KEOTA LIONS
Head Coach: ERIC HENRY
3-7
Keota heads into 2026 knowing that youth and inexperience will be a theme at several positions, but longtime head coach Eric Henry is prepared to grow with this group. A 3-7 record last fall showcased both the team’s potential and its need for more consistency. With a handful of proven returners and a wave of new faces, the Lions are focused on player development and building depth across the board. The expectation is that as these young athletes gain reps, the team’s performance will steadily climb.
On offense, Keota will line up in a spread formation with plenty of motion, all designed to get playmakers into open space. Fullback Kayven Peek (5-11, 225) is a cornerstone after rushing for 200 yards and two touchdowns last season, providing a downhill presence that can wear on defenses. He’s joined in the backfield by tailback Josh Pickle (5-9, 150), who added 150 rushing yards and two scores and brings a different style as a shifty, change-of-pace runner. Center Dakota Olds (6-2, 230) anchors a developing offensive line that will be tasked with protecting young skill players and creating running lanes. With only three offensive starters returning, the Lion’s will lean on these veterans to steady the huddle while younger athletes grow into their roles.
Defensively, they return three starters and will base out of a 3-3 look aimed at stopping the run and limiting big plays over the top. Peek again sets the tone, this time at linebacker, where he racked up 49 tackles and four sacks last season. Pickle slides inside at linebacker as well, coming off a year in which he totaled 54 tackles and two sacks, while Newt Dunkin (5-10, 150) brings another active presence after posting 50 tackles and three sacks. The defensive philosophy is simple: create tackles for loss, clog running lanes and “hold up on the back end” by not surrendering explosive pass plays. With a trio of productive linebackers returning and an emphasis on physical, assignment-sound football, Keota believes its defense can keep the Lions in games while the young offense develops.
8-28 – vs. Midway
9-3 – at Oaks Mission
9-11 – at Quinton
9-18 – vs. Cave Springs
9-25 – vs. Strother
10-9 – at Wetumka
10-15 – vs. Webbers Falls
10-23 – at Davenport
10-30 – vs. Gans
11-6 – at Arkoma
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