07/09/2026
2026 Southeast Football Season Preview brought to you by Dez Poole with Clinch Realty
The Southeast Lancers enter the 2026 football season looking to build momentum under Head Coach Phil Hobbs, who begins his second year leading the program.
Hobbs will be joined by assistant coaches Dustin Wheeler, who serves as defensive coordinator, and Jerry Alexander, who leads special teams. After finishing 3-6 in 2025, Southeast brings back a strong group of experienced players as the Lancers prepare for a major transition into 8-man football.
Senior Solomon Scott returns at quarterback and linebacker after throwing for 687 yards, rushing for 125 yards, and recording 47 solo tackles last season. His experience on both sides of the ball will be important as Southeast adjusts to the speed and spacing of the 8-man game.
Senior Tyler Warner is another major player to watch. Warner finished 2025 with 361 receiving yards, 62 solo tackles, and four interceptions from his wide receiver and safety spots. His ability to make plays in the passing game and impact the defense gives Southeast a true difference-maker.
Junior Gannon Hobbs also returns after rushing for 434 yards, adding 143 receiving yards, and making 28 solo tackles. Junior Carter Buzard brings versatility at wide receiver, defensive back, and punter after recording 32 solo tackles. Up front, Southeast returns juniors Braxtyn Renn and Izaak Dickinson on the offensive and defensive lines, while junior Hunter Jones is back at defensive end after finishing with 33 solo tackles.
Other key players include junior Chaydon Mays at running back and defensive line, junior Kayden Allen at running back and linebacker, junior Conner Allen on the offensive and defensive lines, sophomore Brodie Lorenzo on the line, sophomore Dylan McMinn on the line, and senior Gabe Hoch on the offensive and defensive lines.
Coach Hobbs describes this year’s team as fast, physical, and aggressive. Offensively, Southeast believes it has multiple playmakers and wants to spread the ball around to keep defenses guessing. Defensively, the Lancers are placing extra emphasis on being fundamentally sound, understanding assignments, and becoming strong, reliable tacklers.
The league should be highly competitive this fall, especially with Southeast, Pleasanton, and Erie all making the move from 11-man to 8-man football.
Oswego has been at the top of the league, Pleasanton was strong at 11-man, and Southeast’s schedule also includes tough matchups with Crest, Yates Center, and Erie.
For the Lancers, every game matters. Coach Hobbs is not underestimating anyone on the schedule, knowing the league is filled with good coaches and talented athletes. The focus will be on taking things one week at a time, controlling what they can control, and competing every Friday night.
The 2026 season brings a new challenge for Southeast football, but also a big opportunity. With experienced leaders, playmakers on both sides of the ball, and a renewed emphasis on defense and physicality, the Lancers will look to make their mark in their first season of 8-man football.
