2026 Western High School Football Season Preview

By Samuel Hennig

X : @SamuelHennig19

A New Western: Rewriting the School’s

Identity

Western High School enters 2026 as a completely transformed institution. The “old Western” — once defined by a rough reputation — no longer exists. In its place stands a STEM magnet school where every student applies, interviews, and chooses to be part of the community.

There are no feeder patterns, no automatic enrollment, and no inherited culture. Every kid in the building wants to be there.

This shift came with growing pains. Four years ago, Western didn’t accept a freshman class, leaving the school with only 15 seniors total today — and just one senior football player.

But the rebuild is accelerating with 100 juniors, 150–175 sophomores, and 250 freshmen. The long-term goal is ambitious: 1,000 students in the building within a few years. Coaches describe the cultural shift as “night-and-day” from what Western used to be. The football program is now tasked with building an identity that matches the school’s new direction.

Youth Everywhere

Western will be one of the youngest teams in Kentucky this fall. Their roster is dominated by

freshmen and sophomores, with only one senior, Terrence “T-Will” Williams, carrying the mantle of experience. Despite the youth, the coaching staff sees leadership and resilience from the players.

They show up every day, embracing the grind, steadily improving. From the linemen to

the skilled positions, all of them have tremendous upside. If this group stays together, Western will only get better year by year; they will be remembered as the team that made the change.

Offensive Leaders

Terrance “T-Will” Williams is the lone senior and the centerpiece of the offense. Schum plans to use him everywhere he can from running back to receiver, and maybe even to wildcat quarterback. T-Will is the type of player who can make magic happen at any given moment during the game.

In a recent scrimmage, he turned a simple screen into an 80-yard touchdown. That explosiveness is something that Western will rely on this season. Zion Yates will play a similar role to T-Will on the offensive side of the ball, all over the place from fullback

to running back and even in the slot some.

Yates will be a true all-around player. Nate

Ashley is an elusive running back who will get opportunities this year to prove himself with his hard work and dedication.

Cedric “Mooney” Munezero is one of the most intriguing young quarterbacks in Louisville. Mooney already shows the play recognition skills that you’d see out of a senior quarterback. He can understand the different types of coverages and safety rotations. Not only that but Coach Schum says that Mooney can already place the ball right in the breadbasket with excellent

timing. He can make every throw, but must adjust to varsity speed.

Schum believes he could be one of the city’s best quarterbacks by his junior or senior year.

“He's got the tools to be one of the better, if not the best quarterback in the city by his Junior or Senior year,” Schum says.

Be on the watch for Treyvion Scott this season, a basketball player who picked up football this summer. He’s 6'1–6'2 and naturally athletic, which automatically brings a major jump-ball threat.

Trevion is learning very quickly as a freshman. Coach Schum is extremely excited about his

potential. He may not explode statistically as a freshman, but he’s a name to remember.

Raiden Bacon is a junior who anchors Western’s offensive line. He is a three-year starter at center, bringing rare experience to a young roster.

He is one of the most dependable pieces on

The team because of his leadership and consistency. Alongside him is Allen Briggs, who is returning to play football for the first time since middle school. Despite the long break, he has quickly become a very important piece on this O-line because of his size, effort, and willingness to learn. The rest of the line is big and young, which means huge potential for the Warriors.

Defensive Leaders

Zion Yates is a middle linebacker who has been called the quarterback for the defense. He gets everyone set on that side of the ball. Yates started every game last year, so he has in-game experience, which allows him to be a very steady, reliable anchor in the middle. In the secondary, the Warriors are returning both Jaden Perry and Dante Hayes.

They both started games last season and will bring needed experience in the secondary. T-Will plays both ways, safety, outside linebacker, or possibly hybrid roles depending on the matchup. He allows the coaches to fill him in wherever they may need to. “He is just kind of our chess piece wherever we need him,” says Schum.

Program Culture & Traditions

A tradition that Schum introduced is a “Decal Night”. Players bring parents, grandparents,

siblings — anyone meaningful — to share a meal and apply helmet decals together. It marks the end of summer work and the start of the season. The coach says it’s the kind of tradition he wishes he had growing up.

Instead of giving #1 to a star player, Western awards it weekly to a staff member chosen by the players — honoring the people who support the program behind the scenes. It’s a powerful symbol of humility and community.

Final Outlook

Western is very young, but the foundation is being built the right way. A new school identity, rapidly growing enrollment, a committed coaching staff, and a culture rooted in family and accountability.

This season will be about resilience, growth, and establishing who Western is

becoming.