REJOICE CHRISTIAN EAGLES

Coach: BRENT MARLEY

10-1

OFFENSE

After a perfect regular season, the Eagles made an early first-round exit from the Class 2A playoffs a year ago. Heading into a new season, head coach Bren Marley knows his team has some spots to fill but is still optimistic. “We graduated a lot of playmakers from 2022,” he said. “One of those was three-year starting quarterback Chance Wilson, who is now at Montana State University. We have a decent nucleus of players returning but need to have a lot of new faces step up in 2023.” Stepping in to take over for Wilson at quarterback is Cale Marley (5-9, 165, Jr.). He played great in the backup role last season and is expected to step up and be a playmaker. Running backs Drevin Reed (5-10, 180, Sr.) and Jace Jenkins (5-9, 165, Sr.) are back after combining for 575 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns last season. Making plays on the outside will be wide receiver Josh Hendricks (6-1, 180, Sr.), who accumulated 345 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Taking care of the dirty work up front will be offensive linemen Nathan Price (6-1, 300, Sr.) and Tommy Mulkey (6-5, 300, Sr.), both of whom are big strong linemen that move well.

DEFENSE

Linebacker Camden Ryan (6-0, 185, Sr.) is the team returning leading tackler from last season and will look to be a leader on the defensive side of the ball. Ryan totaled 97 tackles and one interception a year ago. Joining him at the linebacker position is TJ Wilson (6-0, 200, Sr.), who had 48 tackles and two sacks for the Eagles last year. In the secondary a trio of players are back and ready to help shut down opposing receivers. Cornerback Jace Jenkins (5-9, 165, Sr.), Hendricks at safety, and Marley at safety combined for 189 tackles, seven interceptions, six tackles for loss, and four sacks and will be called on to continue that production this season.

SCHEDULE

8-25 – vs. Cashion

9-1 – vs. Cascia Hall

9-8 – at Beggs

9-22 – at Salina

9-29 – at Claremore Sequoyah

10-6 – vs. Adair

10-12 – at Vinita

10-20 – vs. Nowata

10-27 – at Caney Valley

11-3 – vs. Pawhuska