POTEAU PIRATES

Coach: GREG WERNER

10-3

OFFENSE

Left standing at the door of the Class 4A final, the Pirates are eager to chase the opportunity to play for the gold ball in 2023. Offensively, there’s multiple talents to give Poteau a true balance in their productivity where 10 starters return. VYPE Top 100 repeat choice Dax Collins (6-1, 185, Sr.) who currently holds 14 Division-I offers will lead the attack after gaining 1,302 yards rushing and adding 205 yards receiving while scoring 22 times to lead the Pirates to the 4A state semifinals. “Dax is a special talent, one of the best I’ve coached,” said head coach Greg Werner. “Believe me when I tell you, Dax is an even better player now than last year. He’s the total package that will make plays others won’t. He makes everyone around him better because of his leadership.” A second Top 100 candidate Jackson Sommers (5-7, 170, Sr.), who gained just over 1,400 yards scoring 18 touchdowns is the other half of the Pirates ground game capable of going to the end zone any time he gets the football. “He’s stronger than you think,” Werner said. “He’s just 5-foot-7 and bench presses 320 pounds with ease.” The Pirates will also employ Wyatt Gamble (6-0, 155, Sr.) and Spencer Gamble (6-0, 200, So.) in their run package to maintain constant energy and quickness on every snap. Werner is excited about the Pirates ability to throw the ball in 2023 with Sam Tecla (5-7, 150, So.) who completed 65 percent of his attempts to a quick and elusive group of receivers will also include Aiden Sockey (6-0, 175, Sr.) and tight end Adrian Conchos (6-2, 205, Jr.). Poteau’s Wing-T offensive success will once again draw fuel from the offensive line where four starters return including tackles Hunter Myers (5-9, 190, Jr.) and Troy Waddell (6-0, 270, Jr.) joining Jance Sommers (5-10, 180, Sr.) and Brady Perry (5-8, 175, Sr.) whose identical twin brother Burke Perry (5-8, 175, Sr.) will start at center. Callaway Warren (6-2, 205, Jr.) will provide added depth up front. 

DEFENSE

With nine starters returning, the Pirates are eager to force their will on opponents.  Luke Brooks (6-2, 190, Sr.) another Top 100 nominee who charted 16 tackles for loss while making 74 stops last year, will captain the defensive front along with Westin Archey (6-2, 210, Jr.) while Logan Randolph (5-9, 280, Jr.) plugs the gap at nose guard. The Pirates quartet of linebackers play with an aggressive nature as Jaggar Dotson (5-9, 175, Jr.) who logged 104 tackles reunites with Darion Brooks (6-1, 200, Sr.) who totaled eight stops for loss among 81 tackles, Tyler Fassio (6-1, 200, Jr.) who made 74 tackles in 2022 will join twin brothers Rylan Waddell (5-9, 175, Jr.) and Waylan Waddell (6-1, 185, Jr.). Poteau’s secondary, who picked off 14 interceptions includes a cast of three-year veterans anchored by Dax Collins who made 83 stops and grabbed four interceptions, Holden Mattox (5-9, 180, Sr.) who punished opponents 72 times while making two interceptions will be joined by Wyatt Gamble, who had four oskies and Aiden Sockey. Altogether, the Pirates head coach is eager to get this season underway and watch his team succeed. “It’s more than just having 19 starters that makes us even better this year. Our leadership is exceptional on both side of the football,” said Werner. “We’re still relatively small but our offseason program has made us stronger and faster. This group wants more in 2023 and they know it can only happen through hard work every day.” Which explains the banner inside the Poteau locker room that players embrace daily.

“W-E-T-S-U…we eat this stuff up.”

SCHEDULE

8-25 – vs. Bishop Kelley

9-8 – at Metro Christian

9-15 – vs. Chandler

9-22 – at Fort Gibson

9-29 – vs. Madill

10-6 – at Hilldale

10-12 – vs. Broken Bow

10-20 – at Sallisaw

10-27 – vs. Ada

11-3 – at Stilwell