FORT GIBSON TIGERS

Coach: RYAN NOLAN

1-9

OFFENSE

With experience now a plus for the Tigers, coach Ryan Nolan’s offense expects to go uptempo and allow their playmaker to create in space. “We’ll use the three wide receiver, one tight end set to make the most of the RPO or play-action series as well as when we run the ball,” explained Nolan, who enters his second season at the helm of the Fort Gibson program. The combination of efforts from Judd Rudd (6-0, 170, Jr.) and Brelynn Macomb (5-8, 165, Jr.) gives Nolan the option of the wide zone or hit and go ground attack that will find plenty of avenues with the experience up front where the Tigers will answer the question “where’s the beef” in 2023 with veterans Jake Spencer (5-10, 280, Sr.), a state powerlifting qualifier and Stevie Vafeas (6-1, 280, So.) who has size and mobility providing protection and running lanes on the line of scrimmage joining forces with Ryan Capps (6-1, 300, Sr.), Gideon Wood (5-7, 220, Sr.) Kyle Rye (6-1, 200, Jr.) and Douglas Twoshields (5-11, 295, Jr.). There’s a fierce battle at quarterback between Parker Lockhart (5-10, 150, Sr.) who saw plenty of game time last year or Logan Bethel (5-11, 165, Fr.). Either signal caller will have plenty of options at receiver including the deep threat talents of Donnie Cox (5-10, 160, Jr.), Braxton Miller (6-1, 165, Sr.), Jaiden Johnson (5-9, 155, Sr.) and Brody Hansen (5-11, 160, Fr.) all capable of taking quick routes to the goal line while tight ends Jace Austin (6-0, 160, Sr.) and Sean Barnaby (6-2, 175, Jr.) bring an added punch. “Last year’s experience is a strength as they now understand the schemes and how to play in space,” said Nolan.

DEFENSE

Last season’s newcomers on defense have a year of playing time experience and stand ready to attack as eight starters return led by a pair of inside linebackers Chase Brown (5-10, 185, Sr.) and Connor Welch (6-1, 185, Jr.) while Austin and Parker Lockhart will crash from the outside edge. The Tigers secondary has skill and quickness with free safety Donnie Cox and Rudd at strong safety while Johnson and Miller lineup at cornerback. The Tigers will wage war on the line of scrimmage as defensive ends Vafeas, Spencer and Cooper Hackett (6-5, 235, Fr.) have the size and mobility to contain the edge while Twoshields holds the anchor at noseguard. “We’re benefiting from the offseason program that has made us bigger, faster and stronger,” said Nolan. “Now you can see that they understand their roles and are continuing to gain confidence on both sides of the football.”

SCHEDULE

8-25 – at Oologah

9-1 – vs. Berryhill

9-15 – at Glenpool

9-22 – vs. Poteau

9-29 – at Broken Bow

10-6 – vs. Stilwell

10-12 – vs. Madill

10-19 – at Ada

10-27 – at Sallisaw

11-3 – vs. Hilldale