After a 3-7 campaign in 2025, Orange Football enters the 2026 season believing it has the experience and explosiveness to take a significant step forward. Head coach Rob Senor begins his fifth season leading the Lions, returning five starters on both sides of the ball and a veteran core capable of creating game-changing plays.
The emphasis this fall is simple: capitalize on experience, eliminate costly mistakes and let an athletic roster thrive in an aggressive system.
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Experience fuels optimism
Orange returns a talented group of skill-position players that gives the coaching staff confidence heading into the new season.
“Our biggest strength is that we have some strong offensive skill position players that we are really excited about,” Senor said. “Those players bring experience as well. We believe we will continue to have some big-play ability.”
The Lions will once again operate their spread offense under offensive coordinator Jerry Hazzard, looking to create explosive plays with an experienced group of playmakers.
Senior wide receiver/linebacker Alex Carlisle-Winston headlines the returning cast, joined by senior running back EJ Dowdell and junior wide receiver/defensive back Chaz Rosiles. Together, they provide proven production and versatility on both sides of the football.
Senior quarterback Itai Tannenbaum is expected to guide the offense, while junior Camden Williams and senior Khalid Hill bring valuable experience in the trenches.
New faces expected to contribute
Orange isn’t relying solely on returning veterans. Several younger players are expected to carve out important roles immediately.
Sophomore Adin Frey is projected to contribute at both running back and linebacker, while fellow sophomore Andre Ransom adds athleticism at wide receiver and defensive back.
The blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent has created healthy competition throughout preseason camp and gives the Lions additional options as the season progresses.
Offensive line, depth remain biggest questions
Despite the optimism surrounding the skill positions, Senor knows success will depend on how quickly Orange develops its offensive line.
“We have some spots to fill on our offensive line, which will be a question mark,” Senor said. “Although we have a number of candidates, we are unsure who will step up.”
Depth is another concern entering the season.
“Our depth is a question mark,” Senor added. “Again, we are going to need some guys to step up during the season.”
Finding reliable contributors beyond the starting lineup will be critical as the Lions navigate a demanding schedule.
New defensive approach
One of the biggest offseason changes came on the defensive side, where Chris Perrotti takes over as defensive coordinator.
Senor believes the new scheme will allow Orange’s athleticism to shine while creating competition throughout the defense.
“We are excited to have a new defensive coordinator in Chris Perrotti,” Senor said. “Coach Perrotti is implementing a new defense, which will give the players an opportunity to play fast. We have a number of kids competing for spots on our defense, which will make us better.”
If the transition comes together quickly, the Lions hope an attacking defensive philosophy will complement an offense built around speed and big-play potential.
Success starts with the details
While Orange has plenty of talent, Senor believes the difference between another rebuilding season and meaningful improvement will come down to execution.
“We will determine our success,” he said. “We need to do the little things like limit penalties, take care of the ball, and execute.”
Those fundamentals often determine the outcome of close games, an area where the Lions hope to make significant strides in 2026.
Friday night identity
Fans shouldn’t expect Orange to change its personality this season.
“We are going to continue to push the pace, play fast, and be an aggressive football team,” Senor said.
That attacking mindset has become the program’s identity under Senor and should once again define the Lions this fall.
Outlook
Orange enters 2026 with an experienced nucleus, proven playmakers and renewed energy on defense. If the Lions can solidify the offensive line, develop quality depth and consistently execute in key situations, they have the pieces to improve on last year’s 3-7 record and become a dangerous team throughout the season.
Players to Watch
- Alex Carlisle-Winston, Sr., WR/LB
- EJ Dowdell, Sr., RB
- Chaz Rosiles, Jr., WR/DB
- Itai Tannenbaum, Sr., QB
- Camden Williams, Jr., OL/DL
- Khalid Hill, Sr., OL/DL
- Adin Frey, So., RB/LB
- Andre Ransom, So., WR/DB
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* Historical series data: Records shown are based on the OV Sports Engine historical football database beginning with the 1972 season. Earlier meetings may not be included.
ORANGE LIONS Football
2026-2027 Orange Lions Football Schedule
Date Opponent Series* Result Time Location Aug. 21, 2026
Friday5-1 W 26-6 7:00 PM Orange Aug. 28, 2026
Friday11-41 L 12-26 7:00 PM Chagrin Falls Watch Sep. 4, 2026
Friday1-1 W 35-31 7:00 PM Orange Watch Sep. 10, 2026
Thursday3-2 W 32-24 7:00 PM Orange Watch Sep. 18, 2026
Friday13-40-1 L 14-35 7:00 PM West Geauga Watch Sep. 25, 2026
Friday
Hawken Hawks1-7 L 21-53 7:00 PM Orange Watch Oct. 2, 2026
Friday1-27 L 14-56 7:00 PM Orange Watch Oct. 11, 2026
Sunday5-2 W 34-27 4:00 PM Edgewood Watch Oct. 16, 2026
Friday0-1 L 14-18 7:00 PM Orange Watch Oct. 23, 2026
Friday3-5 GAME CENTER 7:00 PM Geneva
Chagrin Falls Tigers
Fairview Warriors
Lutheran West Longhorns
West Geauga Wolverines
Perry Pirates
Edgewood Warriors
Jefferson Falcons
Geneva Eagles
