Coach: JASON PARKER 

LAST 8 YEARS: 

2021 – 6-5 2020 – 1-8 

2019 – 2-8 

2018 – 0-10 

2017 – 2-7 

2016 – 5-6 

2015 – 2-8 

2014 – 3-7 

OFFENSE 

The Pocola Indians posted their first winning record since 2008 last year while making the playoffs and with a good nucleus of players returning for 2022, coach Jason Parker is optimistic about this year. “We bring back a lot of players from our playoff team. This team has the talent and speed to make a deep playoff run but we’ll have to really get better before that can happen.” Freshman sensation A.J. Lyons-Jerrell (6-1, 210, So.) who accounted for over 1200 yards of offense last year returns at running back and will be a big key to the Indians success. Lyons-Jerrell is joined at running back by Zac Jones (6-0, 215, Sr.) who rushed for 300 yards in 2021. A couple of juniors will bring back experience to the receiving corps in Garrett Scott (6-3, 165) and Kolby Masterson (6-2, 180). 

“Garrett is a great player who has had almost 1300 receiving yards in two years and 13 touchdowns and is also a 4.0 student,” said Parker. The two rangy pass catchers combined for 750 yards last year and Masterson also saw some time at running back where he rushed for 400 yards. The line will be in the hands of Casson Raley (6-2, 275, Jr.) who helped the Indians rush for an average of 240 yards a game last season. Quarterback will be the big question for Pocola where Austin Hardwick (5-6, 125, Jr.) who has been mostly a receiver will take over the signal calling duties. Pocola runs an unusual single wing offense combined with a spread and utilizes a lot of misdirection. 

DEFENSE 

Last year the Indian defense gave up just under 14 points a game on average and they have a solid nucleus of players from that team back this year led by linebacker Tucker Thompson (6-0, 215, Sr.) who had 67 tackles including 15 TFLs in 2021. Not far behind at another linebacker spot was Jones who had 64 tackles and 11 TFLs. The defensive line will see the return of defensive end Bryson Elkins (5-9, 165, So.) and in the back end it will be Masterson and A.J. Lyons-Jerrell returning to make life miserable for opposition receivers in the Indians 3-4 defense. “A.J. is a monster on the field on both sides of the ball,” said Parker. “He had over 1200 yards of offense last year with 14 tackles for loss on defense.” 

Another possible plus this year for the Indians will be dropping from Class 2A to A where they will be District A-8. On the downside of the schedule is that four of their first five games are on the road. 

SCHEDULE: 

8-26 – vs. Heavener 

9-2 – at Hackett, Ark 

9-9 – at Spiro 

9-16 – at Mena, Ark 

9-23 – at Canadian 

9-30 – vs. Central Sallisaw 

10-7 – vs. Gore 

10-14 – at Panama 

10-21 – vs. Haskell 

10-28 – vs. Porter