The Connecticut high school football season begins in nearly two weeks, kicking off on Thursday, September 10, 2026. Many teams that were in the championship games a season ago return as some of the most talented teams in the state while other teams will look to make a name for themselves this upcoming season. Here are the top-25 CIAC teams heading into the 2026 season: 1. New Canaan The New……
By Andy Close & Rob Gullo NEFJ Correspondents There’s guaranteed to be at least one new state champion in 2026 in the CIAC. Several prominent programs are moving classifications this season, a shakeup that should lead to some potentially intriguing postseason matchups. With that in mind, here’s a look at the six classes, featuring favorites, contenders, and teams that could surprise. Class LL: Greenwich once again the favorite Greenwich is…
As the summer heat gives way to crisp autumn Friday nights, football fans across the Bay State are gearing up for another thrilling fall campaign. From major coaching transitions and private school transfer waves to division-wide power shifts, the landscape in Massachusetts high school football is as dynamic as ever.
NEEDHAM – In 2023 and 2024, Needham not only put itself back on the map, the Rockets stunned the state with a trip to the Super Bowl after a loss in the state semifinals the year prior. Last season was a three-win down year for head coach Doug Kopcso and his crew, but it ultimately turned into learning lessons for this season. Now, heading into 2026, new leaders are emerging,…
By Colby Shannon NEFJ Correspondent FRANKLIN — At Pisini Field on Monday afternoon, the phrase “All In” could be seen in powder blue text on top of a sweat-drenched gray shirt. It made the mindset for the 2026 season very clear. This year, Franklin will look to bounce back from a disappointing 5-6 season, which saw the team get routed in the Hockomock championship by King Philip High School. Monday’s…
By Michael Najarian NEFJ Correspondent NATICK — Summer temperatures remain, but fall is just around the corner as it’s officially football season for Natick. The Redhawks kicked off practice with the hope that a mix of talented returners and fresh faces will lead to another successful season and a deeper run in the MIAA Division I tournament. Here’s what stood out during the first practice: Caissie Leading Potent Offense —…
By Mukala Kabongo NEFJ Correspondent DANVERS – St. John’s Prep looks to return to Gillette Stadium with a loaded offense led by Ohio State commit Christopher Vargas. The Eagles kicked off their first practice with an emphasis on playing with a sense of urgency. Here’s a few things that stood out during Day 1 of camp for Prep: Quarterback – Earlier this month Vargas announced his commitment to play football…
By Mukala Kabongo NEFJ Correspondent LAWRENCE – It’s clear that senior leadership will pave the way for Central Catholic during the 2026 season under new head coach John Dubzinski. New Face Leading the Way – After taking a year off, Coach Dubzinski returned to the field, bringing in his many years of coaching experience at North Andover. During the Raiders’ first practice, Dubzinski – who replaced coach John Sexton -…
BROCKTON- For newly appointed Brockton High School head football coach Mike Norman, stepping into the top job at one of the country’s most historic high school football programs isn’t just a career milestone—it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
WEYMOUTH- For Tyandre Monteiro-Cooper, football wasn’t an immediate obsession; it was a craft that had to be unlocked. What began as a game eventually transformed into a life-defining pursuit, fueled by a realization of his own potential and an undeniable desire to compete under the bright lights of high school sports. “I decided to commit to playing football because I could see that if I just put in a lot of hard work I could be able to get an opportunity to play at an elite level in college on scholarship,” Monteiro-Cooper said. “Football is just a great game that is a mix of strategy, discipline, willpower, brotherhood that I wanted to be apart of and i always wanted to play in Friday night lights!”