COYLE BLUEJACKETS
Coach: MARCUS COOPER
9-3
Coyle enters the 2026 season after a 9-3 campaign under head coach Marcus Cooper, who is in his eighth year leading the program. Cooper is excited about this group, saying, “I think it’s gonna be a hard working team. Might be the deepest team we ever had,” and he expects “a lot of kids to get a big number of snaps.” That depth, combined with returning experience, has the Bluejackets aiming for another strong run in eight-man football.
Offensively, Coyle returns six starters and will line up in a physical Double Tight I, with Cooper noting, “We are a heavy running team.” Senior running back Carsen Hock is the workhorse after rushing for 1,300 yards last season, while senior tight end and defensive end Conner Moorman gives the offense a big edge presence in the run game and as a passing target. Junior quarterback Tyree Lancaster, who threw for 600 yards, returns to direct the offense, and the line and backfield are bolstered by seniors Lane Cummings at guard, and running backs Elijah Sims and James Lackey, providing a veteran core in Coyle’s run-heavy scheme.
Defensively, Coyle also brings back six starters and will base out of 3-2 and 3-3 fronts, embracing an aggressive mindset. Cooper sums up the philosophy simply: “We just wanna attack the ball. See the ball, get the ball.” Hock, Moorman, Sims, Lackey, Cummings and Lancaster all play key roles on that side, giving the Bluejackets a lineup full of experienced two-way seniors and juniors who understand the system and are comfortable playing downhill. That collective experience should allow Coyle to rotate bodies while keeping intensity high across four quarters.
Hock is the program’s VYPE Top 100 nominee, and Cooper calls him “One of the hardest working kids I’ve ever coached,” adding that he “will do anything for his team. And anything for any of his teammates.”
8-27 – vs. Pond Creek-Hunter
9-4 – at Rush Springs
9-10 – vs. Wetumka
9-18 – at Pioneer-Pleasant Vale
9-25 – at Waukomis
10-8 – vs. Yale
10-16 – at Dewar
10-22 – vs. Weleetka
10-30 – at Foyil
11-5 – vs. Garber
