ELGIN OWLS
Coach: CHALMER WYATT
2025: 13-1
Elgin comes off a dominant 13-1 season and brings back a senior‑heavy group that has known almost nothing but winning. Head coach Chalmer Wyatt, now in his seventh year, notes that the 2027 class owns a 38-2 overall record, and the Owls return significant experience at key positions heading into 2026. That combination of veteran leadership and success has expectations soaring for another title chase.
The offense, which returns seven starters, features senior quarterback Cayden Belletton (6-2, 175), who posted 2,464 passing yards with 27 touchdowns and just two interceptions while completing 69 percent of his throws, along with 215 rushing yards and three rushing scores in 2025. Senior running back Braxten Antuna (5-8, 170) adds balance on the ground after rushing 83 times for 757 yards and six touchdowns at a 9.1‑yard average, and senior left tackle Hudson Begley (6-0, 280) anchors the line after registering 31 pancakes and 21 knockdowns. Elgin bases out of 11 and 12 personnel from a spread pistol look, emphasizing running the football and then hunting explosive plays off the ground game.
Defensively, the Owls return six starters in a moving 3‑4 front built around pressure and pursuit. Senior inside linebacker Kason Meyer (5-10, 170) leads the second level after recording 71 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles, while senior defensive end Tucker New‑Henson (6-4, 200) was disruptive off the edge with 61 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, three sacks, nine pressures and an interception. Antuna also plays outside linebacker, where he added 63 tackles, eight tackles for loss and nine pressures, giving Elgin multiple impact defenders who can run and hit. The defensive philosophy is simple: out‑run opponents by getting everyone to the football, using the 3‑4 to create movement, pressure and sound tackling rather than just absorbing blocks.
New‑Henson is Elgin’s VYPE Top 100 nominee and regarded as the Owls’ best overall player. Coaches praise his blend of size and speed, his disruption along the defensive line, and his mismatch potential at tight end as a powerful edge blocker and receiving threat, noting that he is already drawing interest from FBS and Division II programs. With a seasoned senior quarterback, explosive run game, physical line play, and a fast, aggressive defense, Elgin appears well‑positioned to extend its winning tradition in 2026.
8-28 – at Bethany
9-4 – at Guthrie
9-11 – vs. Tuttle
9-18 – at Cache
9-25 – at Lawton MacArthur
10-9 – vs. Newcastle
10-16 – at Southeast
10-23 – vs. El Reno
10-30 – at Altus
11-6 – vs. Shawnee
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