VINITA HORNETS
Coach: JACOB TANNER
1-9
Vinita looks to make a leap in 2026 after a 1-9 season with a young roster that steadily improved every week last fall. Head coach Jacob Tanner, in his sixth year, is excited about a new district and the weekly challenges it brings, believing the Hornets can be competitive in every game and push for a playoff spot. With another year of maturity and significant returning experience, Vinita expects its record to better reflect its growth.
Offensively, the Hornets return eight starters and will again line up in a spread attack that wants to run the ball and get it out of the quarterback’s hands quickly. Junior quarterback Carson Osburn (5-9, 145) returns to direct the scheme, distributing to junior receivers DJ Smith (5-10, 180) and Isaiah Pogue (6-0, 180) along with senior running back Kolbe Bargas (5-9, 165). Up front, senior lineman Trapper Christie (6-0, 240) and junior lineman Zach Goss (6-0, 220) anchor an offensive line that should be more physical and consistent in 2026.
Defensively, Vinita brings back nine starters and bases out of a 3-4 that emphasizes playing fast, being physical, staying aligned and tackling well. A stout junior defensive line trio features Logan Floyd (6-0, 215), Jamison Williams (6-0, 210) and Dagan Hopkins (6-1, 225), while senior linebacker Trevor Moss (5-11, 160) and senior defensive back James Stonebarger (6-2, 175) provide leadership at the second and third levels. Sophomore linebacker Ty Purcell (5-9, 140), the underclassman to watch, rotated at linebacker and saw some carries at running back last season, earning praise as a smart, tough defender.
Moss is a senior who connects well with teammates, leads by example and consistently “does things the right way” on and off the field. A schedule that includes Dewey, Stilwell, Miami, Jay, Metro Christian, Berryhill, Jones, Catoosa, Tulsa Webster and Eufaula will test the Hornets weekly and offer plenty of chances to turn progress into wins. With veteran fronts on both sides and a large returning core, Vinita believes it can contend for a postseason berth.
8-27 – vs. Dewey
9-4 – at Stilwell
9-11 – vs. Miami
9-25 – at Jay
10-2 – vs. Metro Christian
10-9 – at Berryhill
10-15 – vs. Jones
10-23 – at Catoosa
10-30 – vs. Tulsa Webster
11-6 – at Eufaula
