. These kids have it,” he said. “They have the will and the excitement to go out and execute.”
Players to Watch
Several Northwest Area players are expected to be key contributors this season, including Cole Covuto, Robby Voyton, Loegan Diltz, Ben Bonham, Wyatt Voyton and Wyatt Orloski.
Among that group, Mullins specifically pointed to Loegan Diltz, Robby Voyton and Ben Bonham as players opposing defenses should keep a close eye on.
The reason is simple: Northwest Area may have multiple players capable of making an impact.
“These young men have put in a tremendous amount of work and I believe teams are going to have to decide who they want to stop,” Mullins said. “Because they won't be able to stop all three.”
That kind of offensive balance could become one of the most intriguing aspects of the Northwest Area season.
If opposing defenses focus too heavily on one player, another could have the opportunity to make them pay.
The Philosophy: Win the Day
While plenty of teams enter a season talking about wins, championships and postseason goals, Mullins has chosen to simplify the process.
For Northwest Area, the goal is to win the day.
“If we win today we can start to stack wins,” Mullins explained.
But Mullins also understands that winning requires something beyond talent.
“Winning is not normal,” he said. “It takes sacrifice, hard work, and relentless pursuit.”
That philosophy has become a central theme of the new Northwest Area program.
Mullins believes his players are already embracing those expectations, but he also wants them to understand that success is never something that can be taken for granted.
“We will win today and we will not be satisfied because winning is not normal,” he said.
Mark Your Calendar: White Out Coming to Northwest Area
One of the most anticipated events on the Northwest Area schedule will come on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, when the team hosts a special White Out Game.
Mullins is encouraging the community to turn out and make the game an event.
Tuesday night. At home. White Out.
As Mullins put it:
“Only show in town.”
It is an opportunity for Northwest Area fans, families and supporters to get behind a program entering a new chapter and show the players that the community is invested in their efforts.
A Coach Thankful for the Support
Taking over a football program is never a one-person job, and Mullins recognizes that the changes he hopes to bring to Northwest Area require support from everyone involved.
He specifically expressed his appreciation to the parents and administration who have supported his vision and have been willing to see the potential for improvement within the program.
“As the new head coach I would like to say thank you to all the parents and administration that have been supportive of my view for this program and their willingness to see the potential for improvement,” Mullins said.
That support, combined with a roster full of returning contributors and a strong senior class, gives Northwest Area plenty to be excited about heading into the fall.
A New Chapter Begins
First-year head coaches often talk about establishing a culture. At Northwest Area, Mullins is already putting that philosophy into action.
The message is clear: work, compete, sacrifice and improve every day.
With 11 seniors providing leadership, a large group of returning players bringing experience, and several athletes emerging as players to watch, Northwest Area enters the 2026 season with a renewed sense of purpose.
Now comes the opportunity to turn offseason preparation into Friday-night results.
For Mullins and his players, it starts with one day at a time.
Win the day. Then stack the wins.
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