Ann Arbor Pioneer's football program has a simple message for its senior class heading into 2026: remember what last season felt like.

The Pioneers finished 4-5 in 2025, missing the playoffs for the first time in three years after holding leads against rivals Huron and Ypsilanti Lincoln only to watch both games slip away. Second-year head coach Steve Simpson told MLive his players haven't been allowed to forget those losses.

"All of these rising seniors remember that, and we haven't let them forget," Simpson said. "We got tired and we got distracted, and I think it cost us those two games."

Pioneer returns seven key seniors, headlined by quarterback Cole Heys, who enters his third year as the starter. Heys will throw to a deep receiving corps that includes Garrett Kowalk, Aden Cerniglia, Demitirus Rendlemen and Toby Colias. Senior Tyrus Thomas handles running back and linebacker duties, while Wylen Kirkland anchors both lines.

The defense brings back proven playmakers.

Cerniglia posted 32 tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception last season, earning honorable mention all-conference honors. Junior defensive lineman Shermantay Napier recorded 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2025, according to MLive's defensive watchlist.

The biggest question mark is the offensive line. Pioneer graduated its entire starting unit from 2025, and Simpson said his staff is focused on fitting personnel rather than installing new schemes.

Simpson's goals for the season are clear: win the Ann Arbor City Championship, reach the playoffs and compete once there. Huron claimed the city title last year with a 21-14 win over Pioneer, and the two teams meet again Friday, Sept. 25 at Huron in what MLive ranked among the area's 10 must-see games.

Kowalk, the senior wide receiver and linebacker, told MLive the program's history drives him personally. He said he chose to attend Pioneer and wants to give the school everything he has in his final year.

The Pioneers open Thursday, Aug. 27 at Flushing, a rematch of last year's overtime thriller that Pioneer won 27-24. The rest of the early schedule: Thursday, Sept. 3 home against Temperance Bedford, Thursday, Sept. 10 at Saline, Friday, Sept. 18 home against Ypsilanti Lincoln, and the city rivalry stretch beginning Friday, Sept. 25 at Huron followed by Friday, Oct. 2 home against Skyline.