Leslie Expecting Bounce Back 2026 Campaign; Hopes To Win Playoff Games

Photos by Hannah Tacy & Henry Black, JTV Sports

David Rice | JTV Sports

Monday August 10th

(8-10-2026, 12:00PM): After a 5-5 campaign in 2025, the Leslie Blackhawks look to have a bounce back season and make a playoff run like the ‘24 season.

Leslie went 5-5 last year after starting out 4-0. A classic 20-plus point comeback win by Michigan Center in week five and several injuries piling up, including QB Joel Cranmore, turned the season sideways. They still clinched a playoff spot at 5-4 and fell to Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central in the opening round. The program has turned around the last two years, winning the Cascades Conference and finishing 10-2 before falling to Monroe SMCC in the Regional Final in 2024. Leslie had not made the postseason since 2012 before then.

“Last year hurt all of us,” the team told JTV at football media days. “The ending of last year is something we don’t want to go through again.”

Head Coach Tim McCann is entering his fourth year at the helm of the Blackhawks. Five of the six staff members are alumni of the school. McCann is also the defensive playcaller. Travis Crowe returns as the offensive coordinator.

Running the football and the triple option will be a big point of emphasis for the offense this season. Youth on the offensive line and the secondary on defense will be something the team works through.

Key players for the Blackhawks include all-state senior QB Joel Cranmore, who scored a whopping 46 touchdowns in his sophomore year. Seniors Braydin Johnson (all-state WR/DB), Carter Foster (TE/LB), and Pat Friese (RB/LB) will also be key players. Junior Zak Hardesty (OL/DL) is a three-year starter and will be a key leader on the line.

Leslie opens the season on the road with the rivalry game at Stockbridge. The Leslie-Stockbridge game is the oldest rivalry in the state of Michigan and dates back to 1950, the Blackhawks have won the game seven straight years.

2026 Leslie Football Schedule:

(all games at 7pm unless noted)

Friday 8/28 @ Stockbridge

Thursday 9/3 vs Jonesville

Friday 9/11 vs Vandercook Lake

Friday 9/18 @ Michigan Center

Friday 9/25 vs Grass Lake

Friday 10/2 @ Manchester

Friday 10/9 @ Hanover Horton

Friday 10/16 vs/@ TBD (Cascades Crossover)

Friday 10/23 vs Buchanan