MARIETTA INDIANS
Coach: CHUCK TERRY
3-7
Marietta enters the 2026 season coming off a 3-7 campaign under head coach Chuck Terry, who is in his third year leading the program. Terry notes the group “return[s] a lot of starters with experience in the game” after being young the past two seasons and says they “look forward to these kids competing as upperclassmen.” With a move into Class 2A-2 and several new opponents on the schedule, the program has emphasized the weight room to get stronger and faster and is ready to see it transfer to the football field.
Offensively, Marietta brings back 10 starters and will operate out of a flexbone scheme designed to establish the run to open up passing opportunities. Terry stresses discipline, saying the plan is to “stick to our game plan” and be “disciplined on what we want to happen,” adding, “We believe that what we do works when we do it well.” Junior running back Jude Edington (5-11, 170) headlines the returning core, running behind an experienced offensive line that features juniors Dawson Pass (5-10, 260) and Emanuel Castillo (5-8, 240), along with senior Dylian Flores (6-1, 280). The perimeter group is anchored by senior receiver Kasen Lott (6-0, 260) and sophomore wideout Alex Aldaba (6-0, 165), giving the Indians a blend of size and youth at the skill spots.
Defensively, Marietta returns all 11 starters and will line up in a 4-3 front built on physicality and sound fundamentals. Terry emphasizes the importance of the defensive unit doing their job. “We want to be physical and fundamentally sound,” Terry stated. “Get off the field on third down by each person doing their job and functioning as a unit.” Linebackers Josh Gomez (5-11, 230), Colton Rodriguez (5-10, 225), and Adrian Rueda (5-9, 240) give the second level size and experience, while defensive backs Cooper Carroll (6-0, 190) and Caiden McCarroll (5-7, 175) and defensive lineman Adan Gomez (5-10, 245) round out a veteran starting unit.
Rodriguez is Marietta’s VYPE Top 100 nominee, described as “a strong kid who loves playing football” and a two-time top-10 finisher at the state powerlifting meet in his weight class. He is versatile on both offense and defense, with starting experience on both sides of the ball and plans to see time at fullback on offense and at both defensive line and linebacker, with colleges already showing interest.
9-4 – vs. Madill
9-11 – at Ringling
9-18 – at Wilson
9-25 – vs. Davis
10-2 – at Valliant
10-9 – vs. Antlers
10-15 – at Dibble
10-23 – at Lexington
10-31 – vs. Tishomingo
11-6 – vs. Prague
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