STILWELL INDIANS
Coach: JORDAN BARLOW
2-8
Stilwell enters Jordan Barlow’s second season with optimism after a year of steady development and a veteran group ready to take the next step. The Indians return 10 offensive starters and seven on defense, and Barlow believes the progress made since last season has created genuine excitement. With a strong senior class providing leadership and talented younger players emerging, Stilwell expects that growth to translate into more wins.
Offensively, the Indians return nearly every key contributor and will continue to be multiple in their formations while tailoring the scheme to their personnel. Senior Brayton Carter (6-2, 180) headlines the attack after earning first-team all-district honors and setting every receiving record in school history. Carter, who owns an offer from Northeastern State, has averaged more than 100 receiving yards per game over the last 20 contests. As a junior, he totaled 290 rushing yards and four touchdowns, 616 receiving yards and five touchdowns, plus 176 kick return yards and one score while adding 86 tackles and four interceptions on defense. Senior running back Chase Benham (6-2, 205) rushed for 1,007 yards and 14 touchdowns while adding 201 receiving yards and two scores. Sophomore Mikey Sawney (5-8, 170) earned second-team all-district honors after totaling 592 all-purpose yards. Sophomore tight end Kason Soap (6-0, 200) is expected to take on a larger role after a strong freshman season, while senior tight end Daylen Watie (6-1, 230) became a dependable red-zone target with eight two-point conversions. Senior tackle Elan Teehee (6-2, 375) anchors the line as a four-year starter who recorded 25 pancake blocks and placed at the state powerlifting meet. Stilwell’s philosophy is to be multiple in its looks but simple in execution, allowing its athletes to play fast.
Defensively, the Indians are built around a 4-2-5 scheme that emphasizes speed, versatility and relentless pursuit. Benham returns at linebacker after recording 103 tackles, seven tackles for loss and a sack, while Carter posted 86 tackles, four interceptions and nine pass deflections from the secondary. Senior safety Derrick Scott (5-9, 160) recorded 73 tackles and four tackles for loss, while junior cornerback Talon Thurber (5-10, 160) returns after an honorable mention all-district season with three interceptions. Soap also returns after a 45-tackle freshman campaign, and junior defensive tackle Korbyn Gawhega (6-1, 260) is expected to become a disruptive force up front. Sawney, the team’s fastest player and a three-sport athlete, is expected to develop into an All-State caliber contributor at receiver and cornerback. With experienced playmakers, a veteran offensive line and continuity throughout the lineup, Stilwell believes the foundation is in place to turn offseason progress into victories.
8-20 – vs. Prairie Grove
8-28 – at Miami
9-4 – vs. Vinita
9-11 – at Jay
9-25 – at McLain
10-2 – vs. Hilldale
10-9 – at Sallisaw
10-15 – vs. Poteau
10-23 – vs. Broken Bow
10-30 – at Mannford
11-6 – at Ada
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