VINITA HORNETS
Coach: JACOB TANNER
3-7
OFFENSE
As the team makes big strides in the spring and through the summer, head coach Jacob Tanner is excited to see what this team can accomplish this season. Tanner, in his fifth season as head coach, said the team is putting in the hard work and it should translate onto the football field. “We feel our team is working hard to get better. We are also looking to improve on our record from last year in a tough district and earn a playoff spot. We are looking forward to getting our season started,” said coach Tanner. Five starters returning to the offensive unit will certainly help. Trey Tanner (5-10, 165, Sr.) will start at quarterback giving the team a dual-threat type player at the position. The Hornets will run a spread offense with 10 and 11 personnel packages. Ethan Stephens (6-0, 165, Sr.) and Isaiah Pogue (6-0, 175, So.) are the two go-to receivers in the offense for Tanner. Both guys are solid route runners with good speed and size. The offensive line features Victor Gomez (6-0, 225, Sr.), Dawson Henderson (5-11, 270, Sr.) and Evan Gunn (5-10, 185, Sr.). All three are excellent blockers and can move people off the line of scrimmage. Improved pass blocking will ensure Tanner has plenty of time to find the open man in the passing game.
DEFENSE
Four starters will make their way back to the lineup on defense. Senior Zaden Knowlin (5-9, 145) leads the way from his spot in the defensive secondary. Knowlin is quick with a nose for the ball. Eliminating the big plays will help this defense get off the field. Logan Floyd (6-0, 205, So.) and Jamison Williams (6-0, 195, So.) are two young, but talented defensive linemen who bring power and enthusiasm to the front three. The Hornets plan to run a 3-4 base giving them some options at linebacker with different looks up front. Trevor Moss (5-11, 160, Jr.) is a hard-hitting linebacker and sets the tone for the defense. Also look for DJ Smith (5-10, 175, So.), a sophomore who does not shy away from contact. The pair will give opposing offenses some trouble. Overall, the Hornets need to fill a few holes on the defense but have a solid foundation to build on and younger players who are gaining some valuable experience with every snap. The coaching staff includes Clay Osburn, Dylan Enyart, and Loran Kirk.
8-28 – at Oologah
9-5 – at Grove
9-12 – at Miami
9-19 – BYE
9-26 – vs. Sequoyah Claremore
10-3 – at Verdigris
10-10 – vs. Cascia Hall
10-16 – at Berryhill
10-24 – at Inola
10-31 – vs. Cleveland
11-6 – vs. Jay
