Porter Ridge PiratesPorter Ridge (7-5, 3-3)
The Pirates QB will be junior Connor Donnahoo in 2026. Donnaho was impressive in the 2nd round playoff loss to Richmond Co. going 12-of-18 for 208 yards and 2TDs. Gone is All-Everything and last year’s UCHSF Offensive P.O.Y in athlete Ra’Shawn Elmore (Michigan St). Elmore was responsible for 1200+ yards of offense and 21 TDs in 2025. The Pirates will need someone to run the football, and it may be running back my committee to start. Senior Novian McGriff is returning along with Kameron Hayden in the offensive backfield along with Author Scott (322 yds/1 TD). Senior Keenan Sullivan is making the movie from QB/Athlete to WR in 2026. Sullivan does whatever the team asks. Last season’s leading receiver returning this season is Kam Hayden, who had 13 catches for 100 yards in 2025. The Pirate receiving corps will add newcomers Noel Bryant and Jasen Lockhart receiving room and that will add depth and playmaking ability
Defensively the Pirates lose the Henriquez brothers have transferred to Weddington and that will hurt. The Pirates leading tacklers returning are DL Charles Watson (76 tackles) and LB Grant Forest (73 tackles). Keenan Sullivan will be at one of the four linebacker positions in 2026. Senior Kam Hayden finished with 40 stops last season. Watson led the Pirates with 9.5 sacks and will bring as much pressure as he can. Senior DB Christian Cathen led Union Co. with 5 interceptions including 2 PICK-6’s. He will anchor the Pirate defensive backfield. Watson and Cathen are UCHSF D-POY candidates. The Pirates kicking game will have sophomore Sam Elliott, replacing Ryan Ladimir, who was All-SCC after knocking in 30-of-33 PATs and was good on 6-of-7 field goals in 2025. The Pirates open the 2025 season hosting AL Brown on Aug. 21st.