GLENPOOL WARRIORS
ISREAL MASELERA
5-5
OFFENSE
After two seasons of missing a playoff berth, the Glenpool Warriors are ready to turn things around this season and make a run at the postseason. Warriors head coach Isreal Maselera says that while they took a hit at graduation, the impact that they made will last for some years to come. “We lost nineteen seniors from last season’s team,” he said. “But that group of guys helped build a solid foundation for years to come. We have a bunch of hard-working athletes who are beginning to see a return on their investments in the program. The number of participants is increasing every year which is exciting.” Leading the Warrior offense this season will be Reuger Tatum (6-2, 190, So.), who threw for 600 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman. He will look to increase those numbers this season. Ashton Gorbet (6-4, 195, Sr.) did a little bit of everything last year and will be called on to fill a similar role this season. He threw for over 600 yards and had over 100 receiving yards and totaled seven touchdowns overall. At running back will be Brayden Nelson (5-10, 205, Sr.). He rushed for over 1,000 yards and ten scores and the Warriors will look for similar production this season. Marcello Esquivel-Pena (5-7, 150, Sr.) will be playing receiver after having over 300 receiving yards and three touchdowns a year ago. Taking care of things up front will be left tackle Drew Heinig (6-6, 260, Sr.), who has already made a verbal commitment to Brigham Young University, and Delmekko Ratliff (6-0, 315, Sr.), who has been a three-year starter on the line.
DEFENSE
Defensively, the Warriors will run a hybrid 4-3 as their base defense. Coach Maselera’s defensive philosophy that he is instilling into his team is to be a student of the game so you can play fast. Eleven hats to the football every down to create turnovers. Playing at linebackers this season will be Damicah Woods (5-8, 190, Jr.), Lucas Tucker (6-1, 230, Sr.), Easton Coleman (5-11, 200, Sr.), and Kaden White (5-9, 180, So.). Last season, this group of linebackers combined to have 157 total tackles, twenty-two tackles for loss, two sacks, and two interceptions. On the defensive line, Heinig and Ratliff will both work to create problem for opposing offenses. A year ago, Heinig had twenty-eight tackles, seven solo tackles, and five tackles for loss, while Ratliff ended the season with thirteen tackles, three solo tackles, and two sacks. Assistant coaches this season will be Ted Smith, Robert King, Derek Phillips, and Michael Edwards.
9-2 – vs. Skiatook
9-9 – at Sperry
9-16 – at Ft. Gibson
9-23 – at Coweta
9-30 – vs. Durant
10-7 – at Tulsa Memorial
10-13 – vs. Sapulpa
10-21 – at Del City
10-28 – vs. East Central
11-4 – at McAlester