FGR football faces two state champs back-to-back in 2026

Father Gabriel Richard's football team will open its 2026 season Aug. 28 at Lutheran Westland carrying momentum from a 10-1 campaign and a school scoring record, then run headlong into a schedule that includes consecutive games against two defending state champions.

The Fighting Irish, who went 9-0 in the regular season in 2025 before falling in the district final, will face Division 7 champion Jackson Lumen Christi on Friday, Sept. 18 and Division 4 champion Dearborn Divine Child on Friday, Sept. 25. Four of FGR's nine opponents posted winning records in 2025, according to MLive's season preview.

Head coach Jon Robinson, entering his sixth season, told MLive the gauntlet is a welcome test.

"I have two choices: One, to cry about it and not step up to the plate, or two: try to step up to the plate and challenge them and give them the best fight that we can," Robinson said.

Robinson's roster returns a senior-heavy core led by running back Ian Everts, defensive lineman Baer Williams, wide receiver Josh Tanari and lineman Tanner Miller. Everts is entering his fourth year on varsity after rushing for more than 1,000 yards as a sophomore and recording 11 touchdowns as a junior. Williams anchors the defensive front after posting seven sacks and 31 tackles last season.

Senior Jonah Will, a defensive end and offensive tackle who earned 2025 MHSFCA Division 5 Region 3 all-region honors, adds depth up front.

The losses are real. FGR graduated linebacker Matt Hoban, a Wayne State commit who piled up 55 tackles and 23 tackles for loss in 2025, plus punter Nick Wells, who averaged 44.1 yards per punt.

Williams acknowledged the departures but said younger players have stepped up to fill the gaps.

Last season's 543 points shattered the program's previous record of 405, set in 2012. The Fighting Irish won the Prep Bowl Championship and went undefeated in the regular season before Michigan Center ended their run in the district final.

FGR competes in MHSAA Division 5 and has posted at least seven wins in each of the last three seasons under Robinson.

2026 schedule