25 Teams in 25 Days: Resurrection Catholic Eagles
After enduring one of the most challenging seasons in program history, Resurrection Catholic High School is entering the 2026 football season with renewed optimism. The Eagles finished last season with just one victory while dressing only 14 players by year’s end, forcing the team to battle through injuries and adversity on a weekly basis. Despite the difficult circumstances, head coach Scott Sisson believes the perseverance his players showed made the season one they’ll never forget.
“The good news is we ended last year with 14 kids and right now we’re sitting at 33, so a lot of kids have come out,” Sisson said. “People ask me about that all the time. It seems like every school I’ve been at, the football team goes in cycles.”
Now entering his 41st season as a head coach, Sisson called last year the toughest of his career.
“Last year had to be, in my 41 years, had to be my toughest year because with 14 kids and a couple people go down, your season is over,” Sisson said. “But that group we had last year was a special group. We only won one game, but for them to finish and play in those circumstances was an amazing feat.”
Sisson said he told his players at the postseason banquet that their resilience ranked alongside any championship team he has coached.
“Even in the state championships I’ve been a part of, I told them at the banquet that what you guys accomplished this year is just as remarkable as winning the state championship. You finished the games.”
That determination has carried over into the offseason. The Eagles have more than doubled their roster, growing from 14 players to 33 heading into fall camp, and many of last year’s players have returned to help lead the program forward.
“No matter how hard you’re down, you can always get back up,” returning player Trayson Crabtree said.
“It was a rough year last year, but with all the bodies and everybody playing this year I think we’re going to have a decent year,” Dominic Sanders added. “What motivated me the most was just dedication to the team and knowing that we have a lot of upcoming middle schoolers who are going to play. It’s going to be a great season and great year.”
Although Resurrection returns just six players with varsity experience, Sisson believes that experience will be invaluable. He expects Carter Taylor, Dominic Sanders, Colin McCormick, Brody Binion and Trayson Crabtree to play major roles this season. One newcomer who has generated plenty of excitement is senior quarterback Eli Pickett. Despite never playing high school football before, Sisson believes the baseball standout has the tools to make an immediate impact.
“Eli Pickett has never played high school football and it’s his senior year that he’s coming out,” Sisson said. “He’s really good. He’s a baseball player. He’s real eager to learn as much as he can and asks the right questions. He’s starting to understand coverages from the defense. We taught him all the footwork in the spring just for the run game and now the pass game all summer and I feel good about him.”
Crabtree believes the Eagles’ improved size up front is another reason for optimism.
“Even though we’re young, we’ve got some size,” Crabtree said. “Our line has gotten really big and I think the young ones can push back and we’ll teach them a lot more this year.”
Sisson also pointed to continuity in the backfield as a major strength.
“I would say the strengths are that our entire backfield is back, Brody Binion and Dominic Sanders, and then we moved Aaron Moore from defense to the offense and he’s going to be a big plus also,” Sisson said. “The kids here have great attitudes. They work hard. They’re appreciative of everything they get.”
After a season defined by perseverance, Resurrection Catholic hopes 2026 will mark the beginning of a new chapter. With a larger roster, experienced leadership and fresh talent, the Eagles believe brighter days are ahead. Resurrection Catholic opens the 2026 season at home against Clarkdale on Aug. 27.
