CRYSTAL CITY HORNETS – FOOTBALL
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Crystal City enters the 2026 season determined to raise the program’s standard after “falling short of our expectations last season.” Head coach Craig Collins, entering year two, says “our players are very aware of the standard we want to play to and have taken ownership of that,” making clear how much the locker room has bought into the message. Even though the Hornets “graduated a talented senior class,” Collins believes “this group is ready to reload rather than rebuild,” and that the youth on the roster “brings energy, competitiveness, and a strong commitment to development.” He explains that the offseason focus “has been on fundamentals, physical growth, and building depth and football knowledge,” and says the staff is confident the team “will continue to improve each week and compete at a high level by the time the season arrives.”
On offense, Crystal City returns six starters and plans to lean heavily on gun formations and flexibility. Collins notes, “We will be in a lot of Gun with the gameplan of taking what the defense gives us,” and describes their identity this way: “Our Offensive Philosophy is that we want to play Position-less Football and put our best athletes in places to succeed.” Senior linemen Gage McPherson and Trent Eisenbeis lead the front, while senior wide receiver Talon Clayton and senior running back Evan Morgan headline the skill group. Sophomore wide receiver Alex Parham and sophomore quarterback Kolton Adams round out the top offensive names, giving the Hornets a mix of experience and young playmakers to build around.
Defensively, seven starters return, and the unit keeps the same aggressive mindset. McPherson moves to linebacker, Eisenbeis slides to the defensive line, Clayton and Parham handle the cornerback spots, Morgan plays strong safety, and sophomore Tristyn Munton contributes at both defensive line and linebacker. Collins says, “We’ll be a multiple defense once again this year,” and emphasizes they are “sticking with our same Mantra we came in with, and that’s to Put the Ball Down and Eat (Effort Attitude Toughness)!” He adds, “It doesn’t matter who we play, or when, or where we are going to play Offense on Defense and have more people attacking the line of scrimmage then they have to defend it,” summarizing the defense’s attack-first personality.
McPherson is the MVP nominee and is described by Collins as “one of the strongest athletes I have coached, with a 500-pound deadlift and a 515-pound squat,” but he stresses that “his value goes far beyond raw strength.” McPherson is “extremely intelligent, learns quickly, and consistently applies coaching at a high level,” and “because of his quickness, agility, and natural leadership,” he was moved “from defensive line to Mike linebacker, where he has taken control of the defense.” Incoming freshman Brody Parker is the underclassman to watch; at 6‑2 and 185 pounds “he brings excellent length and a physical frame that already stands out for being so young,” and “what truly separates Brody, however, is his mindset and work ethic,” as he “approaches every workout and practice with purpose” and “consistently pushes himself to improve.”
8/28 – at Winfield
9/4 – at Affton
9/11 – vs. Bayless
9/18 – vs. Confluence
9/25 – at Veritas
10/2 – vs. Salisbury
10/9 – at Duchesne
10/16 – at Malden
10/23 – vs. Grandview
