DURANT LIONS
Coach: TODD VARGAS
4-6
Durant heads into the 2026 season with a youthful roster and a clear identity built around effort and coachability under sixth-year head coach Todd Vargas. He says, “We have a young squad but are some of the most coachable and hard working kids I have coached in my career,” and adds, “we are extremely excited to see what the future holds for them.” Coming off a 4-6 campaign, the Lions know they’ll lean on underclassmen in key spots, but the staff believes this group’s attitude and work ethic give them a chance to grow quickly. The focus this year is on development—stacking good practices, gaining varsity experience and letting a tough non-district slate harden the team for district play.
Offensively, Durant returns only two starters but has several intriguing pieces to build around. Senior quarterback Joseph Flores (5-10, 170) steps in as the leader of the attack, while sophomore running back Draegen Baker (5-10, 190) gives the Lions a physical presence in the backfield. Up front, junior lineman Gage Rocha (6-2, 310) and seniors Drew Vanisacker (5-10, 235) and sophomore Chris Hix (5-9, 235) form a sturdy core that will be charged with protecting Flores and opening lanes for the ground game. Sophomore tight end Graham McIlvoy (6-3, 235) brings size and athleticism on the edge and should be a valuable target and blocker as he grows into his role. Durant’s staff will lean on that young line and backfield to control tempo and keep the offense ahead of the sticks as the passing game develops.
Defensively, the Lions also return just two starters, but they like the speed and upside of their core. Junior defensive back Tristen Hughes (6-2, 175) and junior linebacker Aiden Makke (5-10, 190) will be counted on to set the tone with communication and physical play. Sophomore defensive back Cael Worsham (6-0, 180) and sophomore defensive lineman Braylon King (6-3, 230) add length and athleticism at two critical levels of the defense, while senior linebacker Tyler Rhodes (6-0, 190) provides an experienced presence in the front seven. With a schedule that includes trips to Ada, Clinton, Carl Albert, Lawton and Noble plus home dates against Broken Bow, Ardmore, Duncan, Midwest City and Guthrie, Durant will be tested every week, but Vargas believes this young, hard-working group will get better as the year goes on and lay the foundation for the program’s future.
8-28 – at Ada
9-4 – vs. Broken Bow
9-11 – vs. Ardmore
9-18 – at Clinton
10-2 – vs. Duncan
10-9 – at Carl Albert
10-15 – vs. Midwest City
10-24 – at Lawton
10-30 – vs. Guthrie
11-6 – at Noble
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