WOODLAND COUGARS
Coach: CASEY GOAD
6-5
Woodland Cougars return in 2026 after a 6-5 season under head coach Casey Goad, who is in his 13th year at the school and seventh as head coach. Goad says the Cougars “will be versatile on offense and defense and play a brand of football that relies on discipline, toughness, and physicality,” and he expects that identity to define this year’s team as well. With six starters back on each side of the ball and a core that has grown up in the system, Woodland believes it has the experience to contend each week.
Offensively, Woodland will continue to use a multiple scheme that allows Goad and his staff to “create leverage and attack points,” emphasizing misdirection and angles. The goal is to “establish a great running game with play action pass and multiple formations while utilizing the same plays and personnel,” making the playbook efficient but difficult to diagnose. Junior quarterback Peyton Snow returns after throwing for 1,207 yards while completing 85 of 156 passes (54.49 percent) with 12 touchdowns and only three interceptions, giving the Cougars stability and leadership under center. Senior running back/slot Patrick Freeman adds balance with 295 rushing yards and five touchdowns, while senior receiver/defensive back Landon Presson gives Woodland a reliable target in the passing game and another two-way contributor. The Cougars’ offensive line and supporting cast also reflect the physical approach Goad wants to see.
Defensively, Woodland will employ multiple fronts basing out of an odd front as part of what Goad calls the Cougars’ C.L.A.W. defense. The unit’s philosophy is to “violently pursue the football and tackle well,” with an emphasis on gang tackling and swarming to the ball. Senior two-way standout Neils Lockett anchors the front after posting 37 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and five sacks from his center/defensive tackle role, providing both power and disruption inside. Junior linemen Matthew Bush and Joe Kennedy bolster the trenches as well, with Kennedy contributing 25 tackles, three sacks and five tackles for loss, giving Woodland multiple interior defenders who can control the line of scrimmage.
9-4 – vs. Morrison
9-11 – at Pawnee
9-18 – vs. Pawhuska
9-24 – vs. Oklahoma Union
10-2 – at Barnsdall
10-9 – vs. Hominy
10-15 – at Afton
10-23 – at Quapaw
10-30 – vs. Ketchum
11-6 – at Fairland
