Head Coach: TUCKER BARNARD
SCHEDULE:
8-26 – vs. Greenwood
9-9 – vs. Yukon
9-16 – vs. Norman
9-23 – vs. U.S. Grant
10-7 – at Booker T. Washington
10-13 – vs. Bartlesville
10-21 – at PC West
10-28 – at Tahlequah
11-4 – at Muskogee
QUICK HITS:
Running back Holden Thompson ran 30 times for 185 yards and three touchdowns in a 35- 26 win over Booker T. Washington in the 1st round of the 6A-Division II playoffs.
The Pioneers open up the season against Greenwood, AR. The Bulldogs are coming off a 9-4 season and finished runner-up to El Dorado in the Class 6A state championship.
Stillwater and Booker T. Washington will meet in the regular season for the first time since 2013. Stilwater eliminated the Hornets from the playoffs in 2021 (36-29) and 2018 (38-28).
LAST 8 YEARS:
2021 – 8-3
2020 – 9-1
2019 – 12-1
2018 – 12-1
2017 – 8-3
2016 – 5-6
2015 – 5-6
2014 – 7-4
OFFENSE
In Stillwater, the expectations are always high, a fact not lost on head coach Tucker Barnard. Like years past, the Pioneers return a solid crop of players who expect to not only have a winning season, but also look to make the playoffs. On offense, look for quarterback Gage Gundy (6-3, 210, Sr.) to be the field general the Pioneers need again this season. Vertical passing is always on the menu with Gundy at quarterback. Every skill player will get involved including tight end Josh Ford (6-5, 240, Jr.) and receiver Heston Thompson (5- 11, 175, Jr.). Combo player Noah Roberts (5-7, 150, Sr.) is versatile enough to see time at running back and wide receiver. Heading up the offensive line is senior Jude Ropp (6-4, 280), a talented player with next-level potential. Entering the 2022 season, the Pioneers have answered a lot of questions on offense, but they do need to find guys to fill in spots in the offensive line.
DEFENSE
Every player on defense is focused on creating chaos for the opposing offensive line and quarterback. Sound tackling and technique is what Zac Tyson (6-2, 195, Sr.) brings to the defense. Even the secondary is focused on stopping the run and making big plays when it counts. Julius Talley (6-0, 170, Sr.), Trey Tuck (6-0, 170, Jr.) and Garhett Reese (6-3, 190, Sr.) shore up the secondary giving the coaching staff some options with the rest of the defense. Javon Schutte (6-3, 200, Sr.) will start up front while Trey Gregory (5-10, 170, Sr.) joins Tyson at linebacker. The coaching staff includes Chad Cawood, Clarence Holley, Jeremy Hughes, Charlie Johnson, Derrick Anderson, and Dan Nickles.
