PAWNEE BLACK BEARS
Coach: KAREY JONES
9-3
OFFENSE
After advancing to the second round of the Class A playoffs last season, the Black Bears enter this season ready to make a deeper playoff run this season. Head coach Karey Jones thinks that his squad has a good makeup to do just that. “I am very excited about our defense, which is returning nine starters this season,” he said. “And our offense should be very explosive with all of our skill players returning.” Leading the offense at quarterback will be Luke Mitchell (6-2, 215, Sr.), who can be dangerous passing or running the ball. He ended last season with 1,500 yards rushing and looks to have another big season this year. The Black Bears also have a trio of running backs that should be big contributors this season. Kolbe Novotny (5-8, 175, Sr.), Grady Mittasch (5-6, 170, Sr.), and Cale McPeek (6-0, 210, Jr.) combined for 1,922 yards on the ground last year. Having the option to either block or catch passes will be tight end Aiden Jones (6-2, 225, Jr.). Anchoring the offensive line is going to be Jack Laird (5-10, 185, Sr.), who is a three-year starter on the line.
DEFENSE
The Pawnee defense had a solid outing a year ago, holding seven of their opponents to 20 points or less. This year, they want to lower that number along with playing aggressive and getting to the ball. The Black Bears have a stable of linebackers that will be the leaders on the defensive side of the ball. McPeek is a two-year starter at linebacker. Last season he led the team with 114 tackles and four sacks. Also back at linebacker will be Nathan Goodman (5-8, 165, So.), who ended his freshman year with 26 tackles and is expected to make a bigger contribution this season. Cason Tatum (6-1, 200, Jr.), Casey Tucker (6-1, 200, Sr.), and Jack Trantham (5-9, 175, Jr.) will all three also see time at linebacker. Patrolling the secondary will be cornerback Ethan McAllister (6-0, 180, Sr.), working to keep the opponents’ big plays to a minimum. Pawnee’s assistant coaches this year are Daniel Kendle, Ralph Baker, Jimmy Jestes, Faron Thompson, Zac Buchanan, Aaron Lieb, Jake Mitchell, Luke Roberts, and Robert Ackney.
9-6 – vs. Woodland
9-13 – at Stroud
9-20 – vs. Hominy
9-27 – at Morrison
10-4 – vs. Pawhuska
10-11 – at Caney Valley
10-17 – vs. Quapaw
10-25 – vs. Nowata
11-1 – at Tonkawa
11-8 – at Oklahoma Union
