Last season: 10-1

Central Christian heads into 2026 with a strong senior-laden core after a 10-1 campaign under fourth-year head coach Matthew Barnett. The Cougars return experience and production across the lineup, especially in the trenches and the offensive skill spots, giving them the pieces to contend again.

Up front, seniors Brayden Wallace, Trey Miller and Karson Sullivan anchor the offensive line, while senior tight end Cael Kooiman adds a proven receiving threat with 14 catches for 182 yards and 4 touchdowns. Quarterback Luke Eigsti returns after an efficient dual-threat season (76-of-114 passing for 952 yards and 12 TDs; 68 rushes for 373 yards and 9 scores), and senior receiver Cal Barnett provides big-play ability with 26 receptions for 405 yards and 6 scores plus a rushing touchdown.

Defensively, Central Christian is equally senior-heavy. Wallace and Miller lead the defensive line, combining for tackles, tackles for loss and sacks, while Sullivan and Kooiman are highly productive at linebacker, with Sullivan posting 59 stops and 10 TFLs and Kooiman adding 74 tackles, 5 TFLs, 2 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. In the secondary, Eigsti and Barnett form a dangerous ball-hawking duo: Eigsti had 48 tackles, 7 tackles for loss and an outstanding 11 interceptions with two defensive touchdowns, and Barnett added 68 tackles, 6 interceptions and a pick-six of his own.

With that much senior experience, especially at quarterback, receiver, tight end, and all three levels of the defense, Central Christian should again be in the mix to win its league and push deep into the postseason if the supporting cast around this core develops as expected.