2026 Wilmington-Area High School Football Coach Vote

New Faces Join the Field

This fall brings three first‑time head coaches to the local gridiron, ushering in fresh perspectives for their programs. These newcomers will confront the challenges of building rosters from the ground up while bringing new ideas to the game. Their arrival adds depth to the Wilmington‑area coaching landscape, which already features seasoned leaders.

The influx of new talent reflects a broader trend in high school football, where emerging coaches are eager to make their mark. Each of these mentors will shape team culture and game strategies in their own way. Fans are already watching closely to see how the fresh faces perform against established foes.

Tom Eanes Returns to Pender

Among the veterans, Pender coach Tom Eanes stands out for his decades‑long tenure on the sidelines. With more than 30 years of coaching behind him, Eanes returns to guide another season of Cape Fear competition. His extensive experience makes him a cornerstone of the veteran coaching group in the region.

• Three first‑time head coaches bring fresh perspectives.
• Tom Eanes – Pender coach with 30+ years of experience.

Vote for the 2026 Coach of the Year

Fans continue to voice strong opinions about the coaches shaping their teams, and the 2026 Wilmington‑area high school football preseason coach of the year contest is now live. Voting remains open until Tuesday, July 14 at 11:59 p.m., giving supporters plenty of time to cast multiple ballots. The award recognizes the dedication required to lead a program through the early season grind.

As the voting period unfolds, the preseason honor serves as a preview of which coaches may influence the region’s standings later in the year. Keep an eye on local scores and social media chatter for clues about fan favorites. The outcome will highlight the coaches who most resonated with the community this summer.