The Seaford Blue Jays football team returns to Bob Dowd Stadium for the 2026 season, excited and ready for the new season. Head Coach Glenn Phillips, Jr. led the Blue Jays to a Division 1A state championship last year and although graduating quarterback Vince Evans III (Presbyterian College), running back Brendan West, Aizyon Matthews (Potomac State), Doubensly Saint Jean (Army National Guard), Zahir Seymore, and Luke Metzner (Barton College), he is confident this team has what it takes to make another drive at the trophy.

This year the team’s quarterback is Everett Burton, and Tyler Hitchens is the backup. “Everett’s done everything I’ve asked him since last year. He is committed to the program,” said Phillips. Phillips said Everett shows up for the weight room, is involved in fundraising, and has shown he has the ability to fill those big shoes and become the quarterback.

The team returns seniors Ty’Aire Buffalo, Burton, Taishawn Frisby, Je’Viohn Hurst, DonRognay Leme, De’Andre Smith, and Josiah Smith. New seniors are Leshaun Allen, K’marion Hall, Nyhiem Paddy, Gaven Perry, Jahari Ross, Keshler Sauveur, Kaleb Seeley, and Ty’vaugh Talley-Pitts. Junior players returning are Ralph Alcine, Devon Crawford, Billguy Estime, Sincere Harris, Evans Janvier, James Kuhoric, Jai’khai Stanley, Kalib Thompson, Jorden Trammell, and Nich Waldridge. New juniors are Eric Cramer, Jai’Zire Farmer, Travis Moore, Bryan Nacier, Miguel Serpa, Arnold Theodat, and Brayden Zarrello. The sophomore class includes Trust Birgholtz, Ke’Jon Bland, Mardoche Mondestin, De’Vine Pumphrey, Duane Scott, Jae’dyn Sterling, Leland West, Na’Jaim Weston. Newcomers are Zy’mere Cannon, Tyler Hitchens, Rae’Shaun Horsey, Ian Lindsey, Levi Massey, Comari Page, Jose Serpa, and Jason Shaw. Freshman class members are Marqee Clark, Richard Crum, Richard Harris, Na’Zaire Jefferson, Zavian McGhee, Antonio Mollock, Carlos Palmer, Brayden Phillips, Demarr Scott, Edmond Seneamazan, and Trevor Waryasz.

Phillips said De’Andre Smith will take the ball at center and Bland returns to the guard position. The line will also include newcomer Zarrello. The ball carriers include Hurst, Stanley, Scott, and Nasir Serpa. Frisby is on as a receiver along with newcomer Ross.

The team returns tight ends Crawford and Buffalo and welcomes transfer Hall, a senior.

Defensively, Phillips said the team returns Buffalo, Stanley, Thompson, and Josiah Smith. The back half includes Harris, who made the championship stop at the goal line in last year’s game against Newark Charter.

“We have something special here,” Phillips said.

The coaching staff returns all coaches plus three new staff members. Returning are Tom Turnabaugh, Rayce Boyer, Joe Paleen, Alan Lubiniecki, Ronald Parker, Mike Greenlief, Andy Demarest, Duncan Stevens, Stephon Short, and James Schultz. New coaches include Adam Westhoff, Nick Gianni, and Dajon Emory.

The team will face 2A opponent Indian River to open the season on Sept. 11 at Bob Dowd Stadium. Seaford will also play Laurel on Oct. 2 for the Lions Trophy, and a strong 2A opponent in Polytech and Newark Charter, which returns most of its players from the championship game last year. Phillips said, “It is a good competitive schedule and what we like.”

Seaford begins the season on the road against AI DuPont before returning for the home opener.