Gardner Edgerton will enter the 2026 football season with a younger roster than it has had in recent years, putting an emphasis on development as the Trailblazers navigate a challenging schedule.
Gardner Edgerton went 9-3 last season, but coach Jesse Owen knows his team will have to grow quickly this fall. The Trailblazers face a difficult league schedule and a tough Week 2 matchup against Hays, giving a young squad little time to find its footing.
“We will have a younger team this season compared to recent years,” Owen said. “Combined with a challenging league schedule and a tough Week 2 matchup against Hays, KS, our squad will be tested early and often. We have a long way to go.”
Gardner Edgerton returns six offensive starters, led by senior quarterback Carson McCall. McCall, a dual-threat quarterback, is also Owen’s nominee for team MVP.
“Carson is a dual threat quarterback,” Owen said. “He can run the ball and make good decisions. He throws very well too.”
McCall will direct an offense built around the flexbone formation and a triple-option attack. Senior Landon Sweat and junior Chase Deaton provide experience along the offensive line, while senior athlete Domani Toney and junior running back Manny Mulwa are among the other returning contributors.
The Trailblazers’ option-based offense will put a premium on decision-making, execution and consistency as the younger players become more comfortable with their roles.
Defensively, Gardner Edgerton returns four starters and will operate primarily from a 3-4 stack base. The Trailblazers have the ability to move into multiple fronts, giving the defense some flexibility as it looks to replace key contributors from last season.
Senior defensive backs Jamisen Flowers and Penn McCall are among the returning leaders in the secondary. Junior defensive ends LeRoi Kamtio and Oshae Vidal and junior linebacker Dawson Cassida also will be counted on to help anchor the defense.
With a younger roster and a demanding schedule, leadership will be particularly important for Gardner Edgerton. Owen believes Carson McCall can provide that leadership on and off the field.
“He is intelligent, great work-ethic, great leader,” Owen said.
The Trailblazers also have an intriguing young athlete to develop in sophomore Easton Vesey. A standout baseball player, Vesey brings athletic ability and a strong understanding of the game to the football field.
“Easton has great athletic IQ,” Owen said.
For Gardner Edgerton, the early portion of the season will provide a clear measuring stick. With six offensive starters and four defensive starters returning, the Trailblazers have enough experience to build around, but the development of their younger players could determine how quickly they are ready to compete against one of the state’s more demanding schedules.
Owen isn’t looking past that process.
“We have a long way to go,” he said.
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