KEYS COUGARS
Coach: JUSTIN BROWN
5-6
Keys is looking to build on last season with plenty of experience returning from a playoff team, and fifth-year head coach Justin Brown says the Cougars’ “goal is to make a longer playoff run” in 2026. Keys returns eight offensive starters and seven defensive starters from a 5-6 campaign, and with a veteran offensive line, proven skill talent and an aggressive defense, the Cougars believe they have the pieces to make noise in the postseason.
The Cougars are multiple in their formations and strive to be balanced offensively. Brown says, “this year we have plenty of returning production in the skill positions to be able to do that.” Junior quarterback Ryder Davis (6-1, 170) has started since his freshman season and led Keys in both rushing (119 carries, 1,016 yards, 11 touchdowns) and passing (97-of-179, 1,206 yards, 11 touchdowns) last year. Junior running back Garret Lemasters (5-7, 165) rushed for 521 yards and eight touchdowns while adding another receiving score. Junior receivers Johnny Coombs (26 catches, 242 yards) and Jacob Kirk (12 catches, 212 yards) return, along with senior tight end Benton Martin (nine catches, 180 yards, two touchdowns) and junior H-back Clint Brown (18 catches, 186 yards, three touchdowns). Four offensive line starters return in seniors Cooper Sanders and Aden Boston and juniors Mike Sharrette and Dillon Blair, with sophomores Lane Hunt and Hunter Parker adding depth.
Defensively, Keys runs a 3-3-5 and will “try to be as aggressive as possible while being sound in the secondary.” Senior linebacker Braxton Womack anchors the unit, while Lemasters (49 tackles, two sacks, three interceptions), Martin (48 tackles, two sacks), Kirk (44 tackles, three interceptions), Brown (57 tackles, one sack, one interception) and Coombs (six interceptions) headline an experienced defense. Sophomore safety Timmy Pilon showed promise before an injury cut into his freshman season. Jaxon Gleese also provides valuable leadership, with Brown praising him as “a great person” and “a great student” who is always willing to help however needed.
8-28 – at Tishomingo
9-4 – vs. Pocola
9-11 – at Roland
9-25 – at Wyandotte
10-2 – vs. Salina
10-9 – at Choteau
10-15 – vs. Adair
10-23 – vs. Chelsea
10-30 – at KIPP
11-6 – vs. Kansas
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