GROVE RIDGERUNNERS
Coach: RYAN KEENOM
8-3
OFFENSE
In his first season guiding the Ridgerunners, head coach Ryan Keenom has assembled his staff and returns several key starters on offense. As always, expectation for a good season are high, something Keenom and his players embrace. “We have high expectations going into the year. We had a great spring and have gotten off to a good start this summer. We expect to have a chance to win every Friday night,” said coach Keenom. Making his way back to the field is VYPE Top 100 selectee Isaac Sheffield (6-0, 185, Sr.) at wide receiver. Sheffield had an outstanding season as a junior making 38 receptions for 785 yards and his recruiting his picked up with multiple DII offers. Coach Keenom believes Sheffield is one of the top receivers in the state. Getting him the ball is quarterback Colby Watson (6-4, 220, Sr.). Watson has an excellent arm and field vision. His play is crucial for the offense. At running back the Ridgerunners feature Gavin Wyatt (5-10, 185, Sr.) who runs behind a big offensive line that includes Xavier Hernandez (6-1, 285, Sr.) and Xavion Bates (6-2, 315, Jr.). Wyatt can exploit the holes the big guys make up front. Also look for Bradee Rutherford (5-11, 175, Sr.) at wide receiver. Rutherford will take some of the pressure off Sheffield and force teams to single cover at times. Look for Grove to spread the field and get the ball in their playmaker’s hands.
DEFENSE
Six starters are back on defense in the 3-4 scheme Grove will employ this season. Look for an aggressive style of play from guys like Briggs Fink (5-11, 180, Jr.) at safety and Duke Duckworth (6-3, 225, Jr.) at linebacker. Both play a very physical style of football and love to make those big hits. Defensive end will feature Kannon Karriman (6-4, 215, Sr.), a rangy end who can force everything back inside. Wyatt will join Duckworth at linebacker alongside Watson, giving the Ridgerunners a set of hard-hitting linebackers who pursue well and can cover tight ends. Kayden Mitchum (5-11, 170, Sr.) will help shore up the secondary at one of the corner spots. “We will be very multiple with the looks we give offenses. We will be aggressive and use our team speed to swarm the football,” said coach Keenom. The coaching staff includes John Henry Ward, Warren Kirk, Dustin Crowder, Cameron Smith, Justin Teel, Matt Barnhart, Benny Steffenson, Sawyer Jones, Ken Kimmel, and Darius McNack.
9-5 – vs. Vinita
9-12 – at Jay
9-19 – vs. Sapulpa
9-26 – vs. Catoosa
10-3 – at Cushing
10-10 – vs. Ft. Gibson
10-16 – at Miami
10-24 – at Wagoner
10-31 – vs. Oologah
11-7 – at Skiatook
