DEPEW HORNETS
Coach: JACOB DYE
4-7
Depew enters the 2026 season with legitimate optimism after a 4-7 campaign, bringing back a veteran core and bolstering the roster with a promising freshman class under third-year head coach Jacob Dye. “We are really excited about the upcoming season,” Dye says, noting that they “bring back seven of eight starters on both sides of the ball” and have enjoyed “an excellent offseason.” The staff also points to “a really talented freshmen class” that should “help foster important depth across the depth chart,” giving Depew more options and competition at multiple spots. With that blend of experience and new talent, the program believes it is positioned to take a step forward in both district play and overall record.
Offensively, Depew returns seven starters in a traditional spread system designed to exploit space and tempo. “We base out of your traditional spread formation,” Dye explains, emphasizing that they try to take advantage of space both horizontally and vertically and will utilize tempo to take advantage of speed and depth at the skill positions. Junior quarterback Braxdyn Swart (5-11, 180) is a proven producer after throwing for 2,256 yards and 25 touchdowns with a 64.4 percent completion rate last season, giving Depew a confident trigger man to orchestrate the attack. He is surrounded by a trio of senior targets: receiver and VYPE Top 100 nominee Wyatt Osburn (6-0, 164), who Dye describes as one of the most electric athletes in 8-man after posting 74 receptions for 1,068 yards and 15 total touchdowns; slot receiver Andrew Manka (5-10, 174), who added 49 catches for 712 yards and six scores; and tight end/receiver Gabe Peeler (5-11, 169), who contributed 42 receptions for 595 yards and five touchdowns. With that level of returning chemistry and production in the passing game, Depew expects to stress defenses with spread sets and a deep route tree.
Defensively, Depew brings back seven starters in a scheme that toggles between 3-3 and 3-2 fronts while emphasizing aggression. “We base out of a 3-3 but also rely pretty heavily on a traditional 3-2,” Dye notes, adding, “We try to be really aggressive within our scheme and in our execution.” Senior defensive end Richard Peterman (5-11, 195) is a key disruptor after recording nine sacks, 54 tackles and three forced fumbles, while sophomore Evan Tucker (6-0, 268) provides size at defensive end/nose guard with 49 tackles. Senior end Jeffrey Marker (6-0, 185) chipped in 42 tackles, and senior safety Mateo Wren (5-9, 172) produced 31 tackles and two interceptions on the back end. With Osburn also contributing at safety as a two-year starter, Depew’s back seven has playmaking ability to match the pressure up front. As that experienced core meshes with younger depth from the freshman class, Dye believes the defense can become more consistent and give the potent offense more opportunities to work.
8-28 – vs. Maud
9-4 – at Sasakwa
9-11 – at Strother
9-18 – vs. Yale
9-25 – at Davenport
10-10 – at Copan
10-15 – at Welch
10-23 – vs. Wesleyan Christian
10-30 – vs. Cave Springs
11-6 – at Pond-Creek Hunter
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