VERDIGRIS CARDINALS
Coach – TRAVIS EAST
OFFENSE
The Verdigris Cardinals are looking for revenge in the upcoming season. After a 9-2 record last season, they have the confidence to make another run in the postseason. The Cardinals are returning seven offensive starters from last year’s district runner-up team. The Cardinals are sticking to their spread formation, while balancing a run and pass game. Dylan White (6-0, 175, Jr.) comes off of a very successful sophomore season, producing 1,700 total yards and 19 touchdowns at the quarterback position, and is expected to post even better numbers this season. The offensive line, consisting of Yale Gray (6-2, 255, Jr.) and Mason Young (6-2, 220, Jr.) look to be aggressive whether it’s creating running lanes, or protecting the quarterback to create a successful pass game. Running back Caden Parnell (6-0, 170, Jr.) looks to add to his sophomore season success, where he rushed for nearly 500 yards and scored six touchdowns, along with 143 receiving yards and one touchdown. At the receiver positions, Evan Anderson (6-0, 165, Sr.) and Tyler Mitchell (6-3, 170, Jr.) look to bring experience to the field, both getting significant playing time the past season.
DEFENSE
Along with their offense, their defense also brings back seven starters. The coaching staff expects Reece Roller (6-0, 205, Jr.) to be even better than a year before, where he posted 64 tackles, 22 sacks, and forced 22 hurries. “Reece has a motor that can’t be matched, and he never stops playing hard. He has worked hard all offseason to get bigger, faster, and stronger. He has a high character, high motor, and is a great teammate and leader,” head coach Travis East said. Roller isn’t the only one getting attention from his coach’s. The Cardinals also expect Izaiak Layton (6-1, 170, Sr.) and Anderson to contribute in big ways to the defense. The pair combined for five interceptions last season and over 80 tackles. At the linebacker positions are Michael Stump (5-11, 190, Sr.) and Parnell. Between the two of them, they tallied up over 100 tackles a season ago, as well as 19 tackles for a loss. On the line, keep your eye out for Gray who had 24 tackles last season and two sacks.
9-3 – at Sperry
9-10 – vs. Miami
9-17 – at Victory Christian
9-24 – vs. Jay
10-1 – at Berryhill
10-8 – vs. Inola
10-14 – vs. Tulsa Central
10-22 – at Mannford
10-29 – vs. Holland Hall
11-5 – at Vinita
