Holdenville Wolverines 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 Holdenville Wolverines!</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/YswX1-KqOaw" type="link" id="https://youtu.be/YswX1-KqOaw">- Holdenville Video Preview With HC David Barker</a></strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Holdenville Wolverines</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #4 In Class 2A-2</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: David Barker - 5th Season - 37-9 At Holdenville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 RESULTS (10-2 Record - Lost In Class 2A-2 Quarterfinals)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 5th - Beat Wewoka 44-0<br>Sept. 12th - Beat Okemah 78-0<br>Sept. 19th - Beat North Rock Creek 52-6<br>Sept. 26th - Beat Coalgate 62-0<br>Oct. 3rd - Beat Tishomingo 66-13<br>Oct. 10th - Beat Beggs 52-26<br>Oct. 16th - Beat Dibble 22-7<br>Oct. 23rd - Beat Community Christian 46-14<br>Oct. 31st - Lost To Davis 23-14<br>Nov. 7th - Beat Comanche 58-19<br>1st Round - Beat Kellyville 68-13<br>Quarterfinals - Lost To Adair 20-14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2025 Offensive Scoring Average: 48 Points Per Game<br>2025 Defensive Scoring Average: 11.8 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Holdenville Wolverines came into the 2025 football season riding an all time high after their most successful season in recent memory in 2024. They went 11-1 and won the district championship but they were also hungry for more as the calendar flipped to 2025. And as the season began, it didn't look like they missed a step. They were absolutely dominant in the first six games of the regular season. They won every game by 25+ points and their lowest output on offense in the first six weeks was 44 in the season opener. They would get tested by Dibble in week seven but they took care of business, winning 22-7. They beat Community Christian with ease the following week and then came the Halloween night showdown with Davis for the district championship. The Wolverines knocked off the traditional powerhouse in 2024 but the Wolves got some payback in 2025. Holdenville suffered their first loss of the year, falling 23-14 in week nine. They bounced back the following week and finished the regular season with a 9-1 record. They opened up the postseason with a dominant win over Kellyville in the first round, setting up a quarterfinal clash with undefeated Adair, They lost to the Warriors in a heartbreaker, falling 20-14. Holdenville had the ball at the Adair 20-yard line with less than two minutes to go but would ultimately turn it over on downs. For the second straight year, the season came to an end in the quarterfinals. But for the second straight year, Holdenville won at least ten games. And as we start to look ahead to the 2026 football season, there is still a lot to like about this Holdenville squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On paper, Holdenville looks like they should be just as successful, if not take that next step when they kick off the 2026 football season. This team is full of juniors and seniors that will be three or even four-year starters this fall. They come into this season having gone 21-3 in the last two years alone. They know how to win games and win them at a high level. Now, they certainly appear to be ready to take the next step to contending for a state championship. Seven starters return on the offensive side of the ball and this was an offense that averaged nearly 50 points per game last season. They could flirt with that number again this fall as they need to find some new guys up front on the line of scrimmage, but they also bring back one of the more experienced starting quarterbacks in the state. And with the offense that Holdenville runs, with a lot of misdirection, having that experienced guy running the show is huge for the Wolverines. Defensively, the Wolverines bring back every starter except one in 2026. Ten starters return for a defense that gave up nearly 12 points per game in 2025. And again, with the offense that Holdenville runs, there are plenty of times when their defense doesn't have to do anything as the Wolverines are running the ball on nearly every play. The district will look completely different than it has over the last few seasons. But the Wolverines will more than likely be the favorites to win their second district championship in three seasons. But this is a team and a program that won't be satisfied with just another district title. They want to take that next step towards gold.&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>Alyc Harjo - Offensive Lineman<br>Cameron Swayze - Linebacker</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":["1716194"],"_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-6a5252ef86d3c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We mentioned earlier how Holdenville will benefit mightily from having a returning quarterback running their offense. 2027 signal caller [player_tooltip player_id='1716194' first='Abe' last='Gomez'] is going to be one of the more experienced quarterbacks in the state this fall. Last season, Gomez took his production to all new heights during his junior season. He finished with over 1,600 yards and 24 touchdowns on the ground. He also threw five touchdowns but let's face it, the Wolverines move the ball on the ground and they've done it at a very high level over the last few seasons. With Gomez running the show once again, we think his production could go up and Holdenville could have even more 50+ point outings.&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":["1837623"],"_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-6a5252ef86dac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 running back and linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1837623' first='Bo' last='Black'] is arguably the top two-way player on the team this season, at least from a production standpoint. Offensively, Black joins Gomez in the backfield as one of the top options as a traditional running back. Last season, he finished with over 800 yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging nearly ten yards per carry. Defensively, Black also had over 100 tackles, including 15 tackles for loss throughout the season. Whether it's offense or defense, Black found a way to impact the game and produce at a very high level. Needless to say, we have a feeling that he's going to be a big part of Holdenville's gameplan this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1831411"],"_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-6a5252ef86e05"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">There's no doubt that the offensive line is the biggest question mark heading into the 2026 season with the Wolverines losing multiple starters up front. But they don't lose everyone and 2028 offensive and defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1831411' first='Brayden' last='Black'] returns for his junior season after starting last year as a sophomore. Black emerged as an excellent run blocker for the Wolverines but he also turned around and was very productive on the defensive line. In fact, he finished the season with 31 tackles from his nose guard position, which is a very impressive number for the position Black plays. Holdenville will lean on Black to bring those new offensive linemen along this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1834521"],"_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-6a5252ef86e5c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 running back [player_tooltip player_id='1834521' first='Memphis' last='Thionnet'] is another running threat in this Holdenville offense that has produced at a high level. Last season, he finished with just under 800 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. He averaged nearly ten yards per carry and between Thionnet, Black and Gomez, the Holdenville rushing attack was one of the most productive units in the state, regardless of class. If the Wolverines find the balance between these three rushing threats, we could see all three go over 1,000 yards on the ground. If Thionnet takes the next step in his overall game, that could certainly happen and put Holdenville in a very good spot. </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='1831403' first='Brett' last='Bruner'] - 2027 Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1834539' first='Jeffrey' last='Redmond'] - 2028 Tight End/Defensive Lineman<br>RJ Lowe - 2028 Defensive Back<br>Tenetike Lowe - 2027 Linebacker<br>Titus Gomez - 2029 Running Back/Linebacker</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 - AT Vian</strong><br>- There's no easing into the 2026 football season for Holdenville as they travel to face perennial powerhouse Vian in week zero. This will be the first time these two teams have met since 2017. In a battle of Wolverines, this is a great match-up of two title contenders. Vian has dropped down to Class A-1 for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.<br><strong>Sept. 4th - Wewoka</strong><br>- The Wolverines will open up their home schedule in week one against Wewoka. This is a non-district match-up that we've seen every year since 2018. These two teams routinely play each other and it's been completely one-sided in the last four years. Holdenville has won all four of those meetings by a combined score of 219-0.<br><strong>Sept. 11th - Plainview</strong><br>- Holdenville will wrap up non-district play with arguably the toughest match-up of the regular season. They'll meet 3A's Plainview in week two and the Wolverines will know exactly where they are as a 2A-2 contender after running into the Indians this season. Before Holdenville goes into district play, this will be their last test before a bye week.<br><strong>Sept. 25th - Morris</strong><br>- After a tough non-district slate, Holdenville opens up the district schedule at home with a new opponent. They'll host Morris in week four and this will be the first meeting between these two teams since 2017. They met in non-district play in 2016 and 2017 and split the meetings. Now, they meet again and this time, it will impact the district standings.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 2nd - AT Atoka</strong><br>- After several home games in a row, Holdenville goes back on the road here in week five to face Atoka. The Wampus Cats are back on Holdenville's schedule after not being district opponents the last two seasons. They were in 2022 and 2023 and the Wolverines won both of those meetings and will look for their third straight win this fall.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 9th - Kellyville</strong><br>- The second half of the regular season kicks off with a home game against Kellyville and the Wolverines will need to be ready because this is a game that Kellyville will have circled. These two teams met in the first round of the playoffs last season and the Wolverines prevailed 68-13. The Ponies certainly haven't forgotten how that felt to end 2025.<br><strong>Oct. 15th - AT Stroud</strong><br>- A big district test will come on a Fall Break Thursday night in week seven. Holdenville will go on the road to face Stroud. These two teams haven't met in a decade. They were district opponents from 2010-2015 and the series was completely dominated by Stroud. Now, they'll meet in week seven and the district title could go to the winner.<br><strong>Oct. 23rd - Hartshorne</strong><br>- The last home game of the regular season comes in week eight as the Wolverines will welcome Hartshorne to town. These two teams haven't met on the gridiron since 2015. Hartshorne currently has a four-game winning streak against the Wolverines and there's no doubt that Holdenville will look to end that this season.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 30th - AT Wilburton</strong><br>- The first of two road games to end the regular season comes here in week nine against Wilburton. The Diggers are new to Holdenville's schedule after these two teams haven't played since 2009. This also has to be considered a possible trap game for the Wolverines as they can't afford to look ahead to Beggs the following week.&nbsp;<br><strong>Nov. 6th - AT Beggs</strong><br>- The regular season wraps up in week ten with a road game against Beggs. You can make the argument that Holdenville's two toughest district games are Stroud and Beggs and both are on the road. The Wolverines and Demons have been district opponents since the split in Class 2A in 2024. Holdenville has won both of the last two match-ups.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We don't think that head coach David Barker is getting enough credit around the state for the job that he's done with Holdenville since he took over in 2022. The numbers back it up as well that Holdenville's turnaround has been one of the best in the last four seasons. In the four years prior to Barker taking over, from 2018-2021, the Wolverines went a combined 6-30 with no playoff appearances. Technically they participated in the 2020 playoffs but that was the Covid season where every team could participate in the playoffs but they did not qualify with a 2-4 record in the regular season. Prior to their first round win in 2024, the Wolverines hadn't won a playoff game since 2005. In the last four seasons, since Barker took over, Holdenville's record has completely flipped over. They are a combined 37-9 since Barker took over in 2022. They've made the playoffs each year. They've won playoff games in each of the last two seasons. But now, the Wolverines are ready to take that next step. On paper, they look like one of the top teams in Class 2A-2. Now, they are ready to get on the field to back it up and continue this impressive turnaround.&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 2A-2 Quarterfinals<br>2024 - 11-1 - Lost In Class 2A-2 Quarterfinals<br>2023 - 7-4 - Lost In Class 2A 1st Round<br>2022 - 9-2 - Lost In Class 2A 1st Round<br>2021 - 1-8 - Missed Playoffs</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>1 State Championship</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1964 - Beat Lindsay 14-0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->