PAWHUSKA HUSKIES
Coach: BRANDON GIPE
11-2
Pawhuska enters the 2026 season with a new head coach in Brandon Gipe and an explosive group of returning skill players capable of producing big plays at any time. While the Huskies must replace all of their linemen on both sides of the ball, their progress through spring ball and team camp has given the staff confidence that the rebuilt fronts will hold up. With that combination of proven skill talent and developing size in the trenches, Pawhuska expects to remain a dangerous offense with playoff aspirations.
Offensively, Gipe will employ a spread two-back scheme built around establishing the line of scrimmage in the run game while still being able to throw it around and take advantage of space. Senior running back Vann Wildcat (6-2, 190) returns after a monster season with 828 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns plus 34 catches for 519 yards and four scores, giving the Huskies a true do-it-all weapon. Junior quarterback/running back Jensen Snodgrass (5-8, 170) adds another dynamic option after posting 798 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns, along with 32 receptions for 322 yards and five touchdowns, while senior receiver Tripp Walker (6-0, 160) and senior tight end Dane Jensen (6-3, 195) provide reliable targets on the perimeter and in the seams. With five offensive starters returning, Pawhuska plans to spread defenses out, run with physicality and leverage its versatile skill group in the passing game.
Defensively, the Huskies will line up in a 3-4 with an aggressive, fly-to-the-ball mentality and the flexibility to change fronts and coverages to confuse opposing quarterbacks. Junior inside linebacker Jimmie Wildcat (6-0, 190) and his older brother Vann form one of the state’s most productive tandems after combining for 290 tackles and 31 tackles for loss last season, while Jensen and senior outside linebacker/safety Jack Grooms (5-9, 160) add edge pressure and playmaking after totaling 161 tackles, 14 sacks/tackles for loss and five fumble recoveries between them. With four defensive starters back and several young contributors like outside linebacker Levi Hendren expected to factor in, Pawhuska believes this unit can be fast, physical and disruptive on Friday nights.
8-28 – vs. Fairland
9-4 – at Stroud
9-11 – vs. Hominy
9-18 – at Woodland
9-25 – at Colcord
10-2 – vs. Morrison
10-9 – at Summit Christian
10-23 – at Pawnee
10-30 – vs. Nowata
11-6 – vs. Commerce
To nominate a high school student for a feature in VYPE Magazine email a nomination to [email protected]
