SALLISAW BLACK DIAMONDS

Coach: BRANDON TYLER

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OFFENSE

For over 25 years the name Brandon Tyler has been synonymous with success in small town Oklahoma. For 12 straight years he led Vian to the playoffs including the state semifinals four times. After a year as an assistant in Arkansas, Tyler returned to small town Oklahoma and took over the struggling program at his alma mater of Gore where in five seasons they made the playoffs every year including the state finals last year.  And now Tyler will try his hand with the program at Sallisaw that is 18-44 over the past five years including a winless 2022 campaign. The Black Diamonds return eight starters on offense led by Cole Stephens (5-11, 180, Sr.), a four-year starter and a VYPE Top 100 nominee who will take over at running back. Sallisaw will have good size and experience in the line with three multi-year starters returning in Craten Sides (6-4, 280, Sr.), Zyler Rogers (6-4, 285, Jr.) and Quaid Girdner (5-11, 215, Jr.). Three-year starter Braxton Lamb (6-2, 230, Sr.) returns to lead the blocking and make a few receptions at tight end and. Jackson Harris (5-11, 185, So.) is slotted be the new quarterback but could be pushed by Brock Streun (6-2, 190, Sr.) who Tyler calls one of the better athletes he has coached.

DEFENSE

While Tyler’s teams have always been prolific offensively, the veteran coach hangs his hat on an aggressive, attacking defense and will utilize a 4-2-5 set at Sallisaw. Stephens will be one of seven returning starters on defense at outside linebacker where he had 57 tackles last year. “Since I got here in March, Cole has been one of the leaders on and off the field,” said Tyler, “He’s also a leader in the classroom where he carries a 4.0 GPA.” Stephens is joined by Lamb at linebacker where he recorded 46 tackles last year. The line will be anchored by returnees Noah Flores (6-2, 230, Sr.) and Mikey Maust (6-4, 250, Sr.). The secondary will be under the control of Parker Pratt (5-11, 160, Sr.) who had 55 tackles and three interceptions last year and Max Stump (6-4, 250, Sr.). Tyler has said that the key to his success in small town football is about building relationships with the kids on a personal and athletic level and time will tell if he’s able to weave that same magic in Sallisaw.

SCHEDULE

8-25 – vs. Stigler

9-8 – at Muldrow

9-15 – vs. Tahlequah

9-22 – at Ada

9-29 – vs. Stilwell

10-6 – vs. Broken Bow

10-13 – at Hilldale

10-19 – vs. Poteau

10-27 – vs. Fort Gibson

11-3 – at Madill

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