Cleveland Indians
Head Coach: Ajani Sanders (2nd season; 0-10 record)
Last Season: 0-10; 0-8 in district
Returning Lettermen: 36 (7 returning starters on offense; 6 on defense)
Cleveland Key Players and Storylinez
It has been nearly four years since Cleveland tasted victory on the field. But after a full offseason under Ajani Sanders’ leadership, the Indians are taking steps towards ending that 36-game losing streak.
Sanders has told his guys if they want it, they have to earn it, and they have certainly been doing that with their hard work during the spring and summer.
Returning talent always helps too, and the Indians have that under center with speedy junior quarterback Zach Nickson. Their tight ends will also be a strength for the offense with physical blocker Sergio Gonzalez and Dontrell Punch, who can play some outside receiver too.
Defensively, ballhawk Aspen Williams and Jarvion Payne are another formidable pair at safety. Linebacker Seth Quintero will be the centerpiece of the defense again after leading the Indians in tackles in 2025.
Sanders said his team still has work to do in the weight room to avoid being pushed around this fall, but their knowledge of the game and competitiveness have been growing throughout the offseason. That’s a foundation to build on as Cleveland looks to “put a product on the field that the community can be proud of” in 2026.
2026 Cleveland Indians Football Schedule
*Denotes District 13-6A contest
Friday August 28, 2026 vs. Spring Woods 7:00 PM
Friday September 4, 2026 vs. Aldine 7:00 PM
Thursday September 10, 2026 at Lake Creek @ Montgomery Stadium Away 7:00 PM
Friday September 25, 2026 vs. Oak Ridge* 7:00 PM
Friday October 2, 2026 at Caney Creek* @ Moorehead Away 7:00 PM
Friday October 9, 2026 vs. College Park*7:00 PM
Thursday October 15, 2026 vs. The Woodlands* @ Woodforest Stadium Away 7:00 PM
Friday October 23, 2026 vs. Willis* 7:00 PM
Friday October 30, 2026 vs. Conroe* 7:00 PM
Thursday November 5, 2026 at Grand Oaks* Woodforest Stadium Away 7:00 PM
