SECTION 4 FOOTBALL: HORSEHEADS READY FOR NEW SEASON AS THEY HEAD TO AQUINAS TO OPEN YEAR (12 PHOTOS) (September 3, 2026)

Southern Tier Sports Report
HORSEHEADS — The Horseheads football team got back to work recently as they prepare to kick off the season at Aquinas on Saturday.

“I see a team that is hungry, ready to go off last year,” Horseheads coach Kevin Hillman said. “We have a lot of new kids, in new positions, so we have a lot to work through, but I see a group that is pretty excited and ready to roll.”

The Blue Raiders return a strong group of upperclassmen, who two years ago were part of the first sectional title since 1998, and last year came one point shy of a repeat in sectionals. 

“The leadership of some of our guys, these guys are focused and ready to go from last year,” Hillman said. 

Lyncoln Bennett is a returning players, but this year he takes on a new role as the starting quarterback.

“He’s great,” Hillman said. “He’s got a lot of experience, not just here, but playing in big games in other sports, which is huge. He’s a dynamic guy back there, I think he’s going to have a big year.”

And, Bennett has some talented receivers to throw to.

“We have a couple guys here who are going to be sneaky good players,” Hillman said. “Jack Petchett, who played last year, has really good hands. He’s worked hard to get quicker with his speed. Jahvee Meisner is a JV kid coming up who is a really tall kid with great hands. Just looking at him to go to the next level.”

And, the offense has Bryce Thomas returning in the backfield.

“It’s always nice,” Hillman said. “We all know what he is, it’s his fourth year now, we are excited.”

Elijah Miller is a returner on both sides of the ball.

“When he came in, obviously from a different system, getting comfortable and everything,” Hillman said. “So, the first year we eased him in defensively as a lineman. Then, we wanted to get him at linebacker, where he is now. I think you are going to see him be real special on that side of the ball. He worked at tight end last year, and now he’s comfortable with that and I think he’s going to have a really big year there as well.”

The Blue Raiders face a tough test to begin the year at Aquinas.

“That’s what we want,” Hillman said. “We want to come out of the gate and play tough teams. It’s only going to make us better.”
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PHOTOS BY BRIAN FEES

PHOTO GALLERY FROM PRACTICE:

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