Bixby Spartans Football Team Preview – Presented by Nick Morgans, Shelter Insurance

BIXBY SPARTANS

Coach: LOREN MONTGOMERY

11-2

OFFENSE

After another historic run to a title last season the Spartans have dominated class 6A-1 and have amassed seven straight state titles. Head coach Loren Montgomery said the team continues to push and get better with every practice. “We have seven returning starters on defense and five on offense. The team is working hard this off-season,” said coach Montgomery. Going for eighth straight title will not be easy, but quarterback Carson Kirby (5-11, 180, Sr.) will certainly help ease some of the pressure. Kirby has shown he has what it takes to lead the best football program in Oklahoma. Kirby is not expected to do it alone. Players like Jayson Moll (5-8, 170, Sr.) will shoulder the load as well. Moll will see time at running back and wide receiver giving the Spartans a legit threat at both positions. Also look for underclassman Brian Jones (5-10, 170, So.) in the run game. Jones is an excellent change of pace back who will surprise you with his toughness and elusiveness on the field. Another underclassman to watch is tight end Connor Arant (6-6, 225, So.). Arant will also see time on defense, but this young player is showing he could be a next level type player. Sam DeWoody (5-10, 235, Sr.) will help anchor the offensive line alongside Gavin Wilson (So.) who will likely see time on the defensive line.

DEFENSE

There are several reasons why the Spartan faithful are confident coming into the new season and one is the defense. Defensive tackle Kaeden Penny (6-5, 280, Jr.) is back and ready to chase quarterbacks all season. Penny will play offense as well, but he turns up the heat on defense. Cord Nolan (6-0, 210, Sr.) is another outstanding player at linebacker. Nolan is all over the field and creates his own luck by knowing where to be at the right time. His physical play helps set the tone for the defense. The secondary is solid with Braeden Presley (6-2, 190, Sr.), a VYPE Top 100 selectee, roaming in the secondary. Presley comes into the season as a highly recruited player looking to make his senior season his best on record. Emory Snyder (6-4, 205, Sr.) joins Presley in the secondary. Snyder will also see time at wide receiver on offense. Same goes for Tyler Wright (6-2, 190, Sr.). Wright adds size, speed and is a physical presence in the secondary. Look for Nate Hobbs (6-0, 200, Jr.) at rush end where he made 49 tackles and made two INTs last season, one going for a touchdown. Hobbs is a disruptor and a problem for opposing offensive lines. Trey McGlothlin (6-3, 195) will help the team on both sides of the ball. His athleticism is too good to keep off the field. The coaching staff consists of Rodney Flowers-Defensive Coordinator, Tyler Schneider-Offensive Coordinator, and Trevor Suffal-Special Teams Coordinator.