Crisp, cool autumn days may feel like “football weather,” but it’s 100-degree afternoons under the blistering August sun that signals football season is upon us.
Hennessey Eagles Football 2026 got underway this past Monday with the opening of fall practice at the Eagles’ football complex.
Coming off a 7-4 2025 season, finishing district play in 2nd place at 6-1, this year’s Eagles look to build on that success with an even better 2026 campaign.
Though the Hennessey Eagles remain in Oklahoma Class 2AII-District 1, OSSAA football realignment and redistricting shuffled the district and affected previous non-district scheduling. For the first time in decades, Hennessey and Chisholm are not district opponents, but instead will open the season week-0 at Eagles Stadium on August 28 before travelling to Thomas to play the Terriers the first Friday in September, before returning home to finish the non-district schedule with the Perry Maroons.
Gone from this season’s district are Kellyville, Luther, Stroud, and Casady; adding Christian Heritage, Millwood, Community Christian, and previous Class A power Cashion to the district with Alva, Meeker, and Newkirk.
Having lost only 2 starters from last season, TE/DE/K Luis Macias-Montoya and DE David Gonzalez, the 2026 Eagles return a very veteran group on both sides of the ball.
Senior dual-threat Quarterback Levi Ferrell, who accounted for ~2,000 yards and 26 Touchdowns passing and rushing last season in his first year as a starter, looks to push those numbers to an ’09 Matt Leutjen-“esque” 1500 yards passing/1500 yards rushing, if all goes as planned.
Senior Mario Lopez and Junior Alex Gonzalez combined for over 1000 yards and 9 TDs rushing in ’25 and will once again be the 2-headed beast at Running Back.
Beau Vinson finished his Sophomore season with a career-best 222 yards (2nd most single game in HHS history) and 4 TDs (tied for most ever) receiving in the playoff opening round game versus Dibble. Vinson was also 2nd in tackles in 2025 with 54 (35 solos), adding 1 interception and 1 fumble recovery.
The offensive skill positions all return, less one TE, with big expectations from Hagan Copeland, whose ’25 season ended early with a collar bone, and Sophomore Brytan Gardner, who’ll impact the offense both on the ground and through the air.
The best news of all, and perhaps for the first time ever, this season’s Eagles return 100% of their starting offensive line. (Sr) Ricardo Perez, (Jr) Tyson Root, (Sr) Tryson Sturgill, (Sr) Kaleb Peach, and (Jr) Titan Root, who combined for 101 pancake blocks in 11 games last season, once again look to steam-roll any defensive front-7 they will face.
The Eagles Defense will be anchored by Middle Linebacker (Jr) Jameson Ladwig, who led the team with 91 Tackles (61 Solos) and 4 QB Sacks as a Sophomore.
Incoming Freshmen Raiden Briley on the D-line and German Martinez at Receiver could have significant impacts for the Eagles, as well.
Pre-season kicks off for the Eagles on Saturday, August 15 at 10 am with the annual Blue/White Scrimmage before travelling to Watonga for a scrimmage on Friday, August 21. By EagleVoice
About The Author
