University City High School
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University City High School went 9–2 and has the pieces in place for a deep run in 2026. Head coach Will Franklin, in his second year, writes, “The U-City Lions have a healthy 2027 class, and a very large 2028 class that comprise the strength of our offense and defense,” and mentions some 2029 and incoming 2030 athletes who have been working hard. He adds, “We’ve got all the pieces we need to make a deep run this year, and we look forward to showing everyone that hard work and dedication truly pays off.” His staff includes OC David Lazaroff, DC John Morris, and assistants Anthony Thomas, Anthony Wright, Clyde Christian, Corey Patterson, Donald Catlin, Eric Ketzer, James Moore, James Spark, Richard Matthews and Suzanne Goodwin.
Offensively, U‑City returns eight starters in a Spread system that is heavy run with Air Raid concepts. Franklin writes, “The U-City offense is based on variations of Spread. We are a heavy run, but we feature many Air Raid concepts. We like to move quick, and trust our athletes to know and run the offense.” Sophomore quarterback Teddy Stephens (6‑2, 165) threw for “1807 Yds / 24 TDs,” sophomore running back Travis Allen Jr. (5‑8, 185) rushed for “1072 Yds / 18 TDs,” junior receiver Lashawn Owens (5‑8, 162) had “105 Yds / 1 TD,” and junior receiver Jayshyn Cotton (5‑7, 160) posted “393 Yds / 4 TDs.” Junior lineman August Rossel (6‑1, 205) and sophomore lineman Chase Allen (5‑10, 285) help power the front.
Defensively, eight starters return in a 4‑3 base that can also roll into 3‑4 and 5‑2. Sophomore corner Caden Cody‑Jackson (6‑1, 155) recorded “23 TOT, 4 T4L, 3 FMBR,” junior corner Christian Hill (6‑0, 170) had “17 TOT, 6 INT,” sophomore linebacker Dart Barber (5‑8, 185) produced “41 TOT, 15 Sack, 14 T4L,” and sophomore linebacker Devonn Bowers (6‑2, 195) added “23 TOT, 6 Sack, 5 T4L, 1 INT.” Sophomore defensive lineman Joshua McNeal (6‑1, 225) tallied “38 TOT, 6 Sack, 9 T4L, 1 FMBR TD,” and sophomore linebacker Kevin Killingsworth (5‑8, 180) posted “34 TOT, 3 Sacks, 7 T4L, 4 INT, 4 FMBR.” Franklin writes, “We work to reset the line of scrimmage and apply pressure with the strength of our line, allowing our back seven to plug gaps and effectively cover the entire field.”
Stephens is the MVP nominee, described as “an outstanding student athlete” who is “locked in” in the building and “has full command of the offense,” with QB training dating back to first grade. Bowers is the underclassman to watch, “a special athlete” who made immediate defensive and special‑teams contributions and will have an expanded offensive role this year.
