MCLOUD REDSKINS
Coach: COLIN WATFORD
0-10
McLoud High School enters 2026 looking to turn the corner after an 0-10 campaign under head coach Colin Watford, who is in his second year leading the program. Watford believes the group is positioned to take a step forward, noting “We should be better than we were last year,” and pointing out that players now have “a way better grasp of what we are doing offensively and defensively” while participation numbers have “almost doubled from what they were last year.” With improved buy-in and experience in the system, McLoud expects to be more competitive across the board.
Offensively, the team will operate from a pro-style scheme that “wants to establish the run in order to set up the passing game,” leaning on seven returning starters to provide stability. Junior quarterback Phoenix Lopez (6-1, 190) returns to lead the offense, working behind an experienced line that features senior Harley Stephens (6-1, 225) and junior J’Very Mitchell (6-0, 220) up front. Sophomore running back Anthony Gilliam (5-10, 170) is expected to handle the bulk of the carries, while senior tight end Brody Smith (6-3, 210) and junior wide receiver Eli Nemecek (6-5, 175) give McLoud size and length in the passing game.
Defensively, McLoud will line up in a multiple-front structure designed to adjust to opponents and personnel. Smith anchors the unit as a senior defensive end, joined by Lopez at outside linebacker and sophomore Easton Tiffin (6-4, 215) at defensive end to form a solid core in the front seven. Senior outside linebacker Garrett Anderson (5-11, 175), sophomore linebacker Jordan Perry (5-10, 180) and junior defensive lineman J’Very Mitchell (6-0, 220) round out a group that should benefit from another year together and improved depth. Watford also highlights Gilliam as an underclassman to watch, calling him “a great student/person, and a hard working/dedicated athlete” who will start on both sides of the ball as a sophomore. McLoud’s 2026 schedule will provide plenty of tests as it works to climb back into the win column. With rising numbers, returning experience and a clearer understanding of the schemes, McLoud aims to show tangible progress and contend more consistently this fall.
8-28 – at Bridge Creek
9-4 – vs. Harrah
9-18 – vs. Tulsa KIPP
9-25 – at OCS
10-2 – vs. North Rock Creek
10-9 – at Marlow
10-15 – vs. Plainview
10-23 – at Mount St. Mary
10-30 – vs. Purcell
11-6 – vs. Kingfisher
