A season of ambition
After finishing as the 2025 Division I state runner‑up, the St. Xavier football team is turning its focus to the 2026 title. Coach Steve Specht has built his program around daily improvement and the ability to adapt as new talent emerges, a philosophy that has kept the roster competitive year after year.
Senior captains anchor the squad’s leadership. Aidan Newdigate, Logan Von Holle and Griffin Lyons will share quarterback duties while also anchoring the offense and defense. Their experience from the previous season’s final run provides a foundation for the team’s aspirations.
Key pieces and commitments
Newdigate, a senior who has verbally committed to Kent State, has said the ultimate goal is to bring a championship home to his high school before heading to college. The commitment adds a narrative of local pride and a clear target for the senior class.
Alongside Newdigate, Von Holle and Lyons bring additional senior leadership, while the returning offensive line and defensive units aim to build on the previous year’s momentum. The depth at these positions is expected to ease the transition for younger players stepping into larger roles.
Opening the season
The schedule kicks off with a matchup against Lakota West on August 21, a game that will serve as the first test of the team’s revamped scheme and the integration of its senior leaders. Early season performance could set the tone for the remainder of the campaign.
Beyond the opening game, the team’s motivation stems from the narrow miss in the 2025 final. The collective memory of that loss fuels a determination to translate near‑victory into a championship celebration.