Fresh off a banner 10-3 campaign that saw them advance all the way to the CIF Southern Section Division 3 semifinals, the Chino Hills Huskies enter the 2026 high school football season with a goal: taking the top spot in the Baseline League.
Entering his fourth year at the helm, head coach Keland Johnson has established program built on four unshakeable pillars: Trust, Effort, Discipline, and Family. That blue-collar ethos lifted Chino Hills past postseason heavyweights Mira Costa and Notre Dame/Sherman Oaks last November and it remains the formula for 2026.
“Last year’s team success was due to our players trusting our process and committing to the effort and necessary work on the field and in the weight room,” Johnson said. “Our attention to detail last year is what our players learned from that playoff run, and we hope to replicate that with this year’s team.”
DEFENSE & SPECIAL TEAMS
While the offensive unit breaks in fresh personnel across key skill positions, the heart of the 2026 Huskies resides in an aggressive, physical defense returning six starters.
Senior linebacker Noah Curtin, an All-CIF selection as a junior and the team’s leading tackler, returns as the core anchor. Beside him, senior defensive ends Troy Reams and Boogie Baker provide relentless edge pressure, while senior safeties Ashton Bateman and Turner Odell lock down the secondary.
Equally pivotal is senior kicker Noah Ahari, another returning All-CIF standout who gives Chino Hills a lethal scoring option and field position leverage in the third phase of the game. Johnson expects Ahari to shatter multiple school kicking records before his senior season concludes.
QUARTERBACK, CENTER, & RECIEVERS
Replacing graduated All-CIF quarterback Alex Medyn is no simple task, but the Huskies enter camp with a compelling two-option look under center. Senior Daniel Mielke, a Portland State commit featuring a powerful arm, transfers in from Murrieta Valley. Junior, Caleb Castillo, who spent last season mastering Johnson’s offense also returns giving the Huskies a dual quarterback threat.
“Both players will play for us this year, which will benefit our team,” Johnson noted, emphasizing that Chino Hills will lean into its identity—a punishing ground game complemented by efficient situational passing.
Anchored upfront by senior center Cole Stripling, the offense features returning playmakers in senior running back Ian Hassonhoff, senior receiver Aidan Brunes, and junior wideout Kylan Olson. Depth receives an immediate boost from incoming transfers William Bryant (RB, Jr., Damien), Daniel Cortez (RB, Jr., Ayala), and Nate Ramirez (WR, Jr., Roosevelt), alongside junior left tackle Lennon Rotar.
RIVALRIES & THE BASELINE LEAGUE
Chino Hills’ non-league schedule leaves zero room for complacency, highlighted by a road test against Orange County power San Juan Hills, alongside matchups against Quartz Hill, El Camino, San Jacinto, and St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy.
Then comes the community showcase: the annual “Battle for the Bone” rivalry against Ayala. Though Ayala’s shift to the Sierra League moves the contest outside league standings, the stakes remain high to keep the coveted trophy.
“This rivalry is a great thing for our community. It will exist regardless of which leagues we are in,” Johnson said. “Both teams really look forward to the Battle of the Bone. We have had success the last two years in this game and hope to continue that streak.”
When league play opens, the Baseline League transitions into a five-team league alongside Damien, Etiwanda, Rancho Cucamonga, and Upland. Having finished as runner-up in recent seasons, the Huskies view 2026 as their moment to seize the crown.
“We will need to compete every night, be physical, win the turnover battle, and be great on special teams,” Johnson said. “If this occurs, I like our chances to win the league.”
HUSKY HERITAGE
Beyond the box scores, the 2026 campaign marks a poignant milestone in program history.
Senior safety Ashton Bateman represents the final chapter of a seven-year family dynasty at Chino Hills High School. Since 2018, a Bateman brother has suited up for the Huskies—and for seven consecutive seasons, jersey No. 6 has belonged to their family. The legacy extends to the sidelines and front office as well: Mr. Bateman serves as an assistant coach and booster member, while Mrs. Bateman serves as CHHS athletic counselor.
As Friday night lights illuminate Huskies Field once again, Chino Hills possess the coaching, defense, and championship ambition to make 2026 a season for the record books.
2026 Chino Hills Huskies Varsity Football Schedule
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