BELLINGHAM — With summer workouts nearing their conclusion and preseason preparations ramping up, Bellingham High School football is beginning its push toward another fall campaign under head coach Dan Haddad.
The Blackhawks will open the 2026 season at home against Woburn Memorial on Friday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m., and Haddad says his team has embraced the work required to prepare for another challenging schedule.
“The kids have been all in,” Haddad said. “They’ve been fantastic and working so hard. The preseason is always long until you get to the season, but it actually is short once that summertime hits.”
Bellingham will be looking to replace several key seniors from last year’s squad, including standout quarterback Wyatt Callery and Sam Sullivan. Fortunately for the Blackhawks, plenty of experienced talent returns.
Quarterback Cameron McGregor is back to lead the offense, with J.J. Paselli expected to be one of his primary receiving targets. In the backfield, Mason Alger returns after showcasing his speed, while Jackson Elder gives Bellingham a physical one-two punch at running back.
Haddad also highlighted offensive and defensive lineman Jacoby McCarthy as a player expected to make a major impact, along with slot receiver Bryson Nicholson and tight end Brock Barry, who will step into a larger role after Callery’s graduation.
“Brock is a big target with great hands and a really good blocker,” Haddad said.
Several younger players have also impressed during offseason workouts and are expected to contribute immediately.
Junior Ryan Adams is projected to take over at cornerback after catching the coaching staff’s attention with his technique, while linebackers Brett McRae and Sam Arruggio are expected to strengthen the Blackhawks’ defense.
Unlike previous seasons when Bellingham relied heavily on one aspect of its offense, Haddad believes this year’s team will feature a more balanced attack.
“I think they’re going to see a great balance,” Haddad said. “We can throw the ball and run the ball. We’re a little of everything this year, which I think is going to be really entertaining football.”
The Blackhawks open the season with three of their first four games at home before closing the regular season with three of their final four on the road. Haddad hopes those early contests help establish the team’s identity before the schedule becomes more demanding.
“The beginning of our schedule is always going to be brutal,” Haddad said. “We’re trying to go up against the best of the best to really establish who we are.”
After experiencing a roller coaster 2025 campaign that included a four-game winning streak before injuries derailed the second half of the season, Haddad says maintaining depth will be a key factor in 2026.
“We have a lot of depth this year,” he said. “I’m really hoping that’s going to help us in case the injury bug does bite us.”
One game already circled on the calendar is the annual Thanksgiving rivalry with Norton. Last year’s meeting ended in a 3-0 loss decided by a late field goal, and Haddad hopes his team can generate more offense when the rivals meet again this November.
“We always slug it out with them,” Haddad said. “I’m really hoping we re-establish our offense. We’ve made a lot of changes that will allow us to do that.”
Beyond wins and losses, Haddad believes this year’s team has an opportunity to build something that lasts beyond one season. With 16 seniors leading the roster and a strong junior class behind them, he hopes the veteran leadership helps shape the program’s future.
“I’m hoping they come together,” Haddad said. “I want those seniors teaching those juniors so the whole group becomes one incredible force.”
Bellingham officially kicks off its 2026 season when the Blackhawks host Woburn Memorial on Friday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m., beginning another season of high school football in the Heart of It All.
For the full interview with Bellingham Football Head Coach, Dan Haddad, click here: https://soundcloud.com/myfm1013/the-zone-dan-haddad-bellingham?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
