PAWNEE BLACK BEARS
Coach: KAREY JONES
9-4
OFFENSE
After a stellar 2024 campaign that ended in a trip to the Class A semifinals, the Pawnee Black Bears return a strong core of players and are hungry to take the next step this fall. With a balanced mix of experience and physicality, the Black Bears are positioned to be one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the state.
Leading the charge is dynamic running back Cale McPeek (6-2, 230, Sr.), who rushed for over 1,100 yards last season. McPeek is a tough, downhill runner with the vision and breakaway speed to flip the field on any play. He will be the centerpiece of the offense once again.
At quarterback, Adam Pratt (5-11, 175, Jr.) steps in ready to lead with poise and command. Surrounded by a veteran offensive line, Pratt will be well protected and have the chance to develop into a dual-threat weapon.
The offensive line is a major strength, anchored by three returning starters: Jack Trantham (6-0, 200, Sr.), Tray Gardipe (6-1, 210, Sr.), and Hector Ramirez (5-11, 230, Sr.). Their size and toughness up front will pave the way for the run game and provide time for Pratt to distribute the ball.
Aiden Jones (6-2, 240, Sr.), a reliable and athletic tight end, gives the offense versatility as both a blocker and pass catcher. Expect him to be a key red zone target and a valuable mismatch in the passing game.
With the foundation in place and a chip on their shoulder from last year’s playoff run, the Black Bears are built to control the clock, wear down defenses, and put up points.
DEFENSE
The heart of last season’s semifinal push was a tough, disciplined defense—and much of that group is back for 2025. The Black Bears will again lean on their aggressive, fast-flowing defense to set the tone.
In the secondary, Dejaquans Lewis-Stroud (5-11, 175, Jr.) and Alex Birmingham (5-9, 160) bring lockdown ability and playmaking instincts. Both are athletic, rangy defenders who excel in one-on-one coverage and come downhill in a hurry to help in the run game.
The linebacker unit is solid with Nathan Goodman (5-10, 175, Jr.) in the middle, calling the shots and flying to the ball, while Cash Demauro (6-0, 220, Jr.) and Aiden Marquez (5-10, 170, So.) provide physicality and speed off the edge at outside linebacker. Together, they form a unit that can both blitz and cover in space.
Up front, Hunter Patterson (5-11, 200, Jr.) returns to anchor the defensive line. His ability to disrupt plays in the backfield and take on double teams will be vital to freeing up the linebackers and slowing down opposing run games.
With a deep and experienced defensive roster, Coach Jones’ squad will aim to be even more dominant in 2025. If the unit continues to play with the same edge and execution, Pawnee has all the tools to make another deep postseason run—and maybe even finish the job this time.
9-5 – at Woodland
9-12 – vs. Stroud
9-19 – vs. Hominy
9-26 – vs. Morrison
10-3 – at Pawhuska
10-10 – vs. Caney Valley
10-16 – at Quapaw
10-24 – at Nowata
10-31 – vs. Tonkawa
11-7 – vs. OK Union
