Building on Momentum
Orange Beach High School’s football program, known as the Makos, is entering the 2026 season with a sense of optimism that has been absent for years. Head coach Wade Waldrop, who took the helm last year, believes the team can improve on a 4‑6 record and compete in a revamped Class 4A Region 1.
Sophomore quarterback Tucker Wade emerged as a reliable playmaker a year ago, throwing for 1,158 yards and eight total touchdowns, and his development is seen as a cornerstone for the offense.
The offensive scheme will incorporate new transfers such as Miller Day and Lee Steele, while veteran presence from players like Chris Taylor and Aiden Kee adds depth. Blake Brunick, Aiden Kee, and Chris Taylor are expected to contribute significantly in the new-look attack.
Defensively, the Makos retain key contributors including Turner Tillman, who posted 66 tackles and seven tackles for loss last season, alongside Luke Reed and John Watters Gentry. The unit also features Devin Gause, Jace Kidd, and Dylan Adams, who are expected to bolster the front line.
Coach Waldrop emphasizes that the team benefits from one of the Gulf Coast’s premier athletic facilities, a factor he says eliminates many traditional excuses for subpar preparation. The upgraded fields and weight rooms have already translated into more intense practices.
Orange Beach opens the season on the road against T.R. Miller before diving into its new region schedule, a tough slate that the coaching staff believes the Makos are ready to meet. Additional non‑region matchups will include trips to Alabama sites such as Hewitt‑Trussville and Elberta, as well as a early‑season test in Louisiana’s St. Augustine.