EL RENO INDIANS
Coach: RUSSELL COOK
5-6
OFFENSE
This version of the El Reno Indians is a young one for head coach Russell Cook. Playing in a tough district won’t be easy, but if the players buy into the system coach Cook is installing, then they will be competitive and possibly surprise a few teams this season. Leading the charge is Malachi Nicholson (5-11, 195, Sr.) who rushed for over 1,200 yards last season. The player calling the signals is Elijah Fisher (5-10, 175, Jr.). Fisher played well as a sophomore and is looking to step up his game in 2023. Latin Everheart (5-7, 140, Jr.) and Hunter Davidson (5-10, 190, Sr.) will handle some of the rushing duties and running back and be used in the short yardage passing game. As will tight end Kamon Avance (6-4, 200, Sr.) who is a big target and brings the ability to block to the field. In the trenches look for Dion Kaulity (6-5, 285, Sr.) to lead a young group up front. With eight returning starters on offense the Indians could see a return on that experience sooner than later.
DEFENSE
Six starters are back in the 4-2-5 defense the Indians will utilize in 2023. William Elledge (6-0, 190, Sr.) is a player coach Cook expects to see big things from this season. The linebacker is a throwback type player who run downhill and hits with authority. Same goes for Cade Houston (6-2, 240, Sr.) on the defensive line. Houston’s play will only help free up Elledge to do this thing. Joining Elledge at linebacker is Keaton Dennis (5-11, 220, Jr.) who can fly around from hash to hash making plays. Spencer Davidson (5-8, 200, Sr.), Eric Parker (6-4, 260, Jr.), and Xavier Elledge (6-2, 240, Jr.) will complete the 4-man front for the Indians. If they play to their potential, this could be one tough group to contain. Also look for newcomer Kaleb Blackwolf (6-2, 180, Fr.) to make an impact this season.
SCHEDULE
8-25 – at Chickasha
9-1 – vs. Piedmont
9-8 – vs. Weatherford
9-22 – vs. Elgin
9-29 – at Noble
10-6 – at Midwest City
10-13 – vs. Ardmore
10-19 – at MacArthur
10-27 – at Duncan
11-3 – vs. Altus
