St. Vincent‑St. Mary High School is gearing up for the 2026 football season, a campaign that promises both renewal and ambition after two seasons that produced just one win in 17 games. Head coach Marcus Wattley, who previously guided the Fighting Irish to a Division III state semifinal in 2017, is back for his second stint and is determined to reshape the program.
A Rebuilding Year
The roster returns 14 lettermen, giving the team a solid foundation, while new additions and fresh talent inject fresh energy. Among the returning standouts are Dey'Veair Adams, Will Adamson, Nee'Shawn Alcorn, Ja'Neal Baker and others, but the spotlight will also fall on impact players such as Tyler Wharton, Quinn Hurley and newcomer Nehemiah Moten.
Transfers like Arrington Holmes from CVCA and Moten from Field add depth, while a quartet of promising freshmen — Levi Harris, Maverick Clegg, King Fitzgerald and Jermaine Randall — are expected to contribute. Quarterback duties will be contested by Will Adamson and Cayden Dahs, a battle that could define the team's offensive rhythm.
Looking Forward
Strength and conditioning will be overseen by new coach David Brown, whose work with the squad has already shown marked improvement in endurance and agility. The schedule is packed with challenges, featuring matchups against Nordonia, Perry, Hudson, Firestone, Elyria Catholic, Villa Angela‑St. Joseph, Walsh Jesuit, Boardman, Youngstown Mooney and Cleveland Benedictine, with all home games slated for Saturday nights. Despite the daunting slate, Wattley remains focused on building a competitive unit that can contend in the Metro Athletic Conference and beyond.
The offseason has been marked by intensive workouts, film study and community engagement, as the team embraces the grind that comes with rebuilding. Fans can expect a more disciplined, physically imposing side of the Fighting Irish, one that reflects Wattley's emphasis on strength, technique and mental toughness.
With the first game on the horizon, the excitement is palpable, and the program hopes to translate its off‑field progress into on‑field victories that will restore pride in the St. Vincent‑St. Mary community.