When Chris Napier took the Airport job, he knew the program was in need of a spark. 

The Eagles were young and lacked experience in his first season, and that led to a winless (0-10) season, missing out on the playoffs altogether. 

This year, he believes his team can do better, and so far they have. 

Airport got their season started last week against Pelion, and for the first time in over 700 days, the Eagles won a game. 

“I’m just so proud of these guys right now,” Napier said. “They've been through so much adversity over the last four years, and they just kept grinding and working and believing in what we're doing, and I think the results proved themselves” 

To stay on the right track this season, Napier is expecting constant improvement. He wants to see the team clean up their penalties, adapt to pressure situations and tweak the little things. 

“We really need to just learn how to win and how to be successful and do the little things right,” he said. 

The Eagles are not focused on looking too far ahead. Airport will concentrate on the challenge in front of them and worry about what’s down the line when it comes. 

“We’ve got to keep the main thing the main thing,” Napier said. 

Airport will attempt to be an aggressive team this season. The Eagles will send pressure, and they’ll take shots when needed. 

The team runs an air raid system, spreading the field out and keeping the defense on their toes. 

“I’ve seen a lot of good things,” Napier said. 

Players to watch 

Airport will still be a young team in 2026, rostering 11 seniors and the rest being underclassmen. 

Sophomore Ameire Lynch is a name to watch for in the receiver position. He is expected to be a weapon for the team alongside Talon Harlin. 

They’ll catch passes from quarterback Rico Crawford. He’s in his first season as the team’s starting quarterback and threw four touchdowns in the week zero win. 

He’ll be protected by an offensive line manned by seniors Jessiah Thompson, Jesus Gallardo, Ben Humphries and Kailen Gillis. The o-line is one of the most experienced of Airport’s position groups. 

Airport will have some players play on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Some of these two-way players are receiver-cornerback Dakota Jones, defensive end-tight end Elijah Johnson and receiver-safety Domonique Ardister. 

Other players on the defensive side of the ball include safety Jaleen Henry, corner Joey Ross and linebacker Shaun Peoples. 

2026 schedule 

Week 0 - Aug. 21 - vs. Pelion

Week 1 - Aug. 28 - vs. South Aiken

Week 2 - Sept. 4 - at Keenan

Week 3 - Sept. 11 - at Chapin 

Week 4 - Sept. 18 - at Columbia 

Week 5 - Sept. 25 - BYE

Week 6 - Oct. 2 - vs. Swansea*

Week 7 - Oct. 9 - at Lower Richland*

Week 8 - Oct. 16 - vs. Gilbert*

Week 9 - Oct. 23 - at Brookland-Cayce*

Week 10 - Oct. 30 - vs. Camden*

Note: (*) indicates a game against a region opponent