SAPULPA CHIEFTAINS
Coach: TIM HOLT, JR.
7-4
OFFENSE
Fasten your seatbelts Chieftain fans, this could be a year to remember. Head coach Tim Holt, Jr. returns eight starters on an offense that features one of the more overlooked players in Class 5A. “We have a lot of returners on both sides of the ball, especially on offense. We will look to spread the ball around as much as possible with our QB,” said coach Holt. Colton Howard (6-2, 200, Sr.) is the quarterback coach Holt referred to in the spread offense Holt and co-offensive coordinator David Alexander will run this season. Howard amassed more than 2,300 yards and 31 touchdowns last season with only six interceptions. That overlooked player is running back Marco Smith (5-8, 190, Sr.). Smith only played in three games last season, but gained more than 700 yards and 11 TDs. As a sophomore, Smith rushed for over 1,100 yards while sharing the rushing duties. Smith has speed and power which makes him difficult to stop. Kylen Edwards (6-3, 195, Sr.) is the go-to receiver in the passing game. Edwards made 25 receptions for 450 yards and eight TDs a year ago. The offensive line features Kylar Bearpaw (5-10, 260, Sr.), Jameson Rolland (6-1, 260, Jr.), and Beau Redwood (6-2, 250, Jr.). This group is improving with every practice and will be one of the top offensive lines in the district. Bearpaw is known as an intense player and a hard worker.
DEFENSE
“Defensively, we return five and expect to have a lot of movement oriented schemes to
keep us aggressive and on the attack,” said coach Holt. Defensive coordinator Tyler McGrew will base the defense in a three-man front, with pre-snap movement and pressure on every down. DeShon Koch (6-1, 205, So.) started as a freshman last season and accounted for 83 tackles and one pick. Christian Sonich (5-9, 175, Sr.) will start at outside linebacker where he made 53 tackles and one interception last season. Sequoyah Hall (6-1, 205, So.) is a young player with big potential. Linebacker coaches Pat McGrew and Josh Hicks are excited to develop this group and see just how good they can become as a unit. McGrew is coaching outside linebackers while Hicks is coaching inside linebackers. Ben Bryant (5-11, 175, Sr.) and Logan Hicks (5-9, 180, Jr.) will play the safety positions. Hicks is a move-in from Beggs. Bryant accounted for 51 tackles and three interceptions last season. Isaac Shelton (6-2, 245, Jr.) brings the pressure off the edge for the Chieftains. Shelton recorded 68 tackles and eight sacks as a sophomore. Other assistant coaches include Gionni Harris (WR), Josh Calvert (RB), and Sam Johnson (DL).
SCHEDULE
8-25 – at Sand Springs
9-1 – vs. Tahlequah
9-8 – at Bartlesville
9-22 – vs. Durant
9-29 – at Coweta
10-6 – vs. Del City
10-13 – vs. Glenpool
10-19 – at Memorial
10-27 – at McAlester
11-3 – vs. East Central
