After finishing 10-3 in 2025, Perry Football enters the 2026 season with high expectations as head coach Bob Gecewich begins his sixth season leading the Pirates.
The Pirates return 4.5 starters on offense, and eight players with starting experience on defense, but Gecewich believes the team’s greatest strength lies in its veteran leadership and culture.
“We have a group of seniors who are great teammates who lead by example,” Gecewich said. “We have a strong core of experience in the skill positions that are brought into our way of approaching the game. Our kids work hard and give great effort.”
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Veteran Leaders Set the Tone
That senior class includes running back/linebacker Carter Hopkins, who is expected to take on a larger offensive role after returning to full health.
Chase Sivon has been a fixture as a two-and-a-half-year starter at wide receiver and defensive back, while Greg Mechenbier enters his third season as a starting receiver and second as a starting cornerback.
Quarterback Nate Trefzger also returns after taking over the starting job in Week 4 last season and making significant strides as the year progressed.
Up front, Nick Gustin is the lone returning lineman and will be counted on to provide leadership while helping develop a young group in the trenches.
Additional returning contributors include Michal Niedzwiecki, Carter Crofoot and Brody Krantz, giving Perry experienced depth across the roster.
Versatility Gives Perry Options
The Pirates also expect several players to take on expanded roles this fall.
Miles Osburn, already a two-year starting cornerback, will add versatility on offense at wide receiver and tight end.
Traxton Richards is expected to line up all over the field, contributing at wide receiver, running back and quarterback while also playing safety and remaining a key special-teams contributor.
Mason Bilicic returns healthy and gives Perry another athletic presence along the defensive line.
With so many experienced players capable of contributing in multiple spots, Perry should have plenty of flexibility on both sides of the ball.
Pirates Must Rebuild in the Trenches
While the Pirates have experience at the skill positions, replacing departed linemen and building depth remain the program’s top priorities heading into the fall.
“We have to develop and find players that will compete and grow up front on both the offensive and defensive lines,” Gecewich said. “We also need to develop and find depth players.”
How quickly those younger linemen develop could ultimately determine Perry’s ceiling.
The Pirates have proven players at quarterback, running back, receiver and throughout the secondary, but establishing consistency along the offensive and defensive fronts will be critical against a demanding schedule.
Growth Remains the Standard
For Gecewich, success won’t be measured solely by wins and losses.
“Do we improve, compete, and maximize who we are regardless of score?” he said. “That’s what will determine whether this season is a success.”
That approach has helped Perry establish a culture built on development, effort and accountability.
The Pirates know there will be challenges throughout the season, but Gecewich is eager to watch his team embrace them.
“We are excited to see how our players compete, grow and develop through the ups and downs of the 2026 season,” he said.
Expectations Remain High
With an experienced senior class, proven playmakers at the skill positions and a culture built around hard work and development, Perry enters 2026 looking to build on last season’s 10-3 campaign and once again contend near the top of the region.
If the Pirates can develop their young linemen and build the necessary depth around their veteran core, another long postseason run could be well within reach.
Three Keys to the Season
Develop the lines: Perry must replace several departed linemen and establish dependable depth on both sides of the ball.
Continue Trefzger’s progression: After taking over at quarterback in Week 4 last season, Trefzger’s continued development could help elevate the offense.
Lean on veteran leadership: Perry’s experienced senior class will be counted on to set the standard through the inevitable ups and downs of the season.
What to Expect
Perry has the experience and talent to remain among Northeast Ohio’s top teams. The Pirates return proven players at nearly every skill position and plenty of starting experience on defense.
The biggest question is in the trenches. If Perry develops its young linemen quickly, the Pirates should once again be positioned to contend for championships and make a deep postseason run.
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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.
PERRY PIRATES Football
2026-2027 Perry Pirates Football Schedule
Date Opponent Series* Result Time Location Aug. 21, 2026
Friday21-21 W 39-7 7:00 PM Madison Aug. 21, 2026
Friday2-0 W 42-7 7:00 PM Perry Aug. 28, 2026
Friday11-10 W 45-12 7:00 PM Kenston Watch Sep. 4, 2026
Friday19-15 W 31-10 7:00 PM Alumni Stadium, Perry, Ohio
Tickets WatchSep. 11, 2026
Friday1-0 W 62-0 7:00 PM Jefferson Watch Sep. 18, 2026
Friday
Hawken Hawks11-8 W 62-0 7:00 PM Perry Sep. 25, 2026
Friday23-0 W 42-0 7:00 PM Geneva Oct. 2, 2026
Friday27-1 W 56-14 7:00 PM Orange Watch Oct. 9, 2026
Friday2-2 W 21-14 7:00 PM Perry Oct. 16, 2026
Friday11-5 W 62-0 7:00 PM Perry Oct. 23, 2026
Friday15-13 W 42-7 7:00 PM Perry Nov. 6, 2026
Friday2-0 W 37-0 7:00 PM Perry Nov. 13, 2026
Friday
Garfield1-0 GAME CENTER 7:00 PM Perry High School
Madison Blue Streaks
Canton Central Catholic
Kenston Bombers
Kirtland Hornets
Jefferson Falcons
Geneva Eagles
Orange Lions
Chardon Hilltoppers
Edgewood Warriors
West Geauga Wolverines
