SEQUOYAH TAHLEQUAH INDIANS
Coach: CHAD HENDRICKS
10-2
Sequoyah Tahlequah heads into 2026 in a strong position, returning “a bunch of starters with a ton of experience” from last year’s 10-2 team. Head coach Chad Hendricks, now in his seventh year, and a deep staff that includes Kaleb and Rusty Harris, Chris Risenhoover, Tuffy and Josh Thornton, Eric and Mason Bush, Kyler Harris, Reese Wengerd and others, are “very excited” about the group and “looking forward to the opportunities ahead.” The Indians’ schedule reflects their ambitions, featuring tough non district tests and a district slate loaded with playoff level competition.
Offensively, Sequoyah is a multiple spread team with a “high tempo attacking philosophy,” built to be explosive and score in bunches. Senior quarterback Crayton Sapp leads the way after completing 88 of 164 passes for 1,839 yards and 30 touchdowns, giving the Indians a proven trigger man. Around him, Sequoyah has several productive receivers and backs. Senior wideout Hudson Hendricks caught 30 passes for 714 yards and 12 scores, while fellow senior Alden Towie added 26 receptions for 584 yards and 10 touchdowns. Junior receiver Shayston Duncan contributed 675 yards of total offense and 10 touchdowns, and junior running back Ridge Blackbear rushed 117 times for 1,084 yards and 14 scores, providing balance on the ground. Up front, senior center Josiah Sapp is a three year starter who graded out at 85 percent with 25 pancake blocks, anchoring an experienced line. With nine offensive starters returning, Sequoyah expects to push the tempo, spread defenses out and keep pressure on opponents for four quarters.
Defensively, the Indians base out of a 3 4 and pride themselves on being “physical” with a “high pressure attacking style.” They also return nine defensive starters, giving Hendricks continuity at all levels. Senior defensive end and VYPE Top 100 nominee Dylan Parris posted 54 tackles, three sacks and seven tackles for loss, and is described as a “game wrecker” who will be a four year starter on defense and two year starter on offense. In the secondary, senior defensive back Eli Waterdown tallied 56 tackles, three tackles for loss and four interceptions, while senior linebacker Marley Moore has 226 career tackles, seven sacks and 16 tackles for loss. Junior defensive end Casen Leep added 93 tackles, nine sacks and 19 tackles for loss, and junior nose guard Kade Sanders and junior linebacker Kannon Trammel round out a deep front with significant production.
8-28 – at Pawnee
9-4 – at Prairie Grove
9-11 – vs. Eufaula
9-25 – at Lincoln Christian
10-2 – vs. Roland
10-9 – at Checotah
10-15 – vs. Hugo
10-23 – at Heavener
10-30 – vs. Spiro
11-6 – at Victory Christian
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