A new era of Orrick varsity football begins Friday night when the Bearcats take the field under first-year head coach Aaron Rodenberg.

Orrick will open its 2026 campaign on the road against Northland Christian, marking Rodenberg’s regular-season debut after succeeding Matt O’Dell, who led the Bearcats last season. Rodenberg’s staff includes assistant coaches Daniel Callaway, Dean Opoka and Jake Waters.

The Bearcats return considerable experience on both sides of the ball. Senior quarterback Trenton Mahurin, senior guard Reese McCartney, junior center Landon Smith and senior halfback Gage Tebbe return as offensive starters.

Defensively, senior safety Levi Fielder, senior linebacker Dalton Lorino, Mahurin at cornerback and Tebbe on the defensive line return to the starting lineup.

That senior experience will be important as Rodenberg begins shaping the program. He expects Mahurin to be a key leader on offense and Lorino to fill that role on defense. Both were regular participants in summer w…