Redford Union (7-3, 6-1)
Union split the Western Wayne Athletic Conference title last season to give the program its fifth consecutive league crown but is hungry for more. Coach Ian Iler returns three-time captain Tatum Moore, who posted 1,875 all-purpose yards, 20 touchdowns, four interceptions, five pass breakups, four sacks and 13 tackles for loss as a junior. OL/DL Daniel Collins, RB/DB Zaire Agnew, DB Jesse Davis and DB Brandon Johnson also earned All-Conference honors in 2025 and will play even bigger roles this season. Johnson will split time between QB and WR while Davis will play receiver, joining WR J’breed Edmonds as another go-to target. Senior DL Cortez Meadows and freshman DB Braelin Dickerson will also be contributors as Union leans on its strong defense in a push for the first district title in program history.
Dearborn Heights Robichaud (6-4, 4-3)
Robichaud is looking for its first playoff win since 2019 after qualifying for postseason play in four of the last five seasons under coach Matthew Alexander. Junior LB Tre Alexander will be a three-year starter leading the defense. Freshman OL/DL Ayden Brown is already 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, and will play a big role up front alongside OL Codie Poole. Freshman QB Dion Hollis replaces four-year starter Maurice Smith and will look to get the ball to his playmakers: All-Conference RB Mario Smith and WR Robert Warr. Former Michigan State standout Keyshawn Martin is back at offensive coordinator and will play a big part in developing the young quarterback. Defensive coordinator Kevin Howard leads a strong unit that kept eight opponents under 16 in 2025.
Romulus (4-6, 4-3)
Coach Antwain Mack takes over at Romulus attempting to lead the program to its fourth consecutive trip to the playoffs. Mack will rely on top returners — All-Conference junior WR Jayden Morgan, junior WR/DB Micah Jones and senior ATH David Bullock — to produce for an offense that was inconsistent last season. Junior OL/DL Levon Turner and Kori Horton will be key in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Senior LBs Kien Mite and Jeremiah McDuffie lead the defense, while DL Mykell Woodard is poised for a big season after posting 10 sacks in six games as a junior.
Garden City (4-5, 2-5)
Garden City is pushing to get off to a hot start this season, with the program putting extra emphasis on winning a Week 1 rematch against Dearborn Edsel Ford at home. Senior QB Ethan Vanbelle enters his third season leading the huddle for coach Thomas Michalsen. Senior RB/LB Colton Swick is another returning starter, while OL/DL Henry Wroblewski and WR/DB Jack Lindstrom look to bounce back from season-ending injuries in 2025. All-Conference K Nate Dean also moves to DL this season and will play a bigger role alongside junior RB/LB Kenneth Murray.
Melvindale (1-8, 1-6)
Melvindale turns to first-year coach Chris Merrell to breath some life into a program that has struggled in recent years, posting just four wins in the last three seasons. Junior RB/WR/DB Jo’Ziah Strong is the top weapon for Brock Lambart and Damon Vann, who will split time at QB this season. OL/DL Giovanni Camacho, Jahliel McDowell, Jackson Makarewicz and Trace Romo will have an impact up front on both sides of the ball. The program has battled low turnout, but Merrell has the roster up to 35 players entering the 2026 season.
Dearborn Heights Annapolis (1-8, 0-7)
Annapolis believes the program is ready to take a step forward and compete for its first wins in conference play since 2023 in coach Stephen Fletcher’s second season. The team returns 20 players, anchored by senior OL/DL Zuri Sammons, Brody Boone and OL Austin Spellich up front. Junior ATH Evan Mays and freshman WR/DB Jacob Smith will be playmakers on both sides of the ball. Sophomores Anthony Hatcher and Landon Borkowski look to help out a defense that struggled to stop opponents last season.
Nathan Korp is a freelance writer.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: