The 2026 City Section high school football season is shaping up to be a showcase of talent, with returning stars and emerging sophomores poised to dominate the spotlight.
Key Offensive Threats
Carson’s senior quarterback Chris Fields returns after leading the Colts to an Open Division championship in 2025, throwing for 2,031 yards and 29 touchdowns while adding 958 rushing yards and 13 scores. His dual-threat ability earned him Open Division MVP and an All‑State selection.
Sophomore quarterback Thaddues Breaux from Hamilton already boasts nine Division I offers following a freshman campaign in which he passed for 3,230 yards and 32 touchdowns and rushed for 393 yards and three more scores. He was named to the Division I All‑City team and earned Freshman All‑American honors.
South Gate’s senior wide receiver Nicholas Fonseca topped the Rams’ offense with 99 receptions for 1,784 yards and 20 touchdowns, earning Division 1 MVP honors and anchoring a potent aerial attack.
Birmingham’s offensive line will receive a boost from senior Pablo Granados, a 6‑foot‑5, 280‑pound lineman expected to open lanes for the running game with his size and power.
Carson’s senior wide receiver Nathan Williams has committed to Idaho State and will be a primary target for Fields, having recorded 40 receptions for 568 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
Defensive Playmakers
Marquez’s senior linebacker Elyjah Staples earned Division 1 Offensive Player of the Year after a season that included 95 tackles (29 for loss), nine sacks, 35 receptions for 1,137 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Crenshaw’s senior linebacker Deandre Kirkpatrick was named Defensive Player of the Year in the Open Division, bringing a 6‑foot‑3, 220‑pound frame and quick acceleration to the field.
Carson’s junior outside linebacker Kingston Sula added 20 pounds this offseason and is being viewed as a hybrid edge rusher/linebacker, increasing his playmaking potential.
Hamilton’s senior defensive tackle Micah Butler anchors the defensive line with his strength and agility, serving as a traditional run‑stopper.
Birmingham’s sophomore defensive back Nathan Chandler impressed as a freshman with 27 tackles and one interception, showcasing speed and the potential to become a starting defensive back.
San Pedro’s senior linebacker Ty Contreras is a staple of the Pirates’ defense, known for his toughness and coachability.
Carson’s senior linebacker Preston Leomiti recorded 99 tackles, one sack and one interception, excelling with tackling speed and high football IQ.
Banning’s senior defensive end Kody Galloway battled injuries in 2025 but still finished with 33 tackles, four sacks and an interception, drawing early interest from Fresno State.
Jefferson’s sophomore defensive back Roshaun Brown posted 29 tackles, seven interceptions and 1,069 all‑purpose yards, highlighting elite athleticism and football intelligence.
Honorable Mentions and Outlook
The season also features a deep pool of honorable mentions, including Nathan Cadet, Michael Gonzalez, Paul Turner, Michael O’Dell, Jaylen Smith, Le’Kai Morgan, Bennett Dome, Adonis Washington and Makeo Smith. Each of these players is expected to contribute significantly and could emerge as breakout stars as the 2026 schedule unfolds.