2026 McCook Bison Football Preview
The McCook Bison return 13 lettermen from the 2025 season, including two starters on defense and four on offense. McCook finished 7-3 last season and earned a berth in the Class B state playoffs. Head Coach Joe Vetrovsky (32-19) enters his sixth season leading the Bison and faces another demanding schedule filled with quality opponents. McCook opens the season at home against Crete in Week 1 before traveling to defending state champion Waverly in Week 2. The Bison return home to face Lexington in Week 3, followed by a road contest at Seward in Week 4. McCook hosts Gering in Week 5 and Grand Island Northwest in Week 6, then travels to Hastings in Week 7. The final home game comes in Week 8 against Scottsbluff, before the Bison close the regular season on the road against rival Aurora. Five of McCook’s nine opponents qualified for the 2025 playoffs.
A Look at the Defense
With only two returning starters but several players who gained valuable experience last season, McCook looks to once again build a strong defensive unit in 2026. The defense will be coordinated by assistant coaches Ben Vetrovsky and Kolton Stone.
The unit is anchored by two-year starters Ty Junker and Tripp Raile.
Junker, a 6’0”, 170-pound senior cornerback, has started every game since his sophomore season. Known for his coverage ability and ball skills, he has routinely been matched against opposing teams’ top receivers. Over the past two seasons, Junker has recorded 75 tackles and six interceptions and is poised for another standout year.
Raile, a 6’2”, 180-pound senior safety, became a starter midway through his sophomore season and has held the role since. A physical tackler with strong pursuit and coverage skills, Raile accumulated 85 tackles and forced two turnovers over the past two seasons before his junior year was cut short due to injury. His return to full health will be a major boost.
At inside linebacker, seniors Brody Anthony (5’11”, 200) and Lee Davidson (6’1”, 200) look to step into
larger roles after contributing in last year’s rotation.
Along the defensive line, senior Kooper Rakes (6’1”, 225) started half the season before an injury
sidelined him, while senior Derick Spencer (6’2”, 185) gained valuable experience late in the year. Junior Eli Smith (6’5”, 225) is another key contributor expected to make an impact.
Senior Asher Wilson (5’11”, 165) brings experience at outside linebacker after significant playing time,
including a start in the playoff game.
In the secondary, senior Austin Quint (6’1”, 150) returns with meaningful varsity experience, joined by
juniors Jackson Hartwell (5’10”, 150) and Krayten Ureste (5’10”, 160), both of whom saw the field
extensively last season.
A Look at the Offense
With four returning starters, the Bison offense will need to replace key contributors lost to graduation.
However, there is confidence that a number of players are ready to step into larger roles. Head Coach Joe Vetrovsky will coordinate the offense.
At quarterback, senior Tripp Raile (6’2”, 180) takes over after backing up for two seasons. Raile brings
dual-threat ability and is expected to be a dynamic playmaker in both the run and pass game.
In the backfield, senior fullback Lee Davidson (6’1”, 200) returns as a two-year starter. He has rushed for 500 yards and two touchdowns over the past two seasons while serving as a key blocker in the Bison’s power running attack. Davidson’s role is expected to expand this season.
Junior running back Krayten Ureste (5’10”, 160) is another player to watch, bringing a physical running style and strong cutting ability.
At wide receiver, seniors Ty Junker (6' 170) and Asher Wilson (5’11”, 165) return as starters, both
providing reliability in route running, blocking, and catching. Junior Jackson Hartwell (5’10”, 150)
emerged late last season and adds another playmaking option.
At tight end, senior Kooper Rakes (6’1”, 225) and junior Eli Smith Eli Smith (6’5”, 225) both return with
extensive varsity experience. Known for their physicality and athleticism, they are key components in
both the run game and as potential mismatches in the passing attack.
The offensive line will be an area of focus, with only one returning starter in senior Brody Anthony
(5’11”, 200), who will lead the unit. Senior Derick Spencer (6’2”, 185) is expected to contribute after
serving as the top backup last season. Juniors Bronson Frazier (6’2”, 255) and Adan Solorzano (6’0”,
250) bring size and strength, while additional competition will come from younger players as the Bison work to solidify the starting five.
A Look at the Special Teams
McCook returns key pieces on special teams, led by senior kicker Gunner Kaps (6’2”, 150), entering his
third year as the starter. Kaps has converted nearly 90% of his extra points and consistently drives
kickoffs into the end zone. Seniors Asher Wilson and junior Jackson Hartwell also provide kicking depth. Punting duties remain open, with competition expected throughout camp. In the return game, Ty Junker and Krayten Ureste both bring experience and big-play potential, giving the Bison a chance to impact field position in 2026.