HENNESSEY EAGLES
Coach: MARK COX
7-4
The Hennessey Eagles enter 2026 with one of the most experienced rosters in Class 2A after going 7-4 last season under third-year head coach Mark Cox. They are very excited about this group of guys and return 10 starters on offense and nine on defense, giving the program a veteran group that has already been through district and playoff battles. Cox says they are “expecting big things from this team” as they build on last year’s success with a core that has played a lot of snaps together.
Offensively, the Eagles run a pro-style attack with multiple formations and personnel groupings, adjusting the system each year to best match their personnel while spreading the ball around to their playmakers. Senior quarterback Levi Ferrell (5-11, 180), a VYPE Top 100 nominee and team captain, leads the way after throwing for 1,038 yards and 12 touchdowns and rushing for 948 yards and 14 scores in 2025. Up front, junior tackle Titan Root (6-0, 280) and senior center Tryson Sturgill (5-11, 230) bring physicality after recording 31 and 22 pancake blocks, respectively, while junior guard Tyson Root (5-10, 265) added 20 pancakes as part of a rugged interior. Senior running back Mario Lopez (5-8, 155) gives Hennessey quickness and production after tallying 686 rushing yards and four touchdowns, and junior receiver Beau Vinson (5-10, 150) is a key target after making 45 receptions for 445 yards and six scores.
Defensively, Hennessey lines up primarily in a 4-3 but will play multiple fronts, emphasizing sound assignment football, limiting big plays and swarming to the ball. Junior linebacker Jameson Ladwig (5-10, 180) is a tackling machine after finishing with 91 total stops, nine tackles for loss and four sacks last season. Vinson doubles as a standout strong safety, posting 54 tackles, two tackles for loss and an interception, while Lopez contributes at cornerback with 31 tackles, two tackles for loss and seven passes defended. On the defensive line, Root produced 27 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and three sacks from his interior spot, and junior free safety Hagen Copeland (6-2, 140) added 28 tackles, one tackle for loss and an interception on the back end. Sophomore linebacker Brytan Gardner (5-6, 150) is an underclassman to watch with 40 tackles, five tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and two interceptions as a freshman, and is also recognized as a young playmaker on both sides of the ball.
With the combination of returning experience, established leaders and playmakers on both sides of the ball, the Eagles expect to contend again in 2026.
Aug. 28 – vs. Chisholm
Sep. 4 – at Thomas
Sep. 11 – vs. Perry
Sep. 25 – at Christian Heritage
Oct. 2 – vs. Millwood
Oct. 9 – at Alva
Oct. 15 – vs. Meeker
Oct. 23 – at Cashion
Oct. 30 – vs. Community Christian
Nov. 6 – at Newkirk
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