Heathwood Hall Football Aiming For A Strong 2026 Showing
“We lost a great senior class, probably one of the best senior classes in a while,” Zimmerman said. “They contributed to every sport at the school but in building the football program they showed the kids all the ways to step up and fill those gaps.”
By WORTHY EVANS
Contributing Writer, HSSR
Columbia - The senior class that lifted Heathwood Hall football team to an unforgettable season in 2025 has moved on, but head coach Tymere Zimmerman said those seniors have left their mark on a revitalized football program.
“We lost a great senior class, probably one of the best senior classes in a while,” Zimmerman said. “They contributed to every sport at the school but in building the football program they showed the kids all the ways to step up and fill those gaps.”
In the absence of those 15 or so seniors stands dozens of rising seniors, underclassmen, and middle schoolers ready to work toward maintaining what was built on last year. The Highlanders finished 9-4 and reached the 4A state championship game, their first state final since 2009. Heathwood Hall fell to Northwood Academy in the state final, but the big game for the Highlanders came when they eliminated Hammond 16-13 in the state semifinal round. The Skyhawks were the eight-time defending state champions.
At spring practice in April, the returners, junior-varsity players moving up to varsity, and newcomers came to work looking to build on last year’s success.
“We tell our kids all the time to give it your best, your effort 100 percent and your attitude 100 percent, and we’ll live with the results,” Zimmerman said. “This spring we’ve just gotten better as a team and that is going to help us so much in the fall.”
With quarterback Patrick Belk (2,264 yards passing, 20 touchdowns) gone, stepping up under center will likely be transfer student Harrison Hartley, a 6-3, 220-pounder. His big target will of course be senior Keon McKinley, who had 56 catches for 756 yards and three touchdowns.
“He’s one of the best wide receivers in the state, and he’s a great kick returner too,” Zimmerman said. “He’ll also be in the defensive backfield as a safety.”
Added to the mix of receivers will be Cardinal Newman transfer, junior Alan Rodriguez. Rodriguez game saw some time in the Cardinals 1-9 rebuilding season and Zimmerman was impressed with his abilities.
“He’s one of the fastest kids in the state, and he’s guaranteed to be a better football player,” he said.
Sophomore Jackson Dickerson, a basketball player who saw little action on the varsity football squad last year, will have a more prominent role as a running back.
“His footwork is phenomenal,” Zimmerman said.
Senior Hill Belser returns to lead the offensive line that lost two seniors. Belzer, noted for his leadership along the line, is joined by seniors A.J. Morgan and Levi Glass. Juniors Cole Moore and 6-4, 220 Evan Johnson will be defensive ends.
Junior Heyward Belser, at 6-2, 220, is the team’s middle linebacker and may also see time as a running back in some situations. Senior linebackers John Thompson and Christian Hitchcock will flank Belser.
Senior Liam Edwards returns as a safety and is getting looks from Ivy League schools because of his academics as well as athletics. McKinley will also be in the backfield either as a corner or a safety.
With many seasoned rising seniors taking over at several positions, Zimmerman said the Highlanders will be on track for a solid fall practice—and a successful 2026 season.
“We’re on track. Over the summer the coaches did a good job of getting the kids on the field at 6 a.m. every morning and in the weight room afterward,” Zimmerman said. “We’ve been averaging 60 some kids a day, from the middle school ranks to JV to varsity. We have at least 90 kids hitting the weight room over the summer, and that’s a testament to the program that we’re building and a testament to the kids and to the parents to take the time over the summer to get prepared.”
