The 2026 Preview contains:
Commentary
What’s New
League Changes
Coaching Changes
Key Transfers
Preseason Top 10 Lg & Small
Predictions
Commentary
Mckinley has moved down from class A to class B. We think they could win states this year, due to a much improved roster. We expect to see a team that is ready to play vs Lackawanna on September 5th. There have been a few Division 1 Commitments over the summer; such as QB – Trent Buttle (St Francis) going to Rutgers, Ejjah Kimble going to Syracuse and Luke Fleischman going to Akron.
What’s New
The Championships have been moved from the long-time Highmark Stadium location to the Univeristy of Buffalo, Boardwalk Stadium.
There will be a new showcase called the Dick Gallagher Memorial Classic. There are four really good matchups for this first year. Starting on Friday Night, 6pm at Univeristy of Buffalo’s Boardwalk Stadium with Mcquaid Jesualt vs Lancaster, 9pm is a game between Bennett and St Francis. On Saturday, they will be playing at Suny Erie with UPrep vs Bishop Timon at 1pm and Health Science vs Canisius 6pm.
Albion/Medina have decided to combine football programs after years of rivalry. Less students wanting to play football at both of these schools has caused the merger. They are going to be called the Orleans County Rivals. They will be in class B1.
WNY Maritime and Tapestry decided to add CSAT to their football program this year. They will be in A2.
Classification/League Changes
1 team moves from
Class A2 to Class AA
Health Science
1 team moves from
Class AA to Class A1
Orchard Park
2 teams moves from
Class B1 to Class A2
Starpoint
South Park
2 teams moves from
Class A2 to B1
Mckinley
Amherst
1 team moves from
Class B2 to Class B1
Maryvale
2 teams moves from
Class B1 to B2
Pionner
Cheektowaga
1 team moves from
C South to C North
Springville
2 teams move from
Class D to C South
Allegany-Limestone/Hinsdale
Gowanda/Pine Valley
New Coaches (10)
Frontier – Josh Veronica
Maritime/Tapersty/CSAT – Anthony Scott
Amherst – Dave Carlon
Lewiston Porter – Al Whitehead
Olean – Terry Burrows
Alden – Jake Manns
Tonawanda – Shawn Keleman
Springville – Mark Benton
Cardinal O’Hara – Chuck Gilbert
Key Transfers
Kyler Monterro, Senior, West Seneca East to Mckinley
Leo Burg, Junior, Williamsville North to Canisius
Carmine Capoccetta, Junior, Rome Free Academy to St Francis
Noah Harrision, Senior, Canisius to Albion/Medina
Jaylen McMillian, Senior, St Joe’s to Niagara Falls
Jaylen Hawkins, Senior, Canisius to Sweet Home
Top 10 Large Schools
1 St Francis
2 Canisius
3 Health Science
4 Bennett
5 St Joe’s
6 Orchard Park
7 West Seneca West
8 Lancaster
9 Jamestown
10 Grand Island
Top 10 Small Schools
1 Mckinley
2 Williamsville South
3 West Seneca East
4 Lackawanna
5 Depew
6 Albion/Medina
7 Chautauqua Lake
8 Pionner
9 Maryvale
10 Newfane
Predictions
Big Dan’s
AA Bennett
A Orchard Park
B Mckinley
C Chautauqua Lake
D Newfane
Final 2 AA Bennett vs Health Sciences, A Orchard Park vs West Seneca West, B Mckinley Vs Williamsville South, C C/Lake vs Salamanca, D Newfane vs Silver Creek/Forestville
WNYSM’S
AA Health Sciences
A Orchard Park
B Mckinley
C C/Lake
D Newfane
Final 2 AA Health Science vs Bennett, A Orchard Park vs West Seneca West, B Mckinley vs Williamsville South, C C/Lake vs Salamanca, D Newfane vs Silver Creek/Forestville