Harrisburg Eagles Have Started Season With 4-0 Record
Head coach Josh Wilcox led the team to a 4-0 start in his first season at the helm of the program.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Should local high school sports programs prioritize immediate winning over long-term development of younger players?
The Harrisburg Eagles have opened their 2026 season with an undefeated 4-0 record under new head coach Josh Wilcox. The team recently secured a 33-20 victory over the Scio Loggers.
Why it matters
The Eagles have successfully transitioned back to the 3A division this year following a 2A playoff appearance in 2025. The current winning streak highlights the effectiveness of Wilcox's new offensive strategy and a stout defensive unit.
Harrisburg's defense has limited opponents to an average of 6.5 points per game. Offensively, Braxton Henager has accumulated 520 rushing yards, while Chase Herrera scored five touchdowns in the win against Scio.
The players
Josh Wilcox
He is the head coach of the Harrisburg Eagles who previously played for the University of Oregon and in the NFL.
Chase Herrera
He is the quarterback for the Harrisburg Eagles who played in the 2026 Les Schwab Bowl.
Braxton Henager
He is a key running back for the Harrisburg Eagles who has rushed for 520 yards this season.
The details
Coach Josh Wilcox, a former University of Oregon and NFL player, utilizes a balanced attack that features Chase Herrera at quarterback to maximize touches. Braxton Henager serves as a primary ball carrier to control the game clock, while Herrera also contributed a 66-yard interception return for a touchdown in the recent victory.
Timeline
Josh Wilcox returned to Junction City in 2023.
Harrisburg made the 2A playoffs in 2025.
Chase Herrera played in the Les Schwab Bowl in June 2026.
The Harrisburg Eagles started the 2026 season with a 4-0 record as of late September.
Harrisburg aims to compete for a league title in late 2026.
Season Trajectory
The undefeated start positions the Eagles as a serious contender for the league title following their 2025 playoff run. This hot start sets a high bar for upcoming games against Gervais and Kennedy as the team seeks to establish dominance in the 3A division.
The team's defensive average of 6.5 points allowed provides a significant advantage for potential playoff seeding. Furthermore, the reliance on Braxton Henager to manage the clock suggests a deliberate strategy to limit opponent possessions in close games.
The takeaway
The Harrisburg Eagles have demonstrated both offensive versatility and defensive discipline in the early stages of their 2026 season. Fans can watch how this momentum carries forward as the team enters the middle portion of its league schedule.
What happens next
Harrisburg is scheduled to face Gervais this week, followed by a game against Kennedy in three weeks.
Further reading
For more updates on local sports, visit the Harrisburg Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Oregon Live.
Live Poll
Should local high school sports programs prioritize immediate winning over long-term development of younger players?
