CHICKASHA FIGHTIN CHICKS
Coach: STEVE HUFF
2-8
Taking over a program in late April is never easy, but Steve Huff sees plenty of reasons to believe Chickasha can turn a tough 2-8 season into a step forward in 2026. With a senior class that has grown through trial by fire and a large group of returning starters on both sides of the ball, the Fightin’ Chicks believe last year’s growing pains can pay off under a new voice. “We played a lot of young players last year and gained valuable experience,” Huff said. “We will need to develop some depth on the offensive and defensive lines, but there is great leadership in the upcoming senior class.”
Offensively, Chickasha will lean on a multiple spread attack designed to keep the ball in several playmakers’ hands and stay balanced between the run and pass. Quarterback Javier Nieto (5-9, 175) returns after throwing for 1,225 yards and eight touchdowns, giving Huff a proven decision-maker to build around. In the backfield, Quintin Benitez (5-9, 185) rushed for 640 yards and five scores, while fellow running back Kylen Miller (5-8, 170) added 546 yards and three touchdowns, giving the Chicks a one-two punch that can keep chains moving. On the perimeter, Jett Crain (6-1, 165) and Tyson Owens (6-1, 165) provide reliable targets, and two-way standout lineman Marley Scott (6-1, 260) anchors the group up front.
Defensively, Chickasha returns eight starters and will base out of a 3-4 that can easily shift into a four-man front depending on the opponent. Scott is again a tone-setter in the trenches after finishing with 38 tackles, three sacks and three tackles for loss. He teams with R.J. Ashong (6-2, 245), who posted 30 tackles, two sacks, and seven tackles for loss to form a physical duo on the defensive line. Benitez and Sean Hall (5-11, 210) lead the linebacker corps after combining for nearly 150 stops, while defensive back Tyler O’Neal (6-2, 175) returns as a steady presence in the secondary with 76 tackles. With proven production returning at every level, Chickasha believes its experience and leadership can help close the gap in a hurry.
9-4 – vs. Woodward
9-11 – at Lone Grove
9-18 – vs. Anadarko
9-25 – vs. Harrah
10-2 – at Blanchard
10-9 – vs. Tecumseh
10-15 – at Bridge Creek
10-23 – at Ardmore
10-30 – vs. Tuttle
11-6 – at Western Heights
