Written by Jack Hart
The Meridian Hawks enter the 2026 football season with high expectations after getting a taste of the playoffs a year ago.
Head coach Coach Sparks said the team has worked hard throughout the offseason and is determined to continue improving. After starting his tenure with steady year-over-year growth, Sparks believes this year’s group has the potential to take another step forward.
“We have high expectations for ourselves,” Sparks said. “The goal is year-over-year growth.”
The Hawks return a strong group of players, including several experienced juniors and seniors. Trenton Dowdy, a junior, believes Meridian has the talent to make a deep playoff run, pointing to the team’s quarterback, offensive line and receiving corps as major strengths.
Dowdy has also embraced a larger leadership role this season. As an upperclassman, he said he is focused on helping younger players and leading them as much as possible.
Senior Isaac Hanson is taking a similar approach. Hanson said he has focused on teaching younger players the fundamentals, especially along the offensive line, while leading by example.
The Hawks have also put in plenty of work away from the field. Hanson said the team spent the summer in the weight room before turning its attention toward fundamentals and eventually getting more physical in preparation for the season.
Senior quarterback Bryce Brown said the team has also spent significant time developing its passing game, working on timing with the receivers and making noticeable progress during the preseason.
Brown said the Hawks are motivated by last season’s first-round playoff exit. With only three seniors graduating from that team, the returning players have spent the offseason thinking about how they can go further this year.
“We’re looking for a deep playoff run this year,” Brown said.
A Tough Challenge Awaits
One game everyone around the program has circled is the Week 10 matchup with Amboy, which will be played at Meridian and also serves as Senior Night.
Brown said the Hawks are excited about the opportunity, especially with Amboy coming off back-to-back state championships.
Dowdy, meanwhile, has another opponent on his mind.
He said he would like the opportunity to get back at Pawnee after last year’s matchup, believing Meridian had an opportunity to win the game.
With both games providing extra motivation, the Hawks know they will have plenty of challenges throughout the season.
Building Through Pressure
Sparks has placed a major emphasis on accountability and execution during the preseason.
The Hawks have worked on getting things done when they aren’t going their way, while also learning to take responsibility for their actions.
Sparks said the program’s larger cultural goal is to teach players how to survive under pressure and thrive under pressure.
That philosophy goes beyond football.
The coaching staff wants its players to learn how to compete, handle adversity and perform when the pressure is at its highest.
A Growing Coaching Staff
Meridian enters the season with one of the largest coaching staffs Sparks has had during his time with the program.
Sparks said the staff has grown from four coaches to eight, giving the players more position-specific instruction and allowing the coaching staff to better develop the team.
Defensive coordinator Coach Long has been heavily involved with the defense, while Sparks continues to oversee the offense.
The expanded staff has also allowed the coaches to develop a stronger understanding of the program’s system and what they want to accomplish.
The Community Behind the Hawks
The support surrounding Meridian football has also grown.
Sparks said the community has stepped up in several ways, from painting signs to supporting the team through local businesses.
The players have even been welcomed at a local restaurant on Friday mornings for breakfast as they prepare for game day.
The program also received new helmets this season, adding to the excitement surrounding the team.
Sparks believes the community support is a reflection of how much people are buying into what the Hawks are building.
With a motivated group of players, an expanded coaching staff and strong community support, Meridian enters the 2026 season believing it can take another step forward.
The Hawks have already tasted the playoffs.
Now, they’re looking for much more.
The goal is simple: keep growing, compete under pressure and make a deep playoff run.
