Coach: GARY HIXON
1-9
OFFENSE
At this time last year, Gary Hixon was just taking over the football program at Gans and was still trying to put together a staff. Now in his second year, Hixon is working to redevelop a program that has been in a slump for several years. “The majority of our players will be sophomores and freshmen this year, so they’ll be a lack of experience, but I think the kids are trusting the direction we are headed and seem more excited than in previous years,” said Hixon. The Grizzlies will operate out of the I-formation with a run-first philosophy according to Hixon and they’ll be a new signal caller for the second straight year in Jasper Green (5-9, 210, So.). There are six returning starters on offense including running back Anthony Vasquez (5-6, 190, Jr.) and guard Preston Bennett (5-8, 180, Jr.). “We want to pound the ball to set up the play action pass and will occasionally get into a spread set when necessary,” said Hixon.
DEFENSE
The Grizzlies defense will challenge the opponent’s offense with varied looks according to Hixon. “We’ll start the season with a 3-2 look but there will be times we might run a 2-3 or a stack 2-2 look,” said the Gans boss. Vasquez will be the leader of the defense from his inside linebacker position where he had a good sophomore season and Austin Hines (5-8, 175, So.) will return to the Grizzlies secondary where he had four interceptions last year and was a second-team All-District selection. Hixon is also excited about up-and-coming freshman Elijah Blackmon. “He has the potential to be an outstanding football player. He has speed and is aggressive. He will be our running back and also play some defense. If he continues to excel, he’ll be a great player for us.”
SCHEDULE
8-28 – vs. Keota
9-5 – vs. Oaks-Mission
9-12 – at Watts
9-19 – at Midway
9-26 – OPEN
10-3 – vs. Cave Springs
10-10 – at Arkoma
10-16 – vs. Copan
10-24 – at Wilson (Henryetta)
10-31 – at Wesleyan Christian
11-7 – vs. Webbers Falls
