BIXBY SPARTANS
Coach: LOREN MONTGOMERY
13-0
Bixby enters the 2026 season as the defending state champion after posting a perfect 13-0 record in 2025, but head coach Loren Montgomery knows the Spartans will feature a lot of new faces this fall. Montgomery, entering his 17th year at Bixby, returns just three starters on both offense and defense from last year’s championship squad, meaning a talented but inexperienced group will be tasked with maintaining the program’s elite standard. With offensive coordinator Tyler Schneider, defensive coordinator Rodney Flowers and special teams coordinator Trevor Suffal guiding the new core, the Spartans expect their new players to be good football players and continue the tradition of excellence that has defined Bixby football for years.
Offensively, the Spartans will operate out of multiple formations, giving Schneider flexibility to deploy personnel and create matchups that take advantage of Bixby’s depth and athleticism. With only three returning offensive starters, the Spartans will rely on a next-man-up mentality and the development of young players throughout the offseason. Montgomery has nominated five players for Top 100 consideration, including seniors Kaeden Penny, Gavin Wilson, Connor Arant, Cane Brackney and Nate Hobbs, indicating the Spartans have multiple high-level athletes ready to step into larger roles. Underclassmen to watch include Brian Jones, Gage LeFrere and Hilkyah Sampson, who figure to play significant roles as the Spartans rebuild the offense.
Defensively, Bixby will deploy a 3-4 scheme under Flowers, bringing back three starters from a championship defense that set the tone for the Spartans’ undefeated run. With limited returning production, the Spartans will lean on their defensive system and coaching continuity to develop the next wave of playmakers. Senior Asa Ankersheil represents the values and leadership Montgomery expects from his players.
Montgomery and his staff face the challenge of replacing a championship core while maintaining the expectations that come with being Bixby football. With a new district alignment and a schedule that will test the Spartans’ depth and development, Bixby expects to grow throughout the season and be peaking at the right time come playoff time. The foundation of the program remains strong, and Montgomery believes the new faces are ready to carry the torch and compete for another championship.
8-29 – vs. Union
9-5 – at Norman North
9-12 – vs. Edmond Santa Fe
9-19 – at Broken Arrow
9-26 – vs. Owasso
10-3 – at Edmond North
10-10 – vs. Norman
10-17 – at Mustang
10-24 – vs. Jenks
10-31 – at Southmoore
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