IDABEL WARRIORS
Coach: SCOTT PRATT
9-4
OFFENSE
Stopped one play short of winning the district championship before reaching the quarterfinal round of the Class 2A playoffs, the Warriors have high expectations for success in 2023. The highly skilled offensive unit that averaged 35.7 points per contest a year ago, returns nine starters led by two-time VYPE Top 100 choice Ravian Larry (6-0, 195, Jr.) who has rushed for more than 2200 yards in his first two campaigns and scoring 24 touchdowns, was the only sophomore in the Class 3A 100m finals last spring where he captured the bronze medal. Waylon Phillips (6-1, 180, Sr.), also a VYPE Top 100 nominee, returns at quarterback after he passed for 1805 yards including 22 touchdown strikes while rushing for 595 yards in 2022. Phillips, who maintains a 4.0 grade point average, is well within reach of 6000 yards passing in his career. Wide receiver Martrail Lopez (5-10, 165, Jr.), the third Top 100 pick from the Warriors camp, has opposing defenses heads spinning after totaling 900 yards total offense and scoring 15 times a year ago. Macklyan Dixon (5-7, 145, So.) who grabbed 22 receptions last year in addition to 53 carries running the football for 951 yards and 12 scores. There will once again be plenty of size upfront to help fuel the offensive success including Trase Reesing (5-11, 245, Sr.) who started at center in 2022 alongside Chris Bloodsoe (6-1, 210, So.) who started as a freshman in 2022, Braxton Hickman (5-10, 230, Jr.) as well as Dalton Bargas (5-11, 300, Jr.), B.J Bagsby (5-10, 220, Sr.), Chris Golston (5-10, 255, Sr.), Baitre Arawaia (5-10, 245, Sr.).
DEFENSE
With speed, agility and strength, the Warriors can force the opponents out of their game plan. The defensive unit welcomes the return of seven starters from 2022 that limited the opposition to just 15.7 points per game including nine contest allowing two scores or less. Quincy Johnson (6-1, 195, Sr.) who charted 92 tackles including four sacks last year returns at inside linebacker along with AJ Smith (5-9, 185, Sr.) who recorded 82 tackles in 2022 while Beau Ritchie (5-9 175, Jr.), Ravian Larry and Kade Pratt (6-2, 195, Fr.) will attack off the edge. The defensive line will be anchored by Markee Townsend (6-0, 235, Jr.), who made 52 stops, joined by Sammy Lopez (5-8, 300, Sr.), B.J. Bagsby and Chris Bloodsoe. There will be plenty of speed and energy from the secondary. Martrail Lopez, who grabbed four pass interceptions while making 58 tackles will be the ringleader for a third year along with Joseph Gibson (6-1, 155, Sr.) who picked off three passes and made 47 tackles along with Lamarian Carter (5-10, 165, Sr.), Waylan Phillips and Mackylan Dixon. “Strike with physicality and force the opponent to run the ball sideways,” said Pratt while explaining the Warriors defensive scheme. “We will use our speed and strength to stunt and blitz to create pressure.”
SCHEDULE
9-1 – vs. Kingston
9-8 – vs. Broken Bow
9-15 – at Ashdown, AR
9-22 – at Hugo
9-29 – at Valliant
10-6 – vs. Heavener
10-13 – at Spiro
10-19 – vs. Antlers
10-27 – at Wilburton
11-3 – vs. Eufaula
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