PORTER PIRATES
Coach: MCKINLEY WHITFIELD
3-7
OFFENSE
After getting a late start last year, coach McKinley Whitfield has settled in and seems pretty optimistic as the Pirates prepare to go into 2025.” We believe that this season has all the potential to make us a playoff team,” said the second-year coach. “We bring back three offensive linemen who were starters last year, we’ll add a couple of players who had to sit out last season that can come in and help right away and we’ve picked up three transfers from Coweta that I think will be a big help.” The line is anchored by center Greg McClendon (6-2, 325, Sr.) along with Aiden Jordan (5-10, 255, So.) and Ronee Frakes (6-0, 245, So.) plus newcomer Tatum Kholodov (6-2, 215, Sr.) from Coweta. “Ronee started as a freshman last year and we’ll rely on him a lot this year. He’s the kind of kid who will give you everything he’s got on the field and in the weight room,” said Whitfield. Dominic Springsted (6-0, 180, Sr.) will battle transfer Joe Chavez (5-10, 165, Sr.) for the quarterbacking spot for the Pirates and Keeling Lang (5-11,185, Sr.), a VYPE TOP 100 nominee will carry the mail. “His ability to change direction and get up the field I believe is what makes him so dangerous on offense,” said Whitfield. Be on the lookout for freshman Brayshon Hollis (6-0, 215) who will probably get some time at running back as well. Trenton Parent (5-11, 180, Sr.), Ernie Springsted (6-2, 195, Sr.) and transfer EJ Sweetin (5-11, 175, Sr.) will be the main receivers.
DEFENSE
Seven starters return on defense and the Pirates have enough depth that there won’t be a lot of players having to go both ways with Jordan and Kholodov on the D-line being an exception. Up front with them will be Kayden Bown (6-0, 240, So.). At the all-important middle linebacker spot in the 4-2-5 defense will be Adrian Valdez (5-11, 225, Sr.). He had a team-high 124 tackles last year with three sacks, three tackles for loss and three blocked field goals. “He loves contact and when you watch his film that’s exactly what you see,” said Whitfield. Joining Valdez at linebacker will be Lang and Hollis. Springsted and/or Chavez will likely see duty at cornerback joined in the secondary by Kalob Hiler (5-10, 189, So.). and possibly Sweetin. “One of our biggest challenges in the offseason has been to become more disciplined and once we can accomplish that we’ll be in good position to make a run,” said Whitfield.
SCHEDULE
9-5 – vs. Talihina
9-12 – at Hulbert
9-19 – at Warner
9-26 – vs. Woodland
10-3 – at Fairland
10-10 – vs. Summit Christian
10-16 – at Ketchum
10-24 – at Hominy
10-31 – vs. Afton
11-7 – vs. Barnsdall
