VINITA HORNETS
Coach: COOPER MITCHELL
SCHEDULE:
8-29 – vs. Oologah
9-6 – vs. Grove
9-13 – vs. Miami
9-27 – at Sequoyah Claremore
10-4 – vs. Verdigris
10-11 – at Cascia Hall
10-17 – vs. Berryhill
10-25 – vs. Inola
11-1 – at Cleveland
11-7 – at Jay
QUICK HITS:
After a two-year absence, the Vinita-Grove game is back on the schedule. The Hornets will be looking to end a three game losing streak to the Ridgerunners in the 49th alltime meeting in the series. Vinita and Miami meet for the first time since 2017 on September 13th. The WarDogs hold a 28-17 edge over the Hornets and won 32-19 in 2017.
LAST 8 YEARS:
2023 – 5-5
2022 – 8-3
2021 – 6-5
2020 – 7-3
2019 – 4-6
2018 – 6-4
2017 – 3-7
2016 – 1-9
OFFENSE
The Hornets enter the 2024 season ready to improve off last year’s success. Head coach Cooper Mitchell says his squad learned a lot last year and he is excited to see what they can do this season. “We bring back a good group of players from last year’s campaign,” he said. “They have a lot more knowledge and playing time under their belt and they are eager to go back out and finish what they started as young guys.” Gunner Huffman (6-0, 190, Sr.) will direct the offense from the quarterback position. Joining him in the backfield will be the running back duo of Bo Bennett (5-10, 180, Sr.) and Jordan Hess (5-8, 160, Jr.). These are two outstanding running backs that will look to find open running room and get to the end zone. The Hornets also have a triple threat at the wide receiver position. Bodee Carter (6-0, 175, Sr.), Zaden Nowlin (5-9, 170, Jr.), and Ethan Stephens (6-0, 170, Jr.) will work to get open on the outside and be ready when the ball is thrown their way.
DEFENSE
On the defensive line, Carter Falling (6-2, 270, Sr.) will be working to cause havoc on the opponents. Falling is a hard worker that is not afraid to do whatever is asked of him. He is big and athletic and can play any of the front five positions on defense. Joining him on the line will be Payton Ayres (6-0, 230, Sr.) and Dylan Allen (6-0, 260, Sr.). Dawson Vancil (6-2, 190, Sr.) will be at linebacker, and he will be ready to attack the run, pass, or whatever the offense throws at them. Patrolling the secondary will be strong safety Trey Tanner (5-10, 170, Jr.) and cornerback Trey Phillippi (5-10, 180, Sr.). Assistant coaches for the Hornets this season are Jacob Tanner, Ashton Antwine, and Clay Osburn.
