SALINA WILDCATS
Coach: SCOTT HARMON
7-5
OFFENSE
After graduation taking its toll on the Wildcats, head coach Scott Harmon looks to reload with some talented players who are hungry for more wins this season. “We lose a talented group of seniors but will replace them with some quality athletes. We will be changing coordinators on both side of the ball so spring football will be a lot of learning for us. We will utilize our skilled kids and look to build off the first road playoff win in 15 years,” said coach Harmon. Leading the offense is quarterback Eli Swarer (5-9, 152, Sr.) who has thrown for 4.487 yards and 44 touchdowns. The Wildcats will run many formations and have lots of movement as they look to get the ball downfield quickly. Cooper Hooker (5-9, 165, Jr.) is one of several athletes who can do that for the offense. Hooker has 20 career TDs and is known for his great hands and quickness. Hooker currently holds an offer from the University of Connecticut. Caleb Wheeler (6-0, 158, Jr.) split his time last season at wide receiver and likely see an increase in production this year. Also look for running backs Jescee Sanders (5-10, 215, Jr) and Brandon Hawk (5-10, 190, Sr.). Sanders rushed for 885 yards and seven TDs as a sophomore while Hawk accounted for 571 yards and eight TDs. The offensive line will feature Caden James (6-1, 260, Sr.) who comes in with nine starts under his belt.
DEFENSE
Jamie Armstrong is the new Defensive Coordinator and will base the defense in a 3-4. Armstrong wants to defense that can pursue sideline to sideline and prevent the big plays downfield. Sanders returns as the leading tackler for the Wildcats and will play a big role in the new defense. Hawk also joins the defensive unit where he started every game last season at middle linebacker. Braylon Hart (5-9, 175, Jr.) started all 12 games at outside linebacker and is expected to have another big year. Conner Hess (5-9, 172, So.) had 88 tackles at strong safety as a freshman. Jordan Hess (5-8, 154, Sr.) will make the move from safety to corner, helping the Wildcats to shore up the CB spot. Joining Hess at corner is Cody Wheeler who started 12 games at CB last season. Together, they will give the Wildcat defense the opportunity to play tight coverage while stopping the run. The coaching staff includes Michael Nordquist, Jamie Armstrong, Grant Harmon, Ben Self, and Matt Simmons.
8-29 – vs. Quapaw
9-5 – vs. Locust Grove
9-12 – BYE
9-19 – vs. Chouteau
9-26 – at Adair
10-3 – vs. Commerce
10-10 – at Keys
10-16 – vs. Wyandotte
10-24 – vs. Kansas
10-31 – at Colcord
11-7 – vs. Chelsea
