Jacob Hall

Columbia's Crimson Tide enters the 2026 high school football season with elevated expectations after improving from an 0-10 record in 2024 to a 5-6 finish and district playoff berth last fall. Under first-year head coach Nate Bagley, the team developed greater resilience and belief after overcoming adversity. Players Alex Morris and Bobby Reese say the team is motivated to build on last season's progress, beginning with the Aug. 28 opener against J.P. McCaskey.

WGAL previews the 2026 high school football season across the Susquehanna Valley ahead of the August 28 opening week. Dallastown hopes to rebound from a 4-6 regular season under Levi Murphy, Manheim Township enters four wins shy of 500 program victories after a 10-2 campaign, and Hempfield must replace standout quarterback Derek Katch while relying on experienced players such as wide receiver Orion Abrams.

Pitt prepares for the upcoming football season after consecutive years of strong starts followed by late-season declines. Coach Pat Narduzzi highlights schedule adjustments and the difficulty of past opponents, noting optimism heading into a Sept. 5 opener against Miami of Ohio.

Christian Pulisic’s career progression from Hershey standout to leading figure in U.S. soccer is highlighted through milestones including becoming the youngest player to start a World Cup qualifier, earning multiple U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year awards, contributing to the 2019 Gold Cup run and supporting his hometown by opening a youth training facility. Ahead of the U.S. match against Belgium, he expressed confidence in teammate Flo Balogun’s return as a key offensive threat.