ROUTES AND RUNS: Keys football developing well balanced offense for 2026

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As all things change, they keep staying the same.

There’s been a lot of talk about the Keys football team changing its passing game, but one thing that isn’t going to change is a stout rushing attack. A new and improved throwing game with quarterback Ryder Davis is going to ensure opposing teams can’t home in on the rushing scheme and have to diversify their defense.

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Keys’ Ryder Davis rolls out looking for an open receiver.

Even though the Cougars might not run as much, they may have an even more productive year when they do decide to rush.

The passing attack opens up the rushing attack, which further opens up the run-fake pass game.

“It’s going to open up the running game for me,” running back Garret LeMasters said. “Once the passing gets everything figured out, it will only open things on the inside for me.”

With Davis entering his junior year, coach Justin Brown is loosening the reins some and is looking to unleash his arm. But the passing game can’t be the only focus.

Other teams will have to put their defensive backs in deep coverage and can’t load up the front, hopefully making things easier for the offensive line. With the change, the line will have more assignments in passing protection and could cut down sacks before they happen.

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Keys’ offensive line readies itself at a recent practice ahead of the 2026 season.

Some new pieces are coming into the line, but they are led by returner Braxton Womack.

“I think we’re passing a lot more than last year,” Womack said. “We’ve run a lot since I was a freshman, so it’s definitely a big change.”

Getting the line up to speed might be the biggest task, regardless of whether they are doing a running or passing play.

“We have some new linemen coming in; they’ve got to learn pretty quickly. I think all of us have a role to play,” Davis said. “Our offensive line has been a big part of it. I think the receiver, running back, line and myself all have a big part in making sure we know what we’re doing.”

Another big part of the picture is how Davis transitions to the new type of offense. In the past, the Cougars have relied on Davis’ and their running backs’ legs to pick up the offense, but the balanced offense will be a new wrinkle for the junior gunslinger.

“He just needs to keep putting the work in and keep improving,” Brown said. “He is getting better every day. He’s putting in the work with the receivers.”

Last year, the Cougars reached the playoffs after missing the postseason in Brown’s first year as head coach.

Finishing with a 5-5 record in the regular season, the Cougars aim to not only match that, but build on it this season. With eight starters on offense and seven on defense returning this year, taking a step back isn’t an option.

“It’s raised the stakes for us; we were talking about the standard, and we’re not going back,” Brown said. “I’ve been telling them we need to live up to expectations this year.”

The Cougars hit the scrimmage field for the first time Friday, Aug. 21, facing off with Cave Springs and Hulbert.

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