Coach: BRANDON TYLER
9-3
OFFENSE
The Black Diamonds are eager to prove the familiar phrase “Third Time’s the Charm” as head coach Brandon Tyler begins his third season with many of the playmakers returning from the 2024 season where Sallisaw reached the state quarterfinals with a 9-3 mark.
VYPE Top 100 nominee Jackson Harris (5-11, 205, Sr.) returns for a third season prepared to finalize his legacy as a game changer after totaling 1000-plus yards rushing from the running back as well as quarterback positions. “He’s a dual threat who gives us options,” said Tyler. He led our offensive stats as a junior and will also play more on defense this year.“ Kase Adams (6-1, 175, Jr.) will solidify the passing game after using his strong arm and vision to complete 72-166 attempts through the air totaling 824 yards and 10 touchdowns. A “third” challenge for Sallisaw opponents to defend is Kenyon Hill (5-10, 185, Jr.) who totaled almost 600 yards rushing and receiving as a sophomore as will Tae Muskrat-Flynn (6-3, 185, Sr.) who returns at wide receiver. The Black Diamonds ability to win the wars in the trenches will be anchored by three-year starter Dawson Lamb (6-2, 240, Sr.) and a two-year starter Dagan Grizzle (6-5, 260, Jr.). Sallisaw picked up depth at quarterback with the addition of Logan Bethel (5-11, 180, Jr.) who passed for 1600 yards at Fort Gibson in 2024 before being sidelined by injury. “We’ll stay true to our game plan by setting the tone running the football and use our play action to keep opponents guessing and take our shots to stretch the field,” said Tyler.
DEFENSE
The sparkle in the Black Diamonds success will again shine bright as seven starters return to the 4-2-5 alignment. “Create chaos, be strong, pressure, contain and keep 11 kids around the football on every play,” said Tyler while explaining the emphasis and attention to defense. Among the expected heroes of the Sallisaw defense will be a stable loaded with game changers at linebacker including VYPE Top 100 selection Jace Holman (6-1, 210, Sr.) who recorded 21 tackles for loss among his 120 tackles last year and will reunite energy with Austin File (6-0, 220, Sr.) who charted 78 tackles including 10 stops for minus yardage, Noah Briley (5-11, 190, Sr.) who made 18 tackles behind the line of scrimmage last year along with an expected highlight reel performance from Gunner Griffey (6-3, 205). Up front, Hunter Smith (5-11, 215, Sr.) will close the edge at defensive end where he collected three fumble recoveries, three sacks and made 62 stops in 2024 while Bodie Adams (5-11, 210, Sr.) holds his ground at defensive tackle on the line of scrimmage playing alongside Dagan Grizzle. The Black Diamonds will look to Tae Muskrat-Flynn to patrol the secondary with confidence are last year totaling seven takeaways among his 66 stops.
“With the talent and the experience returning, we’re excited about the 2025 footall season,”said Tyler who begins his 27th season coach football. “After back-to-back quarterfinal appearances, we are ready to take the next step.”
8-29 – at Pryor
9-5 – vs. Stigler
9-12 – OPEN
9-19 – vs. Eufaula
9-26 – vs. Hilldale
10-3 – at Broken Bow
10-10 – vs. McLain
10-18 – vs. Glenpool
10-24 – at Poteau
10-31 – at Stilwell
11-7 – vs. Ada
