HOOKER BULLDOGS
Coach: TANNER MCBEE
12-2
OFFENSE
The Hooker Bulldogs enter this season with one goal in mind: bringing home the state championship trophy. After falling just short in back-to-back title games, the team is more determined than ever to finish what they started. Head coach Tanner McBee believes his squad is ready to take the next step. “Coming off tough losses in the state championship the past two years, our team is more motivated than ever,” McBee said. “The pain of falling just short has ignited a fire within the underclassmen, pushing them to train harder and support each other more fiercely. We’ve taken valuable lessons from last season and are channeling that experience into growth and determination.” Offensively, the Bulldogs will lean on junior running back Justin Palacios (5-9, 175), who returns after an outstanding season in which he rushed for 1,865 yards and 20 touchdowns. Senior Keilan Robinson (6-3, 190), a versatile playmaker, will contribute both at quarterback and wide receiver. Last season, he hauled in 29 receptions for 769 yards and 12 touchdowns. Seniors Gannon Hill (5-8, 145) and James Curtis (6-4, 175) are also expected to step up in the passing game and make a bigger impact this year. In the backfield, junior fullback Gunnar Martens (5-11, 225) will provide the power, picking up the tough yards when needed. Sophomore Kip Nunley (6-3, 190) anchors the offensive line and will be crucial in protecting the backfield and giving the offense time to operate.
DEFENSE
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bulldogs aim to maintain their reputation for toughness and discipline. Last season, they held opponents to just 13 points per game and recorded four shutouts—a testament to their defensive prowess. Leading the charge at linebacker are seniors Ayden Wooldridge (5-10, 170) and Hunter Ray (5-11, 175), a dynamic duo known for their relentless pursuit of the football. Together, they racked up 234 tackles, 36 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries last season. Their ability to read plays and disrupt opposing offenses will be key once again. In the secondary, Justin Palacios and Keilan Robinson will play critical roles in limiting explosive plays and locking down receivers. Up front, seniors Konner Yonkers (5-11, 190) and Gunnar Martens will return to the defensive line, where they’ll focus on collapsing the pocket and putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With experience at every level, the Bulldogs’ defense is poised to be a dominant force once again.
8-29 – vs. Sunray
9-5 – at Guymon
9-12 – vs. Spearman
9-26 – vs. Sayre
10-3 – at Hinton
10-10 – vs. Cashion
10-16 – at Fairview
10-24 – vs. Merritt
10-31 – at Watonga
11-7 – at Crescent
