BARTLESVILLE BRUINS
Coach: MATT HENNESY
3-8
Bartlesville enters 2026 in a transitional but hopeful phase under first-year head coach Matt Hennesy after going 3-8 last season. Hennesy and his staff are emphasizing a culture of T.E.A.M.—Tempo, Effort, Attitude and Mental Toughness—as they work to build a foundation that can keep the Bruins consistently in the mix among the top programs in Class 6A-2. With a large, experienced coaching staff and a roster that has been working hard through the offseason, Bartlesville believes this season can be a critical step forward.
Offensively, the Bruins return six starters and are led by junior quarterback Michael Kent (6-1, 195), a multi-threat signal-caller entering his third year as a starter. Kent completed 193 of 296 passes for 2,201 yards and 16 touchdowns last season and added 441 rushing yards and two scores on 134 carries, giving Bartlesville a proven dual-threat centerpiece. He will have plenty of help, including senior tight end Boden Roberts (6-1, 205), a physical target who creates matchup problems; senior receiver Matthew Sears (5-7, 170), a versatile weapon used in multiple roles; and junior wideout Gavin Thomas (6-0, 165), a fast deep-ball threat. The Bruins also return all five starting offensive linemen, including seniors Chambers (5-9, 255) and Holmes (5-9, 220), giving them valuable continuity up front.
Defensively, Bartlesville brings back five starters and will lean on a group that mirrors the offense’s blend of physicality and versatility. Roberts doubles as a physical, athletic outside linebacker expected to thrive in the new scheme, while fellow senior linebacker Wyatt Mathis (5-11, 195) can play inside or outside and provides flexibility. In the secondary, junior defensive backs Christian Ketiku and Landen Shaw are praised for their athleticism, tackling and football IQ, with Shaw serving as the “quarterback of the secondary.” Senior defensive end Davin Carter (5-7, 185) adds a disruptive presence off the edge despite being undersized, using speed and power to cause problems for offensive lines. Bartlesville’s 2026 schedule was submitted as a graphic and not listed in text, but Hennesy believes the combination of Kent’s playmaking, a veteran line and an upgraded culture can help the Bruins close the gap on the 6A-2 contenders.
8-28 – vs. Skiatook
9-4 – at Claremore
9-11 – vs. Collinsville
9-18 – at Enid
10-2 – vs. Yukon
10-9 – vs. Sand Springs
10-15 – at Booker T. Washington
10-23 – vs. Ponca City
10-30 – at Muskogee
11-6 – at Stillwater
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