Welch Wildcats

Coach: Ryan Gleaves

Last 8 Years:

2021 – 7-4

2020 – 1-10

2019 – 0-10

2018 – 0-8

2017 – 6-5

2016 – 4-6

2015 – 0-10

2014 – 0-10

OFFENSE

The Welch Wildcats are coming off their most impressive season in ten years and have a solid mix of youth and experience returning to the lineup. Expect a variety of spread offensive formations as coach Gleaves wants to exploit mismatches when they’re presented or create opportunities by outnumbering the defense at the point of attack. Veteran Gage Miller (5-11, 200, Sr.) has started since his freshman year in a variety of roles which perfectly suits the Wildcats’ team-first approach. Gage O’Neal (5-10, 145, Jr.) and Mason Clinton (5-9, 145, So.) split backfield duties and will make appearances on both sides of the ball. Underclassman Timmy Bidwell (6-1, 220, So.) looks to emerge as a force on the offensive line. Playmakers Cash Tucker (6-2, 180, So.) and Deighton Bellew (5-9, 135, Jr.) will line up outside and look to take advantage of opportunities when presented in the open field.

DEFENSE

Defensively the Wildcats want to play together as a cohesive unit, swarming to the ball. They will primarily line up in a 3-2 formation but adapt as necessary. Veteran leaders Johnathan Shelton (5-9, 205, Sr.) and Jagger Jordan (5-10, 160, Sr.) are expected to set the tone for the upward trending Wildcats. Two-way playmakers Clinton and Bellew each had six interceptions in 2021 and expect to find similar success in 2022. Tucker, appearing on defense as an edge threat, returns for his sophomore season after being named All-District Underclassman as a freshman. He will look to add to an already impressive résumé with fellow defensive end Colin Damann (6-1, 180, So.) creating a dynamic threat opposing offenses must consider.

Schedule:

8-26 – vs. South Coffeyville

9-2 – vs. Copan

9-9 – at Life Christian Academy

9-15 – vs. Bluejacket

9-30 – at Olive

10-7 – vs. Gans

10-13 – at Keota

10-21 – at Foyil

10-28 – vs. Cave Springs

11-4 – at Arkoma