2026 Warner Eagles Football Preview – Presented by Warner Eagle Pride

WARNER EAGLES

Coach: CADE SHEARWOOD

1-9

Warner heads into 2026 determined to turn last year’s 1-9 record into a launching point rather than a label. Head coach Cade Shearwood, now in his second year, and a staff that includes assistant head coach/offensive coordinator and line coach Draven Johnson, defensive coordinator Nate Bryant, receivers/defensive backs coach Mike Combs and running backs/linebackers coach Ron Mayes, believe “the future is genuinely bright for the Warner Eagles.” They note that last season’s record “doesn’t show the growth” that occurred with a roster made up mostly of freshmen and sophomores plus a few upperclassmen. Those young players learned the game together and, more importantly, learned “what it means to be a winner in life,” refusing to quit each week despite adversity.

Offensively, Warner brings back eight starters and will line up in a spread formation, using multiple receivers and space to maximize its personnel. The top offensive performers include senior wide receivers Dalton Carter (5‑10, 140), Caden Staley (5‑11, 140) and young targets Colt Thompson (5‑11, 155, sophomore) and Kade Fowler (5‑7, 140, sophomore), along with senior running back Isaac Mullen (5‑8, 180) and sophomore offensive lineman Case Purdom (5‑10, 295).

Defensively, Warner returns seven starters and bases out of a 4‑3‑4 look, building around many of the same names that contribute on offense. Carter, Mullen, Staley, Thompson and Fowler all play on both sides of the ball as defensive backs or outside linebackers, with Purdom anchoring the defensive line. Carter is the team’s VYPE Top 100 nominee, and his production as a safety stands out: in just seven games on defense, he totaled five interceptions and 65 tackles, showing ball skills, toughness and a nose for the football. With a core of experienced two‑way players, a clear spread identity on offense and a 4‑3‑4 philosophy on defense, the Eagles are banking on continuity, growth and the lessons learned in last year’s struggles to fuel a more competitive and rewarding season in 2026.

9-4 – vs. Nowata
9-11 – vs. Central Sallisaw
9-18 – at Oklahoma Union
9-25 – at Coalgate
10-2 – vs. Haskell
10-9 – at Vian
10-15 – vs. Hulbert
10-23 – vs. Pocola
10-30 – at Panama
11-6 – vs. Okemah

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