Photos By Andy Tolbert
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The featured standouts of the 2026–27 Tomball Cougars football team.
Matt Powell (VYPE)
Klein Oak Panthers
Klein Collins Tigers
Klein Bearkats
Magnolia Bulldogs
Klein Cain Hurricanes
Magnolia West Mustangs
Tomball Memorial Wildcats
Klein Forest Golden Eagles
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Ian Thomas, Tomball
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Micah Rhodes, Klein Oak
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ty Miller, Magnolia
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Mike Brown, Klein
ON THE CUSP: Magnolia Bulldogs
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Klein Oak Panthers
Matt Powell (VYPE)
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The Tomball Cougars are coming off another solid season after finishing 9-3 in 2025 and advancing to the area round of the playoffs. Dave Handal enters his fourth season as head coach and, as always, will have his team playing a disciplined, physical brand of football. Tomball's offense will be led by a dynamic rushing duo in national recruit Ian Thomas, the reigning District Offensive Newcomer of the Year, and senior Tre'Von Johnson, a second team all-district selection. The pair combined for 2,217 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns in 2025. Paving the way up front will be senior offensive lineman Jacob Minutti. Senior quarterback Kymani Pettway is poised to take over under center as Jaxyn Faldyn moves on to the collegiate level. Defensively, the Cougars return a talented secondary led by senior defensive backs Chance Green, a second-team all-district selection, and Caleb Gafford, a first-team all-district pick, who will look to shut down opposing passing attacks. In the trenches, senior defensive linemen Bennett Tucker, a first-team all-district selection, and Andrew Siegert will anchor the defensive front. Tomball also boasts one of the state's top special teams weapons. Texas A&M-committed kicker Andres Von Der Meden, the reigning District Special Teams Player of the Year, returns after another outstanding season, giving the Cougars a major advantage in the kicking game.
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Klein Oak went 5-5 a season ago just missing out on a playoff berth but with a number of returners coming back this fall, the Panthers look to be a playoff contender in 2026. Junior running back and national prospect Micah Rhodes returns to the backfield after rushing for 1,309 yards a year ago. Joining Rhodes in the backfield will be senior quarterback Andre Phillip II (West Virginia commit), who is primed for a breakout season after limited playing time last season. Blocking for the dynamic backfield duo will be senior offensive linemen Ke’Lan Foster (first-team) and Xavier Smith (second-team). The Panthers defense is loaded with Division One talent starting on the defensive line with junior Max Farmer (first-team), senior Andrew O’Leary (first-team) and junior Phillip Hawkins (second-team). Manning the middle of the defense will be senior linebacker Zack Ruysenaars (first-team) along with junior Somtochukwu Okorie (second team). Returning in the secondary will be all-district selections senior Quincy Carter (UTSA commit), senior Meachem Hall (first team) and junior Antonio Dural.
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The Klein Collins Tigers, under the direction of head coach Adrian Mitchell, reached double digit wins in 2025 with a 11-2 overall record reaching the Regional Semifinal round of the playoffs. The Tigers enter the 2026 season returning only six starters from a year ago and will look for players to step up this fall. Returning offensively for Klein Collins is senior running back Tyce Hudson (second team) who rushed for 620 yards last season and paving the way for Hudson will be senior fullback Kannon Dartez. In the passing game, senior quarterback Brylon Jefferson steps in to replace District MVP Braydon Schoggin. Jefferson will look to get the ball to his playmaker on the outside in senior wide receiver Quincy Armstead. Defensively, senior linebacker Aden Earl (second-team) is the leader in the middle along with senior Landon Hedrick while senior defensive back Jonathan Colon (second-team) holds down the backend. Up front, senior defensive lineman William Faye will look to wreck havoc in the opponents backfield. While the Tigers have more new faces going into this season, don’t be shocked to see them back in the playoffs in 2026.
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Klein enters 2026 under new direction as interim head coach David Perez takes over. The Bearkats snapped a seven-year playoff drought last season, reaching the Bi-District round of the playoffs and finishing with a 6-5 overall record. While District Offensive MVP Edward Kelly Jr. has graduated and taken his talent to SMU, the Bearkats still have more than enough fire power offensively. Senior quarterback Carter Latelle was set to be the starter a year ago before a season-ending injury a year ago but he returns healthy and ready to take over as the Bearkats signal-caller. Latelle will look to get the ball to his playmaker on the outside in junior wide receiver Mike Brown, who is set for a breakout season. Junior running back David Godley will open up the passing game in the rushing attack. Blocking up front for the high-flying Klein offense will be sophomore offensive lineman Ethan Henderson (first-team all-district) and senior David Collom. On defense, senior defensive lineman Trenton Marshall (first-team) will anchor the trenches and senior defensive back Dyson Washington Jr. will be the vocal leader in the secondary. Sophomore linebacker C’Ivion “Cash” Hines will be a player to watch out for in the middle as he steps into a bigger role this fall.
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Magnolia made some noise in 2025 finishing with a 9-2 overall record, clinching a share of the district title and making the playoffs for the first time in 6A before bowing out in the Bi-District round. The Bulldogs lost a number of starters defensively from a year ago but return six starters offensively going into 2026. Senior quarterback Chase Lowery (first-team all-district) returns to lead the Bulldogs offense and will look to get the ball to his playmakers in senior tight end Aiden Slansky and senior wide receiver Trace Snellman. Bulldogs’ senior running back and first-team all-district selection Cash Ferrell will be back to establish the rushing attack while senior Javier Matute (second-team) and junior Ethien Davis (second-team) pave the way for Ferrell up front. Defensively, senior linebacker Ty Miller (first-team) will lead the defense coming off a big junior season recording over 100 tackles. While the Bulldogs will need underclassmen to step up this fall, the Bulldogs will be a team in the hunt for the playoffs once again.
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Klein Cain broke a streak of six straight playoff appearances in 2025 finishing with a 4-6 overall record but with 14 starters returning, head coach James Clancy and the Hurricanes will look to get back to the playoffs in 2026. Offensively, the Hurricanes bring back senior running back Eyan Johnson (second-team all-district), who rushed for 780 yards and seven touchdowns a year ago. Blocking for Johnson up front will be senior offensive lineman Ryan Worrell who was a second-team all-district selection last fall. While the Hurricanes will have to replace multi-year starter Zach Johnson at quarterback, whoever steps into the roll will have weapons to get the ball to in senior wide receivers Cooper Karns (first-team) and Tyson Freeman. On the other side of the ball, senior defensive linemen Christian Lovell, Jaemin Gilstrap and Kenyon White will control the trenches while senior defensive back Christian Redeo looks to shut down opponents passing attacks.
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Magnolia West is looking to turn things around this fall after the Mustangs finished with a 2-8 record overall in 2025. Luckily for the Mustangs, they return 11 total starters from a season ago. Junior Chase Corwin will take over the reins at quarterback after appearing in five games last fall. Corwin will look to get the ball to wide receivers Tyler Barber (senior) and Carson Cooksey (junior) while senior running back Gage Jordan leads the rushing attack. Defensively for the Mustangs, senior defensive back Dawson Campbell (second-team) is the only all-district selection returning and will look to step into a leadership role in 2026. Other players to watch out for Magnolia West defensively will be senior defensive lineman Payton Bjorgaard and senior linebacker Lincoln Whitehorn.
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Tomball Memorial goes into the 2026 season with hopes of getting back into the playoffs for the first time since 2023 after the Wildcats finished with a 4-6 record last fall. Offensively, the Wildcats return second-team all-district selection Carson West, who will lead the rushing attack and look to free up the passing game for new starting quarterback Jacob Kubeczka. Kubeckza will have some weapons to get the ball to in senior wide receivers Ryan Surratt and Carter Hamilton (second-team) while senior Lars Lewis anchors the offensive line. On defense, junior lineman Nicholas Gill will control the line of scrimmage while linebacker Justus Loucks (junior) and Santiago Rios (sophomore) look to shut down opponents run game.
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The Klein Forest Golden Eagles finished with a 2-8 overall record in 2025 but will return 10 starters from a year ago. Coming back to lead the offense in 2026 will be senior running back Dejaune Etheridge, who accounted for 1,369 yards of total offense last fall. Quarterback Jaylen Williams will take over as the signal-caller and will look to get the ball to senior wide receiver Kenyon Davis. Defensively for the Golden Eagles, senior defensive lineman Marc Bennett will be the leader of the front seven while senior defensive back Edmond Simmons looks to step into a bigger role this fall. With a 16-year playoff drought, look for the Golden Eagles to make some noise and get back into the playoff conversation in 2026.
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Davis Falcons
Nimitz Cougars
Eisenhower Eagles
Spring Lions
MacArthur Generals
Dekaney Wildcats
Aldine Mustangs
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Davon Smith, Westfield
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Demonte Ford, Westfield
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jaylen Oliver, Westfield
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Edwin Brown, Nimitz
ON THE CUSP: Eisenhower Eagles
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Davis Falcons
Dana Strange (VYPE)
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Westfield is looking for its sixth straight district title in 2026 and with coach Desmar Black’s loaded roster, it’s looking promising. VYPE’s Preseason MVP is Davon Smith, who is a heat-seeking missile at LB and is a tremendous third-down RB who can move the chains. The Arizona commit will anchor a nasty defense that also features twins Jordin Jones and Jaylin Jones (Sacramento State commit), Logan Draper (Arizona), and Tiger Underwood (Texas State) on the DL. Jaylen Oliver (Arizona), Zae Jones and Camarey Bell will anchor the secondary. The offense will just need to move the chains behind OL Dontae Perkins (Texas Tech) and Tarazon Eaden (McNeese State). RB Demonte Ford will tote the rock along with Challis Sims. QB JaDarius Amos will be the key to the ‘Stangs long-term success. “We just need to put the ball in the end zone and not turn the ball over,” Desmar Black said. “Our defense returns everyone.” The schedule will be interesting with the Heights, Randle and Willis on the slate before district play.
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The Davis Falcons had another big season under the direction of Kelvin Chatham, who is building something special on Ella Blvd. If the Falcons develop a QB, the sky is the limit in District 14-6A. The strength of the offense is on the edge with David Richardson and Cortland Lee-Pugh, who combined for over 600 yards and 10 TDs. RB Bryderick Robins will be counted on to run inside behind OLs Jacobe Johnson and Delon Carmouche. The defense has star power at each level. Up front is Uriah Jackson, while Keithas "Pop" Johnson and Pat Lyles patrol the secondary. Jermaine Mosely handles the middle of the field. Don’t forget, Davis shared the district title with Westfield and Nimitz a year ago going 6-1, so they know how to win the games that count.
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The Nimitz Cougars also went 6-1 in district play a year ago and coach Cornelius Harmon has a solid signal-caller behind center. Edwin Brown has a tremendous football IQ after backing up his brother AJ. A good QB can do wonders in this district. Da’Kari Franklin will share the offense load at RB and will run behind Ezequiel Gonzalez. The offense is a little thin, however. Jamari Bondi is the headliner on defense and sets the tone. He will be joined by Elijah Taylor at LB, while Emmit Hines and Romello Pierre have their backs in the secondary. Bigs on both sides of the ball will need to emerge to get back in the district title conversation.
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Coach Padriac McGinnis had a successful first year at Eisenhower, reaching the postseason in 2025 and going 6-5 overall. The Eagles have bought into his message and the black and yellow could be back. Big Ike has gone back to what works over in Acres Homes - ground and pound on offense and a stingy defense. The game is won in the trenches and OLs Kordae Harris, Sedrick Steptoe, Jarrett Hinnant, Derrick Blanton and Braylon Kelly and TE DezMayon Randle are huge. They will lead the way for RB Elijah Dixson. While the offense plays keep away with long drives, their defense is fast and physical. LB Izaiah Curry carries the banner along with Kyren Finney. Some of the bigs on the OL could bolster the DL, while Dante Richards and Daivon Garrett will create a no fly zone.
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A new era has arrived at Spring as KaRon Coleman takes over the program after coming from Hightower. Following a 2-8 campaign in 2025, the Lions are looking for a fresh start, and Coleman inherits a roster with plenty of experience, returning 15 starters. The defense appears poised to set the tone this season. Defensive linemen Chase Lewis and Kelvin Sumo anchor the front, while defensive backs Kevunn Lauderdale and Landon McLenon provide leadership and playmaking ability on the back end. Together, they form the core of a unit expected to be the team's strength. Offensively, Vincent Lee will shoulder the load in the running game, running behind an experienced offensive line led by Elijah Guidry and Malyron Gamble. On the perimeter, the Lions boast an intriguing group of skill players in Kamdyn Shepherd, Zach Clayburne and Bralon Sample, giving the offense plenty of athleticism and big-play potential.
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Coach Blake Ware is looking to continue the turnaround at MacArthur. After a breakthrough 7-4 campaign in 2024, the Generals took a step back with a 2-8 record last season. Now, Ware and his staff are focused on getting the program back on track. Quarterback Lance Nero is aiming for a bounce-back season and will look to get the ball into the hands of playmaker Amari Cano in space. In the backfield, running back Trinidad Espinoza will run behind offensive lineman Kanon Lewis, who anchors the trenches. Defensively, Jalen McFarland and Victor Raygoza will lead the charge up front, while linebacker Josh Morales and defensive back Matthew Matlock provide leadership and stability on the second and third levels of the defense.
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It has been nearly 15 years since Dekaney captured the Class 5A state championship behind cover boy Trey Williams. Getting back into the playoff conversation would be a significant step forward for the Wildcats in 2026. Head coach Anthony Williams will lean heavily on running back Christopher Chizer to be "that guy" this fall. Chizer has all the tools to eclipse the 1,000-yard rushing mark while running behind a physical offensive line anchored by Jhmari Dunevant and Kedrick Oliver. Quarterback Kenyon Shelby gives the Wildcats a dynamic dual-threat presence and will look to connect with playmakers Craig Jones and Riqui Butler on the outside. Tre Prince adds versatility as a two-way standout, contributing at both wide receiver and defensive back. Defensively, Javian Bedford sets the tone up front and will be counted on to lead the unit. Linebacker Jjah-Kan Muhammad will also play a key role as the Wildcats look to build a more consistent defense.
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A new chapter begins at Aldine as Charles Brown III takes over the program after serving as defensive coordinator at Mayde Creek. Following an 0-10 campaign in 2025, Brown inherits a team looking to establish a new culture and lay the foundation for future success. A key storyline will be the development of quarterback Christian Watts. If he can provide stability under center, the Mustangs' offense has the potential to take a significant step forward. Playmaker Rigoberto Moya and running backs Tariq Gary and Paul Murray give Aldine capable weapons, while Nathan Ojeda will anchor the line of scrimmage.
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The featured standouts of the 2026–27 College Park Cavaliers football team.
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Willis Wildkats
The Woodlands Highlanders
Grand Oaks Grizzlies
Conroe Tigers
Oak Ridge War Eagles
Caney Creek
Cleveland Indians
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Camden Hughes, College Park
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Trey Finney, Willis
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Magnus Herndon, The Woodlands
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Kaden Copelin, The Woodlands
ON THE CUSP: Conroe Tigers
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Willis Wildkats
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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Coming off a historic season that saw them clinch their first undefeated district title in school history and finishing with a 11-2 record, the College Park Cavaliers enter the 2026 season with high expectations. Though the Cavaliers are under new leadership with Michael Buro at the helm, there is plenty of talent returning that has them primed for another big season in 2026. The offense is led by returning quarterback Camden Hughes who was the Offensive Player of the Year in 2025 as he threw for 2,638 yards and 33 touchdowns to go along with 424 yards on the ground and nine rushing touchdowns. Hughes will look to get the ball to his playmakers, specifically Clemson-commit wide receiver Julian Cromartie, senior wide receiver Brian Snodgrass and move-in tight end James Skaer. Running backs Duke Stephens and Antonio Booker will look to help open up the passing game as they combined for 1,691 yards on the ground in 2025. Senior offensive lineman Diego Dudley will anchor the offensive line and look to pave the way for the Cavaliers high flying offense. On defense, it starts up front with national recruit junior defensive lineman RJ Wyms (Defensive Newcomer of the Year) and Jordyn Grant, who is the anchor in the trenches. On the outside, cornerbacks Jordan White (Columbia commit) and James Cabbarus (New Mexico commit) will look to shut down both sides of the field.
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The Willis Wildkats are fresh off another double-digit win season under head coach Trent Miller and a regional final appearance in 2025. While the Wildkats lost District MVP Jermaine Bishop Jr. to the Texas Longhorns, they still return more than enough firepower for another deep run in 2026. All eyes will be on rising sophomore quarterback Linc Frazier who was the Offensive Newcomer of the Year after throwing for 4,232 yards and 43 touchdowns in 2025 and they will have depth at quarterback with senior Parker Stephenson. Move-in athlete Trey Finney will look to fill Bishop’s role as the explosive playmaker along with seniors Daylen Wilkerson and Preston Stephenson. Up front, senior Owen Griffin will anchor the offensive line and pave the way for junior running back Jamarcus Williams. Flipping to the defensive side of the ball, seniors AJ Edwards and Waylan Nolen (first-team) will look to get to the quarterback and help free up senior linebacker Cayden Williams (North Texas commit) who was a first team all-district selection last season. In the back end junior Jamal Lagway and senior J’Lynnd Kellow (Mississippi State commit) will look to control the airway.
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Once again The Woodlands Highlanders reached the playoffs advancing the area round of the playoffs in 2025 and finishing with a 9-3 overall record. The Highlanders will be without two-year starter Jack Daulton who is off to TCU. Enter junior Kaden Kopelin who is eager and ready to start his era at quarterback in the red and green. Kopelin will have weapons getting the ball to senior tight end Colton Weddel (second-team) as well as receivers Bryson Bourn (second-team) and Carter Cass (second-team). Running backs Jason Haskins (first-team) and move-in Solomon Woods (junior) will look to provide a stable rushing attack. Defensively the Highlanders return one starter from a year ago in senior Magnus Herndon who was a first team all-district selection as he recorded 64 tackles, 16 sacks and 18 tackles-for-loss. Senior linebacker Vincent Lewis will look to step up as a leader defensively as well. While the Highlanders will feature a number of new faces this season, they look to be a playoff contender again in 2026.
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Grand Oaks made history in 2025, reaching the playoffs for the first time in program history and winning their first ever playoff game before exiting in the Area Round of the playoffs. Under the direction of Shaun McDowell, the Grizzlies look to be a playoff contender in 2026 as well. Senior wide receiver Darnell Jackson Jr. (Utah-commit) has world class speed and is the leading receiver coming back for the Grizzlies offense. Quarterbacks Pierceson Lackey (senior) and Harley Adams (junior) will both look to get Jackson Jr. the ball while athlete Brian Victorian will be used both in the backfield and in the passing game. Paving the way for the Grizzlies up front will be offensive linemen Ryan Scroggins and Aiden Cruz. For Grand Oaks defense, senior defensive lineman Trey Lott and senior linebacker Jase Sutton will control the front seven. The Grizzlies made history last season and plan to make more history in 2026 with a deeper playoff run.
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After just missing out on the playoffs in 2025 with a 6-4 record overall, the Conroe Tigers look to be on the cusp of playoff contention in 2026 under the direction of coach Cedric Hardeman. Starting in the trenches, senior offensive lineman Kingston Tupuola is the leader along the O-Line and will look to help protect senior returning starter at quarterback Cameron Nunley (second team). Nunley has weapons to get the ball to in junior athlete Keino Hopkins, senior Jackson Taylor and senior Josiah Cirilo. Defensively, Alexander Coey is primed for a big senior season coming off a first team all-district selection as he finished with 26 tackles, 1.5 sacks and 15 tackles-for-loss and he will have help in the trenches as juniors Kaleb Franklin-Martinez and Cassius Melton look to step up in bigger roles. The Tigers secondary will have big holes to fill as first-team, all-district selections Xavier Harmon and Damian Horace head to the college ranks.
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Oak Ridge is entering year two under head coach Tyler Blackshire who is looking to continue building the culture within the program. In 2025, the War Eagles finished sixth in the district with a 4-6 overall record. Senior defensive end Finn Walker (Kansas State-commit), a first team all-district selection, returns to anchor Oak Ridge’s defensive line along with senior Chase Leonard and junior Jeremy Bassue. Both were both all-district selections as well. In the secondary, junior Chris Salem and Nico Chavez will look to shut down opposing offenses. Offensively, the War Eagles graduated quarterback Drayton Urbay and wide receiver James Scott and will look for underclassmen to step up in their absence. On the offensive line, the War Eagles return senior JoAngel Dorado who was a second team all-district selection in 2025.
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Caney Creek is under new direction going into the 2026 season as Taylor Cobb takes over the program. Cobb will look to change the culture within the Panthers program as he inherits a team who went 1-9 a year ago. The Panthers return junior quarterback Peyton Beckett who will look to get the ball to junior wide receiver Amarien Hughes who was a second team all-district selection. Sophomore running back Derek Thompson will lead the rushing attack as junior offensive lineman Jhorany Cornejo paves the way up front. Defensively, the Panthers lost six starters to graduation and will look for underclassmen to step into a bigger role this fall.
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Cleveland enters year two under head coach Ajani Sanders and while the Indians currently have a 36 game losing streak, Sanders is looking to break that going into 2026. Returning for Cleveland defensively in 2026 will be all district selections senior linebacker Seth Quintero (first team) and junior defensive back Aspen Williams (second-team). Offensively, returning quarterback Zack Nickson will look to get the ball to wide receiver Dontrell Punch and tight end Sergio Gonzales. With 13 total starters returning, expect for the Indians to get back in the win column this fall.
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