HILLDALE HORNETS
Coach: CHAD KIRKHART
5-6
Hilldale heads into 2026–27 with a season of change and promise as head coach Chad Kirkhart returns to the sidelines after an eight year absence to lead a team filled with high expectations built around a large and experienced senior class that will be the backbone of the program. Kirkhart says the Hornets return 13 seniors and will lean heavily on their experience and leadership as they continue to build a culture of discipline and toughness. Offensively, Hilldale will operate out of a no‑huddle spread system with a run‑first mentality, while on defense the goal is to play fast, physical, aggressive and fundamentally sound football. The program’s expectations are high as the Hornets look to turn that senior leadership into wins against a challenging lineup of opponents.
On offense, Hilldale returns four starters and is led by senior quarterback Talon Shaffer (5‑9, 165), who will direct the no‑huddle spread attack. “He’s a leader by example with his everyday effort and positive attitude and is poised for a strong senior season,” Kirkhart said about the Hornets signal caller. Up front, senior tackle Ty Gaither (6‑6, 285), a Top 100 nominee anchors the line after starting at right tackle last season, and senior lineman Maxx Frost (5‑11, 225) provides another veteran presence in the trenches. “Ty is gaining attention from the college level having received five college offers to date. He is a great young man and will play a big part in everything we do offensively,” said the Hornets head coach. “Maxx will always be there to get the job done, the kind of kid you love to coach.” The Hornets have several senior weapons on the perimeter, including receiver Isaiah Linker (6‑1, 180), who caught 11 passes at 11.3 yards per catch, and receiver Da’Koda Parish (5‑9, 150), who had 15 receptions at 12.4 yards per catch. Senior receiver Elijah Linker (6‑1, 200) adds another target on the outside. Additional offensive pieces include senior linemen Kyler Stern (6‑1, 300) and Mitchell White (6‑1, 220), junior lineman Jaden Bishop (6‑1, 240), senior running back Kamden Coppin (5‑10, 165) and junior receiver Nathan Webb (5‑11, 170), who will all help support Hilldale’s physical run game and play‑action concepts.
Defensively, the Hornets return five starters and again will rely on their seniors to set the tone. Linebacker Elijah Linker (6‑1, 200) headlines the group, joined by fellow senior linebacker Isaiah Linker, who recorded 59 tackles, six tackles for loss and one interception last season. Frost also contributes on the defensive line, while Shaffer plays in the secondary at defensive back and is credited with three quarterback sacks, showing his ability to blitz off the edge. Parish is another returning starter at defensive back, and Hilldale supplements this core with Bishop on the defensive line, where he tallied 90 tackles, eight tackles for loss and one fumble recovery, and Coppin at linebacker, who finished with 78 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and three sacks. Webb adds 30 tackles from his defensive role, and Stern and White provide additional size on the defensive front. Multi-sport athlete Micah Chewey (5-9, 165) is a highly competitive freshman with a bright future expected to make an impact at linebacker or secondary as well as on the offensive side of the ball.
The Hornets schedule will provide a strong test of endurance playing against a talented lineup in District 4A-4. “The road to the playoffs is a grind from the first day of practice,” Kirkhart said. “You just have to take it game by game and try to get better every day.”
9-4 – at Oologah
9-11 – vs. Fort Gibson
9-18 – at Stigler
9-25 – vs. Ada
10-2 – at Stilwell
10-9 – vs. Mannford
10-15 – at Broken Bow
10-23 – at Poteau
10-30 – vs. Sallisaw
11-6 – vs. Tulsa McLain
