Two years removed from their best season in program history, Northside Christian is trying to return to that peak. 

After a rebuilding year, the Crusaders are hoping to be better in 2026 and return many of the players from last season’s roster. Head coach Dean Howell said he believes this year’s group has shown a lot of growth and has what it takes to be more competitive. 

“Felt like we’ve played better than we played last year,” Howell said. “Still got a long way to go. We still got a relatively young football team.

… Certainly looking forward to getting better and better and better as the season goes.”

Many of the players have grown in size and strength in the offseason. That development isn’t something that can be coached. While the jump in size is an improvement, there are other areas Howell wants to see his team get better at. 

Up front, Howell wants the team to communicate better. There were a few times in which the Crusaders’ pass protection broke down, and the team was scrambling. 

He also wants to see improvement in the passing game. Last season, the team completed less than 40% of their passes. Howell wants that number to stay at least above 60% for the season. 

“Our kids are working hard, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead of us,” Howell said. 

Despite the growth and improvement on their current roster, the Crusaders are still a young and inexperienced team. They will still have to lean on many underclassmen, including four or five freshmen. 

These players won’t have long to get acclimated as the Crusaders play a challenging SCISA schedule. The team’s first region game is Aug. 28 against Thomas Sumter. 

Howell and the team are not looking that far ahead, though. For them, it’s one day at a time. 

“Our mentality is we're going to win today so we can turn around and win again tomorrow and win again Wednesday and Thursday, then we'll have a chance to win on Friday night,” Howell said. 

Players to watch 

With such a young squad, there are many players that have the potential to break out and have an impactful year. 

Leading the charge is quarterback BJ Suits. He is a passing and rushing threat for the Crusaders. 

Will Brodie is the heart and soul of the team. He plays on both sides of the ball as the starting center and a defensive tackle. 

Gracen Wilson is the running back. He shares carries with Mac Jackson, who bounces around all over the field. 

Joshua Weston, Kaden Murray and Alex Hoffman are some of the top receivers. 

Like many smaller schools, Northside will have its top players be on both offense and defense. 

Weston, Murray and Hoffman play in the secondary. Wilson plays in the front. 

2026 schedule

Week 0 - Aug. 14 - vs. Greenwood Christian 

Week 1 - Aug. 21 - at Thornwell 

Week 2 - Aug. 28 - at Thomas Sumter Academy*

Week 3 - Sept. 4 - vs. Spartanburg Day

Week 4 - Sept. 11 - BYE

Week 5 - Sept. 18 - vs. Spartanburg Christian* 

Week 6 - Sept. 25 - at Trinity Collegiate*

Week 7 - Oct. 2 - vs. Westminster Schools of Augusta

Week 8 - Oct. 9 - at Cardinal Newman 

Week 9 - Oct. 16 - BYE

Week 10 - Oct. 23 - vs. Florence Christian*

Week 11 - Oct. 30 - at Wilson Hall* 

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