August 28, 2026 – BRANDON MS – A thick fog settled over Milner Stadium in Gulfport on November 28 last year. In the haze stood a stark final score: Gulfport 40, Brandon 7. The Admirals dominated the matchup en route to a state title, leaving the Bulldogs to dissect an uncharacteristically shaky 2025 campaign.
While Brandon secured a fifth straight South State championship appearance, finishing 7-6 as one of Class 7A’s final four, the season lacked the high-octane tempo that has come to define the program.
A key turning point came late in the year when Eugene Clinton assumed interim head coaching duties in late October, steadying the course through the final stretch. Now officially at the helm for 2026, Clinton has injected new life into the “042.” The offseason chatter signals renewed energy, improved conditioning, and a clear vision forward.
Clinton retooled his staff to spark a turnaround, bringing in Justin Hunter as offensive coordinator to revive an offense that averaged a decade-low 16.3 points per game. On defense, college veteran Michael Turner steps in to rebuild the unit, alongside several new position coaches. The target remains clear: realign with the program’s core standard of “One Town, One Team, One Dream.”
The first test arrives Friday night on the road against Tupelo. The Golden Wave have held the upper hand in recent matchups, handing Brandon a 36-15 opening-night loss last season and defeating them in the 2024 state championship game.
Despite the history, the 2026 roster boasts high-caliber talent across the board:
- Offense: Led by senior quarterback Slayden Shack and All-American running back Tyson Robinson. Robinson pairs with Kingston Mays to form one of the state’s most lethal backfield tandems, backed by an experienced offensive line and junior wideout Josh Parker.
- Defense: Anchored by elite nationally ranked linebacker Travion Washington, alongside veteran defensive backs Logan Drummond and Kam Robertson.
This season opens with a brutal five-game gauntlet featuring Tupelo, Madison Central, Clinton, West Monroe (LA), and Starkville—arguably the toughest stretch in Mississippi high school football.
For Clinton and the Bulldogs, Friday on Tupelo’s blue turf isn’t just about making a statement—it’s about restoring Brandon football to its rightful standard. Surfs up Friday night – Clinton and the Dogs look to revive 042 and put everyone on notice.
Brandon’s first regular season game is TONIGHT, on the road at Tupelo. Barring any technical difficulties, the game should be livestreamed at the link below:
www.BrandonBulldogs.live Click on Channel 1 to watch the game.
Article by Jake Wimberly. To view Jake’s info and profile here at Brandon042, click the link below:
