Pawhuska Huskies OK 2026 Team Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Get 25% Off Your Subscription By Entering Knight25 In The Coupon Code Area. Enjoy!</strong></em></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 Pawhuska Huskies!</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/6VrV759OBcE" data-type="link" data-id="https://youtu.be/6VrV759OBcE">- Pawhuska Video Preview With HC Mark Frye</a></strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Pawhuska Huskies</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #7 In Class A-1</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Mark Frye - 1st Season</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 RESULTS (11-2 Record - Lost In Class A-1 Semifinals)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 29th - Beat Nowata 60-12<br>Sept. 5th - Beat Meeker 66-13<br>Sept. 12th - Beat Hominy 44-27<br>Sept. 19th - Beat Woodland 44-12<br>Sept. 26th - Beat Oklahoma Union 62-8<br>Oct. 3rd - Beat Pawnee 42-40<br>Oct. 10th - Lost To Tonkawa 32-8<br>Oct. 24th - Beat Quapaw 80-13<br>Oct. 31st - Beat Caney Valley 68-7<br>Nov. 6th - Beat Morrison 30-20<br>1st Round - Beat Panama 48-6<br>Quarterfinals - Beat Wynnewood 28-26<br>Semifinals - Lost To Rejoice Christian 42-34</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2025 Offensive Scoring Average: 47.1 Points Per Game<br>2025 Defensive Scoring Average: 19.8 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pawhuska Huskies came into the 2025 football season with high expectations. With a strong group of returning starters and some key pieces being added to the rotation, the Huskies came into the year as a top five team in Class A-1. In the first six weeks, they certainly looked like one of the best teams in the class. They jumped out to a 6-0 record, with big wins over Class A-2 contenders Hominy, Woodland and then in district play over Pawnee. It was around this point in the season that they lost one of their best two-way players to an injury and then tripped up in week six against Tonkawa, losing 32-8. But they wouldn't lose the rest of the regular season, rallying off three straight wins to finish the year at 9-1. They beat Panama with ease in the first round before having to travel to Wynnewood in the quarterfinals to face an unbeaten Savage squad. They escaped with a 28-26 to punch their ticket to the semifinals. They would face defending champion Rejoice Christian in the semifinals and pushed the champs to the brink. But the season ultimately came to an end in that semifinal game, losing 42-34 and they would finish the year at 11-2. Rejoice went on to win a second straight title and Pawhuska's two losses in 2025 were to the two teams that played for the Class A-1 state championship. Now, the Huskies look to turn the page and start a new season. And with that, will come a lot of change on the field and on the sidelines. But the expectations of being a state championship contender will not change with the Huskies.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shortly after the season ended, head coach Matt Hennesy was hired by Bartlesville to be their next football coach. After a very successful stint with the Huskies, he moved on and a new era of Pawhuska football would begin. It's been a stressful summer for Pawhuska after their original replacement stepped down in late June. So they've turned to longtime assistant coach Mark Frye to be the guy for this season. That will bring continuity and keep things as similar as they have been for a roster that does bring back a lot of talent from last year. Five starters return on the offensive side of the ball and they are all in the skill department. Pawhuska replaces the quarterback but more importantly, they will replace the entire offensive line. If that group can gel together quickly, they have the firepower to remain one of the better offenses in Class A-1. Defensively, the Huskies bring back five starters as well. And while they will need to replace a lot on the defensive line and secondary, they do come into this season with one of the best linebacker groups in the state, regardless of class. So heading into this season, Pawhuska is still a top ten team and is going to be in the mix for the district title and potentially much more in 2026. The district has changed coming into this season. Their only district loss was to Tonkawa a year ago and they've headed west this season. Coming into this year, it feels like the Huskies are the favorites for the district crown but they will have to go out and earn it. But if they do, that will set them up to potentially go on a run in November and ultimately December.&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>Jaxon Arnett - Offensive/Defensive Lineman (2025 All State Honorable Mention)<br>Kane Foreman - Quarterback (2025 All State Honorable Mention)</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":["1670662"],"_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-6a6371237d76d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 two-way star [player_tooltip player_id='1670662' first='Dane' last='Jensen'] comes into this season with a major chip on his shoulder after missing half of his junior season with an injury. Because of that, he comes into this season with unfinished business and that's bad news for the rest of Class A-1. Jensen was still productive last season, mostly on the defensive side of the ball. He finished with over 80 tackles and he seemed like he was always around the football. His combination of size, speed and overall athleticism make him a very tough player to contend with. He'll be a bigger part of the offense this season but his main role is at the linebacker position as one piece of a monster linebacker group.&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":["2254368"],"_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-6a6371237d7be"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='2254368' first='Jack' last='Grooms'] is a defensive standout that didn't get enough credit for his overall play last year. Grooms was a versatile defender that could play linebacker or back in the secondary at safety. He'll do whatever he has to do to have an impact on Pawhuska's defense this season. Last year, Grooms finished with nearly 80 tackles but it was his nose for the football that should have gotten him more praise during his junior season. He had five fumble recoveries, including three that he returned for touchdowns in 2025. He was always in the right place at the right time. This season, he'll continue to be that versatile weapon for Pawhuska's defense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1836665"],"_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-6a6371237d7f9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1836665' first='Jenson' last='Snodgrass'] will be moving into the quarterback position this season. Last year, Snodgrass was one of the more versatile athletes in this Pawhuska offense. He finished the season with just shy of 800 rushing yards and ten touchdowns on the ground. He also had over 300 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Now, he'll lead a run-heavy offense with him taking charge at the quarterback position. When we got a chance to watch Pawhuska in person last season, it was very hard not to be impressed with Snodgrass' ability to break tackles in the open field. You have to send two or three guys at him at all times to bring him down.&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":["2254371"],"_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-6a6371237d81f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='2254371' first='Jimmie' last='Wildcat'] might have flown under the radar last season because he was just a sophomore, but you can make the argument that he was Pawhuska's most consistent defender from start to finish. As a sophomore, Wildcat finished the year with nearly 170 tackles, with 19 of them coming behind the line of scrimmage. Wildcat was also very productive as a freshman in 2024 but he absolutely blew up in a major way in 2025. Now, Wildcat is one of several linebackers to keep an eye on this season. He's part of that Pawhuska linebacker group that will be one of the best in the state this season. He'll also see plenty of time on offense this fall.</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":["1325101"],"_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-6a6371237d83e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Similar to Jensen, 2027 running back and linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1325101' first='Vann' last='Wildcat'] comes into this season as one of the top two-way players in Class A-1. Offensively, Wildcat finished with over 800 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. He also had over 500 receiving yards and a handful of touchdowns. Defensively, he finished with well over 100 tackles and 12 tackles for loss on the season. This year, it's expected that Wildcat will play a bigger role on both sides of the ball. In our opinion, he comes into this season as one of the best players in this class. The 1-2 punch of Jensen and Wildcat is going to be a nightmare for opposing teams to try and slow down in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>(2025 All State Honorable Mention)</em></strong></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>Jackson Whitman - 2030 Running Back/Linebacker<br>Levi Hendren - 2029 Tight End/Linebacker<br>Titan Harris - 2030 Athlete<br>Tripp Walker - 2027 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 - Fairland</strong><br>- The season opener comes in week zero with a home game against Fairland. The Owls are coming off a trip to the Class A-2 semifinals and they nearly played for the state championship. These two used to be district opponents in the old Class A in 2020 and 2021. The Huskies completely dominated this series in those two meetings.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 4th - AT Stroud</strong><br>- The first road game comes in week one when they travel to Stroud and it's the second straight match-up with a semifinal team from a year ago. Stroud lost to eventual 2A-2 champion Adair last year and comes into this season as a top ten team in 2A-2. This will be their first meeting since Pawhuska beat Stroud in the 2019 playoffs.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 11th - Hominy</strong><br>- The annual rivalry game with Hominy takes place in week two as the non-district gauntlet continues here. The Huskies and Bucks have played every year since 2010. Pawhuska has won the last two meetings and have also won seven of the last ten against a Hominy team that is coming off a 2025 campaign that saw them play for a state title.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 18th - AT Woodland</strong><br>- The non-district slate comes to an end in week three with a clash with Woodland. This has been a series that has been very back and forth over the last several years. Pawhuska won last year 44-12 but the Cougars beat the Huskies by 40 the year before. They've played every year starting in 2022 and the series is 2-2 in this stretch.<br><strong>Sept. 25th - AT Colcord</strong><br>- The district schedule kicks off with a road trip out to eastern Oklahoma with a week four clash against Colcord. This is a unique match-up for the Huskies as they've played Colcord six times since the turn of the century. But all six meetings have taken place in the playoffs. The last meeting came in 2021 and Pawhuska won 53-29.<br><strong>Oct. 2nd - Morrison</strong><br>- The Huskies return home to face Morrison in week five and they continue to be a district opponent for Pawhuska. They began meeting in district play in 2024 and the Huskies are 2-0 against Morrison. They won by 30 points in 2024 and then 10 points last season. This will be one of the tougher district match-ups of the season.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 9th - AT Summit Christian</strong><br>- Pawhuska heads to Broken Arrow in week six to face Summit Christian. This will be the first meeting between these two teams as Summit Christian isn't that far removed from being an eight-man program. They spent the last two seasons in Class A-2 and this year, they have moved up to Class A-1 for the next two seasons.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 23rd - AT Pawnee</strong><br>- After a week off, Pawhuska goes back on the road to face Pawnee in week eight and it would not be surprising to see the district championship be decided here. These two became district opponents when the Class A split happened in 2024. Pawnee dominated the first meeting 62-16 but the Huskies came back and won 42-40 last season.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 30th - Nowata</strong><br>- The Huskies return home for the first time in nearly a month when they host Nowata in week nine. These two teams are now district opponents again for the first time since 2022 and 2023. They've opened the season against Nowata in the last two seasons. They have gone 4-0 against Nowata with dominant wins in each meeting.&nbsp;<br><strong>Nov. 6th - Commerce</strong><br>- The regular season comes to an end with a home game against Commerce in week ten. These two teams are meeting for the first time since 2020 and 2021. They were district opponents in the old Class A and the Huskies dominated both meetings. They were 2-0 and the closest game was a 34-point victory in 2020.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pawhuska went through an unexpected change this summer when head coach Brandon Gipe resigned in the last week of June. The Huskies were in a position where they were two months away from the season opener and had no head football coach. Ultimately, they promoted Mark Frye to be the guy at least for this season. Frye returned to the Pawhuska football staff this season in the defensive coordinator role. He has decades of coaching experience while at Pawhuska, including an athletic director role and coaching track. He was a defensive coach for Hennesy and has over 20 years of football coaching experience with the Huskies. This will be the first time he's the guy in charge of a program and it's probably not what he envisioned for how this fall was going to play out. But talking with him this summer, he talked about how keeping this staff together was going to be a big boost to the continuity for this roster. He acknowledged that he brings a different mentality to the position compared to Hennesy but that the understands that the expectations and the bar has been put in place for continued success.</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 - 11-2 - Lost In Class A-1 Semifinals<br>2024 - 9-3 - Lost In Class A-1 Quarterfinals<br>2023 - 6-5 - Lost In Class 2A 1st Round<br>2022 - 6-5 - Lost In Class 2A 1st Round<br>2021 - 11-3 - Lost In Class A Semifinals</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>0 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->