NEWKIRK TIGERS
Coach: MIKE KIRTLEY
2-8
OFFENSE
The Newkirk Tigers enter the 2025 season with a renewed sense of optimism, fueled by a maturing roster and a group of emerging young players. After showing flashes of potential during a tough 2-8 campaign last year, Coach Mike Kirtley believes this year’s team is better equipped to compete thanks to increased experience and growing leadership. At the heart of the offense is junior quarterback Tripper Ramey, who gained valuable reps last season and is expected to take a significant leap forward. With a stronger grasp of the offense and more weapons around him, Ramey will look to provide steady leadership and consistency under center. Senior Blake Stowe returns as a versatile playmaker. Whether used in the backfield or as a receiver, Stowe’s athleticism and physicality give the Tigers a reliable offensive threat capable of producing chunk plays. The line play will be key to Newkirk’s improvement, and the Tigers return a promising core up front. Juniors Grady Wood and Jake West, along with Trenton Morton, will anchor the offensive line and provide the push needed to keep the offense moving. Their development and ability to work as a cohesive unit could be the difference in turning close games into wins. Sophomore tight end Garner Wood adds size and flexibility to the offense. As he continues to grow into his role, expect him to contribute both as a blocker and as a sneaky red-zone target. With more confidence, chemistry, and playmaking potential, the Newkirk offense should take meaningful strides in 2025.
DEFENSE
Defense will be the foundation for any success the Tigers find this season. With several starters returning and young talent ready to step into bigger roles, Newkirk is focused on becoming a tougher, more physical unit. Senior middle linebacker Stowe returns to lead the defense and will serve as the emotional and physical anchor in the middle. His instincts, leadership, and experience make him a crucial piece in both run support and coverage.
Joining him in the linebacker corps are promising sophomores Garner Wood and Ben Winburn, both of whom are fast, aggressive, and unafraid to mix it up. Their development will be vital to the team’s defensive success this year. In the trenches, junior Jake West returns at nose tackle, where his strength and motor will be key in stopping the run. Sophomore Cayden Dobbins will line up at defensive line and brings the kind of energy and upside coaches are excited about. Trenton Morton, a junior, will help solidify the secondary at defensive back. His athleticism and awareness make him a reliable defender in coverage and in run support. If the Tigers can stay healthy and continue to gel, this defense has the potential to be a scrappy, hard-nosed group that keeps them in games and gives the offense a chance to shine. The pieces are in place for Newkirk to take a meaningful step forward in 2025.
9/5 Tonkawa @ home
9/12 @Chisholm
9/19 @ Blackwell
9/25 Henessey @ home
10/3 @ Okc Cassidy
10/9 Luther @ home
10/16 @ Stroud
10/24 @ Meeker
10/30 Kellyville @home
11/4 Alva @ home
*Home games will be played at Ponca City High School.
