HULBERT RIDERS
Coach: CHAD BOTTS
1-9
OFFENSE
After going winless for four straight seasons, the Hulbert Riders showed signs of turning the corner last year and with eight returning starters they’re showing signs of continuing that upward climb in 2025 under third-year coach Chad Botts “When I got back into coaching here the first thing I looked at was the team culture. They’d been through several coaching changes and didn’t have any effective off-season program, so getting the right mentality established was a top priority. Some kids bought into it, and some had to go but each year we’ve seen the standard for our program improve and now the kids themselves are taking ownership of the program,” said Botts. The focus of the offense in 2025 will be on running back Cody Botts (5-10, 185, Sr.), a VYPE TOP 100 nominee who rushed for nearly 1200 yards last year. “Cody is a multi-sport athlete and a great example for our underclassmen said dad/coach Botts. “He didn’t play as a freshman because he came from a K-8 school that didn’t have football, so he’s really progressed in three years.” Also returning is three-year starting quarterback Ethan Ellis (5-10, 190, Sr.) to run the Gun-T offense with its run-first priority. “Ethan is three-year starter at quarterback. He’s also a good baseball player and we noticed his arm even in middle school. He’s a hard worker and manages the quarterback spot well,” said coach Botts. Of course, these skill players need help up front and they’ve got plenty of that led by the hard-hitting Easton Graalfs (5-10, 250, Sr.) and Jake Botts (6-3, 295, Sr.). Looking for passes from Ellis will be yet another Botts, Coby (6-2, 165, Jr,), Tevan Holden (5-8, 165, Sr.) and Jadrian Simmons (5-11, 160, Jr.).
DEFENSE
Coach Botts will alternate a three- and four-man defensive front with the purpose of swarming to the ball and creating turnovers. They’ll be seven returning starters on this side of the ball led by Cody Botts in the secondary along with brother Coby, Ethan Ellis, Holden and Simmons.
Upfront will be Graalfs and Jake Botts. “Easton (Graalfs) is three-year starter and a good kid. He’s one of those guys that shows up every day to do his job. Jake is the leader on the line, taking over from Dusty Tedder, and has become the most physical and strongest kid on the team by embracing the weight room,” said Botts. Experience will be plentiful at linebacker with Jamen Sims (5-11, 185, Sr.), DJ Gregory (5-10, 185, Sr.), and underclassmen Hunter Rankin (5-10, 180, So.) and Michael Ortiz (5-10, 185, Fr.). The Riders will have a strong group of senior leaders that have weathered the storm and are looking forward to making major competitive strides this upcoming season.
SCHEDULE
8-29 – at Haskell
9-5 – at Caney Valley
9-12 – vs. Porter
9-19 – vs. Westville
9-26 – vs. Hartshorne
10-3 – at Panama
10-10 – vs. Pocola
10-16 – OPEN
10-24 – at Warner
10-31 – vs. Rejoice Christian
11-7 – at Chouteau
