2026 Team Preview: Richfield Spartans

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Returning to the 4A conference in MN this season, Richfield performed respectfully to prove competitive once again in this conference, though their performances were uneven, finishing the regular season 4-4 before getting stunned by Minneapolis Roosevelt in the first round of the playoffs, giving up a 14-0 lead at halftime to allow 16 unanswered points in the second half. The Spartans boast talent on both sides of the ball that should help give the team a strong edge, though they will need to find a consistent groove to allow them to win more games, but 2026 could very well see the Spartans take a step forward in their game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We take a look today at 7 starters from the Spartans' unit that will lead the way for their 2026 season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1105134"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a789d46954dd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1105134' first='Dre' last='Collins'] is a talented multi-purpose player who has cemented his place as the premier playmaker for the Spartans as he enters his senior season. Collins finished with 32 receptions for 531 yards (16.6 YPC) and 3 TDs in 2025 while adding 29 tackles and an INT returned for a TD. He also scored on 3 return TDs on kickoffs and punts during the year. A lengthy and dynamic athlete who flashes great ball skills and can win a footrace against almost anyone on the field, Collins can establish dominance 1-on-1 whether at DB or WR, and he's a player that as a DC, you do not want him to get the ball in his hands, because he will make a big play every time. Collins also ranks as a top basketball prospect in MN, and Collins has the potential to break out big in either sport at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1651946"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a789d4695550"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2256711' first='Mason' last='Woods'] emerged during his sophomore year as the starting QB for the Spartans, and while he had his share of peaks and valleys, it earned him significant and valuable experience that will pay huge dividends going forward. Woods threw for 1201 yards, 13 TDs, and 10 INTs while adding 185 yards on the ground and 3 rushing TDs. He also caught a TD pass. Woods showed significant growth in his progressions and confidence over the course of the season, being able to ease into the starting lineup fairly quickly, and he flashes explosive potential with his impressive athleticism and ability to really stretch the whole field with both his arm and his legs. Woods could be a huge name to keep an eye on going forward as he looks to make Richfield stronger going into his junior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2204407"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a789d46955a8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Woods will have a strong receiving corps returning to lead the offense in 2026, including [player_tooltip player_id='2204407' first='Jarell' last='Allen'], who is expected to have a significant role for the Spartans in his senior season. Allen finished 3rd on the team with 239 receiving yards on 16 receptions and finished as the tied leader with 4 TD receptions. Allen is a rangy receiver who can rack up big yards after the catch in the checkdown/screen game as well as stretch the field with his impressive track speed, where he has excelled over the offseason. Allen flashes great hands that can catch well through traffic as well, and while he didn't receive a ton of playing time, he flashes potential in pass coverage that could see him see solid playing time in the secondary in 2026. Allen could be due for a huge campaign in 2026 for the Spartans. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1802778"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a789d46955fb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Unfortunately, [player_tooltip player_id='1802778' first='Waleed' last='Muhammad'] lacks much for his tape on the gridiron, primarily standing out as a basketball prospect, but he has also been one of the best players for the Spartans' football team as well. Muhammad finished with 35 tackles and 2 INTs in the secondary while adding 16 receptions for 134 yards and 4 TDs at WR. Watching Muhammad on the court, he's a flashy athlete with great length and smooth movement, can get vertical, and shows impressive accuracy with his shots through awkward angles, which could translate well on the field by making some tough catches through traffic. Muhammad proves to be another talented multi-sport athlete for the Spartans that will garner serious attention heading into his senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1636349"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a789d4695683"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1636349' first='Jeremiah' last='Lopez'] is a big body that brings plenty of value to the trenches and will look to provide as a key cog protecting his rising QB once again in 2026. Starting primarily at Right Guard, Lopez may be a bit stout, but he delivers a strong punch at the point of contact, proves capable in kicking out and pulling to seal the edge, and is solid in pass protection, keeping his balance and keeping the hands active to keep defenders at bay, while driving the legs consistently to push defenders backwards as well. Lopez will be a valuable asset for their offense as they look to continue to grow as a unit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2128329"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a789d46956d8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2128329' first='Damon' last='Brown'] is a unique athlete, posing great frame and length that would match more as an outside WR, but his primary role for the Spartans remains to be in the defense, where he flashes as an OLB/Overhang hybrid defender. Brown finished with 33 tackles, 2 INTs, and a fumble recovery during his junior season. Brown does a great job working outside the perimeter, showing consistent hustle, even with plays going the opposite direction of his position, and his skillset works best outside the box, using his length and speed to chase down defenders as well as against shifty athletes trying to shift inside or out, making it difficult for ball-carriers to get around him. His athleticism should make him an intriguing target entering this offseason, and with an offer already from Concordia College (D3), he's bound to receive more over the coming weeks or months. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2324961,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a789d4695729"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2324961' first='Christopher' last='Marquina Andrade'] emerged in his sophomore season as a solid addition to the Spartans' LB corps that should continue to add to a talented defensive unit entering 2026. Andrade recorded 27 tackles and 2 fumble recoveries in 2025. A solid piece in the middle of the defense, Andrade shows great sideline-to-sideline range against both the run and the pass, with solid instincts and closedown speed to get in front of the ball-carrier to make the play. Andrade will have time to grow more into size, and his skillset may help him as well as a LB/Safety hybrid due to his flexibility against both the pass and run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->