​Hamden’s Josh Johnson (24) carries the ball during high school football action against Hillhouse in New Haven, Conn., on Thursday October 9, 2025. (Christian Abraham/Hearst Connecticut Media)
Master list: CT high school football previews for 2026HAMDEN[Vitals]COACH -Tom Dyer (11th season, 35-57)HOME FIELD – Joe Bruno Field, Hamden HSPLAYOFF CLASS – LLCONFERENCE – SCC2025 RECORD – 2-8RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) – 4/4TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA – X:@Hamden_FB[They’re Here]James Cole, Sr., OL (5-10, 270)JP Padilla, Sr., TE/DL (6-3, 260)Jaymorian Barrett, Sr., QB/LB (5-9, 205)Josh Johnson, Sr., RB/LB (5-7, 185)Marquis Rose, Sr., WR/DB (5-10, 155)Savon Reid, Sr., OL/DL (5-9, 245)Travon Council, Sr., WR/DB (5-8, 140)George Holland, Jr., QB/WR/DB (5-7, 160) [Reason to Cheer]There are more than 20 seniors on the roster looking to reverse Hamden’s run of three consecutive losing seasons since going to the playoffs at 8-2 in 2022.[Reason to Fear]All-State linebacker Xaviare Ager and his 125 tackles have to be replaced.[The Bottom Line]Last year’s leading rusher, Josh Johnson, returns after compiling 473 yards. Eli Bourdier and Caleb Newton will also share some of the workload. Coach Tom Dyer feels the team has depth at receiver, led by Marquis Rose and Travon Council. Who will throw them the ball is still to be determined: Jaymorian Barrett and George Holland are competing for the quarterback spot. James Cole and Savon Reid will be among those offensive linemen providing protection for the eventual starting QB.While it will be difficult to replace last season’s leading tackler Xaviare Ager, JP Padilla is one of Hamden’s top returnees on defense. Padilla made 47 tackles and blocked two field goals.Hamden is coming off consecutive 2-8 seasons. Can the Green Dragons get to .500 this season? Dyer feels a strong season could be possible if the team gets off to a good start. Hamden hosts Law in the season opener, and Conard makes the trip the following week for an Alliance game. There also are intriguing matchups against playoff hopefuls such as Hillhouse, Lyman Hall and Ledyard (Alliance).[2026 Schedule]Sept. 10 – LAW, 6 p.m.*Sept. 18 – CONARD, 6 p.m.@Sept. 25 – at Hillhouse, 5 p.m.*Oct. 2 – at East Haven, 6 p.m.*Oct. 9 – LYMAN HALL, 6 p.m.*Oct. 23 – at Ledyard, 6 p.m.@Oct. 30 – at Wilbur Cross/Career, 5 p.m.*Nov. 6 – AMITY, 6 p.m.*Nov. 13 – at Foran, 7 p.m.*Nov. 26 – NOTRE DAME-WEST HAVEN, 6 p.m.** Conference game@ CT HS Alliance gameSign up for the Connecticut Briefing from CT Insider. Get the biggest headlines of the day from our network of journalists around the state.This article originally published at Your guide to the Hamden high school football team ahead of the 2026 season.