A Fresh Coaching Vision
Matt Dennison steps onto the GlenOak sideline with a résumé that includes a 39‑22 record over five seasons at Canton South, where he guided the team to two league titles and a 2023 state semifinal appearance. His appointment follows the resignation of Scott Garcia after a 2‑8 finish in 2025, a season that left the Golden Eagles without a winning record for the third straight year.
The 2026 schedule promises a gauntlet of competition, with home matchups against Massillon, Cleveland Heights and Hoover, while the team opens the campaign on August 21 at Dover before traveling to Cleveland Heights to face McKinley on September 11. All games are slated for a 7 p.m. kickoff, setting the stage for a season that could test the program’s resilience.
Among the returning lettermen, senior Evan Crissey will shift from quarterback to a versatile offensive role while also anchoring the secondary as a safety. Dennison has praised Crissey as a “top‑tier defensive player,” anticipating a dual‑impact presence on both sides of the ball. Senior Caydren Saunders, the Federal League and Stark County high‑jump champion, will continue to showcase his athleticism after posting 22 receptions for 306 yards and four touchdowns last year, while his brother Bradnce Saunders is expected to dominate at defensive end and also contribute at tight end.
The offensive line will be led by seniors Chris McDaniels and junior Anthony McDaniels, who bring experience to the trenches, while Drew Delp, a senior linebacker described by Dennison as “our heartbeat,” will add depth at tight end. Junior Timarien Patterson and sophomore Jamel Hall, both praised for their athleticism and decision‑making, are slated to see increased snaps at receiver and quarterback respectively, offering fresh options for the new scheme.
On the sidelines, Dennison has retained Mark Johnston as defensive coordinator and brought in Brian Gamble as offensive coordinator, both of whom share ties to his father, Jim Dennison, adding continuity to the coaching staff. The excitement is palpable as the community looks forward to seeing whether the new leadership can break the nine‑year winning drought that has defined GlenOak football.