DEWAR DRAGONS
Coach: JOSH BEEN
12-1
OFFENSE
After winning 41 of 43 games the past three years, including the Class B state title in 2020, the Dragons approach the 2023 season with the same mindset of winning football with five starters returning on both sides of the football. “This year’s team has the most depth we’ve had in several seasons,” said head coach Josh Been. “The combined experience and total team approach is once again creating a chemistry that gives us the right formula for winning, on and off the field.” Offensively, the Dragons balance makes it tough for opponents to keep off the scoreboard with their air raid, multiple spread formation. VYPE Top 100 nominee Nevin Corbin (5-9, 190, Sr.) returns to the backfield after rushing for 1,770 yards averaging 13.2 yards per touch and scoring 39 touchdowns in 2022. “Nevin is a winner. His impact to the game has resulted in him picking up an offer to play in the Blue-Gray All-American game at AT&T stadium next December,” Been said. Quarterback Zack Mullen (6-1, 190, Sr.), who passed for 1,204 yards and 12 scores on just 98 attempts with just one interception while finishing just short of 1,000 yards rushing and scoring 14 times. His primary receiver target will be Keelan Berry (5-9, 175, Jr.). Another young talent, Peyton Kilhoffer (6-3, 190, Fr.) will find playing time at tight end or H-back. Up front, Kade Henderson (6-3, 250, Sr.) will continue to dominate opponents alongside guards Isaac Powell (5-10, 230, Jr.) and Dominic Celestine (6-0, 230, Jr.) as the Dragons trio continues to feast on pancakes of their opposition.
DEFENSE
The Dragons are just as dominating defensively where last year the orange and black wrecking crew held opponents to less than two scores in nine contests. “Our system is simple, disciplined, made stronger by constant communication and flying to the football,” said Been. Kade Henderson earns his VYPE Top 100 nomination at defensive end after punishing opposing quarterbacks while recording 20 sacks and 26 tackles for loss while Naea Corbin (6-0, 205, Jr.) closed the opposite side edge with 14 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. Linebacker Dominic Celestine charted 60 tackles while his counterpart Nevin Corbin totaled 32 tackles. Opponents shouldn’t expect to find success against the Dewar secondary where Keelan Berry grabbed six interceptions and had three fumble recoveries and made 72 tackles while cornerback Christian Cargola (5-7, 145, Sr.), who Been defined as the toughest kid on the team despite his size, snatched six oskies and made 53 tackles.
If the past is a prediction of the future, Dewar fans can expect to practice on Thanksgiving and chase the gold ball in early December.
SCHEDULE
9-1 – vs. Cherokee
9-8 – at Snyder
9-15 – vs. Depew
9-22 – at Arkoma
9-29 – vs. Velma-Alma
10-6 – vs. Webbers Falls
10-12 – at Porum
10-19 – vs. Quinton
10-27 – at Midway
11-3 – at Caddo