Thursday, October 1, 2026
A shorthanded and youthful Malverne football squad squeezed into the Conference IV playoffs a year ago, and head coach Kito Lockwood is looking for that experience to pay dividends.
“We snuck in the back door of the playoffs and it was a good year for the young guys to learn and build from,” said Lockwood, who guided the Mules to a 3-5 regular-season mark leading to a first-round postseason defeat to top-seeded Plainedge. “The kids put in a lot of work during the offseason both on the field and weight room,” he added. “To get where we want to go, we have to avoid the injury bug and beat a team we’re not supposed to beat.”
Seeded No. 7, Lockwood believes the first half of the schedule will set the tone. Malverne has a trio of pivotal games in September starting with a trip to sixth-seeded Locust Valley. The home opener against No. 4 Cold Spring Harbor is next, followed by a visit to Conference III’s Clarke in an intriguing crossover.
“Locust Valley is never easy,” Lockwood said. “We’re hoping to get that first one and go from there.”
The Mules return four of their five starting offensive linemen and a host of skill position players led by senior receiver Jace Richards and junior tailback Jayden Johnson.
Richards is a third-year starter who emerged down the stretch last season with a few touchdown receptions. “He’s fast and elusive and we’ll look to him to pick up some key first downs however they come,” Lockwood said. “We’ll get the ball in his hands and let him do his thing.”
Johnson earned All-County last fall and is no longer a secret. He rushed for 798 yards and 11 touchdowns, including 159 yards and four scores in a victory over North Shore. “All eyes are on him now and he’s eager to prove last year was for real,” Lockwood said. “Not many sophomores get All-County. I keep reminding him [Luke] Martini of Wantagh won the Thorp Award, so there’s always a next level to strive for. Jayden has 1,000-yard ability and he’s working to get stronger so he can break more tackles. Him getting to the edge and exploding is easy.”
There’s a new quarterback who’s new to the position but not the sport. Senior Braylon Lewis impressed during summer 7 on 7s throwing the ball and will also work at linebacker and punter. “We’ve been trying to find a true position for him for years,” Lockwood said. “It looks like quarterback is it, but he hasn’t played a game with the pads on.”
Junior Tyler Thiem is coming off a monster JV campaign and figures to be a prominent piece of the offense. He has experience at running back, receiver, quarterback and kicker. “He had one of the best JV seasons I’ve ever heard of,” Lockwood said. “He’s going to contribute as a two-way starter for sure.”
Malverne’s stud and leader, noted Lockwood, is senior Brian Major. He’s a defensive end and right tackle who also sparks special teams and serves as captain. “He’s a throwback type of player who does it all,” the coach said. “He’s going to be disruptive on defense and is an equally strong blocker in the pass and run games.”
Senior Axel Perez returns at center and comes off a solid and consistent year, Lockwood said. At left tackle, senior Leelyn Green is strong and athletic and expected to benefit greatly from last year’s experience. The same goes for senior right tackle Chris Morales, who’s agile. Right guard is the lone spot up front without a returning starter and remains up in the air.
On the defensive side, Major and junior Cameron Wesley form a pair of scary bookends on the line. Both are 6-foot-2, 200 pounds. Wesley will also play tight end. “Cameron is a physical presence who requires a double team to stop,” Lockwood said. “On defense he’s a menace. Every coach in the conference knows who No. 9 is.”
To read more from the Herald's 2026 High School Football Preview, click here.
