Head coach – Tim Holt Jr.
2021: 6-5
The Sapulpa Chieftains return five offensive starters and will be running multiple spread formations in 2022. The Chieftains have a great outlook for the season as they have several players returning in crucial positions. “We are in an extremely tough district that should produce some great football games this fall,” Holt said. Expectations are high for running back Marco Smith (5-9, 190, Jr.) who, last year, rushed for 1,110 yards and 12 touchdowns while sharing duties with 2021 senior, Tyreese Jones. In 2022, with another year of strength and conditioning under his belt and being handed primary ball carrying responsibilities, Smith is poised to have a breakout season. “[Smith] started out last year as a backup and slowly worked his way into getting some playing time as a sophomore. He took advantage of his opportunities while technically only playing half the season game-time wise and racking up over 1,110 yds. Rushing. [He] has the ability to be a very special player in this state if he keeps progressing on the track he is going right now,” Holt said. Newcomer Colton Howard (6-1, 205, Jr.) takes over the starting quarterback role after moving from Coweta. Howard has good size, vision, and a strong arm that should make him a skilled and efficient field general for the Chieftains moving forward. Justin Squire (5-11, 190, Jr.) had 14 receptions for 252 and 4 touchdowns in 2021. Expect him and Howard to establish a connection early in the season. The offense will look to give Howard time in the pocket to find open playmakers or hand the ball off to establish the running game. Luckily for the Chieftains, Diego Provence (6-0, 245, Sr.), Connor McCall (6-3, 270, Sr.), and Beau Redwood (6-1, 235, So.) provide some big bodies that will be hard to move. Jordon Kelly (6-4, 270, So.) may also work his way into the starting lineup. Kelly’s long arms, quick feet, and a big frame provides massive potential moving forward.
2022 Schedule:
8-26 – vs. Sand Springs
9-2 – at Tahlequah
9-9 – vs. Bartlesville
9-23 – at Durant
9-30 – vs. Coweta
10-7 – at Del City
10-13 – at Glenpool
10-21 – vs. Memorial
10-28 – vs. McAlester
11-4 – at East Central
