6A

Oak Ridge War Eagles 2026 Season Preview

by
Adam Ogburn
July 13

Oak Ridge War Eagles

Head Coach: Tyler Blackshire (2nd season; 4-6 record)

Last Season: 4-6; 3-5 in district

Returning Lettermen: 25 (6 returning starters on offense; 7 on defense)

Oak Ridge Key Players and Storylines

When it comes to living legends, Oak Ridge is fortunate to have one shaping its current players. Former War Eagle basketball player Mickey McDougald, the school’s all-time assists leader, published a book telling his life story in 2024. Since then, he has been “actively involved” with the Oak Ridge program, sharing why Oak Ridge is so special to him.

Tyler Blackshire hopes that message of War Eagle pride resonates with his players as they get ready to do battle with their fellow Conroe ISD schools and Willis in a very competitive District 13-6A.

The War Eagles have missed the playoffs the past two seasons, but they do return 13 starters from last year’s team.

Among those returning players, 6’7” defensive end Finn Walker is the one to know. He’s a three-star prospect, who “forces teams to run away from him.” Behind him, junior safety/cornerback Ahrie Jackson is looking to build on a strong finish to the 2025 season, while senior safety Chris Salem is a “tackling machine.”

Junior🏈N the📚B THE CHANGE @oakridgefb !💯🦅IYKYK @str8texn @CoachBlackshire @Marshall_Reggie @Coach_TUI @CoachRobNAU @Jimmy_UTFB @CoachJeffBanks @CJVogel_OTF @samspiegs @sixstarfootball @BGChrisOwens @CJVogel_OTF @samspiegs pic.twitter.com/yaVopH38KU

— Finn Walker (@FinnWalker8808) November 11, 2025

Offensively, the War Eagles have to replace Midwestern State signee Drayton Urbay at quarterback. They do still have speedy senior receiver Jeremiah Matthews, a playmaker who came on late last year, while 5’11”, 270-pound senior JoAngelo Dorado can play anywhere on the offensive line. He’ll lead the efforts in the trenches after starting every game last season.

Back-to-back playoff misses have left a bitter taste in Oak Ridge’s mouth. Blackshire knows every win will have to be earned in their highly competitive district, but his guys are more than up for the challenge as they try to avoid missing the playoffs for a third consecutive season for the first time since 1999-2001.