Cardinal Newman football has never been a program to shy away from a challenge.

In 2026, the Cardinals certainly won't have that option.

Coming off an 11-2 season, an undefeated league championship and a run to the North Coast Section Division 1
championship game, Newman enters the new season with a new head coach, a talented group of returning players and perhaps the most demanding schedule the program has faced in years — maybe ever.

The journey begins August 28 at Folsom, followed one week later by a trip to perennial powerhouse De La Salle. Archbishop Riordan comes to Santa Rosa for the home opener on September 11 before the Cardinals travel to Clayton Valley Charter on September 18.

That's four heavyweight tests before league play even begins.

And that's exactly the kind of challenge first-year head coach Kenny McMillan and the Cardinals have spent the offseason preparing for.

McMillan Takes Over

McMillan takes over after serving on the Cardinal Newman staff last season as co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, helping the Cardinals finish 11-2 and reach the NCS Open Division championship game.

He was elevated to head coach in April after Frank McManus stepped down following one season. Sean Embree was named associate head coach and offensive coordinator.

McMillan brought an impressive résumé to Santa Rosa before joining Newman. He previously coached at Cal Poly and spent several years at Southern California power Santa Margarita.

Now he takes over a program where competing for championships has become the expectation.

For McMillan and his staff, the offseason has been about much more than getting players physically ready for another football season.

"Our players have put in a tremendous amount of work this offseason and that commitment has gone far beyond simply getting stronger in the weight room," McMillan said. "We've focused on building a strong foundation through fundamentals, learning and understanding our offensive and defensive schemes, and developing the situational awareness needed to make smart decisions when the game is on the line."

With such a demanding schedule awaiting the Cardinals, that preparation could prove especially important.

"The goal has been to prepare our players both physically and mentally for a long season," McMillan said. "We're proud of the work they've put in and truly believe the preparation, discipline, and consistency will give us the foundation for sustained success throughout the season."

Retamoza Returns to Lead the Offense

Perhaps the biggest addition to the 2026 Cardinal Newman offense isn't really an addition at all.

It's the return of quarterback LT Retamoza.

Retamoza entered last season as Newman's starting quarterback but saw much of his sophomore season interrupted by injury. A broken collarbone sidelined him for much of the year, forcing the Cardinals to adjust on the fly.

Now healthy and back for his junior season, Retamoza gives the Cardinals an experienced quarterback with two years of varsity football already behind him.

The 6-foot-3 quarterback first showed his potential as a freshman in 2024. In his first varsity start, Retamoza accounted for five touchdowns in a 56-0 victory over Bishop O'Dowd, completing 7-of-8 passes for 145 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for another 88 yards and two scores.

Having Retamoza back behind center gives Newman a proven quarterback around whom McMillan and Embree can build the offense.

The Cardinals also have valuable experience in Carmine Guevara, who was forced into a much larger role last season because of Retamoza's injury.

Guevara responded when called upon and helped keep Newman's season moving toward an eventual NCS Open Division championship-game appearance. That experience gives the Cardinals valuable depth at the quarterback position.

Weapons Around Retamoza

Retamoza should have plenty of options around him.

Kordell Strane returns as one of Newman's most dangerous athletes after showing his big-play ability in all three phases last season.

Zion Cargill gives Newman another explosive target on the outside and enters his senior season with considerable varsity experience.

The Cardinals will also add Owen Graffe, who is eligible to play this season after sitting out last year following his transfer from Montgomery.

Grafe gives Newman another proven receiving threat. As a sophomore at Montgomery in 2024, he caught 37 passes for 800 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging more than 20 yards per reception.

With Retamoza returning and Strane, Cargill and Graffe among the weapons around him, the Cardinals should have the ability to stretch defenses and create big plays through the passing game.

One of the bigger offensive questions will be replacing the production of running back Malakai Pathoumnourack, who was a major part of Newman's offense during the 2025 championship run.

The answer may not come from one player. Newman has traditionally relied on athletes who can contribute in multiple roles, and the 2026 roster appears built to do the same.

A Strong Foundation Returns on Defense

Newman lost an accomplished senior class from last year's team, but the cupboard is hardly bare.

A talented group that gained significant experience during the 2025 season and playoff run returns, particularly on defense.

It starts up front with Kahlio Vaetoe, who developed into one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in Northern California last season.

The 6-foot-4, 285-pound senior enters the year as one of the Bay Area's top defensive linemen and has attracted offers from programs including USC, Cal, Utah and Washington State.

Vaetoe was especially dominant during Newman's playoff run and gives the Cardinals the kind of player who can change a game from the interior of the defensive line.

The Cardinals should have additional strength in the trenches with senior offensive lineman Josh Bunni and junior defensive lineman Eazy Crichton, giving Newman size and experience up front.

Penney Leads Talented Secondary

If the defensive front is a strength, the secondary could be just as exciting.

Ka'vaughn Penney returns after emerging as one of Newman's biggest defensive playmakers in 2025.

His breakout performance came in Newman's 15-7 victory over defending state champion Grant, when Penney intercepted three passes as the Cardinals forced seven turnovers, including six interceptions.

Penney enters 2026 as one of the Cardinals' most experienced defensive playmakers and a college prospect to watch.

He'll be part of an athletic Newman defense that will be tested immediately considering the offenses the Cardinals will see during the first month of the season.

No Warm-Up Period

There may be no team in the North Bay facing a more difficult opening month.

Newman opens at Folsom, one of Northern California's premier programs, on August 28.

Seven days later comes an even bigger measuring stick: De La Salle in Concord.

Then comes Archbishop Riordan, followed by Clayton Valley Charter.

Four games. Four established Northern California programs.

For a team with a new head coach and several players stepping into larger roles, it will be an immediate test.

But it also gives Newman an opportunity.

The Cardinals won't have to wait until November to find out where they stand.

And with McMillan emphasizing fundamentals, discipline and situational football throughout the offseason, the Cardinals hope the difficult early schedule will prepare them for what they expect to be another long season.

League Title Still the Goal

After navigating the difficult non-league portion of the schedule, Newman turns its attention to league play beginning October 9 at San Marin.

The Cardinals host Marin Catholic on October 16 and American Canyon on October 23 before traveling to St. Vincent de Paul on October 31. The regular season concludes November 6 at home against Windsor.

Newman went unbeaten in league play last season and defeated San Marin twice, including a dramatic 21-14 double-overtime victory in the NCS playoffs.

Repeating as league champion will be one of the first major goals.

The larger goal remains the same one that has followed Cardinal Newman teams for decades: playing championship football in November and, if everything falls into place, December.

The Next Chapter

There will be plenty that's different when Cardinal Newman takes the field in 2026.

A new head coach. New players stepping into major roles. A healthy quarterback returning. And a schedule that will test the Cardinals almost immediately.

But expectations around Ed Lloyd Field haven't changed.

Newman has established itself as one of Northern California's most consistent programs, and last year's run only added to that tradition. The Cardinals finished 11-2, won the league championship and advanced to the NCS Division 1 championship game before falling to Pittsburg.

Now comes the next chapter.

With McMillan taking over, Retamoza healthy and back at quarterback, Vaetoe anchoring the defensive front, Penney leading an athletic secondary and an experienced group of playmakers surrounding Retamoza on offense, Newman has plenty of pieces to make another run.

More importantly, McMillan believes the work already done during the offseason has given the Cardinals the foundation they will need when the challenges begin.

They won't have to wait long.

The 2026 Cardinal Newman football season kicks off Friday, August 28 at Folsom.