The excitement surrounding the 2026 SouthCoast football season is building as teams prepare to kick off their campaigns. With only two of last year's top ten scorers returning—Connor Nelson and Benji Baptiste from Old Rochester—the field is wide open for new talents to emerge as significant offensive contributors this fall.
This year, coaches and fans alike are eager to see which players will step up to fill the void left by last season's standout performers. The landscape of SouthCoast football is changing, and a mix of experienced quarterbacks, agile running backs, dynamic receivers, and formidable linemen are set to make their mark.
The Standard-Times sports staff has compiled a list of 25 offensive players to watch this season, based on input from local coaches and observations made during preseason camps. This initiative aims to spotlight the athletes who are expected to deliver impressive performances and potentially lead their teams to success.
Among the notable names on the list are Beckett Canessa, Paxton Canessa, and Joe Procaccini from Apponequet, as well as Nathan Zexter and Rich Riccio from Bishop Stang. Dartmouth's Chase Afonso and Aidan Gendron are also included, alongside a strong contingent from Fairhaven, which features Jackson Ponte and Drew Alfaiate from GNB Voc-Tech.
In addition to these players, New Bedford's Logan Desmarais and Tru Gonsalves-Cosme, along with Amare Rose from Wareham, are all expected to showcase their skills and contribute significantly to their teams' offensive strategies.
Fans have the opportunity to participate in the excitement by casting their votes for the 2026 Standard-Times Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. Voting is open until 8 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, allowing supporters to weigh in on who they believe will shine this season.
As the SouthCoast football teams gear up for the upcoming season, the anticipation of new talent and the potential for breakout performances create a thrilling atmosphere. With a blend of returning experience and fresh faces, this year's competition promises to be both competitive and entertaining.
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