GANS GRIZZLIES

Coach: BRIAN MORTON

2-9

OFFENSE

Brian Morton, who will be entering his second year as head coach at Gans, will have a wealth of experience returning in 2023. The Grizzlies return eight starters on offense, including senior quarterback Hunter Walters, who missed the first six weeks last year due to injury. “Our offensive philosophy this year is to spread the field and attack quickly,” Morton said. “We have implemented a no huddle offense that isolates our best players into a one-on-one situation. Our players have matured and will allow us to do more with our offensive line and have a more inside/outside attack.” Other key components include senior running back Clay Martinez, senior wide receivers Nakota White and Caleb Martin, senior offensive lineman Jacob Watson, and junior running back/tight end/receiver Caiden Kennedy. “We lost one starter and will return our line and skill players,” Morton said. “We were able to transition our offense to a spread and finished last year’s season with a strong offense and expect to add to that this year.”

DEFENSE

The Grizzlies welcome back seven starters on defense. “Our players have gained the experience to allow us to do more on defensive sets,” Morton said. “It is hard to say what our base defensive formation will be this year. We have always adjusted our defense to counter the strength of our opponent and will probably still make those adjustments.” Expected to contribute are senior linebacker Nakota White, junior linebacker/defensive end Caiden Kennedy, senior defensive lineman Clay Martinez, senior defensive back Caleb Martin, junior defensive lineman Brenden Strickland, and defensive end Josh Brunk. “Our returning experience will lead to a more physical play on defense, and we are expecting to have a successful season,” Morton said. Others expected to play roles include freshman Anthony Vasquez, Wesley Thornell and freshman Preston Bennett.

SCHEDULE

8-25 – at Oaks

9-1 – vs. Weleetka

9-8 – vs. Graham-Dustin

9-15 – vs. Midway

9-22 – at Porum

10-6 – at Welch

10-12 – vs. Cave Springs

10-20 – at Arkoma

10-27 – vs. Foyil

11-3 – at Keota