EAST CENTRAL CARDINALS
Coach: KEVIN GORDON
1-9
OFFENSE
East Central returns a good bulk of its offensive production and seven starters from 2022 under head coach Kevin Gordan. Senior quarterback Konner Dunn (6-3, 185) will pilot the spread offense after throwing for 561 yards and a pair of touchdowns in seven games as a junior. Running backs Laronte Clayton (6-0, 210, Sr.) and Donte Pegues (5-10, 170, Jr.) will join Dunn in the backfield. Clayton rushed for 311 yards and four touchdowns last year, while Pegues added 337 yards on the ground with four scores. Jordan Wilson (5-11, 175, Sr.) and Veshion Arps (5-11, 165, Jr.) are back at the receiver positions. Wilson had eight receptions for 70 yards in 2022, and Arps had 19 catches for 293 yards with a pair of touchdowns. Arps could also see time from behind center. Tristan Cates (6-0, 265, Sr.) and Kayson Hulsey (6-5, 260, Sr.) will anchor the offensive line. “We are going to have a very balanced attack this year and try to get the football in our athlete’s hands,” Gordan said. “I’m very excited about this season. This will be season six for us and we have a great group of kids and I look forward to the challenge of getting us back on top.
DEFENSE
The Cardinals will be experienced on the defensive side of the ball as well, returning six starters. TaeShawn Nelson (6-4, 265, So.), Mark Warren (6-0, 240, So.) and Justin Dunbar (5-11, 290, Jr.) will lead the defensive front of East Central’s 4-3 alignment. Nicholijah Williams (5-8, 185, Jr.), Creshawn Mayberry (5-9, 230, Jr.) and Laronte Clayton will hold down the linebacker spots. Williams posted 57 total tackles in 2022, while Clayton recorded 22 tackles. Veshion Arps and Jordan Wilson will lead the secondary. Arps had 36 tackles last year, and Wilson finished with 30 tackles and led the team with three interceptions. “Aggressive attacking defense that will swarm to the ball and play with a lot of speed and intensity,” Gordon said. Defensive end Kayson Hulsey, defensive back Donte Pegues, defensive lineman Tristan Cates and defensive end Konner Dunn will also play significant roles on defense for East Central in 2023.
SCHEDULE
8-25 – at Checotah
9-1 – at Nathan Hale
9-15 – vs. Will Rogers
9-22 – at Del City
9-29 – at Tulsa Memorial
10-6 – vs. Durant
10-12 – vs. McAlester
10-19 – at Coweta
10-27 – vs. Glenpool11-3 – at Sapulpa
