Keota Lions

Coach: ERIC HENRY

LAST 7 YEARS:

2020 – 4-4

2019 – 8-3

2018 – 8-3

2017 – 9-4

2016 – 8-4

2015 – 12-1

2014 – 10-2

OFFENSE

After a year of fighting the pandemic and the weekly uncertainty of whether there would be a game plus being in a reloading mode, the Keota Lions are roaring to get the 2021 season underway. The Lion offense will be led by Jance Welch (5-10, 155, Sr.) who is a dual threat playmaker and returns for his second year as quarterback after spending his freshman and sophomore years piling up impressive numbers as a running back. Last season Welch rushed for 813 yards and passed for 786 more in a shortened season while putting the ball in the end zone 28 times. “Jance is a great athlete that can make a big play at any time,” said veteran head coach Eric Henry. “The captain of our offense plays a major role in our success on both sides of the ball.” The Lions will bring experience and size back in the line as well with the return of Kecher Bustos (5-10, 220, Jr.) at guard and Cayce Winklepleck (6-1, 230, Sr.) at center. On the receiving end of Welch’s passes will be Jastin Long (5-9, 150, Jr.) and Trent Aary (6-1, 150, Sr.). And the offense is topped with a nice surprise from last year in running back David Davis (6-0, 175, So.) who rushed for 1265 yards and 18 touchdowns last year. “After having a great freshman season at tailback, we are looking for Davis to step up the role and carry the rock more this year,” said Henry.

DEFENSE

The defense will be a big key for the Lions as they return five starters but among them are three sophomores. Welch and Davis will team up at linebacker where they had over 120 tackles between them last season. Aary, who had 34 tackles and a pair of interceptions in 2020, will be back at one of the corners and is joined by Gunner Hill (6-1, 180, So.) who gained a valuable year of experience as a freshman. In the D-line Bustos is back for a third year moving to defensive end and another sophomore, Garrett Doss, (5-11, 205) will be counted on to step up even more this year from his tackle spot. “We’re really looking forward to having a good and full year of football,” said Henry. “We should be quick on both sides of the ball and if we can limit turnovers and fly to the ball on defense, we should have a chance at the end of every game.”

Schedule:

9-3 – vs. Strother

9-10 – at Prue

9-17 – vs. Weleetka

9-24 – vs. Quinton

10-1 – at Destiny Christian

10-8 – at Gans

10-14 – vs. Summit Christian

10-21 – vs. Cave Springs

10-29 – at Watts

11-5 – vs. Arkoma