Trench Trophy Hopefuls; Dominant Senior Lineman

The Trench Trophy is awarded each year to Western New York's top Offensive/Defensive Lineman. Here, I will highlight seven student-athletes that have already proven themselves on the field and will be in the Trench Trophy conversation in 2026. I will also go over several players that are flying under the radar but can be in the mix.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Elite Linemen</h2>    Dylan Anchors the best run game in WNY. He is a RT that plays with a mean streak. He drives with his legs and manhandles defenders. He has already received several collegiate offers, many of which from D1. At 6'6 and 300+, Gorney is the front runner to win the award in 2026.     Bildfell has all the measurables needed for a LT at 6'7 and 315 lbs. He has an aggressive style of play and consistently blocks to the whistle. Brock also possesses the awareness needed on the OL and has the ability to reach the second level with force. I fully expect him to be a finalist by year's end.     Keighron is a two stud and will be one of the leaders in the St. Joe's locker room this year. He brings a strong work ethic and sound technique. Payton is a student of the game and comes into his senior season with a chip on his shoulder after being overlooked by the All-State/All-WNY teams as a junior.     Bacon was overlooked by many post-season accolades last season but you can't teach size and Alex has a monster frame and can bully around opposing linemen. He is solid at blitz pickup and help catapult one of the most explosive offenses in 2025.     Bollman is a big body RT that should take a big step forward in 2026. He has a massive presence and cannot be pushed around. Lukas was a 1st Team All-Catholic as a junior and possesses the size looked for in an elite OT.     Scott is an underrated two way stud for the Crusaders. He has an aggressive style of play with good athleticism. He is a solid puller with fantastic awareness. He's flying under the radar now but will be considered a top prospect as a senior.     Health Sciences always produces a high level rushing attack and a solid OL group to boot. Marshall is probably the most polished of the bunch. He drive blocks well with great hand placement. Jihad will be a critical part of their success in 2026.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Seniors to Watch</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1649130' first='Romello' last='Dunn'] (St. Francis) | 6'2 280 lbs. | Run stuffing 1 Tech DT with a quick get off. He plays with tenacity and ruthless aggression.   [player_tooltip player_id='1639420' first='Tyjhaun' last='Moye'] (Health Sciences) | 6'1 270 lbs. | Tough as nails two-way lineman that had a remarkable junior season on the DL.   [player_tooltip player_id='1719810' first='Cole' last='Silvestri'] (Lancaster) | 6' 230 lbs. | Made his varsity debut in 2025 and showed a lot of burst from his stance and is aggressive at the point of attack.   [player_tooltip player_id='1719794' first='Gavin' last='Smith'] (Lancaster) | 6' 270 lbs. | Good pulling Guard with solid awareness and sound blitz pickup.   [player_tooltip player_id='1973381' first='Spencer' last='Godell'] (Williamsville North) | 6'2 260 lbs. | RT that moves well and blocks to the whistle.   Tashaun Henley (McKinley) | 6'1 230 lbs. | 2nd team all state at DL as a junior with 140 tackles & 8.5 sacks.

The Trench Trophy is awarded each year to Western New York's top Offensive/Defensive Lineman. Here, I will highlight seven student-athletes that have already proven themselves on the field and will be in the Trench Trophy conversation in 2026. I will also go over several players that are flying under the radar but can be in the mix.