TUTTLE TIGERS
BRAD BALLARD
13-1
OFFENSE
Skill will be the strength of the Tuttle offense. Quarterback Mason Dennis (6-2, 190, Sr.) hit on a 56 percent clip of his passes, throwing for 1,497 yards and 17 touchdowns. When the Tigers bogged down on offense, turnovers were usually the culprit. As a senior, Dennis should help keep mistakes to a minimum. A pair of running backs have big play ability. Tyler Woodson (5-10, 170, Sr.) played as a freshman but has missed all but eleven games in the last two seasons due to injury. When Woodson has been available, he’s made the most of the opportunity, rushing for more than 100 yards per game and scoring nine touchdowns. Brady McAdoo (5-11, 170, So.) showed plenty of potential as a freshman, rushing for 375 yards and returning a pair of kicks for touchdowns. He’s a versatile threat that can line up at receiver or running back. Several other players will get some reps at receiver led by Mark Douglas (6-2, 180, Jr.). The Tigers are equally comfortable spreading the field with five receivers or loading up in the backfield. Jace Warren (6-1, 245, Jr.) started all 14 games for the Tigers in 2021 on the offensive line. Jackson Peshoff (6-2, 260, Sr.) and Tannon White (6-2, 250, So.) are expected to find starting positions as blockers. White is the son of Heisman Trophy winner Jason White.
DEFENSE
It was business as usual on defense at Tuttle in 2021. Only two teams scored more than 13 points in any game and nine were held to single digits by the Tigers. Four starters return to form the framework of a defense that once again should be one of the best in Class 4A. Jake Tucker (6-1, 215, Sr.) continues the Tigers’ tradition of aggressive linebackers. Tucker recorded 76 tackles and picked off a pass from the middle of the defense. He will have help from Austin Neasbit (6-0, 190, Sr.) and McAdoo to his outside. Nesbit earned high praise from head coach Brad Ballard for his steady effort and resiliency. He’s battled through a back injury to be ready to go for his senior season. McAdoo rarely comes off the field with his responsibilities at running back and in the return game. He also serves as the Tigers punter. The secondary features the athletic combo of Douglass and Major Sharp (6-0, 170, Jr.). The two combined for seven interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Sharp is one of the top hurdlers in Class 4A in track and field. In the past four seasons, Tuttle has won a championship, played for a championship and reached the semifinals twice. The Tigers have a typical core of returning players and a big group of athletes waiting for their chance to shine. Expect Tuttle to be right in the middle of the Class 4A championship race again in 2022.
8-26 – at Cache
9-9 – vs. Noble
9-16 – vs. Guthrie
9-23 – at Bethany
9-30 – at Harrah
10-7 – vs. Blanchard
10-13 – at Bridge Creek
10-21 – vs. Tecumseh
10-28 – at Newcastle
11-4 – vs. Classen SAS