EMPIRE BULLDOGS
Coach: BRANT HAYES
5-4
OFFENSE
A move in classification could be a good thing for the Empire Bulldogs. Head coach Brant Hayes elected to be in the new B-I 8-man classification in district 2. “Coming back down to 8-man will be big for us. I think we have a chance to compete for a district championship and get back into the playoffs,” said Hayes. If they are going to compete for a district title, players like Kamydn Whetstone (6-2, 190, Sr.) must have a big season on both sides of the ball. Whetstone will start at running back giving the Bulldogs a big back who break tackles and move the chains. A young quarterback in Bryce Shaver (6-0, 155, So.) is expected to drive the bus and get the ball to guys like Cale Porter (5-8, 160, Jr.) at wide receiver. Porter is versatile enough to see time at RB as well. “We will have the guys to run spread or be able to line up and run downhill. We will go with whatever is working that night. We have some good young offensive linemen that will need to develop for us to be really successful,” said Hayes.
DEFENSE
The defense returns nine players with a tremendous amount of experience after playing 11-man ball last season. The 3-2 and 4-1 schemes are both on the table for the Bulldogs thanks to the play of guys like Chace Kasperiet (6-2, 190, Sr.) on the defensive line. The big man is tough to stop and will have a field day in 8-man. His counterpart, Nathan Menga (6-0, 200, Sr.) should get plenty of opportunities to make plays in this defense. Whetstone will start at linebacker providing the defense with someone who can cover a lot of ground quickly. The secondary features Christian Bentiez (5-5, 135, Sr.) in a backfield that will likely be young and a work in progress. Bentiez can help younger players mature into their roles. “We will try and bring pressure from everywhere and make you make great throws and catches. Our DL and LBs are really solid. Secondary guys will need to continue to get better,” said Hayes.
8-29 – at Canadian
9-6 – at Temple
9-13 – vs. Cyril
9-20 – at Wetumka
10-4 – vs. Alex
10-10 – at Burns Flat-Dill City
10-17 – vs. Snyder
10-25 – at Hollis
11-1 – vs. Central
11-8 – at Waurika
