Meade went 7–3 and rolls into 2026 with a very established offensive core and a defense returning six starters. Head coach Clint Kuhns, in his fifth year, is assisted by Tony Krier and Doug Ritter. Kuhns writes that junior quarterback Tate Jones will be in his third season at the helm; Jones went 70‑for‑145 for 1,121 yards and 20 TDs with only two interceptions, and added 243 rushing yards and nine scores on 113 carries. Standout junior receiver Jeremaine Conley, who had 35 catches for 727 yards and 13 TDs, is back, along with junior tight end Titus Ritter (six receptions, 108 yards, three TDs) and three returning offensive‑line starters in seniors Trey Crecelius and Colt Dizmang and junior Logan Bird. Meade expects to average 225 pounds across the front.
The schedule is loaded with familiar powers: South Central (13‑0 state champs) in Week 1, then South Gray, Kiowa County, Minneola, Macksville, Skyline, Hodgeman County, Kinsley and a Week 9 play‑in. Offensively, Meade runs a modified Wing‑T. Kuhns describes the philosophy as a balanced attack of speed and power football, putting players “in a position to use their skillset to the benefit of the team.” That includes Jones at QB, Conley and Ritter as primary pass‑catchers and a veteran, heavy line spearheaded by Crecelius, Bird and Dizmang.
Defensively, six starters return in a 3‑3 stack. Conley at cornerback made 49 tackles (25 solo), with a tackle for loss and two interceptions, while Ritter at defensive end registered 43 tackles (20 solo), 10 TFLs, three sacks and a safety. Linebacker Keagan Mein had 34 tackles, 13 solo and three TFLs; Dizmang at defensive line added 31 tackles, 13 solo, one TFL, one sack and two interceptions; Jones at corner contributed 18 tackles (12 solo), two TFLs and two picks; Bird at defensive tackle finished with 21 tackles (seven solo) and two TFLs. Kuhns says the defensive philosophy mirrors the offense: use the 3‑3 stack to put players in the best spots for their skill sets, attack first and get “eight hats on the ball.”
Conley is praised as a “stud,” explosive with great speed and vertical, strong route running and hands, and a top‑five 8‑man receiver in the state as a sophomore. Ritter, at 6‑4 and 244, is described as a “monster” between the lines whose character, work ethic and toughness off the field are what truly set him apart. Kuhns notes the key to the season will be replacing senior standouts Ashton Harjo, Circeen Conley and Jace Shrewsbury, but a promising freshmen group could see substantial time and raise practice competition. With a third‑year QB, an elite WR/TE duo, size up front and an aggressive 3‑3 defense, Meade’s capsule naturally fills your feature range.
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