The Hillsdale Falcons enter the 2026 season with a clear mission: to end a 12‑year drought without a Wayne County Athletic League championship. Competing in Division VI, Region 21, the team will face a slate of familiar rivals while navigating a transition that began when the program moved up from Division VII just last year.
Coach Trevor Cline’s Proven Track Record
Veteran Coach Trevor Cline brings a 70‑28 record over eight seasons to the program. His steady leadership has helped the Falcons reach two consecutive state championship games in Division VII before the recent classification shift. Cline’s experience is expected to be a cornerstone as the team integrates new talent and seeks consistency after a playoff‑filled 2025 campaign.
Kael Lewis: The Quarterback Poised to Rewrite the Record Books
Senior quarterback Kael Lewis returns as the centerpiece of the offense. Last season he completed 166 of 239 passes for 2,451 yards and 27 touchdowns, building on a sophomore campaign that produced a single‑season record of 3,053 yards and 35 scores. Lewis currently holds both the single‑season and career passing records at Hillsdale, boasting a 66% completion rate, 5,516 career yards, and 62 career touchdowns.
Lewis’s skill set extends beyond raw numbers. His 66% completion rate reflects a precision that should help the Falcons maintain a balanced attack, while his experience in high‑stakes playoff games adds a layer of composure that younger teammates will look to emulate.
Roster Changes and Key Returning Players
The 2026 squad will be reshaped by the loss of 15 seniors, including rushing leader Owen Sloan, receiving standout Hayden McFadden, and reliable kicker A.J. Brown. However, the team retains several impact players. Deacon Boreman leads the defense as the top returning tackler, having logged 71 stops last year. The blend of seasoned veterans and promising underclassmen creates a foundation for immediate competitiveness.
The upcoming schedule features a mix of familiar foes and new challenges, with matchups slated against Black River, Lucas, Loudonville, Dalton, Smithville, Waynedale, Northwestern, Rittman, Norwayne, and Chippewa. Each game will test the Falcons’ resolve as they aim to reclaim the WCAL crown and make a deep playoff run.
Title Aspirations and Regional Competition
Hillsdale’s pursuit of a league title has been elusive since 2014, but the combination of Coach Cline’s leadership, Lewis’s record‑setting potential, and a fortified defensive core positions the team as a serious contender. The Falcons will also face reigning state champion Kirtland within Region 21, adding an extra layer of excitement to the season.