Football Preview 2026 | Fort Hill seeks to "rise and reclaim"

Fort Hill, the Class 1A football powerhouse, found itself in unfamiliar territory last December when they lost a state title game for the first time since 2017. The Sentinels, who had won four consecutive championships, fell 35-28 to Patuxent. Head coach Zack Alkire admitted that the loss was a wake-up call, emphasizing the need to "rise and reclaim" the title in the upcoming 2026 season.

This year's goal for Fort Hill is to return to Annapolis with a different trophy in hand. To achieve this, the team must replace seven seniors who earned All-Area honors last fall. Braelyn Younger, the Co-Area Player of the Year and a key contributor, led the area with 2,224 rushing yards and 35 rushing touchdowns. Defensively, Kyler Miller and Landynn Ritchey were standout players, while Noah House had a stellar performance at quarterback and linebacker.

With only one full-contact practice under their belt, the starting jobs are still undecided. Three players are listed at quarterback, with Carson Bender expected to be the fullback. The offensive line, led by Casey Martz, is considered strong, and the defensive line features a number of returning All-Area recipients. Overall, the team is optimistic about their chances in the upcoming season, with Alkire stating that they are at their best when they mix it up with various players.