LAVERNE TIGERS
Head Coach: MATT COX
11-2
Coming off back-to-back state runner-up finishes, Laverne enters 2026 with the look of a group that is tired of coming up just short. The Tigers return several experienced playmakers and have a wave of younger talent ready to fill key roles, creating a deep and competitive roster. That mix has the program energized for another run in one of Oklahoma’s toughest small-school divisions. “We’re very excited about the upcoming season,” head coach Matt Cox said. “We return several quality players and have young ones ready to step up as well. The team is especially hungry after being state runner-up the last two seasons.”
Offensively, Laverne will continue to lean on a pro-style attack that wants to establish the run and be dangerous off play action. The Tigers bring back five starters on that side of the ball, including productive runners like Kade Nichols (5-9, 175) and Zak Masters (5-8, 175), who give the ground game balance and toughness. Quarterback Keaton Cox (6-1, 155) returns after throwing for 1,967 yards and 21 touchdowns, giving the coaching staff confidence to “throw the ball all around the field” when defenses overcommit to the box. With multiple backs capable of moving the chains and a proven passer under center, Laverne’s offense should once again stress opponents vertically and horizontally.
On defense, the Tigers will base out of a 3-2 look with Cover 2 behind it, focusing on sound assignments and eliminating explosive plays. Nichols (5-9, 175) will be a key piece at linebacker after racking up 112 tackles, while Draven Starr (5-9, 185) returns as another productive presence in the second level. The emphasis will be on running to the football and rallying as a unit, something Cox believes this group understands after last year’s deep postseason run. With experience at all three levels and a philosophy built around discipline and speed, Laverne expects its defense to complement a high-powered offense.
8-28 – Okeene
9-11 – Weleetka
9-18 – Texhoma
9-25 – Hollis
10-9 – Pioneer
10-15 – Burns Flat
10-23 – Seiling
10-30 – Waukomis
11-6 – Cherokee
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