BROKEN ARROW TIGERS
Coach: JOSH BLANKENSHIP
3-8
OFFENSE
The silver lining from a tumultuous season is the number of underclassmen who had the opportunity to see significant playing time. With another year under their belt and an offseason to improve in the weight room, the Tigers under head coach Josh Blankenship are looking to return to a more competitive status this season. “Twenty-three sophomores and six freshmen started throughout the 2023 season. Excited to take a talented, and now experienced, team into 2024,” said Blankenship. A two-way starter last season Tayshawn Jones-Wade (6-2, 195, Jr.) is a dynamic receiver and someone the Tigers will depend on for big plays. Jones-Wade is a track athlete for the Tigers and has the ability to stretch the field in the vertical passing game. Octavian Roberson (6-0, 170, So.) started as a freshman last season and is ready to do big things as a sophomore. Quarterback Jeramiah Ssettimba (6-0, 185, Jr.) is a three-sport athlete and a player who can hurt a defense in multiple ways. The offensive line looks strong with returning players Ricky Fernandez (6-0, 265, Sr.), Jerod Breshears (6-6, 300, Jr.), and Kaden Moody (6-6, 260, Jr.) anchoring the offensive line. Fernandez is a three-year starter for the Tigers.
DEFENSE
Jones-Wade will shine in the secondary where his speed and leaping ability dominates most opponents he will face this season. Messiah Owens (6-3, 175, So.) and Chauncey Standifer (5-11, 180, Sr.) join Jones-Wade in the secondary giving the Tigers a formidable group defending against the pass. If you like old school linebackers then look no further than Kole Lamont (6-2, 235, Sr.). Lamont tackles with authority and punishes running backs for testing the Tiger defense. His play can set the tone as the Tigers look to be more physical on defense. Ben Neal (6-3, 245, Sr.) is another senior who loves to battle inside. Neal will start on the defensive line where he can force the issue and pressure the quarterback. ChaddwyckStewart (6-2, 240, Sr.) is not a player to ignore if you’re the opposing offense. With his quickness and strength, Stewart will plow through blocks and find the ball carrier. The coaching staff for Broken Arrow includes Justin Pruitt, Clarence Holley, John Graham, Ivan King, Jon Bullock, Nick Gorman, Jeff Richards, Tracy Moore, Adam Lucero, Pearlie Graves, Mark Boyles, Dan Hendrickson, Michael Barlow, and Gerard Wheeler.
