GORE PIRATES
Coach: NATHAN MCCURLEY
3-7
Gore heads into 2026–27 in the second year under head coach Nathan McCurley, who says he is “excited about where we’re headed as a program thus far.” The Pirates’ players have “embraced the change and trusted the process” as the staff works to get better every day. McCurley acknowledges that there is “plenty of work ahead,” but he likes the makeup of a “tough young group” that he believes will “give us a chance to win some football games.” Gore returns six starters on both offense and defense, giving the program a solid foundation of experience as it continues to build.
Offensively, the Pirates have a balanced core. Senior running back Devon Mannon (6-0, 180) headlines the backfield, joined by junior backs Cole Brooksher (5-6, 150) and Weston Cunningham (5-11, 170). Junior quarterback Trenton Cunningham (5-11, 175) returns to operate the offense, while senior lineman Kaydin McCartney (5-11, 220) anchors the offensive line. Sophomore tight end Treydan Daugherty (6-2, 205) adds size and athleticism on the edge, giving Gore a young weapon who can block and catch in the passing game. With six offensive starters back, the Pirates are positioned to take a step forward in consistency and production.
Defensively, Gore again leans on that core group of six returning starters. Mannon slides to linebacker, where his physical style and instincts carry over from his offensive role. McCartney also plays linebacker, giving the second level size and strength, while Brooksher lines up at outside linebacker. The Cunningham brothers patrol the secondary at safety, and Daugherty plays defensive end, using his length and frame to anchor the edge. The defensive group is built around toughness and familiarity, with many players contributing on both sides of the ball.
Mannon is Gore’s VYPE Top 100 nominee and a true two-way standout. McCurley notes that he led the team in both rushing yards and tackles last season, describing him as a physical runner with great mobility and breakaway speed on offense, and a defender with an “exceptional nose for the football” who is “always around the play.” Gore believes that as its young core matures and continues to embrace the process, the Pirates will become increasingly competitive on Friday nights.
8-28 – at Wilburton
9-4 – vs. Spiro
9-11 – at Canadian
9-25 – at Liberty
10-2 – vs. Talihina
10-9 – at Regent Prep
10-15 – vs. Drumright
10-23 – at Central
10-30 – vs. Porter
11-6 – vs. Mounds
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