Head Coach: Drew Dewease (First Season)
2025 Record: 4-6 (0-4 Region 8-2A)
Classification: MHSAA Class 2A
First Game: Aug. 21 vs. Southeast Lauderdale
Sometimes a football program doesn’t need a complete rebuild. Sometimes it just needs a familiar face to take the next step. That is exactly where Sacred Heart enters the 2026 football season.
After longtime head coach Ed Smith stepped away following the 2025 campaign, the Crusaders turned to someone who has been part of the program almost from the beginning. Drew Dewease, who spent more than a decade as a Sacred Heart assistant coach, was promoted to head coach in January and now inherits a program looking to climb back into the Class 2A playoff picture.
Few coaches know a program better than Dewease.
He helped lay the foundation that transformed Sacred Heart from one of Mississippi’s newest football programs into a team capable of winning double-digit games and competing for postseason berths. Now he’ll have the opportunity to lead it himself.
The challenge won’t be easy.
Sacred Heart graduated several of the offensive stars who carried the Crusaders during the last two seasons, but there is also reason for optimism. A returning starting quarterback, several experienced defenders and a talented sophomore playmaker give the Crusaders a foundation to build around heading into 2026.
If those pieces develop quickly, Sacred Heart could surprise some people this fall.
Looking Back at 2025
The Crusaders experienced one of the more unusual seasons in South Mississippi last year. After dropping the opener, Sacred Heart rattled off four consecutive victories and looked poised for another postseason run.
The Crusaders defeated St. Patrick 41-0, Crystal Springs 50-13, Resurrection Catholic 35-7 and Wilkinson County 37-14. Through five games they owned a 4-1 record and were averaging nearly 33 points per contest.
Then came region play.
Sacred Heart struggled against one of the tougher districts in Class 2A, dropping games to East Marion, North Forrest, Collins and Perry Central. Despite finishing 4-6 overall, the Crusaders remained competitive in several of those contests, including a 27-19 loss to North Forrest and a 40-34 shootout against Collins.
The final record may not show it, but Sacred Heart was closer to turning last season into a playoff run than many realize. Now the Crusaders hope another offseason of development helps them finish those close games.
A Familiar Coach Takes the Reins
Coaching changes often bring uncertainty. That isn’t necessarily the case at Sacred Heart.
Dewease has spent the past 13 seasons working inside the Crusader program. Before arriving in Hattiesburg, he coached at Pearl River Community College and Oak Grove, giving him nearly two decades of coaching experience. Because he already knows the players, the school and the expectations, there should be very little adjustment period. He isn’t trying to change Sacred Heart’s identity. He’s trying to continue building it.
One of the biggest advantages of hiring from within is continuity. The terminology, culture and expectations remain familiar, allowing the players to focus more on football than learning an entirely new system. For a relatively young roster, that stability could become one of Sacred Heart’s biggest strengths.
Experience Returns at Quarterback
Every successful football team needs stability under center. Sacred Heart has that in senior quarterback Landrum Garner. Garner enters his second season as the Crusaders’ starting quarterback after gaining valuable experience throughout 2025. While Sacred Heart leaned heavily on its running game last season, Garner quietly continued developing as both a passer and leader.
Now, with several offensive playmakers having graduated, his role becomes even more important. The Crusaders don’t necessarily need Garner to throw for huge numbers every week. Instead, they need him to make smart decisions, keep the offense moving and provide leadership for a relatively young group of skill players.
If he takes another step forward this fall, Sacred Heart’s offense should remain competitive despite losing so much production.
Finding New Playmakers
Replacing Luke Davey and Colton Riddick won’t be easy. The two seniors accounted for most of Sacred Heart’s rushing production and touchdowns last season, serving as the heart of the Crusaders’ offense.
Replacing players like that is rarely done by one individual. Instead, Sacred Heart will likely rely on several younger players to share the workload.
The offensive line will also have a major say in how quickly the new rushing attack develops. If the Crusaders can establish a consistent ground game early in the season, it will make life much easier for Garner and keep opposing defenses honest. Developing that balance will be one of the biggest keys to the season.
Kaden Murphy Could Become the Breakout Star
One player to keep a close eye on this season is sophomore athlete Kaden Murphy. Even as a freshman, Murphy found ways to impact games. He caught passes, handled the football in different offensive packages and contributed on special teams, giving the coaching staff multiple ways to get him involved.
Now entering his sophomore season, expect Murphy’s role to increase dramatically. He’s one of the most explosive athletes on the roster and has the potential to become one of the most exciting players in Region 8-2A. Whether he’s lined up at receiver, in the backfield or returning kicks, Murphy is capable of creating big plays whenever he touches the football.
Sacred Heart will undoubtedly look for creative ways to get him involved.
Veteran Leadership Anchors the Defense
While the offense replaces several key contributors, the defense returns experienced leadership. Senior linebacker Owen Lin enters the season as one of the Crusaders’ top returning defenders after finishing among the team’s leading tacklers a year ago.
Lin has developed into the quarterback of the defense. His experience, physicality and ability to diagnose plays will be crucial as Sacred Heart works several younger players into the lineup.
Up front, Jameson Phillips returns as another important leader. Phillips provides toughness along the defensive line while also contributing offensively when needed. The Crusaders also welcome back several younger linemen who gained valuable varsity experience in 2025. Another offseason in the weight room should make that group stronger and deeper heading into August.
Five Games to Watch
Aug. 21 – Southeast Lauderdale
The Drew Dewease era officially begins.
An opening-night victory would provide immediate momentum for the new coaching staff.
Sept. 4 – St. Patrick
Sacred Heart dominated this matchup last season with a 41-0 victory.
Expect another physical contest as St. Patrick looks for revenge.
Sept. 18 – Resurrection Catholic
One of South Mississippi’s best small-school rivalries.
These games rarely disappoint regardless of records.
Oct. 16 – North Forrest
The Crusaders lost by just eight points last season.
This game could go a long way toward determining Sacred Heart’s playoff hopes.
Oct. 23 – Collins
Sacred Heart scored 34 points against Collins last year but still came up short.
Winning games like this is the next step for the program.
2026 Schedule
Aug. 21 – Southeast Lauderdale
Sept. 4 – St. Patrick
Sept. 11 – at Crystal Springs
Sept. 18 – Resurrection Catholic
Sept. 25 – Open
Oct. 2 – at East Marion*
Oct. 9 – Open
Oct. 16 – North Forrest*
Oct. 23 – at Collins*
Oct. 29 – Perry Central*
*Region Game
Players to Watch
Landrum Garner – Quarterback (Senior)
The experienced signal caller returns for his second season as the starter and becomes the leader of Sacred Heart’s offense.
Kaden Murphy – Athlete (Sophomore)
One of the most versatile young players in the Pine Belt. Expect Murphy to line up at multiple positions throughout the season.
Owen Lin – Linebacker (Senior)
The leader of the Crusader defense returns for his final high school season after another productive year in 2025.
Jameson Phillips – Defensive End/Tight End (Senior)
A physical two-way player whose leadership and experience will be valuable on both sides of the football.
Hudson Moore – Running Back/Defensive Back (Junior)
Could see an expanded offensive role as Sacred Heart searches for new production in the backfield.
Magnolia Coast Sports Outlook
Sacred Heart enters 2026 with one of the more intriguing storylines in South Mississippi. There are certainly questions to answer. Replacing the production of Luke Davey and Colton Riddick won’t happen overnight, and every first-year head coach faces challenges, even one as familiar with the program as Drew Dewease.
But there is also plenty of optimism. Garner returns at quarterback with valuable experience. Murphy has the potential to become one of the area’s breakout players. Lin gives the defense an experienced leader, while several younger players now have a full season of varsity football under their belts.
The non-region schedule provides an opportunity to build confidence before the Crusaders enter Region 8-2A play. If Sacred Heart can establish a consistent running game and continue improving defensively, the Crusaders have a realistic opportunity to compete for a playoff berth.
This season may not be about replacing what graduated. It may be about discovering the next generation of Crusaders ready to leave their mark on the program.
Magnolia Coast Sports Prediction: 6-4 overall with Sacred Heart battling for one of the final playoff spots in Region 8-2A.
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