As summer approaches, the eight schools in District 9-5A, including reigning state champion Edna Karr, are refining their rosters and strategies for the upcoming 2026 football season through 7-on-7 drills and workouts. Key players are emerging alongside new talents, with each team adapting to the challenges of building a competitive squad. Edna Karr faces the challenge of replacing numerous graduated players while training promising newcomers at key positions. Other schools like Brother Martin and Chalmette are focusing on leveraging both returning starters and developing players to enhance their chances of success in the upcoming season.

By the Numbers
  • Edna Karr graduated 25 players who signed to play in college, with a 27-game winning streak intact.
  • Brother Martin's Easton Royal set the LHSAA state-meet record in the 100-meter dash at 10.17 seconds.
Yes, But

Despite returning strong athletes, each team faces uncertainties, particularly with team cohesion and adapting to new lineups after significant player departures. Health remains a crucial factor affecting performance, as seen with Holycross's concerns about depth impacting potential success.

State of Play
  • Coaches are assessing new players and formations, particularly on offense and defense, to fill gaps left by graduated athletes.
  • Numerous players are splitting time between sports, impacting the offseason training regimen.
What's Next

As summer training intensifies, teams will focus on building chemistry and testing player versatility before the new season starts. Coaches look to finalize starting lineups based on performance during summer drills and strengthen their game plans in preparation for critical early-season matchups.

Bottom Line

Upcoming months will be pivotal for these teams as they seek to blend seasoned players with newcomers. Success hinges on effectively adapting strategies to the evolving rosters while maintaining team health and depth throughout the preseason.