and more fill out the backfield.

Where Joshua’ s unit can see a major jump is at quarterback with Payne. In his first year under center, Payne’ s success rate in terms of responsibility was at 25 percent, according to DeArman.

Now with a full year under the system, both DeArman and Payne agree that he is a much different ball player coming into 2026.

Adding 15 lbs of muscle and shortening his 40-yard dash time, Payne said the Owls are getting down to the basics of the offense and are trying to be as technical as possible.

Another element that has helped Payne in his development is the healthy competition from backup Jacob Vincent. A JV player last year, Vincent offers a different skill set than Payne and showcased it in the second half versus Cleburne.

In the case of an emergency, DeArman is confident in Vincent, but reassured that his main guy for the offense is Payne. There’ s no plan to run a dual-quarterback system.

Defense

Expect a lot of low-scoring games and control of the clock, Boone said.

The senior safety is part of a secondary unit that brings everybody back and will be the root of the team’ s success this season. Along with defensive backs Sergio Mata, Max Mata and Jaydin Lottie, this is the best secondary since DeArman’ s arrival, the head coach admitted.

DeArman praised Boone’ s high

football IQ and ability to process extremely fast. While acting as a coach as well, Boone’ s family tree explains his attributes, as his father coached college football.

The Owls head coach went on to say the Mata brothers are simply playmakers, and although Lottie played behind them last season, the depth he brings helps with the adjustments on the front seven.

The defensive line returns two interior tackles that will be juniors. Although the Owls don’ t have a large body as they’ ve grown accustomed to the past few years, they make up for it in equal strength and elevated speed.

Where the changes come are on the edge, as Joshua lost both defensive ends. Their replacements are seasoned players who are acquainted with the scheme.

Finally, only one linebacker who played varsity last year returns. DeArman stated that there is young talent at the position and moved one of his safeties down to the second level, which is his natural position. He senses no drop-off will occur for the Owls as the new installations up front give the team a different look.

FS Kade Boone DBs Sergio & Max Mata RB Joe Strother

Week 4 vs Midlothian Heritage( Sept. 18) johnson county gridiron 2026 27