A fresh outlook for the Hawks
Mission Oak High School is entering the 2026 football season with a blend of seasoned veterans and a wave of underclassmen who gained valuable experience last year.
The team finished 2025 at 4-7, but the six newcomers — including twin brothers Royal and Royon Cox, offensive tackles Jace Carlson and Daniel Chamalbide, linebacker Anthony Leonardo and defensive back Thomas Luttrell — used the offseason to mature physically and mentally.
Senior quarterback Ricky Franco, who already boasts nearly 2,000 career passing yards, is expected to be the offensive centerpiece after a junior season that saw him throw for over 1,000 yards in five starts and complete nearly 70 percent of his passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns in a 28-7 victory over Sanger West.
The Hawks open the season on August 21 at Bob Mathias Stadium against crosstown rival Tulare Union, a venue where they have endured a four-game losing streak, hoping to turn the tide.
Just three years after capturing the Central Section Division III title in 2023, coach Marty Martin is focused on daily effort, accountability and teamwork, aiming to restore the program’s former prominence.
Martin, now in his fifth year at the helm, has filled every coaching slot and added former Kingsburg standout Benton Bray to the staff, while the roster has swelled to nearly 130 players across all levels.
The projected starting lineup will feature receivers Jesse Hernandez and J.J. Portillo, defensive back Ben Rios and linebacker Dylan Costa, giving the team depth and versatility as it looks to contend for a championship.