HASKELL HAYMAKERS
Coach: KYLE WARD
5-6
Haskell enters the 2026 season with a familiar face in a new role and a young roster eager to prove itself after last year’s 5-6 finish. Ward, who spent 18 years as an assistant in the Haymakers program before a five-year stint coaching softball and girls basketball, returns to the football sideline intent on honoring the program’s proud tradition while putting his own stamp on it. He knows replacing a senior class of 16 will take time, but he believes the enthusiasm, toughness and competitiveness of this group can help Haskell grow into a dangerous team as the year progresses. The move forward will be built on daily effort, discipline and representing the school and community the right way.
The Haymakers will operate out of a spread offense designed to pressure defenses horizontally and vertically with multiple formations, motions and misdirection. Ward wants to stay close to a true 50/50 run-pass balance, confident that balance will make Haskell difficult to defend. Junior quarterback Jake Faul (5-10, 175) returns to guide the attack and is a natural leader thanks to his work ethic, leadership and team-first approach. He will have help from junior running back Jagger Lewis (5-10, 225), a physical presence in the backfield, and senior Jaxon Drain (5-8, 185), who can contribute as both a running back and wide receiver. On the perimeter, receiver Jax Chambliss (6-0, 170) and senior wideout Elias Gonzalez (5-8, 165) give Faul reliable targets, while sophomore Marlin “MJ” Johnson (6-3, 200), a WR/TE and standout basketball athlete, offers a big, athletic matchup problem who can stretch the field and win contested catches.
Defensively, Haskell will base out of a 4-3 scheme built on physical play at the line of scrimmage, sound assignments and relentless pursuit of the football. The Haymakers return six defensive starters, giving Ward a solid core of experience and leadership on that side of the ball. Up front, defensive ends Aiden Kemp (6-2, 240) and Johnson (6-3, 200) will be counted on to control the edge and disrupt opposing offenses. Senior linebacker Jack McClain (5-8, 165) and Lewis (5-10, 225) anchor the second level with toughness and physicality, while Chambliss (6-0, 170) and defensive back Noah Magee (5-9, 175) headline an athletic secondary expected to tackle well in space and limit big plays. Ward wants this defense to be disciplined and aggressive, forcing turnovers and making opponents earn everything over four quarters. Johnson stands out as an underclassman with a high ceiling on both sides of the ball, and his continued development, paired with Faul’s leadership and a hungry young core, gives Haskell optimism that it can contend in district play.
9-4 – vs. Porter
9-11 – vs. Colcord
9-18 – at Morris
9-25 – vs. Okemah
10-2 – at Warner
10-9 – vs. Panama
10-15 – at Pocola
10-23 – at Hulbert
10-30 – vs. Vian
11-6 – at Coalgate
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