BISMARCK LIONS – FOOTBALL
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Bismarck went 11–2 and enters 2026 as a conference favorite with a potent offense and a rebuilding defense. Head coach Daniel Keithley, in his ninth year, writes that the offense “should remain potent this year with a veteran quarterback, several key skill players, and the majority of the offensive line returning,” but that “finding a replacement for Caedmon Keithley’s massive production remains a priority.” He notes that while they enter as conference favorites, the defense faces “a significant rebuild” after losing three linebackers and both defensive ends, and that their postseason ceiling depends on how quickly those gaps are filled and whether the QB takes a leap as a passer. His staff includes Cameron Brown, Bryan Lee, Brad Loy and Russell Carter, with Patricia Smith listed as president.
Offensively, Bismarck returns seven starters and runs a Shotgun Spread. Keithley describes them as “a balanced offense that likes to utilize RPOs and an athletic running QB.” Junior quarterback Cayden Burch (6‑1, 165) went “66/114 passing, 57.89% for 1,315 yards and 15 TDs” and rushed for “709 and 11 TDs,” taking over the QB job in game three last year. Junior running back Clayton Martinez (5‑11, 215) had “385 yards on 64 carries,” senior receiver Ethan Keithley (5‑11, 170) posted “270 yards on 14 receptions and 4 TDs,” junior linemen Kyson Hillison (6‑0, 225) and Levi Martinez (6‑0, 205) anchor the offensive front, and junior receiver Ethan Hughes (6‑1, 165) adds another target.
Defensively, four starters return in a primarily 4‑3 with a cover 2 shell, though they “run out of multiple fronts and coverages.” Martinez produced “64 tackles and 2 INTs” at linebacker, Burch added “25 tackles and an INT” at safety, senior DT Matthias Martinez (5‑5, 235) had “34 Tackles, 4 TFLs, 1 Sack,” and senior corner Keithley made “4 INTs.” Junior LB Parker Hughes (5‑9, 170) recorded “22 Tackle, 5 TFLs,” and Hillison contributed eight tackles at defensive tackle.
Burch is the MVP nominee, a junior who starts at both quarterback and free safety. Keithley describes him as “long, shifty and extremely athletic,” dangerous with his feet, and notes he’s “still developing as a consistent passer” but is expected to make “great strides in the passing game this year” now that he enters spring as the clear QB1.
8/20 – Mena (Exhibition), Away, 7:00 p.m.
8/28 – Nashville, Away, 7:30 p.m.
9/4 – Haskell Harmony Grove, Home, 7:00 p.m.
9/11 – Glen Rose, Away, 7:00 p.m.
9/25 – Parkers Chapel ©, Home, 7:00 p.m.
10/2 – Smackover ©, Away, 7:00 p.m.
10/9 – Cossatot River © (Homecoming), Home, 7:00 p.m.
10/16 – Harmony Grove OC ©, Away, 7:00 p.m.
10/23 – Prescott ©, Home, 7:00 p.m.
10/30 – Centerpoint ©, Home, 7:00 p.m.
11/6 – Horatio ©, Away, 7:00 p.m.
