WESTVILLE YELLOWJACKETS  

Coach: Ed Baker

Last 7 Years:

2020 – 3-8

2019 – 0-10

2018 – 1-9

2017 – 1-9

2016 – 4-6

2015 – 8-3

2014 – 8-3 

Quick Hits:

Running back Bryson Bigfeather ran for 183 yards on 16 carries and scored two times in the Yellowjackets 32-21 win over Mounds. 

Westville and Kansas will meet for the 20th consecutive season on September 17th. The Comets are currently on a three game winning streak and hold the series edge 11-8 during that span. 

OFFENSE

You can see the progress little by little in the Westville Yellowjackets program. After compiling a 2-28 record over a three-year stretch, the “Jackets captured three wins in a challenging 2020 season and coach Ed Baker feels the program may be turning a corner. “The past three years we’ve had to rely on several freshmen starters each year. But now we finally feel that our program is at the point where we no longer have to put freshmen in that difficult position.” A senior-heavy offensive line that returns four starters from last year looks to be the biggest asset for Westville. That group is led by three-year starter Denton Bruner (6-0, 200, Sr.) at right guard and Brody Buffington (5-9, 225, Sr.) at left guard. “Denton has played just about every position in the line at some point but what I like is his leadership ability,” said Baker. “He leads by example in his work ethic and he is also a vocal leader but always in a positive way. We as coaches rely on his ability as a player and a team leader.” Kenny Ray Richard (5-7, 235, Sr.) returns at center and Jake Drummond (5-11, 195, Jr.) at left tackle. They’ll also be experience in the backfield with Aidan Bradford (5-11, 145, Jr.) who averaged nearly four yards per carry from the slotback spot in Baker’s flexbone offense. The big question mark will be the development of quarterback Britton Jacob (5-9, 200, So.) who started four games for the ‘Jackets in his freshman year and finding some receivers to make the catches when he has to throw it. 

DEFENSE

Westville has some depth that will give a lot of the offensive guys a break from playing both ways though Bruner will go both ways in the line and Bradford will also be a two-way player in the secondary. The leading returning tackler for the ‘Jackets is inside linebacker Tucker Sizemore (5-9, 150, Jr.) who had 58 takedowns in 2020. Seniors will dominate the defensive backfield with Sebastian Pedraza (5-10, 145) who had 27 tackles and an interception last year at corner and Derek Tyer (5-9, 130) at safety. Baker is also high on sophomore Zeke Edmisten (6-1, 185) at a defensive end spot. “Zeke stood out for us on defense as a freshman and though he missed a few games he was still one of our leading tacklers with 44. He plays relentlessly which rubs off on the other guys and is a joy to coach. Zeke has great potential,” said the Yellowjacket boss. Staying healthy and gaining confidence during the non-distract part of the schedule will be keys to the season according to Baker. “If we can do those things, we feel like we can compete for a playoff spot.” If they can be at that position, they’ll have the added benefit of having the last week of the regular season off to rest and prepare.

Schedule:

8-27 – vs. Hulbert

9-3 – vs. Lincoln, AR

9-17 – at Kansas

9-24 – vs. Locust Grove

10-1 – at Tahlequah Sequoyah

10-8 – vs. Lincoln Christian

10-14 – at Checotah

10-22 – vs. Seminole

10-29 – at Stigler