NOWATA IRONMEN
Coach – GRAHAM SNELDING
2020 – 0-9

OFFENSE
The Ironmen might be coming off of a rough season, but the coaches and players have hope. “We were really young last year and will still be young again this year. The kids have been working hard this off-season and we are looking forward to see how their development translates to the field,” head coach Graham Snelding said. With nine offensive starters returning, the Ironmen can now say they have some experience under their belts. Quarterback Emmitt Sells (6-1, 190, Sr.) comes back to the Ironmen after a successful junior season. Sells played wide receiver most of his junior season but got moved to quarterback and proved to have a strong arm, along with natural athleticism. At halfback, Daygan West (6-0, 185, Sr.) looks to add experience to the run game. Also helping in the run game is Brayden Humphries (5-8, 150, Sr.) who played running back for the Ironmen in 2020. On the offensive line, center Gavin Fisher (6-2, 265, Jr.) and tackle Wyatt Kuehler (6-0, 205, Sr.) look to use their natural size and strength to the Ironmen’s advantage. A player people should also keep an eye on is wide receiver Eli Savala (5-8, 160, Jr.). Be ready to see a much improved Ironmen football team.

DEFENSE
Along with their offense, the Nowata defense returns most of their starters from last year. 10 starters return, including Riley Ammermon (6-1, 205, Jr.). Ammermon plays inside linebacker for the Ironmen and gets praise from his coach. “(Ammermon) Came on strong at linebacker and has made great strides in the weight room and at the track. Riley has developed into one of our best leaders,” coach Snelding said. Also playing inside linebacker, Benton Blasi (5-8, 150, Jr.) looks to add some experience to the defense. In the secondary, Peyton Trotter (5-9, 155, So.), Zach Savala (5-9, 160, So.), and Nick Humphries (5-8, 190, So.) are young, but are expected to make huge strides going into their sophomore seasons. On the defensive line, a player to watch is Jake Lanzisera (5-8, 175, Sr.). 

8-27 – at Oklahoma Union

9-3 – vs. Chelsea

9-10 – at Vinita

9-24 – vs. Sperry

10-1 – at Adair

10-8 – vs. Dewey

10-14 – at Rejoice Christian

10-22 – vs. Kansas

10-29 – at Claremore Sequoyah

11-5 – vs. Salina

BARNSDALL PANTHERS 

Coach- KYLEE SWEENEY 

2020 – 7-4

OFFENSE

“We have a young group that is eager to start the 2021 season,” said coach Sweeney. “We have a lot of younger players that we expect to be major contributors on offense and defense this fall. We have a freshman group that went undefeated last year in junior high that will step up and take on some major roles along with other returning sophomores and juniors.” The lone returning starter on offense is Carson Dildine (6-3, 255, Sr.) who will anchor the offensive line. Maverick Lanphear (5-11, 165, Fr.) is very quick and has a strong arm at quarterback. Handling most of the run duties is Easton Malone (6-0, 180, Fr.) who brings a tough running style to the backfield. The Panthers have many players competing for starting receiver roles including Brayden Byers, James Johnson, Cooper Sofian, Ronald Weber, Damien Liddell, and Kade Hopkins. At tight end look for Cooper Hill (6-0, 205, Jr.) who returns with a lot of playing experience. John Pease (6-1, 215, So.) joins Dildine on the offensive line with many others competing for the other spot on the line. 

DEFENSE

On defense Carson Dildine returns as a starter to anchor the defensive line. Other players up front include John Pease, Easton Malone, and Jackson Howell (5-9, 165, So.). Returning starter Keivan Slone (5-9, 150, Sr.) looks to move from corner to linebacker and make a big impact. Along with Cooper Hill and Waylon McGill (5-10, 155, So.) at linebacker. In the secondary Maverick Lanphear will be safety and many of the same players competing for receiver roles are in competition at corner. “This group looks to reload this season and make a push for the playoffs again in 2021,” said coach Sweeney. The staff consists of Caleb Hawes, Austin Gann, Will White, Seth Judy, Micah Lanphear and Wade Corder. 

9-3 – vs. Foyil 

9-10 – at Copan 

9-17 – vs. Summit Christian 

9-24 – at Claremore Christian 

10-1 – vs. Drumright 

10-8 – at Olive 

10-14 – vs. Covington-Douglas 

10-22 – at Pioneer 

10-29 – vs. Garber 

11-5 – at Yale