2026 Team Preview: Oak Glen Golden Bears

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 SEASON RECAP</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Biggest Losses: RB Logan Murray - OL/DL Kameron Hebrock - OL/DL Noah Schmidt - OL/DL Lucas Zoellers - WR/DB James Rohbeck - OL/DL Brandon Friend - ATH Aaron Frohnapfel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oak Glen had a great bounce-back season in 2025, helping stabilize a program that had endured four difficult years recently. First-year head coach TJ Miller deserves credit for getting the Golden Bears moving back in the right direction, even though he stepped down after just one season. The progress provided a much-needed reset for a program that had its most success since the 2019 and 2020 seasons. Now alum Derrick Stickles takes over as the Golden Bears' fourth head coach in six seasons, hoping to build on the foundation established last fall and bring some stability back to the program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: vs Weir<br>9/4: at Petersburg<br>9/11: at South Harrison<br>9/18: at Toronto (OH)<br>9/25: vs Buckeye Local (OH)<br>10/2: at St. Marys<br>10/9: at East Liverpool (OH)<br>10/16: vs Tyler Consolidated<br>10/23: vs Southern Garrett (MD)<br>11/6: vs Hampshire</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record:&nbsp;</strong>7-4 (Playoffs Round One)<br><strong>2026 Prediction</strong>: 7-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oak Glen will have some significant production to replace, including 1,400-yard rusher Logan Murray and several key contributors along both lines. The Golden Bears do return plenty of experienced players from last year's 7-4 playoff team, giving new head coach Derrick Stickles a solid group to work with in his first season. Establishing continuity on the coaching side will be important after having four different coaches in the past six years. If Stickles can provide that stability while developing the returning talent, Oak Glen has a chance to move back toward being a perennial playoff contender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>COLLEGE PROSPECTS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2220836"],"_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-6a4a770921024"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oak Glen has an under-the-radar senior to watch in 2027 ATH Cameron Carter. Carter previously started at quarterback in the past but has made his mark at receiver and defensively at corner, leading the Golden Bears with five interceptions as a junior. He has a long, lanky frame and the athleticism that allows him to be a dangerous weapon on both sides of the ball. With a new head coach potentially opening things up offensively, Carter could also see more opportunities with the ball in his hands. Carter will be one of Oak Glen's most important players again this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19808798/69520549e973529892f90f70u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7b46bbae665"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2325575"],"_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-6a4a770920ebe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 TE/LB Josh Maher had a productive junior season for Oak Glen and is a name to know heading into his senior year. Maher finished fourth on the team with 56 tackles and added 7 TFLs from his OLB spot, showing good length and quality athleticism on the edge. He does a nice job using that athleticism to string plays out horizontally and maintain contain, making him a valuable piece of the Golden Bears' defense. Maher also gave the offense a spark when defenses keyed on the running game, catching 9 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns at tight end. His two-way ability makes him an intriguing under-the-radar player to watch this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19691039/68e5c6c69f21e193ebe8a8fau0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7b46bbae6c2"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1616395"],"_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-6a4a77091ca8e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Golden Bears will be in good shape at linebacker again with 2027 LB Christian Chappell returning as an experienced piece in the middle of the defense. Chappell brings a stocky, physical interior presence that complements Josh Maher and Daniel Ginier well on the outside. With several havoc-creating defensive linemen gone from last year's team, Oak Glen will need its linebackers to take on more responsibility and make plays without those standouts up front this season. Chappell has the physical style to handle that challenge and is an important senior leader for the Golden Bears. He's a quality small-college prospect to keep an eye on this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20062296/68f430a458487e567575368du0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7b46bbae70f"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2326198"],"_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-6a7b46bbaee07"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 WR/K Chase Hartung brings an intriguing blend of size and athleticism to Oak Glen's roster. Hartung has the 6'4 frame to potentially grow into a future tight end body at the next level, while his multi-sport background gives him plenty of athletic upside. He handled the kicking duties as a junior and converted 90% of his PAT attempts, though he's still developing as a specialist. Hartung could take on a larger role at receiver and defensively as a senior, giving the Golden Bears another versatile athlete to work with. His size, athleticism, and upside makes him a prospect worth taking a close look at this fall for Oak Glen. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Chasehartung43/status/2074253982185242824","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Chasehartung43/status/2074253982185242824 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["892650"],"_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-6a4a770920f52"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A key returner for Oak Glen's new coaching staff is 2028 QB/ATH Maddox Bowen, who chose to stay with the Golden Bears after coming over from Madonna when the Blue Dons were unable to field a team last season. Bowen started at quarterback and safety as a sophomore, giving Oak Glen an experienced dual-threat option on both sides of the ball. He threw for 900 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding 34 tackles and two interceptions on defense, showing his versatility as a player. Bowen can help Oak Glen open up the passing game more this year and capable of creating more plays with his legs. He's a versatile player the Golden Bears can continue to build around as they begin a new era.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22517369/6934ac5ccd06d6b43c38379eu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7b46bbaee6e"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2079510"],"_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-6a4a770920fbf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oak Glen has a young two-way standout in 2029 RB/LB Jacob Everett to build around, who is poised for an even bigger role as a sophomore. Everett finished his freshman season with 75 tackles and five TFLs, ranking second on the team defensively, while also rushing for 715 yards and five touchdowns. He brings impressive size and physicality for his age, with linebacker continuing to look like his best long-term position. With Logan Murray's 1,400-yard season to replace, Everett is in line to take on a much larger workload in the backfield as well. The Golden Bears could lean heavily on his ability on both sides of the ball as they move forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23724034/69bc40132d0e2c0896c7d303u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7b46bbaeeb8"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":[2326436],"_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-6a4a770921086"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another promising young piece for Oak Glen to build around is 2029 LB Daniel Ginier, who already showed he can handle varsity football as a freshman. Ginier started at OLB and finished third on the team with 57 tackles, displaying the speed and quickness to consistently chase plays from the edge. He has the athletic ability to become a standout at linebacker, and adding strength and size will only help him as he physically matures. With three more seasons ahead of him, Ginier has the tools to develop into a future star and become a staple of the Golden Bears' defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>John McAvoy - 2027 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaxon Deremer - 2028 LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cole McGillian - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cayden Ritchie - 2028 ATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Robbie Woolley - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carter Pesacreta - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nathan Lynch - 2029 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Owen Schmidt - 2029 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->