Cleveland Hill builds around senior line, versatile backs in 2026

Overview

• Scott Przybysz is entering his 21st year coaching football at Cleveland Hill and his third season as varsity head coach.
• Przybysz said Cleveland Hill's returning seniors are in key offensive and defensive roles, with the line group expected to be central to the team's foundation.
• Jaiden Rainey is the player Przybysz identified as a breakout candidate and a special-teams difference-maker.
• Cleveland Hill has two quarterbacks in Carmello Bonilla and Jackson Elderkin, giving the offense multiple options.
• The schedule includes early trips to Akron and Alden, home dates with Eden/North Collins, Tonawanda and JFK, and an Oct. 22 regular-season finale at Barker/Roy-Hart.

Cleveland Hill 2026 Football Preview

Scott Przybysz sees energy around Cleveland Hill football.

Przybysz is entering his 21st year coaching football at Cleveland Hill and his third as the varsity head coach. He previously spent 17 years with the junior varsity program, including 10 as head coach, before moving to the varsity staff in 2022 as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator under Glen Graham. Przybysz took over as head coach in the fall of 2024.

"This should be an exciting year for Cleveland Hill football," Przybysz said. "We have a great group that is talented, hard-working, and excited to play the game."

The next step is turning that energy into consistency. Przybysz said the team's yearly goal is to "win two seasons," meaning the regular season and the postseason. For this group, he described success as a winning record, earning a playoff spot and competing in the sectional playoffs.

Senior Foundation Up Front

Cleveland Hill's starting point is its senior class.

Przybysz said the team's returning seniors hold key roles on both sides of the ball, and he pointed to the combination of talented backs and "a smart, gritty o-line" as a path toward success.

The line group he is watching closely includes Jonathan Edson, Hastiin Elder, Bryan Boswell, Michael Jurgielewicz and Brady D'Hilly. All five are listed as Class of 2027 players, and Przybysz said they are returning seniors with a close bond who have worked hard in the offseason.

That group will be important for an offense Cleveland Hill wants to keep flexible. Przybysz said the team's biggest strength could be its ability to be multi-dimensional with play calling and schemes.

Backfield Options

Jaiden Rainey gives Cleveland Hill one of its key two-way pieces. Przybysz named him as a potential breakout player and also as a special-teams player who could make a difference.

As a junior in 2025, Rainey rushed for 257 yards and two touchdowns, added 30 receiving yards and recorded 15 tackles. He is listed as a Class of 2027 running back and linebacker.

Julian Arroyo is another player Przybysz wants readers to know as a new contributor. Arroyo is listed as a Class of 2027 wide receiver and defensive back, and he also brings returning defensive production after making 18 tackles with one interception in 2025.

At quarterback, Cleveland Hill has two options in Carmello Bonilla and Jackson Elderkin. Przybysz said both bring unique skills that improve the team's offensive options. Bonilla had 112 rushing yards and 118 passing yards in 2025, while Elderkin is listed as a Class of 2027 quarterback and defensive end.

Fast And Tough

Cleveland Hill's desired identity is direct. Przybysz wants the group known for "high energy, toughness, and explosive plays."

Defensively, that means speed and range.

"Our ability to cover sideline to sideline and to play fast," Przybysz said of the defense he wants to establish.

The team's primary leaders are Boswell, Arroyo, Edson, Elder, Rainey and Tey'sean Gladden. Gladden is listed as a Class of 2028 running back and linebacker, giving the leadership group a younger voice alongside the senior core.

The area Cleveland Hill needs to keep developing, Przybysz said, is staying healthy and keeping participation high enough to have effective practices.

Schedule Landmarks

Cleveland Hill's schedule opens Sept. 5 at home against Gowanda/Pine Valley. The team travels to Akron on Sept. 11 and Alden on Sept. 18 before returning home Sept. 26 against Eden/North Collins.

The October schedule starts with home games against Tonawanda on Oct. 3 and JFK on Oct. 17 around a road trip to Springville on Oct. 9. Cleveland Hill closes the listed regular-season schedule Oct. 22 at Barker/Roy-Hart.

If the senior line settles in and the quarterback options help Cleveland Hill stay varied offensively, Przybysz has the kind of experienced core he believes can make this an exciting fall.