Coach: JASON PARKER
6-5
OFFENSE
After over a decade of struggling the Pocola Indians have posted back-to-back 6-5 marks and 2023 looks like the year they could make everyone in Class A take notice.
“We return 17 starters plus several young players that really matured in the offseason,” said coach Jason Parker. We average 280 pounds across the offensive line and have crazy size and speed in the skill positions.” All eyes will be on VYPE Top 100 nominee A.J. Lyons-Jerrell (6-2, 225, Jr.) at running back who rushed for 1,100 yards, passed for another 800 yards for a total of 22 touchdowns last season. “A.J. has a chance to be a Power 5 college player,” said Parker. “Injuries slowed him down last season and he is still phenomenal.” Returning at quarterback is Austin Hardwick (5-9, 135, Sr.) who threw for 1400 yards last year to receivers Braydon Hardwick (5-9, 155, So.) and Garrett Scott (6-3, 173, Sr.), another TOP 100 nominee who had 45 catches for 864 yards in 2022. Depth will be provided by dual threat player Kolby Masterson (6-2, 185, Sr.) and senior Said Bedolla. The line is anchored by big Casson Raley (6-2, 303, Sr.).
DEFENSE
Lyons-Jerrell, who just started playing linebacker a little last year, is already getting noticed and will be a big factor in the Indian defense this year according to Parker. “He is going to set the state on fire at linebacker this year and has already caught every college coach’s eye including OSU.” Scott will return at cornerback where he’s joined again by Braydon Hardwick and Masterson who is high on the recruiting list. The defensive front is big and experienced and will be a problem for opponents. The ends will be Hunter Grimsley (5-10, 175, Sr.), Dakotah Terrell (6-8, 220, Jr.) who is moving from offense to defense this year and Kanye Gordon (6-5, 330, Sr.) a transfer who sat out last year.
SCHEDULE
8-24 – at Heavener
9-1 – vs. Hackett, Ark
9-8 – vs. Spiro
9-22 – vs. Canadian
9-29 – at Central Sallisaw
10-6 – at Gore
10-13 – vs. Panama
10-19 – at Haskell
10-27 – vs. Porter
11-3 – at Talihina
