JAY BULLDOGS
Coach: TRAVIS EAST
3-7
Jay’s 3-7 record in 2025 only tells part of the story for a program that believes it is much closer to turning the corner than the standings indicate. In his second season at the school, head coach Travis East has assembled a roster with a strong spine of returning linemen and backs, and he expects that core to drive a jump in production on both sides. “We have several returning players from this past season and look forward to a great season in 2026,” East says, adding that a “core nucleus of linemen and skill players…should make us very productive on both sides of the ball.”
Offensively, Jay returns eight starters and will continue to lean on a physical, multiple-formation attack built around the run game. The Bulldogs “run multiple formations that can be effective and run the football with force,” and complement that approach with play-action and a quick passing game to keep defenses honest. Senior running back and VYPE Top 100 nominee Michael Rogers is a central figure, providing power and experience between the tackles. He’s joined in the backfield by sophomore underclassman to watch Levi Summerfield, another running back who already has varsity reps and is expected to shoulder a bigger share of the carries. Up front, seniors Zayne Henderson, Collin Minellano and Tony De Oca form the veteran backbone of the offensive line, while junior receiver Brennan Dry gives Jay a returning target on the perimeter. With that combination of line experience and backfield continuity, the Bulldogs believe they can control tempo, wear down opponents and open up their play-action concepts.
Defensively, seven starters return in a multiple-front scheme that emphasizes an attacking, “play fast” mentality. East and his staff describe it as a “multiple front defensively with an attacking play fast style of defense,” and the personnel fits that mindset. Henderson slides to the defensive line, where his experience and toughness help anchor the front, joined by senior Bryce McGee and junior Tryston Fisher, giving Jay a solid core in the trenches. Rogers doubles as a linebacker, adding physicality and football IQ in the middle of the defense, while Summerfield contributes alongside him at linebacker as he continues to grow into a two-way role. In the secondary, junior defensive back Jace Browning provides a returning presence on the back end. With a schedule that offers both traditional rivals and strong non-district tests, the Bulldogs will lean on that veteran nucleus in the box and the running game on offense to push themselves back toward the playoff conversation in 2026.
8-28 – at Locust Grove
9-4 – at Gentry
9-11 – vs. Stilwell
9-25 – vs. Vinita
10-2 – at Eufaula
10-9 – vs. Catoosa
10-15 – vs. Webster
10-23 – vs. Berryhill
10-30 – at Jones
11-6 – vs. Metro Christian
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