MIAMI WARDOGS
Coach: ROBERT HENDERSON
2-8
Miami continues the rebuild in 2026 under first-year head coach Robert Henderson, who takes over a program coming off a 2-8 season but energized by the progress shown in spring. Henderson said he “couldn’t be more excited” about the effort, energy and commitment the Wardogs have shown as they work to lay a new foundation. The emphasis this year is on competing in everything they do—whether in the weight room, on the practice field or in the classroom—as Miami aims to develop a culture defined by toughness, accountability and daily improvement.
The Wardogs return five offensive starters and will build around senior quarterback Blaise Riley (5-8, 160), who operates an offense rooted in the double wing. Henderson believes the scheme fits the blue-collar mentality of the community, allowing Miami to play physical, disciplined football and wear opponents down with a run-heavy attack. Senior receivers and backs like Trevor Henry (5-8, 145), along with linemen Zayden Clark (5-9, 280), Chris Henry (5-10, 220) and Blake Frazier (5-10, 240), form the core of a front that will be asked to set the tone up front and embrace a hard-nosed identity. The goal is to play fast and aggressive while sharing the load, with every player buying into an unselfish, team-first approach.
Defensively, Miami brings back six starters and will base out of a 3-4 multiple scheme designed to be aggressive, adaptable and physical. The Wardogs want to fly to the football, create relentless pressure and generate turnovers, building a defense opponents “feel for four quarters” with their intensity and pursuit. Senior defensive backs Cody Barnett and Rhett Howe, along with Henry at corner, give Miami experience on the back end, while Frazier anchors the interior at defensive tackle and inside linebackers Jesse Calhoun and Alex Pilon bring toughness to the middle. With Henry also serving as a Top 100 nominee thanks to his playmaking ability at corner, receiver and as a returner, Henderson believes this group’s improved mindset and multi-sport leadership can help turn close losses into wins as the program moves forward.
8-28 – vs. Stilwell
9-11 – at Vinita
9-18 – at Verdigris
9-25 – vs. Wagoner
10-2 – at Cushing
10-9 – vs. Fort Gibson
10-15 – at Grove
10-23 – vs. Cleveland
10-30 – at Oologah
11-6 – vs. Skiatook
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