Any coach will tell you having a team with experience is a big advantage. For Sapulpa, moving into Class 6A-II will be challenging, but having an experienced lineup will certainly help. “Extremely experienced on the defensive side of the ball with eight returners. Lots of good team speed on both sides of the ball. We are making the adjustment to moving up a class, but we are ready for the challenge,” said coach Holt. Sapulpa will spread the field and use their speed to get players in positions to be successful. Jordan Clark (6-1, 170, Sr.) is one of those players. Last season Clark accounted for 325 yards and three TDs. Another pair of wide receivers to watch are Jaxon Stone (5-9, 175, Jr.) and Julian Vess (6-0, 170, Sr.). This trio of route runners will give the Chieftains the ability to stretch the field and keep opposing defenses on their heels. Rashaud Reynolds (6-0, 180, Sr.) is a first-year starter at running back and will give Sapulpa a homerun threat in the backfield. Beau Redwood (6-3, 270, Sr.) and Jameson Rolland (6-2, 260, Sr.) will anchor the offensive line and play a key role in the overall success of the offense.
DEFENSE
One of the team leaders on defense is Isaac Shelton (6-2, 235, Sr.) at defensive end. Shelton recorded nine sacks last season and is looking for more in 2024. Shelton is not the only player who can get after the QB. DeShon Koch (6-2, 220, Jr.) can play multiple positions including DE, and LB. Koch could see time on offense at running back as well. Last season Koch had eight sacks and two TD receptions. Logan Hicks (5-10, 180, Sr.) starts at safety where in four games last season he notched 62 tackles. Hicks will be all over the field for the Chieftains defense. Jayce McIntosh (5-10, 205, Jr.) starts at one off the inside linebacker spots in the 3-4 scheme. McIntosh made 64 tackles as a sophomore. Dakota Chaney (5-9, 175, Sr.) is featured in the secondary where he made two INTs last year. Also look for Michael Bennett (So.) who coach Holt said Bennett brings “speed and aggressiveness” to the field for Sapulpa. The coaching staff includes David Alexander, Gionni Harris, Braxton Watters, Landon Isham, Sam Johnson, and Josh Hicks.