CLAREMORE ZEBRAS
Coach: JARRETT HURT
11-2
OFFENSE
Following up the success of last season, coach Jarrett Hurt is seeing big numbers out for football this season. “We will have several new starters this fall after a historic season last year. We have a record number of players on our roster and a lot of competition. We are looking forward to another exciting season of football,” said Hurt. With only two starters back on offense, finding players to fill those holes is the top priority. Offensive coordinator and QB coach Noah Grimett has competition at several positions including QB. Tripp Jackson (6-5, 215, Sr.) was 12-of-15 for 153 yards and two scores last season. Brad Hoisington (6-2, 170, Sr.) threw for 1,520 yards with 474 yards rushing and 25 total touchdowns. Experience may be the deciding factor and both guys will likely see time at the position. One player looking to take some of the pressure off the QBs is running back Tyson Grimett (5-8, 200, Sr.). Grimett rushed for 520 yards and nine scores last season. Coach Hurt said Grimett was used heavily down the stretch and his efforts led the team to the semifinals. Ty McKnight (6-1, 195, Sr.) and Xander Brito (5-10, 185, Sr.) are two running backs the Zebra offense will lean on this season. McKnight rushed for 1,081 yards on 185 carries and made 36 receptions for 356 yards. His production is crucial. Brito suffered an injury early in the season a year ago, but he makes his return for his final season of prep football and figures to be a factor in the multiple pistol offense. Also look for Kellen Gaede (So.) who brings athleticism to the field for the Zebras. Gaede can play QB and has started on the baseball team since his freshman season.
DEFENSE
With five starters back, the defense could be the strength of the team in early games. Grimett is back at linebacker where many people believe he could play at the next level despite his height. Grimett made 73 tackles, one sack, and grabbed one fumble last season. McKnight and Hayden Lee (5-8, 160, Jr.) join Grimett at linebacker. McKnight accounted for 139 tackles and two sacks while Lee pitched in 70 tackles and two INTs. The trio make life difficult for opposing offensive coordinators. Josh Feliciano (5-11, 250, Sr.) will likely see plenty of double-teams this season after his performance last year. Feliciano made 59 tackles with five sacks and two fumble recoveries. The secondary features Michael Robertson (5-9, 160, Sr.) and Walker Dunaway (5-10, 160, Sr.). Robertson tallied 66 tackles with one INT and one fumble recovery while Dunaway made 23 tackles, one pick and covered one fumble. Robertson is a state qualifier in wrestling. Special teams will feature Abby Tietz (Sr.) at kicker. Tietz started playing football in the seventh grade and has a proven leg. The coaching staff consists of Brain Key (AHC/OL), Matt Wallen (PGC/WR), Billy Willard (DC/DB), John Dexter (Special/OLB), Josh Cunningham (RGC/DL), and Jake Swicegood (Special/ILB).
