Coach: KAREY JONES
LAST 8 YEARS:
2021 – 6-7
2020 – 9-2
2019 – 13-1
2018 – 7-5
2017 – 6-5
2016 – 6-5
2015 – 5-5
2014 – 3-7
OFFENSE
Coming off back-to-back runs to the Class A quarterfinals, Pawnee head coach Karey Jones is looking for his team to make that next step. Jones says the Black Bears have some young, exciting talent stepping into starting roles this year. Those young guys will look to complement the good core of returning starters to make Pawnee a complete team once again. Offensively, the Black Bears will use a shotgun, double-wing offense and a four-back power rushing attack. Running back Barrett Stevenson (6-2, 220, Sr.) is a big back that will lead that powerful rushing attack. Clearing the way for Stevenson are Elijah Echohawk (6-1, 260, Jr.), Anthony Stewart (5-11, 275, Jr.), Camden McClendon (6-0, 250, Jr.), and Connor McClendon (6-1, 265, Jr.). Those four linemen all have varsity experience and should bring cohesion to the offensive line. In the passing game Tight end Caleb Leadingfox (6-0, 245, Jr.) is a threat as a receiver and a capable blocker in the run game. Luke Mitchell (6-1, 180, Soph.) will be taking over at quarterback, replacing his older brother who graduated.
DEFENSE
The Pawnee defense returns five starters from last year’s squad. However, the entire team is learning a new scheme as Pawnee transitions to a 3-4 defense that will highlight the athletes on that side of the ball. Along the line, Brian Ramirez (5-11, 280, Sr.) will anchor the three-man front while Weslan Brewer (6-0, 175, Jr.) will look to get after the quarterback from his outside linebacker position. In the secondary, a mix of youth and experience will look to slow down the opposing offenses passing attack. Tyler Jim (5-11, 150, Sr.) will lead the secondary. He will try to rely on his experience to make his senior campaign a successful one. Jacob Warnock (5-8, 160, So.), Kolbe Novatny (5-9, 145, So.), and Luke Mitchell are young guys with a lot of talent and will look make their presences felt this year. Assisting Jones this year are Daniel Kendle, Jimmy Jestes, Faron Thompson, Danny Kendle, and Robert Ankney.
SCHEDULE:
9-2 – at Okemah
9-9 – at Mooreland
9-16 – vs. Meeker
9-23 – vs. Hominy
9-30 – vs. Tonkawa
10-7 – at Chouteau
10-21 – at Chelsea
10-28 – vs. Oklahoma Union
11-4 – at Morrison