Coach: TUCKER BARNARD

13-0

OFFENSE

Stillwater, coming off its first state championship since 1967, returns four of its starters on the offensive side of the ball under head coach Tucker Barnard. Senior tight end/fullback Josh Ford (6-5, 260) will be the focal point. The Oklahoma State commit, who will also help defensively at defensive end, had 17 receptions for 132 yards and three touchdowns in seven games last year as a junior. The Pioneers will have a new signal caller after the graduation of Gage Gundy. Expected to replace Gundy will be either Parker Edwards III (5-10, 180, Jr.) or Conner Quintero (6-0, 185). Quintero, just a sophomore, already has offers from Oregon, UNLV and Tulsa. Edwards has the upper hand in experience and completed 16 of 23 passes for 182 yards and two TDs as the backup in 2022. Stillwater returns a big-play threat and its top receiver from a year ago in Heston Thompson (5-11, 180, Sr.). Holden Thompson (5-11, 180, Sr.) is expected to be the featured back in the backfield. Talon Kendrick (6-2, 200, Sr.) will join Holden Thompson at the receiver position, while Nolan Lantz (6-0, 240, Sr.) and Cord Nelson (6-3, 250, Jr.) will anchor the offensive line. Sophomore offensive lineman Julian Jacobs and senior fullback Blane Oswald will be key contributors.

DEFENSE

The Pioneers will be spearheaded by their front seven and return five starters from 2022. Kailer Page (6-1, 210, Sr.), Judah Schwoegler (6-3, 250, Jr.) and Caleb Humble (6-3, 250, Jr.) have experience on the defensive line, and sophomore Nehemiah Kolone will also be a factor. In the secondary, Stillwater will be led by seniors Trey Tuck (6-1, 186) and Trace Clark, and junior Dohtanian “Tan” Booth (5-10, 165). As a junior, Tuck matched a team high with three interceptions and recorded 38 tackles through eight games, and Booth registered 59 tackles and had a pair of interceptions in nine games as a sophomore. “We are excited about continuing to grow and improve our program,” Barnard said. “We have great kids that work hard and hold themselves to high standards and have a great work ethic. Our schedule is challenging right out of the gate with trips to Greenwood, Arkansas, Yukon, and Norman. 6A-II has a bunch of talented players and great coaches who know how to win. We can’t wait to get started.”

SCHEDULE

8-25 – at Greenwood (Ark.)

9-8 – at Yukon

9-14 – at Norman

9-21 – at US Grant

9-29 – vs. Tulsa Booker T. Washington

10-5 – vs. Sand Springs

10-12 – at Bartlesville

10-19 – vs. Putnam City West

10-26 – vs. Tahlequah

11-3 – vs. Muskogee