Putnam City West football coach Rick Lewis knows that no one has greater expectations for the Patriots than his squad.

“ ‘We’re all we got but we’re all we need! ‘ Is the rally cry of this underdog,” Lewis said in the preseason questionnaire.

West was 1-9 a year ago, with a 32-6 district win over Capitol Hill.

The Patriots’ last playoff appearance came in 2023 with a 5-6 squad under Greg Johnson. Their last team over .500 came under Rocky Martin in 2016, when West went 7-4 with a first-round exit to then-6A-II superpower Bixby.

For 2026, the Patriots lost of a couple “pieces” including senior Obama Bell, a cornerback and wide receiver, who will play at 6A-I Mustang.

Lewis has very positive outlook overall of his group.

“I feel like we’ve grown and added more than we lost,” Lewis said. “We feel well ahead of where we were at this time last year.”

One of the players in a new role is quarterback KJ Cowell. Lewis describes the junior as a “dual-threat” player.

Lewis also highlights “added size and strength” to the West roster.

“We look to be a more consistent efficient offense. While being a super physical, fast and opportunistic defense.”

Returners include seniors Immanuel Adkins (5’10″, 205 lbs, RB/LB), Jace Lee (5’11″, 210 lbs, LB/HB), Jalan Barrientez (6’0″, 220 lbs, Edge/TE), Jordan Currie (6’3, 280 lbs, OL/DL), Anthony Dupree (5’11″, 205 lbs, LB/RB), Aizjon Robinson (5’9″, 160 lbs, WR/CB), Ishmeal Fields (5’11″, 170 lbs, CB/WR) and junior Jalen Wright (6’3″, 175 lbs, FS/WR).

Newcomers include Cowell (6’1″, 220 lbs, QB/LB), seniors Shaiden Taylor (6’4″, 245 lbs, DE/TE), Dorian Bradford (6’1″, 190 lbs, QB/LB, Romeo Smith (6’2″, 185 lbs, TE/LB).

UP NEXT

The Patriots open the season Friday (Aug. 28) at C.B. Speegle Stadium against Capitol Hill.

The Red Wolves finished 0-10 last season.

PUTNAM CITY WEST 2026 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

HOME GAMES in bold

* District game