COMMERCE TIGERS
Coach: LOGAN CAWYER
1-9
Commerce looks for a step forward in 2026 after a 1-9 season, leaning on a large senior class and increased internal competition under ninth-year head coach Logan Cawyer. “Looking forward to this season,” Cawyer says, noting they “have 10 seniors and are looking for some of them to step up and be leaders.” He adds that “some new kids…are going to have to step in and contribute,” and he believes “they are up to the task,” which has created a more competitive environment across the roster. With more experience, a stronger senior presence and multiple two-way contributors, Commerce expects to be more physical and consistent this fall.
The offense returns five starters in a spread/multiple scheme that emphasizes formation variety to get playmakers the ball. The staff describes the approach as “Spread/Multiple – like to get in certain formations to get our guys the ball,” giving them flexibility to feature different skill sets. Senior Juan Gomez (5-8, 185), the program’s VYPE Top 100 nominee, is one of those focal points at RB/WR; coaches say he “has put in a lot of work over the offseason,” “only has one speed” and “has been a focal point for our offense the last couple of years.” Sophomore Izayah Williams (5-5, 135) adds quickness at RB/WR, while senior receiver Alex Chaney (5-9, 170) gives the Tigers another veteran pass-catcher on the perimeter. Up front, senior lineman Seth Bonham (6-2, 215) and sophomore tackle Jett Johnson (6-3, 275) anchor the line, with Johnson highlighted as an underclassman to watch due to his “great size and great feet” and projected to “be a staple on our line” and “a great player…for the next 3 years.” Junior tight end Cooper Trease (6-3, 220) provides a big target and extra blocker in the multiple sets as the Tigers work to generate more balance and efficiency.
Defensively, Commerce brings back seven starters in a front built around 4-3 and 4-4 looks that stress effort and pursuit. “4-3/4-4, get off the ball and have great pursuit,” is how the staff defines the philosophy, with Bonham shifting to defensive end to help set the edge. Gomez and Chaney both contribute at outside linebacker, giving the second level experience and toughness, while Williams returns at strong safety to provide speed and physicality in run support. Junior free safety Chase McDonald (6-1, 175) and junior outside linebacker Payton Cavener (5-10, 175) round out a back seven that has played a lot of snaps and should benefit from another offseason in the system. Bonham is praised as “a great kid” who “makes great grades,” is “a very hard worker” and “has been a leader on and off the field for the past couple of years,” someone younger players “look up to,” which underscores how important this veteran defensive core will be as the Tigers push for more wins in 2026.
8-28 – at Sarcoxie
9-4 – vs. Afton
9-11 – vs. Oklahoma Union
9-25 – at Morrison
10-2 – vs. Colcord
10-9 – at Caney Valley
10-15 – vs. Summit Christian
10-23 – at Nowata
10-30 – vs. Pawnee
11-6 – at Pawhuska
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