TAHLEQUAH TIGERS
Coach: BRAD GILBERT
3-8
OFFENSE
The Tigers enter the 2023 season with an overall lineup of talent that has game time experience and eager to make the most of their talents. Offensively, the Tigers are highly skilled especially on the perimeter with Beckett Robinson (6-2, 186, Jr.), a VYPE Top 100 talent who made the most of his 46 receptions averaging 14.3 yards per catch. Race Stopp (5-10, 168, Sr.) is another sure handed possession receiver that will help move the chains along with J.J. Antwine (6-2, 192, Jr.) and Jacob Morrison (5-11, 190, Sr.). Another advantage for the Tigers is tight end Brayden Northington (6-3, 218, Sr.) who averaged 27.4 yards per catch including seven touchdown receptions. Head coach Brad Gilbert welcomes back quarterback Brody Younger (6-1, 178, Sr.) as the field general after a junior season where he total 1,607 yards passing. The ability to run the football appears to be solidified with Darryn Spahr (5-11, 185, Sr.) and Caden Waits (5-10, 178, Jr.) with plans to include Robinson in the ground attack. The development in the front line has been a focus during the offseason where the Tigers are bigger and stronger anchored around “mountain men” Brock Mascho (6-3, 286, Jr.), Kale Shankle (6-2, 252, Sr.), Marcus Daugherty (6-2, 268, Sr.), Vernon Buckner (6-5, 340, Jr.), Josh Thornton (6-0, 240, Sr.), Cash Jones (5-8, 230, Jr.), Cy Fisher (6-1, 220, Sr.) and Carter Kelly (6-1,198, Jr.) to win the wars in the trench. “We believe we have the kids to get the job done to allow us to maintain a balanced attack,” said Gilbert. “Like most years, the key for our offensive success will be our execution up front.”
DEFENSE
Strength in numbers will power the swarming Tigers defense anchored with the experience of eight starters. Spearheading the high intensity scheme will be a quartet of linebackers that feed on contact. Jayden Moore (6-0, 207, Sr.) who recorded 98 tackles will reunite with Brayden Northington who collected 11 tackles for loss at the outside position while Mason Watkins (5-10, 201, Sr.) and Jacob Morrison (5-11, 187, Sr.). Gilbert plans to keep fresh energy upfront with Cy Fisher, Carter Kelly, Marcus Daugherty, and Cash Jones being supported by Aiden Culver (6-3, 260, So.) and Kingston Hall (6-3, 252, So.). The secondary unit is experienced with Beckett Robinson, LaSean Johnson (5-11, 160, Sr.) along with Race Stopp and J.J. Antwine at cornerback eager to come up fast to punish ball carriers and the quickness to cover deep in pass defense. Caden Waits and Xaxton Carshall (6-1, 180, So.) are scheduled at strong safety while Bodee Jimerson (5-11, 175, Sr.) and Daniel Carey (5-10, 165, So.) have earned the call at strong safety. “The large group of experienced players is a plus, especially with team leadership,” said Gilbert whose program has been a perennial playoff team during his 11 years as head coach. “Experience provides opportunity; and for us that allows us to improve on every snap of the football.”
SCHEDULE
9-1 – at Sapulpa
9-8 – vs. Wagoner
9-15 – at Sallisaw
9-22 – vs. Putnam City West
9-29 – at Sand Springs
10-6 – vs. Booker T. Washington
10-13 – vs. Muskogee
10-20 – at U.S. Grant
10-26 – at Stillwater
11-3 – vs. Bartlesville
