BEGGS GOLDEN DEMONS
Coach: DAVID SHANNON
6-5
Beggs heads into 2026 aiming to build on a 6-5 season and a playoff appearance that ended with a first-round loss to Stroud. Head coach David Shannon, now in his 12th year at the helm, likes the balance of experience and playmaking ability, particularly with six offensive starters and eight defensive starters returning. With strong skill-position talent and an emphasis on improving both offensive and defensive lines, the Golden Demons expect to contend in district play and make a deeper postseason push.
Offensively, Beggs will continue to run multiple formations while striving for balance between its rushing and passing schemes. Senior running backs Trey Ross (6-1, 180) and Jason Nethon (6-0, 185) headline the attack after sharing the workload in 2025. Ross carried 74 times for 729 yards and 13 touchdowns and added 15 catches for 171 yards and two scores, while Nethon logged 90 carries for 581 yards and seven touchdowns, plus 198 receiving yards and a touchdown. With that backfield tandem and an experienced cast of returning starters, Beggs believes it can stress defenses with both power and explosiveness.
Defensively, the Golden Demons will again lean on a 4-2-5 base that allows them to stay sound while turning up the aggression when needed. Nethon anchors the unit after recording 96 tackles, three tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown, while fellow seniors Mike Lewis and Ross add more experience and physicality. Underclassmen such as Sterling Jordan and Landon Kelley bring speed and production, giving Beggs quality depth at all three levels. The 2026 schedule opens with non-district games at Checotah and Kiefer and home against Henryetta before district play against Atoka, Morris, Stroud, Kellyville, Wilburton, Hartshorne and Holdenville. Ross, a VYPE Top 100 nominee entering his third full season, is expected to lead both sides of the ball and help the Demons chase another playoff run.
9-4 – at Checotah
9-11 – vs. Henryetta
9-18 – at Kiefer
9-25 – vs. Atoka
10-2 – at Morris
10-9 – vs. Stroud
10-15 – at Kellyville
10-23 – vs. Wilburton
10-30 – at Hartshorne
11-6 – vs. Holdenville
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