LIVONIA – Start with the small things.
That’s the first step in elevating Livonia football after three consecutive losing seasons.
Third-year head coach Richie Welch has done his best to change the culture at Livonia. This year, his players have responded.
Raising the standard, Welch said, works both ways. His Bulldogs hope efforts to do so will make them a Class C contender.
“It will be fun to see who rises to the occasion,” Welch said. “You never know who will need to step up. Who will need to switch positions? They all seem open to it.”
Linemen headline Livonia’s group of returners. Carer Breu and Aaron Kime are tasked with leading the unit.
They’ll protect junior quarterback Harper Rowe, a varsity newcomer who brings athleticism under center.
Jack Ackerman and Zach Yamin add a one-two punch at running back.
Balancing football with attitude and effort proved to be Livonia’s preseason mantra. Welch, enjoying the continuity which comes with three years on the job, expects to see more offensive variety, defensive knowledge and sustained drives from his Bulldogs.
“They’ve taught me the pace at which we need to do things… how they’re grasping concepts,” Welch said. “This group particularly this year wants to set a higher standard.”
Livonia football at a glance
- Head coach: Richie Welch (3rd season)
- Classification: C
- Last season's record: 1-8 (lost to Alexander/Pembroke in C quarterfinal)
- Last Section V championship: 2021
Livonia football schedule for 2026
- Friday, Sept. 4: vs. Geneseo/Mount Morris, 7 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 11: vs. Dansville/Wayland-Cohocton, 7 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 25: vs. Wellsville/Genesee Valley-Belfast, 7 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 2: at Letchworth/Warsaw/Perry, 7 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 9: at Hornell/Arkport-Canaseraga, 7 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 16: vs. Bath-Haverling, 7 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 23: at Le Roy/Caledonia-Mumford, 7 p.m.
Livonia's top returning players
Senior RB/LB Jack Ackerman, junior LB Chayse Barrett, senior OL/DL Carter Breu, sophomore WR/DB Brian Gibbs, senior OL/LB Aaron Kime, senior OL/DL Jack Oliver, senior RB/LB Zach Yamin
Marquee matchups for Livonia
Players pointed to their Week 1 matchup against Livingston County rival Geneseo/Mount Morris as essential for a successful start to 2026. They're also looking forward to Week 2, a Homecoming date with Dansville/Wayland-Cohocton.
Jeff Uveino joined the USA Today Network in 2023 and began covering Rochester-area high school sports in 2026. He is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University's Jandoli School of Communication and native of Perry. Contact him at juveino@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @realjuveino and on Instagram @jeffusports.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Livonia football stresses small things, seeks big changes in 2026
