Horseheads football ready for big season

Horseheads football is set to begin another season with aspirations of reclaiming their top spot in Section IV. The Blue Raiders commenced their 2026 campaign with their inaugural practice on Monday for the upcoming season. In 2024, Horseheads secured their inaugural Section IV Class A title since 1998; however, their championship hopes were dashed last year when they narrowly lost to Union-Endicott in overtime by a score of 21-20.

Last season, the team finished with a record of 7-4, and they will need to find replacements for key players, starting with Pat Laney, who won the Ernie Davis Award as the top player in 2025. Returning to the squad are senior running back Bryce Thomas, who aims to deliver a strong performance, junior quarterback Lyncoln Bennett, and standout linebacker Elijah Miller, who is a senior and has received invitations to major college scouting camps.

Miller is expected to be a crucial asset on the defensive line. Newcomers to the team will need to step up and contribute to help the Blue Raiders return to championship status. The team's opening game of the 2026 season will be played on the road against Rochester Aquinas on Saturday, September 5 at 1:30 PM. Their complete schedule is provided below, and updates will be available from 18 Sports as the season progresses.

The 2026 Horseheads Football Schedule includes games against Binghamton, Union-Endicott, Waverly, Vestal, Central Square (Homecoming), Elmira, Corning, Maine-Endwell, and a Senior Night game against Corning on October 30.