The latest high school football preview for the Downriver region paints a picture of competition and change as teams gear up for the 2025‑26 season.
Gibraltar Carlson enters as the preseason favorite, riding the momentum of a strong finish that saw the team reach the regional finals, but the squad will have to replace star running back Izaiah Wright, who signed with Purdue University.
Trenton looks to build on its recent success, returning 14 starters and anchoring the offense around quarterback AJ Hawkins, who will direct a triple‑option scheme that leverages eight offensive starters.
Woodhaven’s new head coach Michael Pintar inherits a playoff‑winning roster with 11 returning starters, giving him a solid foundation as he attempts to keep the momentum alive.
Coaching Changes and Player Transitions
Allen Park’s senior quarterback Easton Danosky will lead a unit that features five returning starters, including junior offensive linemen Carter Cox and Husam Dubaishi, who provide depth on the line.
Lincoln Park’s offense should benefit from the return of linemen Steven Boyd and Emilio Cortez, giving new quarterback Corey Williams a more stable pocket to operate from.
Taylor’s offense showcases a promising combination of experience and talent, with quarterback Landyn Norman backed by returning linemen Mohammad Allouzi and Charles Ajayi, who should help the team find consistency.
Southgate Anderson aims to strengthen its foundation, returning seven starters including quarterback Aerrion Gray and versatile player Justin Kortez, who can contribute on both sides of the ball.
Wyandotte Roosevelt’s young core, featuring quarterback Cole Cline and seniors Zach Hoffman, Landen Williams, and Damon Wisniewski, could translate into noticeable improvement by 2026.
Dearborn Edsel Ford, under third‑year coach Sean Loconsole, endured a winless 2025 campaign, leaving the program with a clear need for improvement as it looks toward the next season.
The mix of new coaches and returning talent creates a dynamic environment where each program hopes to capitalize on its strengths while addressing gaps left by departed players.