While the school undergoes construction for a new athletic complex, Baldwin football will similarly need time to fully develop an identity on the field in 2026.
But with a young core of rising stars and several key seniors, head coach Mike Robinson said he hopes to surprise opponents while the Bruins rediscover themselves in Nassau Conference II.
“We have a good group of young kids, as far as juniors and sophomores stepping up into impact players,” Robinson said. “We’re going to try and move those guys into position and try and get them on the field and develop a program. This year might be an under-construction year, just like our building and our grounds. But I think next year, we can be very, very solid again.”
The Bruins are coming off a 2025 season in which they went 3-6, winning games against Glen Cove, Roslyn/Friends Academy, and Roosevelt. They earned the eighth seed in the Conference II playoffs and went down 31-0 to first-seeded Garden City in the quarterfinals.
With many starters graduating, several younger Baldwin contributors may have to step up to fill key roles, particularly on offense. Ralph Bourdeau, who earned significant reps out of the backfield as a sophomore last year, is actively being considered for a move from running back to quarterback.
“It’s all hands on deck,” Robinson said. “I think everybody needs to help each other get better. Ralph has been pretty consistent with stuff in the summertime. He’s not really a pure passing quarterback, more like a double threat. We’re going to try and utilize him as much as possible on offense.”
Bourdeau’s best game at running back last year was arguably against Roosevelt, when he broke off several chunk plays and scampered in for a nine-yard score. He will carry on as a starting linebacker.
Regardless of who ends up under center, Baldwin will have a new quarterback in 2026, and the goal will be to put him in good situations. Senior Alejandro Acosta, a 6’2” standout who can line up at wide receiver or tight end, will lead a developing group of offensive playmakers and provide a reliable first option.
Among Baldwin’s younger talent, sophomore Giovanni Duplessy has demonstrated “blazing speed” in practice this summer and will likely earn a starting role. As a freshman track and field athlete, Duplessy was a member of Baldwin’s 4x100 relay team.
“He’s an impact player,” Robinson said. “He was all-state as a freshman on the track team. I’m trying to get him the ball in open space.”
Alongside Acosta and Duplessy, juniors Ayden Stewart and Mekhai Samuels are likely to fill in around Bourdeau. Stewart has already demonstrated explosive ability at running back and wide receiver, while Samuels has become a receiving threat.
Sophomore Jayden Smith has also impressed Robinson early on, proving to be a potential deep threat with dependable receiving ability.
Baldwin’s greatest strength in recent years has been its special teams, as senior Gavin McGinley has become one of the best kickers on Long Island. In 2025, he successfully kicked extra points on 21 of Baldwin’s 22 touchdowns and tacked on two field goals from 28 and 20 yards.
“He’s an excellent kicker,” Robinson said. “He’s been working in the offseason and proved that this is something he might want to pursue at the next level.”
Senior Ayden Robinson will be Baldwin’s only returning offensive lineman, providing another stalwart contributor on both sides of the ball. He will be joined on the defensive line by seniors Lucas Diaz, who could also take reps at center, and Adam Hilburger, who notably returned a fumble recovery for a 40-yard touchdown against Glen Cove last year.
Baldwin’s defense arguably runs through its linebackers, as Bourdeau, Acosta, and Samuels will be joined by senior Patrick Feeney, one of Baldwin’s most versatile players. He can also play safety as needed and has taken reps as a wide receiver. Robinson said he might even consider him for a role at quarterback.
Duplessy, Smith, and Stewart are all expected to take on dual roles down the sidelines, providing help in the secondary on defense.
To read more from the Herald's 2026 High School Football Preview, click here.
