The anticipation for the 2026 high school football season is building as all nine schools in SouthCoast prepare to kick off their campaigns. The season opener is set for Friday, September 11, with local teams eager to make their mark. The schools involved include Apponequet, Bishop Stang, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, GNB Voc-Tech, New Bedford, Old Colony, Old Rochester, and Wareham.
Week 1 promises exciting matchups, featuring Dartmouth traveling to Bishop Stang for a 7 p.m. showdown, while New Bedford High will host GNB Voc-Tech at the same time. These games will set the tone for the season and allow teams to showcase their preparations during the offseason.
The Standard-Times is your go-to source for comprehensive coverage of high school football on the SouthCoast. Fans can find detailed season previews, team schedules, and profiles of key players who are expected to shine this year.
Here's a closer look at each of the SouthCoast teams and what to expect from them in the upcoming season:
Apponequet
Head Coach: Zane Fyfe (12th year at Apponequet, 19th overall)
Last Year’s Record: 2-9
Key Players: Joe Procaccini, Sr., RB/DB; Paxton Canessa, Sr., QB; Eli Bertoncini, Sr., OL/DL; among others.
Coach’s Insight: Fyfe noted a significant increase in team numbers this year, with over 50 players from grades 9-12, signaling a promising future.
Bishop Stang
Head Coach: Dennis Golden (10th year at Stang, 36th overall)
Last Year’s Record: 5-6
Key Players: Josh Oliveira, Sr., OL/DL; Jason Campbell, Sr., QB; and others.
Coach’s Insight: Golden emphasized the unity within the team, aiming for a strong start and a playoff presence.
Dartmouth
Head Coach: Rick White (23rd year as head coach; 38th overall)
Last Year’s Record: 6-5
Key Players: Aidan Gendron, Sr., QB/K/P; Chase Afonso, Sr., RB/DB; and others.
Coach’s Insight: White aims for excellence in every game, targeting the Pioneer Athletic Conference title.
Fairhaven
Head Coach: Derek Almeida (sixth year at Fairhaven; 12th overall)
Last Year’s Record: 12-1
Key Players: Carter Frates, Sr., WR; Jackson Williams, Jr., DB/RB; and others.
Coach’s Insight: Almeida noted the importance of building on the previous season's success while addressing the challenges of a young team.
GNB Voc-Tech
Head Coach: Matt Silva (second year at Voc-Tech; 19th overall)
Last Year’s Record: 1-10
Key Players: Gabe Figueroa, Sr., QB; Quincy Stroud, Sr., WR; and others.
Coach’s Insight: Silva expressed excitement about the team's growth and resilience after a tough previous season.
New Bedford
Head Coach: Bob Lomp (second year at New Bedford; 20th overall)
Last Year’s Record: 0-10
Key Players: Logan Desmarais, Sr., FB/LB; Max Sylvia, Sr., C; and others.
Coach’s Insight: Lomp highlighted the positive atmosphere and the importance of enjoying the rebuilding process.
Old Colony
Head Coach: Brandon Mendez (12th year at Old Colony; 17th overall)
Last Year’s Record: 4-7
Key Players: Aidan Anderson, Sr., RB/LB; Cole Correia, Sr., QB; and others.
Coach’s Insight: Mendez aims for consistent improvement and competitiveness within the league.
Old Rochester
Head Coach: Bryce Guilbeault (eighth year at Old Rochester, 16th overall)
Last Year’s Record: 5-6
Key Players: Benji Baptiste, Jr., RB; Connor Nelson, Jr., QB; and others.
Coach’s Insight: Guilbeault acknowledged the challenging schedule ahead, indicating a tough road for his team.
Wareham
Head Coach: Cy Bariteau (third year at Wareham, ninth overall)
Last Year’s Record: 6-5
Key Players: Ty-Rell Pires, Sr., RB/LB; Amare Rose, Sr., QB/WR/DB; and others.
Coach’s Insight: Bariteau praised the leadership of his senior players and their commitment to the program's legacy.
As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to thrilling games and the development of young talent across the SouthCoast. Be sure to stay tuned for updates and in-depth coverage throughout the season.
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