Coach: CADE SHEARWOOD
9-3
OFFENSE
After an eight-year run of success in the playoffs, the Panthers will put together their 2023 campaign putting together the puzzle with only four starters returning to the offense unit that has a tradition of high scoring statistics. Mckade Peery (5-11, 165, Sr.), a VYPE Top 100 nominee this fall enters his third season at quarterback having produced impressive statistics including 4,096 career yards passing and 47 touchdowns through the air plus 1,588 yards rushing and 26 scores. The primary target will be Mason Jones (5-10, 170, Sr.), who will also lineup at running back. Head coach Cade Shearwood begins his third year at the Stigler helm likes the offensive line prowess anchored by Cole Hamlin (6-0, 200, Sr.) a starter since his sophomore season and the extra efforts of Gavyn Jones (6-1, 230, So.) who combines strength and agility to control play in the trench. “We’re a spread team with several formations that we like to allow us the ability to run the football as well as put the ball in the air,” explained Shearwood. “There will be several new names at the first of the season that by the end of the season will be hometown favorites.”
DEFENSE
Like the offense, the defense was hit hard by graduation with only five starters returning. Among the veterans are two Top 100 nominees Ace Engle (5-10, 205, Sr.) and Mason Jones at linebacker. Engle has ravaged Stigler opponents for 164 during his career while Jones has charted 147 stops. Houston Peery (6-0, 195, Jr.) who has recorded 64 tackles will solidify the linebacker unit while Latch Smith (5-10, 225, So.), Cole Hamlin and Gavyn Jones will anchor the defensive line. “Physicality will once again be our calling card defensively,” said Shearwood. “We want to let the front box stop the ground game to free up our secondary to cover the deep ball and support with force to stop the RPO.”
SCHEDULE
8-25 – at Sallisaw
9-1 – vs. Catoosa
9-8 – at Vian
9-15 – vs. Stilwell
9-22 – at Seminole
9-29 – vs. Locust Grove
10-12 – at Muldrow
10-20 – vs. Lincoln Christian
10-27 – at Berryhill
11-3 – vs. Checotah
