VERDIGRIS CARDINALS
Coach: JUSTIN MORSEY
6-4
Verdigris enters Justin Morsey’s second season with high expectations after posting a 6-4 record in 2025, returning 10 offensive and nine defensive starters from a squad that gained valuable varsity experience throughout the fall. The Cardinals boast their largest senior class in several years and move into a new district that presents fresh challenges and opportunities. Morsey, who leads a staff that includes assistants Jeremy Gray, Zach Gray, Ron Fuller, Rick Rogers and Wyatt Eaton, believes the combination of returning production and a deep senior group positions Verdigris to improve on last year’s record and compete for a district title.
Offensively, the Cardinals will operate out of a base spread attack but use multiple formations and personnel groups to create favorable matchups and distribute the ball to playmakers in space. Senior running back and Top 100 nominee Payton Stelling (6-0, 195) headlines the offense after racking up 1,311 rushing yards, 365 receiving yards and 11 total touchdowns in 2025, combining size to break tackles with breakaway speed and excellent hands out of the backfield. Sophomore quarterback Jensen Underwood (6-2, 185) directs the attack after throwing for 1,900 yards and 12 touchdowns as a freshman, showing college-level potential with accuracy and arm strength to push the ball downfield. On the perimeter, senior receivers Bret Schauffler (5-9, 160) and Braxton Dean (5-11, 165) provide veteran targets, with Schauffler posting 49 catches for 613 yards and two scores while Dean added 43 receptions for 406 yards and five touchdowns. Senior offensive lineman Dawson Shanholtzer (6-2, 265) anchors the front after starting every game the past two seasons.
Defensively, Verdigris deploys a 4-2-5 scheme built on multiple stunts and blitzes designed to attack opposing offenses. Senior linebacker Charter Zeimet (5-10, 180) leads the unit after posting 95 tackles and one forced fumble in 2025, while junior linebacker Ayden Collins (5-9, 170) added 74 stops. Senior linebacker Ethan Hushbeck (6-2, 175) returns as a key piece after playing just five games last season following major surgery in the spring of 2025, recording 25 tackles despite the limited action. Shanholtzer provides size and physicality on the defensive line with 25 tackles and six TFLs, while Stelling patrols the safety position with one interception and one forced fumble. Sophomore cornerback Luke Boren (5-10, 160) is a ballhawk with three interceptions, two returned for touchdowns.
9-4 – at Sperry
9-11 – vs. Catoosa
9-18 – vs. Miami
9-25 – vs. Muldrow
10-2 – at Stigler
10-9 – vs. Locust Grove
10-15 – at Bristow
10-23 – at Perkins-Tryon
10-30 – vs. Inola
11-6 – at Heritage Hall
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