Here’s a look at the Gruver Greyhounds heading into the 2026 football season. Press Pass Sports was able to get a word in with head coach Kurt Haberthur during fall camp. Haberthur talked about what his team will look like in 2026, and the pieces he has to replace. Haberthur also talked about the underclassmen that will need to step up to keep the Greyhounds successful following back-to-back runs to the UIL Class 2A Division II state semifinals.

Head coach: Kurt Haberthur, fourth year at Gruver, 36-7. 14th year overall, 91-62.
2025 Record: 12-3 overall, 3-1 in District 1-2A Division II. Class 2A Division II state semifinalist.

Returning starters

Offense: 4
Defense: 4
Season opener: vs. Hooker, Okla., 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27.

Football player in a red jersey and white helmet sprinting on a green football field during practice or game. — Linebacker Bo Cowan returns after finishing last season with 48 tackles and 14 sacks. [Tyler Anderson/ Press Pass Sports]

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mason Lankford, 6-foot-4, WR-DB, 180-pounds, Jr.

The multi-talented Lankford is one of the few returners at the skill position for the Greyhounds, but a huge asset to have back. With the length and speed, Lankford is dangerous in open space and highly dependable for new starting quarterback Jett Pittman. Despite missing time with injury last season, Lankford was still able to snag 37 catches for 753 yards with 14 touchdowns.

Bo Cowan, 6-foot-1, 180-pounds, LB, Jr.

Cowan has been a force and was able to avoid a sophomore slump. The physical linebacker will fill the void left by the seniors before him in the middle. Last season, Cowan was hard to block, as he totaled 47 tackles, 27 of those for a loss and spend a lot of time in the backfield getting 14 sacks. Cowan was also able to force six fumbles.

Jett Pittman, 5-foot-10, 170-pounds, QB, Jr.

Pittman is another multi-sport talent that has proven himself on the hardwood and on the mound, but now gets to shine on the gridiron. Pittman does have the pressure of replacing All-State quarterback Briggs Satterfield, however, he is more than capable. Pittman brings a much different dynamic than Satterfield and has the arm to keep defenses honest.