HENRYETTA KNIGHTS

Coach: LANCE BECK 

Last 7 Years:
2020 – 1-8

2019 – 3-7

2018 – 1-9

2017 – 1-9

2016 – 3-8

2015 – 5-6

2014 – 4-6 

OFFENSE

With eight starters returning, experience may be the long suit for the Henryetta Knights as they enter the new season. For starters, there are two players at the quarterback spot who have shared playing time for the last two years which lends some stability to the overall offense. Riley Pixler (6-2, 210, Sr.) probably has the inside track at the signal calling spot with a little more time under center last year than Dalton Pemberton (6-0, 170, Sr.) and a talented freshman Brady Norman (5-10, 160, So.) may also figure into the quarterbacking mix as well. Whoever mans the QB position will have some experienced lineman to protect them with four of five starters back in the O-line including Ethan Green (5-11, 215, Jr.), J.J. Perez (6-1, 350, Sr.), Weston Wincle (5-7, 265, So.) and Isaac McNac (5-6, 200, Jr.) “Our line is our strength and we’ll go as far as they take us,” said Beck. The multi-faceted Alex Hudson will also return to be either a halfback or wide receiver in Beck’s RPO offense. Hudson amassed over 600 yards running and receiving last year, putting the ball in the end zone six times. “He’s a versatile player that we can put in many places to create mismatches,” said Beck. Hudson’s little brother Nic (6-0, 165, So.) will also be back after getting his feet wet at a wide receiver spot as a freshman last year as will Phillip Rice (6-2, 170, Sr.) who grabbed 20 balls for 218 yards in 2020. Sophomore David Reed (5-7, 145) should also see more playing time this year at the tailback spot.

DEFENSE

Many of the same faces will be factors on the defensive side of the ball in Beck’s 3-4 set up. Alex Hudson will move from linebacker to a safety spot this year after recording 50 tackles and two fumble recoveries last season. Brother Nic who had a solid 38 tackles at linebacker last year is back along with running mate Reed who pressured the quarterback for seven sacks in 2020. The leading tackler returning for the Knights is Green at defensive end where he recorded 63 tackles last year while Perez figures to be a load at the nose guard spot. Rice will again anchor the secondary and is a player that helps cover any mistakes they make up front, according to Beck. The third-year coach feels his defense should be quicker this year and play with more fire with their experience level.

“Our overall team drive is much improved this year giving us a chance for a winning season and maybe the potential to push for a playoff spot,” said Beck.

Schedule:

8-27 – at Okemah

9-3 – vs. Prague

9-10 – vs. Warner

9-24 – at Beggs

10-1 – vs. Metro Christian

10-8 – at Morris

10-14 – vs. Kiefer

10-22 – at Haskell

10-29 – vs. Victory Christian

11-5 – at Okmulgee