SULPHUR BULLDOGS
Coach: Corey Cole
13-1
Sulphur heads into 2026 looking to make another deep postseason run after going 13-1 and finishing as state runner-up, their second straight trip to the state title game. Head coach Corey Cole enters his fourth year in charge and 21st overall at the school, and he emphasizes that while the Bulldogs must replace several “big time players” from last year’s team, they will have more team speed and four returning offensive linemen to drive a powerful ground game. Cole expects a physical team in the trenches with plenty of experience and chemistry, noting that the program’s brotherhood could be the factor that pushes this group over the top.
Offensively, Sulphur returns seven starters and will once again lean on a multiple gun spread scheme that hangs its hat on power, counter and inside zone while complementing the run game with quick screens and downfield shots. Senior running back JoJo Gray (5-11, 193) is set to be the feature back after sharing carries the last two years; he rushed for 1,304 yards and 12 touchdowns on just 153 attempts as a junior. On the perimeter, senior receiver Carter Cole (6-2, 191) brings big-play ability after totaling 1,133 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns. Senior receiver Drake Wood (5-9, 158) adds reliable production with 15 receptions for 391 yards and four scores. Up front, the Bulldogs return size and experience with senior offensive linemen Caleb Walker (6-2, 297), AJ Gordon (6-1, 245) and Caysen Meador (5-11, 275), helping set the physical tone that Sulphur relies on. With Gray now the primary ball-carrier behind that veteran line, the Bulldogs expect their run game to remain a major strength.
Defensively, Sulphur returns six starters and will base out of a 4-3 that emphasizes attacking and reacting to the football. Senior linebacker Kash Pickett (5-11, 210) leads the unit after registering 151 tackles, three sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Cole also points to Cole, who doubled as a defensive back and posted 89 tackles, three interceptions and six pass breakups, as another key two-way standout. Senior linebacker Madden Duck (5-9, 174) recorded 94 tackles and two sacks, and defensive lineman George Martinez (5-10, 198) added 46 tackles and nine tackles for loss. Wood contributes at cornerback with 54 tackles and two interceptions, while linebacker Houston Bynum (6-3, 225, Sr., transfer) brings added size and physicality after joining the program. With a strong core of experienced defenders and a philosophy built on attacking from the 4-3, Sulphur expects to combine improved team speed with the toughness that has put the Bulldogs in the title game each of the last two seasons.
9-4 – vs. Washington
9-11 – vs. Davis
9-18 – at Gunter (Texas)
9-25 – at Madill
10-2 – vs. Seminole
10-9 – at Idabel
10-15 – vs. Lone Grove
10-23 – at Kingston
10-30 – vs. Star Spencer
11-6 – at Pauls Valley
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