You’re driving down Highway 20, past the cornfields and the quiet stretches of New Carlisle, when suddenly the glow of stadium lights hits the horizon. It’s Friday night. If you aren't from around here, you might think it’s just another small-town Indiana game. You’d be wrong. New Prairie Indiana football isn't just a high school sport; it is the physical heartbeat of a community that spans three townships and two counties.
People talk about "tradition" like it’s a dusty book on a shelf. At New Prairie, tradition is a living, breathing thing that wears navy blue and old gold. Honestly, the 2025 season was a bit of a wild ride, a year of transition that felt different than the dominant runs we’ve seen recently. But to understand where the Cougars are going, you have to look at the dirt they’ve already cleared.
The 2025 Shift: Under the Lights with Ryan O’Shea
The big talk of the year was the coaching change. After Casey McKim’s successful tenure, the keys were handed to Ryan O’Shea in March 2025. It’s a hire that felt right. O'Shea isn't just some guy with a whistle; he's got the O'Shea pedigree, with his father Kevin and grandfather Frank both sitting in the Indiana Football Hall of Fame.
The 2025 season ended with a 3-7 record. On paper? It looks rough. But if you actually watched the games, you saw a team rebuilding its identity in real-time.
They took some lumps early on, losing to LaPorte and NorthWood. It happens. You’ve got a new coach, a new offensive system, and a young roster finding their feet. Then came that late-September thriller against South Bend Riley. A 45-42 win. It was messy, high-scoring, and exactly the kind of "never-say-die" football the Cougar faithful expect. They followed it up with a gutsy 34-30 win over Mishawaka Marian.
🔗 Read more: NC State Basketball Game Day: Why PNC Arena Is Still a Nightmare for the ACC
The season wrapped up with a tough 50-14 playoff loss to Hobart. It stung. But the foundation is clearly being poured for something bigger.
Why the "Triple Option" Ghost Still Haunts the Field
For years, New Prairie was synonymous with the legendary Russ Radtke and an offense that felt like being hit by a freight train repeatedly. Radtke, who racked up 78 wins in just eight seasons at the helm, turned the program into a 4A powerhouse.
The 2014 season is still the gold standard. 13-2. A trip to the state finals. That team didn’t just play football; they bullied opponents.
Even though the scheme has evolved, that "blue-collar" mentality remains. Fans still talk about the 2022 run where the team went 13-2 under McKim, proving that the success wasn't just about one coach—it was about a system of excellence.
Recent Coaching Timeline
- Russ Radtke (2012–2019): The architect of the modern era.
- Casey McKim (2020–2024): Kept the engine running, including a state runner-up finish.
- Ryan O’Shea (2025–Present): Bringing a fresh offensive perspective and local roots.
The Culture: Corn Stalks and "The Hill"
If you’ve never stood in the student section at a New Prairie game, you haven't lived. Seriously. The "Cougar Crazies" are legendary for showing up in denim overalls and literally waving stalks of corn. It’s a self-aware nod to the rural roots of the district. It’s loud. It’s chaotic. It’s perfect.
The community support is arguably the best in Northern Indiana. We’re talking about a school district that serves New Carlisle, Rolling Prairie, and Mill Creek. These aren't just neighbors; they are a multi-generational network of families.
The facilities have kept pace, too. The massive renovations that kicked off around 2017 didn't just touch the classrooms; they reinforced the idea that athletics are a gateway for the students. The "Hall of Excellence" isn't just for show. It’s a reminder to every freshman walking in that they are part of something that matters to the people who pay the taxes and fill the stands.
What's Next? The Road to 2026
Looking forward, the focus is squarely on development. Coach O’Shea’s background is in offense, specifically developing quarterbacks. During his time at Lakeland, he was known for putting up 30 points a game. That’s the "new" New Prairie.
👉 See also: Who Played Football on Thanksgiving: Why Detroit and Dallas Own the Holiday
The 2025 roster was loaded with underclassmen who got meaningful snaps. Names like Noah Dew, Kalib Gale, and Tyler Pranger are going to be the veteran leaders in 2026. They’ve had a year to soak up the new system. They’ve felt the sting of a losing season, and in high school football, that's often the best fuel you can find.
Actionable Steps for the Cougar Faithful
- Watch the Junior High Program: The future of the varsity team is currently being built in the middle school auxiliary gym and the youth Pop Warner leagues. Keep an eye on the rising 8th graders; the talent pool is deep.
- Check the Off-Season Conditioning: Strength and conditioning have always been the New Prairie edge. The "Culture of Excellence" starts in the weight room in February, not on the field in August.
- Support the Boosters: The district covers a lot, but the extras—the tech, the specialized gear, the travel—rely on the community.
New Prairie Indiana football is currently in a "retooling" phase, but don't let a 3-7 record fool you. This is a program with a winning percentage that would make most schools envious. The tradition didn't go anywhere; it’s just getting ready for its next act.