VALLIANT BULLDOGS
Coach: JAY CLINE
9-2
Valliant must replace a large senior class but believes its returning core and incoming freshmen can keep the Bulldogs firmly in the playoff conversation. Cline notes the team will be “relatively young” after graduating 14 seniors, yet still has a “strong nucleus of experienced upperclassmen” for leadership plus an incoming freshman group that brings talent, competitiveness and enthusiasm. He expects the Bulldogs to develop into a physical, disciplined team that competes with great energy and effort while focusing on fundamentals, accountability and steady improvement.
Offensively, Valliant will run a multiple attack rooted in a physical ground game. The Bulldogs’ base formation will be spread with some 11 personnel, using both gap and zone run schemes to establish a “physical and efficient run game” complemented by a high percentage short passing attack and play action concepts. The goal is to balance run and pass, maximize defensive conflicts and put players in position to succeed. Freshman quarterback and underclassman John McKinney (6 0, 220) will lead the offense; Cline calls him a hard worker, student of the game and a developing signal caller who could have a big year running and throwing. Slots Jaylon Watson and Dreydon Box add speed and versatility on the perimeter.
Defensively, the Bulldogs will base out of a 3 4 front that emphasizes “controlled aggression.” The scheme is designed to stop the run, win the line of scrimmage and force offenses into predictable passing situations while staying simple and fundamentally sound so players can play fast and swarm to the football. Key defenders include outside linebacker Ryder Evans (6 0, 215) and inside linebacker Gavin Chavez (6 1, 210), who will be central to a front seven tasked with setting the tone for a young roster. Valliant’s 2026 schedule includes non district trips to Detroit (Texas) and Idabel before diving into a slate that features Hugo, Marietta, Tishomingo, Lexington, Dibble, Antlers and Davis.
8-28 – at Detroit, TX
9-4 – at Idabel
9-11 – vs. Hugo
9-25 – at Prague
10-2 – vs. Marietta
10-9 – at Tishomingo
10-15 – vs. Lexington
10-23 – vs. Dibble
10-30 – at Antlers
11-6 – at Davis
