BROCK WARDLAW

8-4

OFFENSE

Six offensive starters return for the Minco Bulldogs and their multiple formation offense that adapts to whatever the defense is giving them. However, in 2022 coach Brock Wardlaw wants to see more physical downhill running. In 2021, quarterback Reed McMurtrey (5-11, 160, Jr.), had 1,800 yards through the air along with 24 touchdown passes. He and Ben Burchfield (6-0, 170, Jr.) formed an unstoppable connection that terrorized defenses. Burchfield ended the season with 16 touchdowns and just under 1,000 yards on the season. If he can add more physicality to his already impressive game the junior wide receiver will be an unstoppable threat. Running back Gage Law (6-0, 180, Sr.) missed all of last season to injury and is excited to make a return to the field this year. Hunter Mulanax (6-0, 190, Sr.) and Noah Johnson (5-7, 150, Jr.) split carries in the backfield last year and the two combined for nearly 1,500 total yards and Johnson scored eight touchdowns. Eli Kirkes (6-4, 330, Jr.) has started at different positions on both offensive and defensive lines since his freshman year and will continue to be a force in the trenches.

DEFENSE

The Bulldog defense hangs its hat on effort. “We have the talent to be very good on defense if we can match our talent with physicality,” Wardlaw said. Expect to see Minco run a 4-2-5 defense and cover sideline to sideline. Jake Carruth (5-9, 165, Jr.) and two-way player, Mulanax, will man the middle as linebackers and the two combined for over 100 tackles last season. Zac Willmon (5-10, 230, Jr.) is a disruptive defensive tackle and got to the quarterback twice last season while drawing extra attention from blockers. Ashton Taylor (6-2, 220, Jr.) is a menace when he gets a good jump off the line and had nine sacks to go along with 61 tackles in 2021. Hybrid linebacker and safety Carson Littlejohn (6-0, 175, So.) had 59 tackles, a sack, and an interception as a do-it-all player as a freshman and looks to have an even better sophomore campaign.

8-26 – at Dibble

9-2 – vs. Mooreland

9-9 – vs. Apache

9-16 – at Merritt

9-23 – vs. Cashion

9-30 – at Watonga

10-7 – vs. Christian Heritage

10-21 – vs. Hinton

10-28 – at Crescent

11-4 – at Casady