WELCH WILDCATS
Coach: RYAN GLEAVES
8-3
OFFENSE
Between 2014 and 2020, the Wildcats were a combined 11-59. But veteran coach Ryan Gleaves has gotten Welch back on track the last two years going 15-7 with two trips to the playoffs and 2023 may shape up even better for the Wildcats. Welch returns eight starters on offense starting with quarterback Gage O’Neal (5-9, 165, Sr.) who threw for 728 yards last year, ran for another 954, had a combined 20 touchdowns and even had six receptions for 53 yards which is what helps make him a VYPE TOP 100 nominee. “Gage came into our program at the end of his sophomore year and has really helped us add a spark on both sides of the ball,” said Gleaves. Also back is hard charging running back Mason Clinton (5-10, 155, Jr.) who had nearly 1,000 yards on the ground and another 728 in receptions. In addition to Clinton, O’Neal will have a couple of other tested receivers in his sights in Deighton Bellew (5-10, 140, Sr.) and Cash Tucker (6-3, 165, Jr.). The O-line may be the only question mark for the Wildcats with just one returning starter in Timmy Bidwell (6-0, 230, Jr.). Senior Bryan Le gives depth at running back where he rushed for 500 yards last season.
DEFENSE
As is usually the case in the smaller schools, players will go both ways for the Wildcats. O’Neal will return at linebacker while Clinton and Bellew will set up in the secondary and Bidwell, Tucker and Cruz Gonzalez (6-2, 220, Sr.) will be the defensive front stoppers.
There could also be some wildcards in the mix for the Wildcats. One is freshman Thomas Ashworth who Gleaves feels will contribute right away. Another is senior part-time starter Chade Morgan who will see some action in the defensive backfield and senior Lucas Layton. “Lucas hasn’t played since middle school but decided he wanted to play in his final year, and he should help us,” said Gleaves.
SCHEDULE
8-25 – at South Coffeyville
9-1 – at Copan
9-8 – vs. Life Christian Academy
9-15 – at Bluejacket
9-29 – vs. College Heights
10-6 – at Gans
10-12 – vs. Keota
10-20 – vs. Foyil
10-26 – at Cave Springs
11-3 – vs. Arkoma
