The Carrollton Warriors football program is entering a pivotal 2026 season, riding the momentum of a strong 2025 campaign that culminated in a 38‑14 victory over Minerva. Coach Storm Hill, now in his third year at the helm, has assembled a roster featuring 17 returning lettermen, a foundation that promises continuity and experience.
Among the standouts is running back Levi Kiko, who approached the 1,000‑yard mark last season, and Marcus Brooks, a two‑way player who contributed at tight end and defensive end. Their presence anchors both the offense and the defense, giving Hill a solid core to build around.
The receiving corps will be anchored by Jaden Murphy, who led the team in catches a year ago, and his partner Johnny Bajornas, forming a dynamic duo that opponents will have to contain. Their chemistry should provide a reliable outlet for whatever quarterback takes the snap.
Quarterback will be a question mark after Hunter Allison departed due to a knee injury, prompting the staff to search for a fresh arm to direct the offense. The competition for the starting role is expected to be one of the most watched storylines throughout preseason practices.
Defensively, the team will miss Dan Westlake, who has taken a coaching position at Louisville, but Hill promises a refreshed approach as the Warriors prepare for a move to Division IV and a new regional schedule.
Looking Ahead to a New Landscape
The 2026 slate includes matchups against East Liverpool, Edison, Cloverleaf, Claymont, Howland, West Branch, Marlington, Salem, and a rematch with Minerva. Competing in Region 15, the Warriors will join Minerva, Canton South, and Indian Valley in a conference realignment that also sees them leaving the EBC alongside Marlington and Minerva to join a new league beginning in 2027.
With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the Warriors are poised to turn the challenges of a new division and a revamped schedule into opportunities for growth. The excitement surrounding the program reflects a community eager to see its team thrive in the coming season.