Airline High School’s football program is entering a new chapter in 2026, driven by a seasoned group of seniors who have played together since childhood. Head coach Justin Scogin, who took the helm in 2022, believes the current roster has the talent to win every game on the schedule.
Coach’s outlook
Scogin told reporters, “The guys that we have right now on campus and that are going to suit up in the fall, I think are good enough to win all ten games. It’s going to be a fun year.” His optimism reflects the continuity built over the past four seasons, during which the Vikings have become a fixture in district championships and playoff runs.
Senior leadership
Quarterback Chase Williams, a senior who logged 11 starts last season, is the focal point of the offense. “Coming into this year, it’s always been a mindset of just bettering myself, making sure that I’m going 100% every play,” Williams said. Coach Scogin added, “You make your biggest jump from your first year to your second year starting. He’s got 11 starts under his belt. He has a whole lot of success. And you know, he’s a leader now. He’s the guy everybody looks to.”
Williams credits his father and Coach Scogin for preparing him for this moment, and his teammates echo that confidence. Terrance Hays, a fellow athlete, noted, “We’ve all been playing together since we were seven years old. We’re finally getting our chances; we’re racking up a couple of offers. It feels good; the competition is there. We’re just working hard every day. It’s going to pay off.”
Team chemistry
Wide receiver Preston Hughes highlighted the long‑standing chemistry among the seniors. “I’ve known Chase since the third grade. Our chemistry is about the highest, in my opinion, highest in the district,” Hughes said. Safety Pierre Watson added, “Everybody seemed to doubt him a little bit, but I was his teammate. Always had his back. I feel like he’s going to do great.”
The group’s daily communication reflects their commitment. Hughes shared, “We text in the group chat every day. We’re coming to the field because we know our goal is run to the district and let’s go to Dome.”
Looking ahead
With the senior class poised to graduate, the program hopes to leave a lasting legacy. The Vikings aim not only to repeat district success but also to secure a spot in the state playoffs, a goal that would cement the new era Scogin envisions.
As the season approaches, fans in Airline and surrounding communities are eager to see if the confidence expressed by the coach and players will translate into a perfect ten‑game record.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
