FORT GIBSON TIGERS
Coach: RYAN NOLAN
4-6
OFFENSE
After a year of inexperienced youth and untimely injuries, the Fort Gibson Tigers appear to be on track to return to winning ways in 2024. The youth factor will still play a part as second year coach Ryan Nolan expects to start seven sophomores, at least three of those in skill positions on offense. Leading the youth parade will be quarterback Logan Bethel (5-10, 170, So.) who passed for 715 yards and five touchdowns last year. He’ll be throwing to fellow sophomores Chase Meissner (5-9, 140) and Brody Hansen who had nearly 600 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2023 despite playing on a bum knee most of the season. “Brody is by far our best wide receiver,” said Nolan. Running back is an area where the Tigers don’t lack experience with the return of seniors Brelynn Macomb (5-9, 185) and Judd Rudd (5-11, 185). The dynamic duo combined for 360 carries and over 2,000 yards rushing with 22 touchdowns last season. Line play also figures to be solid with big Cooper Hackett (6-7, 240, So.), a talented two-sport athlete and Stevie Vafaes (6-1, 276, Jr.) who Nolan calls two of the best offensive tackles in the state. Both have promising college careers ahead if they continue to grow and develop according to knowledgeable observers.
DEFENSE
Vafaes, with 51 tackles including nine for loss in 2023, and Hackett will be formidable as well in the defensive front of the Tigers 3-4 set which Nolan calls the strength of the defense. Behind them will be linebackers Conner Welch (6-0, 200, Sr.), who recorded 46 tackles last year and Vincent Biggs (5-8, 185, Jr.). Rudd is the leading tackler from last year at strong safety where he had 78 stops, an interception, a fumble recovery, and three forced fumbles. He’s joined in the secondary by Ethan Reese (5-10, 160, Sr.) who saw limited action for the Tigers in 2023. A revamped district schedule this year did the Tigers no favors as perennial state title contender Wagoner now becomes part of District 4A-3. The annual Battle for the Rock with Hilldale is now again a non-district encounter on September 13.
9-6 – at Berryhill
9-13 – at Hilldale
9-20 – vs. Glenpool
9-27 – vs. Wagoner
10-4 – at Oologah
10-11 – vs. Grove
10-17 – at Skiatook
10-25 – vs. Catoosa
11-1 – at Cushing
11-8 – vs. Miami
