The Owensboro Red Devils, chasing the proud program’s first state championship since 1986, put it all together in 2025 under first-year head coach DaMarcus Ganaway — overcoming a tough start and rolling to the KHSAA Class 5-A state title at Kroger Field.
“We’re proud of our achievement, and it took everyone working together to make it happen last season,” Ganaway said. “Any time you are able to do something like winning a state championship, it means the team bought into what we as coaches were trying to teach them.
“I was proud of the way we continued to get better and better as the season progressed. That’s how you draw it up before the season, and it doesn’t always work out that way, but in this case it did. We had a group of players and coaches who were fully committed to getting this program over the hump.”
What do the Red Devils want to do for an encore? Win it again, of course.
“Winning tends to perpetuate winning, and our goals certainly will remain the same this season,” Ganaway said. “We lost some big pieces, for sure, but we return a lot of talent, as well.
“It’s just a matter of going back to work and taking care of our business one week at a time. We’re excited about the possibilities this season and we’re looking forward to getting back out there and playing to our full potential each week.”
OFFENSELeading the way once again will be senior quarterback DaMarcus Ganaway Jr., son of the head coach and one of the most efficient field generals in Kentucky. As a junior, Ganaway passed for 2,708 yards and 36 touchdowns, with only five interceptions. He also rushed for 307 yards and five scores.
“His poise is what really stands out,” coach Ganaway said of his son. “He doesn’t play with a lot of emotion one way or the other — stays on an even keel and never panics. He trusts the guys around him and they, in turn, trust him.”
OHS must overcome the loss of superstar running back Evan Hampton, and the team will turn to senior Tee Green, who gained 387 yards and scored seven TDs last fall. Freshman Gavin Walker is also expected to be a key contributor.
Leading the receivers will be junior speedster Kingston Dillard, a 3-star prospect who caught 58 passes for 1,294 yards and 18 touchdowns a year ago.
“Every time he gets the ball,” Ganaway said of Dillard, “something special can happen.”
Other receivers include seniors Jaileon Bryant, Addison Thomas and Chris Coy, junior Ayden Fountain and sophomore Jamil Waddy.
Top linemen include junior Keaton Land, sophomores Channing Miller and Cade Kasey, and freshman Aslon James.
“We were very efficient last year and our expectations remain high,” Ganaway said, “but the reality is that we’re inexperienced up front. Our skill positions are solid, but it all starts up front.”
DEFENSEOwensboro’s odd front alignment will include seniors Kobe Pullom and Aiden Bullock, along with junior Kameren Payton. Junior Owen Sanderson is also in the mix.
At linebacker, the Devils feature one of the state’s best in senior Ty Ashley, who has committed to Kentucky. Last fall, Ashley led the team with 148 total tackles.
“Ty’s mentality is special,” Ganaway said. “He’s an old-school linebacker in a new-school body — a player who is outstanding from sideline to sideline.”
Others in the linebacking mix are senior Braden Burk and four juniors — Grady Bailes, Mikai Kindle, Khyshaun Boone and Apollo transfer Brody Griffith.
Secondary personnel include seniors Tre Shemwell, Caniares Hayden, Amare Roney and Green, junior Daveon Hinton and sophomore Kalil Shemwell.
‘We return a lot of talent and experience on defense — they’re fast, physical, and they play freely,”Ganaway said. “This is a solid group and they’ll lead us early.”
SPECIAL TEAMSSophomore Cooper Ellis, who scored 81 points last year, will handle the place-kicking duties, and junior Merrick Joska is the punter.
Dillard and Tre Shemwell. among others, will provide OHS serious speed in the return game.
“We should be very solid in our special teams,” Ganaway said. “We have great kickers and great kick returners.”
OUTLOOKTo state that Owensboro has high hopes in 2026 would be a considerable understatement.
“Every day’s a great day to be a Red Devil,” Ganaway said. “I will say this — the kids are not satisfied, even after winning the state championship last season — they’re still hungry, still eager, still working extremely hard for us to be the best team we can be.
“It’s going to be a little different this season. Instead of being the hunters, we’re going to be the hunted. We’re aware of this and we’re ready for the challenge ahead.”
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RED DEVILS SCHEDULE
Aug. 21 | St. Xavier | 7 p.m.
Aug. 28 | at Christian Academy-Louisville | 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 4 | Daviess County | 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 | at Owensboro Catholic | 7 p.m.
Sept. 18 | Graves County | 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 | Apollo | 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 | at Marshall County | 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 | at Muhlenberg County | 7 p.m.
Oct. 23 | Madisonville-North Hopkins | 7 p.m.
Oct. 30 | at Henderson County | 7 p.m.
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