POTEAU PIRATES
Coach: GREG WARNER
12-1
OFFENSE
Poteau returns to the field with a highly experienced offense, hoping to continue their playoff run from last season. The Pirates will employ a Wing T offense under the guidance of Warner. “We have to replace quite a few starters. We do return some really good players, but we need some young guys to step up in certain positions,” Warner said. The offense will be orchestrated by quarterback Sam Tecla (5-8, 170, Jr.), who will have key targets in wide receivers Pierce Ballard (6-2, 165, Sr.) and Hunter Myers (5-10, 180, Sr.). Running back Spencer Perry (6-0, 200, Jr.) will also play a pivotal role. The offensive line is anchored by returning starters Logan Randolph (6-0, 280, Sr.) and Westin Archey (6-2, 215, Sr.). With five returning starters, the Pirates are aiming for a strong offensive season.
DEFENSE
The Pirates’ defense will operate from a 3-4 base under defensive coordinator Mike Odom, led by standout linebacker Tyler Fassio. “Tyler is a great football player and also an incredible young man. This will be his 3rd year to start at ILB and he continues to get better and better each year. He is a college linebacker and he has gotten there with hard work,” Warner said. The unit will focus on being physical, gang tackling and stopping the run game. “We are a defense-first program, and we try to build our offense around that philosophy,” Warner said. The defensive line features Logan Randolph (6-0, 280, Sr.), a powerful presence on the field. In the secondary, Westin Archey (6-2, 215, Sr.) and Zane Rinehart (5-6, 150, Jr.) will provide solid coverage. The linebacker corps is bolstered by returning starters Jagger Dodson (5-10, 200, Sr.) and Rylan Waddell (5-11, 170, Sr.), both of whom bring intensity and physicality to the defense. The coaching staff consists of Payton Werner, Jarrett Lowrimore, Zach Stubbs, and Matt Kennedy.
