COLUMBUS GROVE (WLIO) ... The Columbus Grove Bulldogs enter the 2026 season facing a new challenge as they move up to Division VI under 15th-year head coach Andy Schafer.

Grove opened last season 0-3 after losses to Pandora-Gilboa, Liberty-Benton and Patrick Henry. The Bulldogs responded by winning 10 straight, claiming their third consecutive Northwest Conference title and fourth straight regional championship.

The run ended in the Division VII state semifinals against eventual state champion St. Henry, marking the seventh time a Midwest Athletic Conference team has ended Grove's state title hopes.

Grove returns plenty of talent this season, while turning to freshman Rylan Palte at quarterback. The Bulldogs also bring back a young, experienced defense led by two senior starters.

Tags