Fairview Yellowjackets OK 2026 Team Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 25% Off Your Subscription By Entering Knight25 In The Coupon Code Area. Enjoy!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's the month of July and that means it's preview time! Throughout the month of July and even into August, we are publishing well over 100 of the most in-depth team previews that you'll find anywhere to get you completely ready for the 2026 football season. This is something that began for us at PRZ-Oklahoma in 2021 and it continues to get bigger and better every single year. We're looking forward to diving deep into the top teams across the state in every class. From defending champions, to the top contenders and plenty of dark horses and other teams to know, we'll have complete coverage every single day. There will be multiple previews dropping every single day! In this post, we take a look at the Fairview Yellowjackets!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>RELATED</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/UbzedyzkE1U" data-type="link" data-id="https://youtu.be/UbzedyzkE1U">- Fairview Video Preview With HC Robert Bernard</a></strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Fairview Yellowjackets</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #5 In Class A-1</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Robert Bernard - 12th Season - 96-42 Record At Fairview</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 RESULTS (10-2 Record - Lost In Class A-1 Quarterfinals)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 29th - Beat Alva 56-0<br>Sept. 5th - Beat Kingston 23-21<br>Sept. 12th - Lost To Tonkawa 27-21<br>Sept. 26th - Beat Watonga 63-18<br>Oct. 3rd - Beat Merritt 52-13<br>Oct. 10th - Beat Crescent 49-22<br>Oct. 16th - Beat Hooker 35-8<br>Oct. 23rd - Beat Hinton 48-0<br>Oct. 31st - Beat Sayre 49-16<br>Nov. 7th - Beat Cashion 42-39<br>1st Round - Beat Hobart 26-0<br>Quarterfinals - Lost To Pocola 18-13</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2025 Offensive Scoring Average: 39.8 Points Per Game<br>2025 Defensive Scoring Average: 15.2 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Fairview Yellowjackets came into the 2025 season as a borderline top ten team in Class A-1 after losing a special senior class to graduation. It was time for a new group to step up and make waves and they certainly did just that. They got our attention in week one when they took down a Kingston team 23-21 that would go on to win a district title in 2A-1. They had a small setback against Tonkawa the following week but they wouldn't lose the rest of the way in the regular season. They took care of business in district play, including a huge week seven win over Hooker, the week after the Bulldogs took care of business against Cashion. The district title race would come down to week ten and in one of the more interesting games of the regular season, Fairview would outlast Cashion in overtime in a game that would be played at two different locations because of a power outage. The Yellowjackets went into the playoffs as district champs once again and took down Hobart in the first round. That set up a quarterfinal clash with Pocola and the season would come to an end with an 18-13 loss. Fairview finished 10-2 and lost in the quarterfinal round for the second consecutive season. We wrote about this during the 2025 season but we got Fairview all wrong heading into the year. We thought they would take a small step back and not be a state title contender in 2025. Wrong. They won 10 games again, won the district title and nearly made the semifinals. As we turn the page and start looking ahead to the 2026 season, we won't be making that same mistake again.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fairview comes into this season as the number five team in our A-1 preseason rankings and they are hungry to make it back into the state title hunt with a team full of experienced and talented players. Seven starters return for an offense that averaged just shy of 40 points per game. They have their quarterback, running back and top wide receiver returning, along with a really strong group on the offensive line to make up a group that could be one of the top offenses in Class A-1 this season. At this time last year, a lot of those names were unproven guys, stepping into new roles. This year, they are vets that know what it takes to win in big moments. The same can be said on the other side of the ball with the defense. Seven starters return on defense and the Yellowjackets will have guys littered throughout the lineup that can make big plays in any given week. They will need that experience and talent because they once again find themselves in a district where multiple teams can contend for the state championship this fall. It should also be mentioned that head coach Robert Bernard is knocking on the door of a major milestone heading into this season. Bernard is about to begin his 12th season as head coach of the Yellowjackets and he is four wins away from hitting #100 for his career at Fairview. There is no doubt that he has turned this program into one of the best small school football teams in the state. He'll hit 100 at some point this year but the Yellowjackets are hungry to go after their third state title in five seasons.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>KEY LOSSES TO GRADUATION</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Braiden Forbes - Linebacker<br>Colt Hamen - Linebacker<br>Noah Schmidt - Wide Receiver/Defensive Back</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>PLAYERS TO WATCH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1743235"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5a1f4614835"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1743235' first='Aiden' last='Nightingale'] came into last season in a very tough position. He was tasked with replacing the best quarterback in program history and that's no easy task. Nightingale was ready for the challenge and had a really strong junior season. He threw for nearly 2,800 yards and 26 touchdowns last season and is coming back even stronger this season. With the majority of Fairview's skill talent returning, Nightingale has the potential to put up even bigger numbers in this Fairview offense this season. He enjoyed a breakout last season and now it will be interesting to see if he can take his game to another level and become one of A-1's top quarterbacks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1743237"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5a1f461487a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 running back [player_tooltip player_id='1743237' first='Alex' last='Houk'] enjoyed a major breakout season last year with the Yellowjackets. During his sophomore season, Houk was productive but he had less than 100 carries. Last season, he flirted with 200 carries and became one of the top running backs in Class A-1 football. He finished the season with over 1,100 yards and 22 touchdowns. Now, as he gets ready for his senior season, Houk is going to be looking for more. He can also help Fairview as a pass catcher out of the backfield and on the defensive side of the ball at linebacker. But when it comes down to it, his greatest impact will be on offense as one of the top running backs in A-1 football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>(2025 All State Honorable Mention)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1743233"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5a1f461489d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We wrote about 2027 wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1743233' first='Haddon' last='Miller'] at this time last year and how all signs pointed to him being Fairview's top target in the passing game. That certainly played out in 2025 as Miller had a monster season in the Fairview offense. He finished the season with 70 catches for just over 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns. If the Yellowjackets can get that same production from Miller this season, they are going to be in a good place. But if Miller elevates his play and those numbers improve and go up, Fairview is going to have a chance to make a run at another gold ball. Miller is another three-year starter that is ready to close out his career with another title run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1836512"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5a1f46148bd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1836512' first='Ridge' last='Cottrill'] is another name that has been around for a while and we cannot wait to see what he does this season. Cottrill has been Fairview's leading tackler the last two years and he was incredibly productive last season. He finished with over 120 tackles, including ten tackles for loss and three sacks. And the scary part about his game for the rest of Class A-1 is Cottrill wasn't even close to 100 percent in the second half of the 2025 season. He injured his ankle and continued to play on it despite being hurt. So now, as we get ready for the 2026 season, Cottrill is definitely a name to know because what will that production look like when he's 100%?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1833198"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5a1f46148dc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2028 offensive and defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1833198' first='Ridge' last='Scott'] is one of several underclassmen to keep an eye on as the Yellowjackets take the field this season. There is no doubt that Fairview has another talented senior class coming through right now but there are still underclassmen pieces that will help them and specifically on the offensive line. Scott measures in around 6'4 and 300 pounds and will help pave the way for an offense that has the potential to be one of the best units in Class A-1 this season. Now, the Yellowjackets have all the skill talent and production in the world returning but that means nothing without Scott and this Fairview offensive line taking care of business.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>MORE NAMES TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1776570' first='Drayton' last='Chavez'] - 2028 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1371438' first='Hunter' last='Haines'] - 2028 Offensive/Defensive Lineman<br>John Thomas - 2029 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aug. 28th - Alva</strong><br>- The Yellowjackets will open the 2026 season against Alva as they continue to square off with the Goldbugs in non-district play. They've played non-district games for the last decade and Fairview will look to continue their dominant play in this series. After losing the first five meetings, they've won the last five, including last year's 56-0 win.<br><strong>Sept. 4th - AT Chisholm</strong><br>- Fairview goes on the road for the first time in 2026 when they head over to Chisholm in week one. The Longhorns are back on the schedule after these two teams did not play in 2024 or 2025. They played in non-district play every year from 2010-2023. During that stretch, each team won seven games but Fairview has won the last three.<br><strong>Sept. 11th - Cashion</strong><br>- The non-district slate comes to a close with a week two home game against Cashion. After playing the last two seasons in district play, this becomes a non-district affair with Cashion moving up to Class 2A-2. Last year's week ten contest was a memorable overtime win that featured a venue change to nearby Crescent after Cashion lost power.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 25th - Sayre</strong><br>- The district opens up with a familiar name on the schedule. The Yellowjackets host Sayre in week four and these two teams have been district opponents since this decade began. It's also been a district series and series altogether that Fairview has dominated. Since 2020, the Yellowjackets are 6-0 against Sayre and the closest game was a 23-0 win.<br><strong>Oct. 2nd - AT Watonga</strong><br>- Fairview goes back on the road to face Watonga in week five. This resumes a district series that began in 2024. The Yellowjackets have lit up the scoreboard during the last two meetings. They won 69-34 in 2024, followed by a 63-18 victory over Watonga last season. Prior to meeting in district play in 2024, this was a series that was generally back and forth.<br><strong>Oct. 9th - Merritt</strong><br>- The Yellowjackets return home to square off with Merritt in week six and they'll look to keep this district series a one-sided affair. They started playing in on-district play in 2018 and the Yellowjackets have never lost. They beat the Oilers 52-13 last season and that was one of the biggest margins of victory for the Yellowjackets since they started playing every year.<br><strong>Oct. 15th - AT Hooker</strong><br>- The Yellowjackets will head out to the panhandle to face Hooker on a Fall Break Thursday night in week seven. Fairview beat the Bulldogs 35-8 last season and have won five of the last six meetings. But the last time they went to Hooker, they had their 36-game winning streak come to an end during the 2024 season. They certainly haven't forgotten about that.<br><strong>Oct. 23rd - Tonkawa</strong><br>- Fairview returns home to host a Tonkawa team that comes into this season as the preseason number one team and coming off a state championship game appearance last season. The Buccaneers are new to the district and just add another heavy hitter for Fairview to deal with. These two met in non-district play last year and Tonkawa won 27-21.<br><strong>Oct. 30th - AT Hinton</strong><br>- After the toughest two-week stretch of the season, Fairview then goes on the road for the final two weeks. First, they go on the road to face Hinton in week nine. These two teams became district opponents in the last two seasons and it's been a completely one-sided series. Fairview won 40-6 in the first meeting in 2024 and followed that up with a 48-0 win last year.<br><strong>Nov. 6th - AT Crescent</strong><br>- The Yellowjackets will head to Crescent in week ten to wrap up the regular season. These two teams have met in the last three years, with Fairview winning all three meetings. The Yellowjackets beat the Tigers in the 2023 playoffs. And then they took care of business in the last two seasons, when these two became district opponents in 2024.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is no denying that right now is the best era of Fairview football in program history. They captured back to back state championships in 2022 and 2023 and had a 36-game winning streak. What's crazy is how quickly things turned around for Fairview. Obviously the players in the last few senior classes had a lot to do with it. When you have some guys who end up getting an opportunity to play college football, it's going to put you in a solid position on Friday nights. But following the 2020 season, Fairview had gone 35-37 in head coach Robert Bernard's first six seasons as head coach. They had made playoff appearances but didn't have much success. However, in the five seasons from 2021-2025, Fairview has been 61-5. It's just an absurd record when you compare the last five seasons to the six seasons prior to that. You can count on one hand the amount of programs across the state that have more wins during that same timespan. So not only is this the best era for Fairview football but it's also clear that Fairview has been one of the top programs in the state, regardless of class. Now, they look to add to that record this year with another run at the state championship with another special senior class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LAST FIVE SEASONS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 - 10-2 - Lost In Class A-1 Quarterfinals<br>2024 - 10-2 - Lost In Class A-1 Quarterfinals<br>2023 - 15-0 - Class A State Champions&nbsp;<br>2022 - 15-0 - Class A State Champions&nbsp;<br>2021 - 11-1 - Lost In Class A 2nd Round</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>4 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 - Beat Hooker 34-8<br>2022 - Beat Gore 32-28<br>1999 - Beat Nowata 39-14<br>1946 - Beat Poteau 14-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->