Monroe RedhawksMonroe (7-4, 5-0* Rocky River Champs)
The Red Hawks are 2 years removed from a state title (’24) and this 2026 team wants to prove they are better than the ’25 team who lost in the 2nd round of the state playoffs. The Redhawks return senior QB Brayden Graceffa (1336 yds 10 TDs in 10 games). Graceffa, along with senior RB Jamir Jackson (1152 yds 16 TDs) make for a lethal offensive backfield. The RedHawks have added Kylan Polk from Forest Hills. Polk ran for 1132 and 16 TDs as a Yellow Jacket in 2025. Set a FH school record with 375 yards rushing in a single game while being named 2nd Team All-UCHSF. Jackson is a threat catching the ball out of the backfield; however, Monroe graduated their leading receiver Byron Simpkins (27 rec/777 yds/8 TDs) but will have senior Chris Robinson returning after putting up 286 receiving yards on 21 catches and 2 TDs.
On defense the Red Hawks lost 3 of their top 6 tacklers from ‘25 but will return LB Jamir Jackson (46 tkls) and LB Joe Jackson (22 tkls) along with DT Caniyus Rushing (21 tkls). Carlos Flores is back on the DL after he and Jamir Jackson led the Redhawks with 3 sacks each in 2025. Senior DB Jayvion Perry finished 2025 with 4 interceptions and is returning to anchor the Monroe defensive backfield. Sophomore Jeremiah Alexander had 3 INTs as a freshman and will get better with experience in 2026. Jamir Jackson and Jayvion Perry are both UCHSF D-POY Candidates. Monroe’s kicking game is set with senior Carlos Flores, who was good on 23-of-32 on PATs in ’25. The RedHawks open the 2026 season vs. Hoke Co. on Aug. 21st.