2026 Football Preview: Portsmouth Trojans

PORTSMOUTH — It’s been said that coaching is just another type of teaching, and first-year Portsmouth Trojans head coach Brandon Sammons has plenty of things he wants to teach.

Besides the basic fundamentals of the game, Sammons is hoping to teach some other valuable lessons.

“As I told players and parents, if your goal isn’t to win a state championship, why are you playing? Now in realistic situations play into it. There’s only seven happy teams at the end of the year,” said Sammons.

“Our numbers are light and injury situations and all that is going to play into it. We’ve got some talented kids. If you’re not trying to win you’re not teaching the kids anything.

“You need to teach them how to compete, how to do things the right way, how to lose with class and how to win with class and how you face adversity.”

Sammons has enjoyed the current players on the Portsmouth team that has a small group of less than 30 players on the roster. Sammons is very positive about the challenge that lies in front of him.

“It’s been good. There’s a large group of kids who have been consistent every day. I’m getting to know them and what the work ethic looks like,” said Sammons.

So far, Sammons has coached mostly in the Southwest area of Ohio at seven different high schools including his last stop at Blanchester. He also coached one year at NCAA II Wilmington College.

“I try to compile little things I’ve learned from other coaches and coordinators. You know, little bits and pieces that I liked or things and didn’t work there so maybe I’ll scratch that,” said Sammons.

The new Portsmouth coach said football is football, but there are a few subtle things that are different about the two areas of the state.

“It’s different. They’re from a different part of the state than I’m from. There are a few little nuances that I’m adjusting to and figuring out how we function here compared to where I’m from in the state in the last 20 years,” said Sammons.

A few key players returning include 1,000-yard rusher Fernando Poxes who is a 5-foot-9, 200-pound senior All-Ohio selection last year.

Back for his fourth season as a starter is senior quarterback Camron Williams (5-8, 155).

Other experienced players returning are junior running back Jemarkus Parker (5-7, 150), senior wide receiver J.J. Henderson (6-1, 165), senior linemen Nick Donley (6-3 280), Chase Fugate (6-2, 180), and Andrew Cole (6-2, 220), and sophomore lineman Alex Martinez (6-1, 270).

“I’m excited to see what these kids are capable of in game action,” said Sammons.

“We have a couple of quarterbacks who are getting reps and we have multiple backs who are getting reps. I’m just trying to find who’s the best combination for this team and do the things I want to do.”

With Williams at quarterback, Fernando Poxes will be a running back and a wide receiver in an effort to get him the ball in space.

Parker and Nick Poxes look to share the running back duties.

Henderson leads the receiving corps that includes sophomore Mekhi Berry (6-4, 200) and freshman Trey Pendleton (5-8, 145).

Since the numbers are low, many players will be forced to play both offense and defense.

The front line on defense will have Cole, Martinez, Donley and freshman Asa Hickman (6-2, 185).

Sammons said the interior offensive and defensive lines must develop if the Trojans hope to have some success.

“Another work in progress. We like some of the parts and pieces we’ve got,” said Sammons.

“Again, it’s going to be one of those things that come August 21 we’ll be starting to see what that develops into. That picture is going to change. As they go, we will go. We’ve still got some work to do.”

The inside linebackers are senior James Logan Thurman (5-9, 225) and sophomore Jayden Terry (5-11, 200) with Fernando Poxes and Pendleton on the outside.

The secondary will come from Williams, Parker, and Berry.

Junior Eli Roth (5-11, 170) will handle all the kicking duties.

The lack of numbers and experience will play a major role in the Trojans’ season.

“Our numbers are lower than we’d like to have, but we can only play with the numbers who are here,” said Sammons.

The Trojans’ coaching staff has made the transition for Sammons a smooth process.

“We have some familiar faces that some people will recognize and a couple of new faces. “It’s been a good group to work,” said Sammons.

“I told them recently and I told them earlier that I don’t need yes men. I need guys who are going to challenge what we’re doing. If I’m doing something you don’t think is working, let’s talk about it. They’re all committed to doing what’s best for the kids and trying to put the best product on the field. We’re trying to do it the right way.”