WELEETKA OUTLAWS

Coach: TRISTAN GARRINGER

10-3

OFFENSE

Weleetka is going into the 2023 season with a lot to prove after a state quarterfinal appearance in 2022 under head coach Tristan Garringer. “Expectations are high once again this year for us. After the way things ended last year in the quarterfinals, this year’s group of kids and our staff are ready to get back to work. We have some big shoes to fill on the front line but we’re confident in the kids that put in the work in the off-season to fill those spots. We have a lot of skill kids returning on both sides of the ball, so we’re excited about that,” Garringer said. The offense, which returns six starters, will start with quarterback Isaiah Drake (6-1, 210, So.), who amassed 2,357 total yards and 30 touchdowns as a freshman. “A four-sport athlete who keeps his grades up, never misses a workout mandatory or non-mandatory and is always at the field working on his game and always helps with the team’s laundry after every game,” Garringer said. Drake’s brother, Isaac Drake (6-1, 190, Jr.), a VYPE Top 100 selection in 2022, is also back as a running back/receiver. Isaac Drake finished with 2,285 total yards and 34 TDs last year. “We’re gonna be spread a lot more, but we’re still going to look to control the line of scrimmage with the run,” Garringer said.

DEFENSE

Leading the Outlaws’ 3-2 gap-controlled defense will be linebackers J.R. Robertson (5-10, 195, Sr.) and Isaac Drake. Robertson tallied 129 total tackles, nine sacks and caused five turnovers as a junior. Drake added 111 total tackles, three sacks and created six turnovers last season. Also returning in the secondary is free safety Bryant Sites (5-11, 185, So.). Sites recorded 72 total tackles as a freshman. “A freshman who came on as a two-way starter and became an instant difference maker and received an all-district award,” Garringer said of Sites. Isaiah Drake will contribute as a defensive end in addition to his role on offense as the quarterback. He accounted for 23 tackles and six sacks in 2022.

SCHEDULE

8-25 – vs. Regent Prep

9-1 – at Gans

9-8 – vs. Pioneer-Pleasant Vale

9-15 – at Paoli

9-21 – at Quinton

9-29 – vs. Keota

10-6 – at Summit Christian

10-12 – vs. Depew

10-20 – at Davenport

11-3 – at Wetumka