Union AcademyUnion Academy (5-7, 2-5)
The Cardinals have improved from 4 wins in the previous 2 seasons to 5 last year while advancing to the 2nd round of the state playoffs under HC Mason Sledge. The QB position is a battle with junior Nico Mendoza and senior Parker Frazier. Mendoza connected on 51% of his passes for 1941 yards and 14 TDs last season in his 1st year as a varsity starter. Thew for a career high 252 yards and 3 TDs in a 45-19 win over Thomas Jefferson. Frazier started at UA as a sophomore but was at Marvin Ridge in 2025. The Cardinal rushing attack loses 1300+ rushing yards with the graduation of Michael Donato and John Leon. Senior Omar Langlois is the leading rusher returning with 231 yards on 51 carries and a TD. Mendoza ran for 3 TDs and 92 yards in 2025. r top 4 rushers from last season. The receiving group for the Cardinals is led by Jaequan Timmons, a senior who led the Cards with 704 yards and 5 TDs in 2025. He will be flanked by junior Gavin Short, who led the Cards with 6 receiving TDs and 398 yards on just 22 catches (18.1 ypc).
The Cardinal defense graduates 3 of their top 5 tacklers from 2025. With the graduation of Michael Donato and Jordan Smith the Cardinals lose 190 tackles combined in 2025. John Souza is the leading tackler returning for his senior season, after notching 74 last year. Racked up 11 stops in a win over TJCA. Wyatt Young returns in 2026 after registering 4 sacks from 2025. Souza added 3.5 sacks in ’25. Lloyd Barnes will be the leader in the defensive backfield after grabbing 4 interceptions in 2025. Along with Jaequan Timmons with 2 interceptions in ‘25. Frazier will start at safety in the Cards defensive backfield. The kicking game is up in the air with the graduation of Stephen Gonzales (10 FGs and 26 XPs). The Cardinals will be hosting South Rowan Aug. 21st to open the 2026 season.