GROVE RIDGERUNNERS
Coach: RYAN KEENOM
10-2 (Quarterfinals)
Grove rolls into 2026 riding the momentum of a 10-2 season and a quarterfinal playoff appearance under head coach Ryan Keenom, who is now in his third year guiding the Ridgerunners. Keenom says they “bring back some really good players off of last years Quarterfinal team,” even as they replace several key seniors. The staff is excited about a group of younger athletes “coming up that are excited for the opportunity to fill those roles,” which has created strong internal competition throughout the offseason. With that blend of experienced leaders and talented newcomers, Keenom believes “The future of Ridgerunner football is very bright” as Grove aims to stay among the 5A contenders.
Offensively, Grove returns four starters and will once again operate from a spread attack that uses multiple formations and personnel groupings to stress defenses horizontally and vertically. The Ridgerunners want to “distribute the ball to multiple skill guys who can make plays,” and they have the personnel to do it. Senior receiver and Top 100 nominee Briggs Fink (5-11, 185) is the headliner after totaling 10 carries for 107 yards on the ground and 32 receptions for 374 yards and three touchdowns through the air, showcasing his versatility as both a receiver and runner. Senior tight end Duke Duckworth (6-3, 240), a three-year starter and “dominant blocker,” gives Grove a physical edge-setter who can also be a threat in the passing game. Senior receiver Brycen Richardson (6-0, 170) adds another reliable option with 22 catches for 316 yards and three scores, while senior lineman Xavion Bates (6-1, 305) anchors the offensive front as a returning starter. Junior Will Dunaway (5-11, 190), who started 12 games at linebacker last year, takes over at running back, bringing a tough, defensive-minded running style that fits Grove’s physical identity.
Defensively, the Ridgerunners bring back five starters and base out of a multiple 3-4 scheme that emphasizes aggression, speed and physicality. Keenom describes the defense as “very multiple and aggressive” and says they “play fast and physical,” attacking from different looks to confuse offenses. Fink doubles as a three-year starter at safety and is “an absolute force” on the back end, coming off a season with 95 tackles, one sack, one interception and five pass breakups. Dunaway returns at linebacker after producing 93 tackles, two sacks, 19 tackles for loss and one interception, and Duckworth added 70 tackles and six TFLs from his linebacker spot, giving Grove a proven trio in the back seven. Junior safety Jace Fink (54 tackles) and senior corner Richardson strengthen the secondary, while Bates plugs the middle at nose guard, helping the Ridgerunners control the line of scrimmage. Fink is Grove’s Top 100 nominee and embodies the program’s edge, with more than 200 career tackles and a reputation as the leader of the defense. With three-year starters at key positions, a powerful nose guard, and a deep, versatile skill group, Grove has the pieces to remain a fixture in the 5A playoff picture.
9-4 – vs. Collinsville
9-11 – at Poteau
9-18 – vs. Gravette
9-25 – at Oologah
10-2 – vs. Cleveland
10-9 – at Skiatook
10-15 – vs. Miami
10-23 – vs. Cushing
10-30 – at Wagoner
11-6 – at Fort Gibson
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