EDMOND NORTH HUSKIES

Coach: CARTER WHITSON

3-8

OFFENSE

First-year Edmond North head coach Carter Whitson called the team’s upcoming season a “new era.” Offensively, the Huskies will typically play out of either 11 or 12 personnel capitalizing on where the defense isn’t. Offensive coordinator John Boogaard can create personnel issues for opposing teams with either or both of his game-ready tight ends, Braden Turner (6-2, 215, Sr.) and Kade Carbs (6-2, 235, Sr.), a rare luxury. Dev Mathews (6-0, 195, Sr.), who rushed for 7.4 yards per carry and scored twice in four games last season, is a bell cow back who “can’t touch the ball enough.” Third-year starting quarterback Pryce Bender (6-2, 180, Sr.) will share the backfield with Mathews; Bender is the school’s all-time and single-season leader in passing yards. He threw for over 2,500 yards as a junior and will have one of his big targets coming back in fellow senior Pierson Baker (6-1, 190, Sr.). Left tackle Garrett Parr (6-3, 250, Jr.) will be primarily responsible for keeping Bender’s jersey clean next season as the team’s veteran returning pass protector.

DEFENSE

While its offense only returns three starters from last year, Edmond North’s defense has most of its core returning with eight starters coming back. Defensive coordinator Mark Ryan’s scheme will be playing with mixed fronts and flexible personnel to cover all the bases: “attack with pressure, create takeaways, make QB uncomfortable.” Ricky Thomas (5-10, 235, Sr.) will anchor the unit at nose tackle. Turner, who Whitson heralded as one of the most dynamic players in the OKC metro, will be playing outside backer next to Dalton Minnick (5-10, 205, Sr.). RL Young (5-10, 165, Fr.) has impressed the defensive staff in his short time with the team and has the chance to be a four-year starter at linebacker. The Huskies’ returning defensive backs will make trouble for opposing receivers. The speedy pair of Cal Reeder (5-9, 175, Jr.) and Kaden Dickman (5-11, 180, Sr.) will set the gridirons’ east and west edges while safeties Ty Watts (5-10, 185, Sr.) and Preston McDaniel (6-0, 185, Jr.) will take everything over the top.

SCHEDULE

8-25 – vs. Deer Creek

9-1 – at Moore

9-8 – vs. Edmond Memorial

9-15 – at Enid

9-22 – at Norman

9-29 – at Edmond Santa Fe

10-6 – vs. Owasso

10-19 – at Yukon

10-27 – vs. Mustang

11-2 – at Union