Montague enjoyed another terrific season in 2025, winning 19 games and the West Michigan Conference Lakes title. The Wildcats do have to replace each of the first three hitters in their most-used batting order a year ago, but there's confidence another great season awaits.
"I would hope we would be considered a front-runner (in the WMC Lakes), but you just never know how the other teams have developed from last year, so it should be a very competitive race," Montague coach Jeff Moss said.
A lot rides on the arm of Eli Petersen, who had an outstanding year in 2025 and is the clear ace of the Wildcats' staff. His running mate in conference doubleheaders a year ago, Bryton Belinger, graduated, leaving a big gap to fill.
It's not clear who might fill that No. 2 position in the pitching rotation, and it's possible no one person will. Senior Cole Herremans will certainly be a factor, but up-and-comers Caleb Rice and Eli Pendell will also be counted on for innings in big games.
"Caleb Rice and Eli Pendell have looked promising in early pen sessions," Moss said.
Defensively, the Wildcats must replace their entire middle infield. Lineups may change depending on who is pitching in a given game, as they did last year when Belinger and Petersen often traded the shortstop and pitcher positions.
"We are giving a lot of guys reps there right now," Moss said. "Junior Levi Auger has looked good there and in the cage. We have a slew of incoming juniors that have great experience."
There are some key veterans in the lineup too, though. Cooper Bradley and Cole Moss are back in the outfield, and Fletcher Thommen takes his place behind the plate as the catcher, with Moss backing him up if needed. Dylan Bailey, who like Bradley and Thommen is a senior, is a strong utility player who can pick up a glove wherever he's needed.
"I believe we have eight returners that have game experience, so I’m pretty excited for that," Moss said.
There is enough veteran talent that a newcomer must be very good to make a major impact - a good place for the Wildcats to start. There are some who could make their presences felt. In addition to Pendell and Rice, juniors Remi Lohman, Karter Johnson and Chase Kurtzhal could each make an impact. Moss said in discussions with his coaching staff, Montague thinks any of 15 infielders can play well if needed. Competition and health will likely determine which of those 15 get to take a spot on the field.
"We always start with health," Moss said. "If we can remain injury-free, we definitely can achieve our goals. Winning the conference is always the first goal after staying healthy, and I think we have a good shot at that. Then (we) roll into districts and start a state run. We are definitely filling some voids from graduation but feel confident with the new players taking over those positions."
The Wildcats have another tough path ahead of them in the postseason, with stalwarts North Muskegon and Western Michigan Christian again in their district along with 2025 district champ Hart and Shelby. Before that point, though, Montague will face off with several top teams during the season. Each potential district opponent is on the schedule, and Montague is also slated to play Calvin Christian, Reeths-Puffer and Mona Shores as part of a diverse non-league campaign. Moss said R-P and Shores, both on the March slate, are often good measuring sticks for his team.
"I'm just looking forward to coaching a fun team that knows our expectations and that will help us defend our conference title from last year," Moss said.
