SALLISAW BLACK DIAMONDS
Coach: BRANDON TYLER
7-5
OFFENSE
On the heels of a reversal of fortunes in his first year at Sallisaw, head coach Brandon Tyler welcomes a roster of players who understands what is required to win on Friday night. “Coming off a 7-5 season including a second round playoff, the kids are excited to raise the bar this year,” said the 26 year veteran head coach. Eight starters return to energize the game winning results of the Black Diamonds spread offense led by quarterback Jackson Harris (6-0, 195, Jr.) who completed 38 of 61 passes totaling 536 yards through the air in addition to gaining 387 yards on the ground. Broque Oft (5-10, 160, Sr.) will step into the spotlight at running back along with Kenyon Hill (5-9, 165, Fr.) while Cooper Cox (6-2, 170, Sr.) returns as the primary target at wide receiver after making 30 receptions including five touchdown catches in 2023. Big and strong offensive linemen has long been a tradition of Tyler coached teams that will feature three-year starters Quaid Girdner (6-1, 240, Sr.) at center and Zyler Rogers (6-4, 280, Sr.) at tackle along with Cooper Carter (6-2, 245, Sr.) entering his second year at offensive guard. “Our philosophy is to try to set the tone by running the football and use play action to take our shots to stretch the field,” said Tyler.
DEFENSE
Tyler believes in the ageless quote…”defense wins championships” and the return of five starters and several other talented players with game time experience can give the Black Diamonds the ability to limit their opponents chances to score. “It’s simple, we’re determined to get 11 players to the ball on every snap,” said Tyler pointing to the 26 forced turnovers earned by the Sallisaw defense last year. VYPE Top 100 nominee Kash Keepes (6-3, 220, Sr.) enters his second season at defensive end where he charted 51 tackles including chasing down opposing quarterbacks to record seven sacks. “Kash is one of the better defensive players I’ve ever coached,” said Tyler while complimenting the strong and mobile competitor. Bodie Adams (5-11, 190, Jr.) who made nine tackles for loss a year ago returns to the defensive line while Jace Holman (6-0, 190, Jr.) steps into the prime time at linebacker after totaling five tackles for loss last season. Quickness and a strike force mentality best describes the Sallisaw secondary unit that returns Cole Mayfield (6-0, 175, Sr.) who made 58 tackles including seven for minus yardage in 2023 along with Cooper Cox who grabbed three interceptions as a junior and Tae Muskrat (6-3, 165, Jr.). “Small town football is about building relationships with the kids on a personal and athletic level,” said Tyler. “These kids continue to prove that they believe that WE is always more important than me. Their daily commitment to improve will give us the chance to climb to the next level of success.”
8-30 – vs. Pryor
9-6 – at Stigler
9-20 – at Eufaula
9-27 – vs. Hilldale
10-4 – vs. Broken Bow
10-11 – at McLain
10-17 – at Glenpool
10-25 – vs. Poteau
11-1 – vs. Stilwell
11-8 – at Ada
