Coach: GARY WILLIS
13-1
OFFENSE
The Wolverines enter the season ready to exchange last year’s silver ball trophy as Class 2A-II state runner-up for a gold ball in 2025. Gary Willis enters his 10th season as head coach and likes the relentless preparation of this year’s team that will include a trio of VYPE Top 100 nominees including Masyn Wright (5-11, 190, Sr.) who will again play multiple positions on offense where he led the state totaling 2,100 yards rushing and scored 36 touchdowns last year. “Masyn makes big time plays look common,” said Willis about Wright who has multiple D-I college offers already. The Wolverines pro-set style offense is even stronger due in part to the speed and determination of Top 100 choice Draighton Fletcher (5-7, 165, Sr.) who has more than 2500 yards rushing in his career including 30-plus dashes to the end zone. The power of the Vian ground game includes Riley Ellis (5-9, 185, Sr.) a three-year regular at H-back who blocks like a road grader. The transfer portal will strengthen the offensive options for big play yardage and touchdowns as Ledger Folsom (5-9, 165, Sr.) moves from Eufaula to the Wolverines camp. “Ledger gives us multiple options as a sprinter as well as wildcat threat because of his sprinter like speed and athletic ability,” said Willis. Cash Trammel (6-2, 200, Sr.) returns at quarterback where he passed for more than 1,000 yards in 2024. The ability of the Wolverines to establish leverage on the line of scrimmage will be a critical key where Max Ross (6-3, 255, Sr.) and Garritt Hunt (6-2, 250, Sr.) must secure the offensive front battles. “Our first option will still be to run the football,” Willis explained with a grin. “And, with our skilled personnel, we can take advantage of the passing game.”
DEFENSE
Among the muscle of the defense, Top 100 nominee Riley Ellis is a proven enforcer using his aggressive nature to total 95 tackles a year ago in the Wolverines 4-3 alignment and will join forces with Tyson Murphy (5-9, 205, Sr.) and Trace Sanders 6-0, 200, Sr.) to provide protection sideline to sideline at linebacker positions. Manny Terrill (6-0, 200, So.) who Willis labels as an up and coming force will play a key role on the defensive front. The fast to the football with force pressure from the secondary that will include free safety Adoff Stahl (5-9, 160, Jr.) who grabbed three interceptions while totaling 66 tackles along with Draighton Fletcher, Masyn Wright and Chris Cheater (5-10, 160, So.) will protect against the opponents attempts to go deep through the air.
Willis and the Wolverines coaching staff will try to find answers early with the advantage of the home crowd with three of the first four opponents discovering the “rowdy and proud” crowd at St. John stadium but will have to secure the 2A-II District-4 title playing three of their final four contest on the road.
9-5 – vs. Eufaula
9-12 – at Kiefer
9-19 – vs. Pocola
9-26 – vs. Spiro
10-3 – at Antlers
10-10 – vs. Atoka
10-16 – at Henryetta
10-24 – vs. Wilburton
10-31 – at Morris
11-7 – at Valliant
