Coach: JAKE HAYES
6-5
OFFENSE
The Pirates set sail in 2025 with a new captain of the ship and a roster that remains loaded with talent. After serving as the offensive coordinator at Deer Creek where the Antlers reached the Class 6A-I and 6A-II playoffs, Jake Hays has installed a revised offensive scheme designed to showcase the skills of nine returning starters as well as several others who saw game time action last year. Top 100 nominee Sam Tecla (5-10, 180, Sr.) enters his fourth year at quarterback having led the Pirates to 28 victories in his first three campaigns. “He’s a multi-sport athlete, an incredible leader whose grit and positive approach finds a way to win in the crunch,” said Hays. Another Top 100 choice, Spencer Perry (6-1, 205, Sr.) is a three-year starter who Hays expects another big year with the bullish running back in the spotlight of the Pirates new offensive style. “He’s strong and enjoys running over people,” Hays said noting Perry’s 3-lift total of 1300 pounds at the state powerlifting championships. The spread offense will be uptempo and enable wide receiver Jacob Gutierrez (6-1, 175, Sr.) and tight end Camden Crew (6-2, 215, Sr.), a medal winner in Class 4A wrestling last year, to play pivotal roles. Hays also likes the Pirates’ muscle on the offensive line where Oscar Gomez (5-11, 250, Sr.) and Kross Odom (6-3, 230, Sr.) will control action on the line of scrimmage.
DEFENSE
The Pirates’ multi-formation defense will have proven playmaker including five starters back from last season. A definite player to watch will be linebacker Ryder Waddell (6-4, 200, So.) who has already picked up an early offer from the University of Texas-San Antonio during spring camps. “He’s a legitimate difference maker whose instincts allow him to make impact plays,” Hays said, “and his athleticism allows him to play both ways.” The senior-led experience on defense to play with physicality and intensity will include linebackers Brycen Waugh (5-11, 180, Sr.) and Camden Crew while Kross Odom anchors the action up front. Logan Waymire (5-11, 170, Sr.) can go man coverage at cornerback while Jacob Gutierrez patrols the secondary at free safety.
“Poteau has won six of the last seven district titles in District 4A-4,” Hays said with a positive voice, “and we look to continue that success in what will again be the toughest district in the state.”
SCHEDULE
8-29 – vs. Booneville AR
9-5 – at McAlester
9-11 – at Tulsa NOAH
9-19 – OPEN
9-26 – vs. Stilwell
10-3 – vs. Ada
10-10 – at Glenpool
10-16 – at Tulsa McLain
10-24 – vs. Sallisaw
10-31 – at Hilldale
11-7 – vs. Broken Bow
