Stilwell Indians Football Preview – Presented by Mountain View Meats

STILWELL INDIANS

Coach: BRYAN ROSS

2-8

OFFENSE

Lessons learned last season and a highly competitive offseason program has Stilwell ready to reverse the outcome on the scoreboard this season as head coach Bryan Ross enters his second season at the helm welcoming eight starters to their offensive unit. Expectations are high for Juan Martinez (6-0, 165, Sr.) after producing 19 touchdown passes while amassing 1,951 yards through the air.  Three-sport standout Brayton Carter (6-1, 150, So.) will step into the spotlight at wide receiver after making 26 receptions as a freshman and averaging 19.4 yards per catch with six trips to the end zone. Ross will also employ the size and skills of Kason Dowty (6-0, 210, Sr.) at tight end to enrich the passing yardage totals while providing a strong blocking force. Chase Benham (6-1, 190, So.) is expected use his speed and agility to become the primary ball carrier to move the chains bolstered by the offensive line skills of Ronnie Gonzalez (5-10, 205, Jr.) where the Indians return their entire front unit from 2023. “We’re way ahead of where we were this time last year,” said Ross. 

DEFENSE

The Indians welcome back five starters to the defensive lineup with VYPE Top 100 nominee Kason Dowty entering his third season at defensive end protecting the edge joined by Chase Benham, who totaled a team best sack total last yearas a freshman. “Kason plays with passion to win every play and Chase is the coachable player who is smart and tough,” said Indians head coach. Mason O’Neal (6-0, 205, Sr.) recorded 55 tackles at inside linebacker will once again play a pivotal role while Dustin Noisewater (5-9, 150, Sr.) will captain the secondary unit patrolling boundary to boundary at free safety with a tough nose for the ball. Ross smiles when noting the punting talents of Dowty who can flip the field advantage evidenced by his 33-yard per punt average. “Depth will be an issue early while the younger players develop,” said Ross. “As a team, we have to learn how to make plays late in close games and refuse to lose when facing adversity.”

8-30 – vs. Gentry, AR

9-13 – at Keys

9-20 – vs. Stigler

9-27 – vs. Poteau

10-3 – at Tulsa McLain

10-11 – at Broken Bow

10-17 – vs. Ada

10-25 – at Hilldale

11-1 – at Sallisaw

11-8 – vs. Glenpool