Coach: JASON PARKER
9-3
OFFENSE
Despite the loss of several good players from last year’s team that reached the second round of the Class A-II playoffs, there’s no change in the expectations for the 2025 outlook for the Indians of head coach Jason Parker, who enters his eighth year at the helm of Pocola football. There is a definite pair of prime time playmakers in the VYPE Top 100 duo of wide receiver Brayden Hardwick (5-9, 145, Sr.) whose 1,760 receiving yards and 14 scores ranked number-6 in the nation, returns as the primary target for strong arm quarterback Jaseir Posey (6-0, 215, Jr.) who completed 70 percent of his attempts while totaling 4,180 yards through the air and 39 touchdown strikes as well as gaining 500 yards rushing. “Brayden enters his senior year with over 3,000 yards receiving in his career as well as three kickoff return for touchdowns and 13 pass interceptions,” Parker said with excitement. “Ja led Oklahoma in passing yardage as a sophomore and also ranked among the nation’s Top 20 passing leaders last season.” The Indians spread attack will also showcase Ty Jerrell (6-1, 180, Jr.) and Spiro transfer Jayden Berry (5-11, 185, Sr.) who together charted 61 receptions for 1000 yards receiving. A welcomed addition to the ground attack is expected from Garrett Bobst (5-8, 175, Jr.) who was sidelined after an injury in a preseason scrimmage joining forces with Jackson Parker (6-0, 180, Sr.) and Jarius Birdsong (5-8, 160, Jr.), a transfer portal bonus speedster addition from Fort Smith Southside. The front line will be big with the addition of Poteau transfer Malachi Wallace (6-0, 255, Jr.). “We want to get matchups with our speed in the quick and deep passing game. We’re going to fast and score points,” said Parker.
DEFENSE
The Indians attacking style defense takes aim to continue forcing turnovers with seven returning starters to their 4-2-5 alignment. Defensive end Dameer Bruce (5-11, 190, Jr.) who crashed from the edge to record 19 sacks returns to the line of scrimmage warfare joined by Jayden Berry while linebackers Tyson Williams (6-0, 205, Sr.) who left bruises while making contact to total 100 tackles, 18 for loss reunites with Ty Jerrell who made 75 tackles, 10 for loss and grabbed two interceptions. The secondary will have plenty of speed and physical style results as safety Jackson Parker who had 10 pass breakups in addition to making 56 tackles joins Logan Dunnigan (5-11, 145, Sr.) who snared three pass interceptions in addition to making 37 tackles and charting 13 pass break ups while in lockdown corner play. The Indians secondary got a midsummer boost of highlight reel talent with the addition of Antwoine Thomas (6-3, 215, Sr.) at safety following a transfer from Fort Smith Northside where he was drawing college recruiters attention. Pocola coaches are excited about the efforts and expected results from Brady Jones (6-1, 175, So.) who grabbed four interceptions last season as a freshman. Coach Parker has taken note of the energy during team camp from defensive end Braylin Henry (6-3, 185, Jr.) and defensive back Brody Merritt (5-8, 160, Fr.) to bolster the Pocola defense.
“Last year’s results has carried over to this year’s lineup determined to raise the bar of success to higher levels on both sides of the football,” said Parker.
Pocola must start the season against the odds playing three of its first four games away from home and will play only four contests with the support of the Indians home field advantage in 2025.
8-29 – at Antlers
9-12 – vs. Spiro
9-19 – at Vian
9-26 – at Warner
10-3 – vs. Rejoice Christian
10-10 – at Hulbert
10-16 – vs. Chouteau-Mazie
10-24 – at Hartshorne
10-31 – vs. Panama
11-7 – at Haskell
