2025 Skiatook Football Preview – Presented by Steve Moyer, Shelter Insurance

SKIATOOK BULLDOGS

Coach: PRESTON PEARSON

3-7

OFFENSE

Head Coach Preston Pearson is encouraged by the returners who now understand the expectations and standards established by the coaching staff in its first year leading the program in 2024 and look towards those returners to lead the younger players in 2025. Eight starters return from a season ago with strength along the offensive line being the focal point this season. Kyle Reckinger (6-2, 250, Sr.), Garrett Johansen (6-3, 240, Sr.), and Jaxo Oleson (6-4, 280, Jr.) will be a key to the success for the Bulldogs. Johansen, who also serves as the long snapper for Skiatook, returned to the gridiron for the first time in a number of years last season and truly came into his own at the tail end of his junior season. Coach Pearson, who spent a number of years as an assistant coach at Broken Arrow and Union along with a head coaching stint at Putnam City North, is impressed by the athleticism that Johansen brings to the offensive tackle position and believes that could lead to college coaches swarming to Skiatook to try and gain the signature of the senior. The Bulldogs will run to develop the pass and pass to develop the run. One player that can help in that process is Tavion Kirkwood (6-0, 160, So.) at wide receiver who should only continue to develop in his second season of varsity action. Tight end Barrett Henton (6-0, 180, Sr.) is another option in the passing game for sophomore quarterback Cole Bray (6-0, 180, Jr.).

DEFENSE

With nine returning starters on the defensive side of the ball, coach Pearson expects his odd front to “stop the run!!!” The Bulldogs will have to win the battle in the trenches to stop the run consistently. Thankfully Johansen along with George Richins (5-10, 220, So.) will bring some beef to the defensive line. Barrett Henton (6-0, 180, Sr.) adds additional experience at defensive end. A pair of senior linebackers Mason Burch (5-10, 200) and Eli Sutton (5-10, 200) will be important in the success of the Bulldogs defense in 2025. Jayden Orth (6-2, 180, Sr.) is a solid cornerback and brings great experience within the defensive backfield and helping move the needle daily as the program continues to raise its standards, expectations, and looks to improve from last season.

9-5 – at Glenpool

9-12 – at Memorial

9-19 – vs. Hale

9-26 – vs. Cushing

10-3 – at Catoosa

10-10 – vs. Miami

10-16 – at Fort Gibson

10-24 – at Oologah

10-31 – vs. Wagoner

11-6 – vs. Grove