Coach: JEREMY THOMPSON
7-4
OFFENSE
The Tigers return seven starters from a team that made it to the state playoffs for the third straight year in 2024 led by quarterback and VYPE TOP 100 pick Braxin Goodson (6-0, 170, Sr.) who passed for 1280 yards last year and ran for another 1100 yards. The Tigers should have no trouble running the ball with the likes of Thompson along with running backs Ryker Miller (5-8, 175, Sr.), another TOP 100 choice, who carried for 1078 yards last season and Aiden Smith (5-8, 190, So.) who rushed for nearly 800 yards to execute Thompson’s run-first spread offense. Goodson’s main target will be wide receiver Gavin Randolph (6-0, 160, Jr.) while Colby Henning (6-1, 270) will anchor the line this year and Kiefer Bailey will offer Goodson some relief at quarterback if needed.
“We’ve got lots of depth at the skill positions as well as the offensive line,” said Thompson.
DEFENSE
“We’ve got eight returning starters on defense that includes a very experienced secondary,” said Thompson as he discussed his 3-4 defensive set. “We want as much speed as possible on the field and great tacklers.” Anchoring the upfront trio will be Mekko Ariza (5-8, 200, Sr.), Matt Berton (5-8, 245, Jr.), and Malachi Bird (6-0, 210, Jr.). Behind them will be speedy linebackers Joe Brooks (5-9, 175, Jr.) and Leland Kelsey (5-9, 195, Sr.) while Aiden Cawhorn (5-7, 155, So.) will be the stopper in the defensive backfield. Thompson, now entering his 20th year at Central Sallisaw has proven the ability to mold his teams into winners having gone to the playoffs seven of the last nine years and with an experienced signal caller who is a dual threat and a strong pair of running backs, 2025 should be able to add to that total.
SCHEDULE
9-5 – at Heavener
9-12 – vs. Warner
9-19 – at Roland
9-26 – vs. Wewoka
10-2 – at Regent Prep
10-10 – vs. Talihina
10-17 – at Mounds
10-24 – vs. Allen
10-31 – at Liberty
11-7 – at Gore
