As the 2026 football season approaches, the Kenston Bombers are poised to build on a promising 2025 campaign that saw them finish 7‑5 overall and reach the Division III regional quarterfinal. Under the steady leadership of 15‑year head coach Jeff Grubich, whose career record stands at 104‑54, the team enters the new year with a blend of experience and youthful energy.
Returning talent fuels optimism
The Bombers will return seven offensive starters and the entire defensive lineup from last season, a continuity that coach Grubich says is rare in high school football. Among the key pieces are quarterback Ethan Lawrence, a scholar‑athlete with a 4.2 GPA, and running back Will Hamm, whose versatility and work ethic have made him a cornerstone of the offense. Junior playmakers Ethan Burge and Khalil Hinton are also expected to step up, while linebacker Tucker Meeks brings a 315‑pound bench press that underscores the team’s physical edge.
Defensive leaders such as Dominic Silla and Meeks will anchor a unit that performed well despite a history of injuries that plagued previous seasons. The coaching staff emphasizes that staying healthy will be the single most critical factor; a healthier roster could transform a solid 7‑5 record into a Suburban League American Conference title and a deeper playoff run.
The schedule, which includes matchups against traditional rivals Solon, Perry, NDCL, Copley, Brecksville‑Broadview Heights, Twinsburg, Aurora, Mayfield, Revere and Barberton, offers a tough road but also opportunities to showcase the team’s depth. Co‑titles in the league were captured in 2024, and the Bombers hope to add another championship to that storied list.
Looking ahead to 2026
If the Bombers can maintain the momentum built over the past two seasons, the 2026 campaign could mark another milestone for a program that has claimed 13 conference championships since 1953, including a state title in 2018. With a strong returning core and a focus on minimizing injuries, the team’s prospects look as bright as ever.