PURCELL DRAGONS
Coach: AARON DILLARD
2-8
Purcell expects to take a step forward in 2026 behind a blend of experienced returners and younger players stepping into key roles. Dillard writes, “We bring a lot of key players with experience back from last year’s squad,” and notes that “some young guys … will fill key roles for us this season,” signaling better depth and competition across the roster. With six offensive and seven defensive starters returning, the Dragons anticipate improved consistency on both sides of the ball.
Offensively, Purcell will operate out of a spread option scheme designed to attack every level of the field. Dillard says they “operate out of a spread option offensive philosophy” and believe in “attacking all areas of the field, interior running game, perimeter running game, and vertical passing threats,” leveraging multiple ball‑carriers and receivers. Senior RB/WR and Top 100 nominee Cash Cook (5-10, 175) headlines the skill group along with seniors Cooper Selman (RB/WR), Matt Hall (RB) and lineman Brian Cazares (5-7, 160), giving the Dragons several experienced options to distribute the ball. Cook is described as “very dynamic,” with a standout Week 10 performance of 6 receptions for 232 yards and two TDs and is also the MVP of the school’s baseball team.
Defensively, Purcell is a multiple front team with a 4‑2‑5 identity built on speed and pressure. Dillard explains they are “a multiple defense, although our base identity is 4-2-5,” and that with “a lot of defensive speed” they must offset limited size by being “a heavy blitz, stunt and stem team.” Junior LB Liam Cummings (6-0, 190), senior DE Brody Walkup (6-1, 195), senior DB Ethan Colburn (5-8, 170), senior LB Braylon Francis (5-10, 165) and junior DLs Cannan Haynes (5-10, 190) and Wyatt Downing (5-10, 220) form a quick, aggressive core.
8-28 – vs. Lindsay
9-11 – at Washington
9-18 – at Lexington
9-25 – at Plainview
10-2 – vs. Marlow
10-9 – at North Rock Creek
10-15 – vs. OCS
10-23 – vs. Kingfisher
10-30 – at McLoud
11-6 – vs. Mount St. Mary
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