Gilbert has seen some consistent success in the first two seasons under head coach Ozzie Exume.

The Indians have had no trouble making and winning in the playoffs. Gilbert advanced to the third round in Exume’s first season and the second in year two, but this season, they want more. 

“We want to play for a championship,” Exume said. “That’s what our focus is. It’s always been our focus.” 

Coming into 2026, the team is confident in their abilities. Things might look a little different as the personnel has changed, but Exume said the team is already ahead of where they were at this point last season. 

Gilbert will be a very aggressive team this season. On offense, the focus starts up front at the offensive line. 

Exume wants his team to win in the trenches and push opposing teams out of the way to create gaps for their running backs to attack. The Indians will also utilize a lot of motion to keep defenses on their toes and force them to stop the run and pass. 

Defensively, the team will play much like last season. Gilbert wants to be physical and aggressive, but also sound. The Indians will try to get their best playmakers on the field and in the best spot possible. 

“We’re going to be what we were last year, but this year, just better at it,” Exume said. 

Gilbert will play a familiar schedule this season, despite being one of the teams that moved classifications in the latest realignment. 

The Indians are back in 3A after spending two seasons in 4A. They will be in a region with other area schools, in Airport, Swansea and Brookland-Cayce. 

The group will also play some nearby teams in the non-region slate, including Chapin, Batesburg-Leesville, South Aiken and A.C. Flora. 

“Everyone we’re playing, we’re familiar with in some set,” Exume said. “It’s a measure to see what type of team we’re going to be, and the style that we are going to play.” 

Players to watch 

Gilbert’s defense will be the most consistent thing about the team this season, with many talented returners looking to have an even better year in 2026. 

Up front, guys like Kmari Brown, Logan Taylor and AJ Doria can move all around the field to send different looks at opposing offenses. Exume said all three can change a game at any moment. 

In the secondary, senior Gavin Elliot commands the field. He plays safety and slides into the nickel slot when needed. Elliot is a multi-year starter and committed to continuing his career at Army. 

Also in the secondary is Chandler Guthrie. Exume called him a star on both sides of the ball, as he was also the Indians' leading receiver last season. 

Guthrie will play receiver again this season and is expected to be a top target. 

He’ll receive passes from Swansea transfer Kendall Wright. 

Wright will be protected by a veteran group of offensive linemen, led by seniors Hudson Smith, Mason Huppertz and Justice Corley. 

2026 schedule

Week 0 - Aug. 21 - at Nation Ford

Week 1 - Aug. 27 - at A.C. Flora

Week 2 - Sept. 4 - BYE

Week 3 - Sept. 11- at South Aiken 

Week 4 - Sept. 18 - vs. Batesburg-Leesville

Week 5 - Sept. 25 - vs Chapin 

Week 6 - Oct. 2 - vs. Camden* 

Week 7 - Oct. 9 - at Brookland-Cayce* 

Week 8 - Oct. 16 - at Airport*

Week 9 - Oct. 23 - vs. Swansea*

Week 10 -  Oct. 30 - vs. Lower Richland*

Note: (*) indicates a game against a region opponent