EL RENO INDIANS
Coach: RUSSELL COOK
SCHEDULE:
8-29 – vs. Chickasha
9-6 – vs. Piedmont
9-13 – at Weatherford
9-27 – vs. Altus
10-4 – at Carl Albert
10-11 – vs. Guthrie
10-17 – at Lawton
10-25 – at John Marshall
11-1 – vs. Noble
11-8 – at Western Heights
QUICK HITS:
Carl Albert is on the regular season schedule for the first time since 2015. The Indians have lost 18 straight to the Titans last tasting victory in 1999. El Reno and Noble meet for the 25th time on November 1st. The Indians own a 17-7 advantage over the Bears including last year’s high scoring 68-67 win. The long running series with Western Heights is back on after a four year hiatus. The Indians have an all-time 32-13 advantage over the Jets and have won 5 straight.
LAST 8 YEARS:
2023 – 6-5
2022 – 5-6
2021 – 4-5
2020 – 8-3
2019 – 8-3
2018 – 6-5
2017 – 5-5
2016 – 2-8
OFFENSE
Coach Russell Cook was a man of few words when asked about the upcoming season. “New district, lots of returning starters, high expectations,” said Cook. Simple enough. Offensive coordinator Graham Snelding has nine returning starters back for his spread/wing offense that looks to control the clock and get positive yards on every snap. Elijah Fisher (6-0, 175, Sr.) will guide the offense behind a solid offensive line that features RJ Parker (6-2, 320, Sr.) at center. Parker, alongside fellow linemen Xavier Elledge (6-1, 245, Sr.), and Eric Parker (6-2, 310, Sr.) look to open holes for the RBs. Fisher can tote the rock if the pocket breaks down and he has the ability to make people miss in the open field. When it’s time to put the ball in the air, look for wide receiver Xavier Karty (5-11, 180, Sr.) to come up big. Karty is a captain and is considered the hardest worker on and off the field. Another player looking to contribute this season is Rustyn Cook, who is willing to play where the team needs him. Cook has experience at QB and brings a high football IQ to the field for the Indians.
DEFENSE
Defensive coordinator Mike Pruitt returns eight starters to his 4-2-5 scheme that utilizes multiple fronts to keep QBs guessing at what’s coming next. The cannonball on the defense is Keaton Dennis (5-10, 240, Sr.) at linebacker. A one-man wrecking crew, Dennis will slam it in there with the best of them. Same goes for strong safety Lathen Pruitt (5-11, 170, Sr.). Both seniors are looking to elevate the defense with every snap. Daylin Pruitt (5-11, 180, Sr.) is cut from the same mold and will start at outside linebacker. D. Pruitt can be used in multiple ways to keep the QB on his heels. Up front look for E. Parker and Elledge to manage the middle of the defensive line. Not much will get past these guys in the middle. One player to watch this season is Tucker McDaniel, who despite facing some adversity on every snap, gives 100 percent and is known for being a great teammate and a hard worker. The rest of the coaching staff consists of Zac Speer, Julian Cole, Jake Doyle, Brad Baker, Peyton Haskins, Marc Cortez, and Sidney Pratt.
