ROLAND RANGERS

Coach: AUSTIN CANTRELL

2-8

OFFENSE

Young and undersized are two words that Roland head coach Austin Cantrell uses to describe last year’s Rangers football team. As the 2023 football season looms ahead, Cantrell feels that time and dedication will make Roland a much more competitive team in the coming year. “This off-season we have spent a tremendous amount of time in the weight room getting stronger and gaining weight and our student athletes have done a great job of buying in to the process and putting in the work. I feel confident that we will be more competitive and look forward to seeing how we stack up this year.” Another reason for that confidence is the senior leadership in the skill positions that the Rangers will have this year. Logen Thomas (6-1, 215, Sr.) will have the inside track at the quarterbacking spot this year or, if that doesn’t work out, at tight end. Fleet-footed Logan Lorenz (5-9, 160, Sr.) will be one of eight returning starters and will play wide receiver. Ashton Peters (5-11, 220, Sr.) will be the anchor of the offense at the running back spot. “Ashton is a great leader on and off the field,” said Cantrell. “He’s the projected valedictorian of his class and has a great understanding of the game. As a three-year starter, he’s helped us win some very close games.” Returning to man the trenches will be Joseph Stone (5-11, 230. Jr.) and Jacob Resendez (6-2, 240, Sr.) while Dalton Crossno (6-0, 210, Jr.) will be a valuable contributor at running back or wide receiver.

DEFENSE

The defense will feature many of the same names that were highlighted on the offense and with eight starters back also appears ready to make improvements in 2023. Peters will be back at the middle linebacker spot while Stone and Thomas will head up the D-line and Crossno will be at linebacker spot. Also expected to make big plays on the defense will be Alex Bower (6-0, 175, Sr.) at defensive back or outside linebacker and Armando Martinez (5-10, 180, Sr.) at a linebacker spot in the 4-3 alignment. Cantrell is also hoping for contributions from freshman Kaden Hartt at linebacker and possibly running back.

“Kaden is a very good athlete with tons of big play potential,” said Cantrell. After having taken some lumps last year as young and undersized, the Roland Rangers appear to be headed back towards a winning track in 2023.

SCHEDULE

8-24 – vs. Muldrow

9-1 – at Stilwell

9-15 – vs. Central Sallisaw

9-22 – at Keys

9-29 – vs. Vian

10-6 – at Prague

10-13 – vs. Okemah

10-19 – vs. Sequoyah Tahlequah

10-27 – at Henryetta

11-3 – at Warner