TANNER ROOF
3-7
OFFENSE
Six offensive starters return in 2022 for the Edmond North Huskies and head coach Tanner Roof. This year, expect the Huskies to have more looks in their formations, Roof said. While the Huskies will still primarily line up in two-back sets, he wants his team to have a balanced attack when it comes to running and passing the ball to keep defenses on their toes. Pryce Bender (6-3, 180, Jr.) will lead the way at quarterback this season after throwing for 926 yards and three touchdowns in 2021. Sedrick Frazier (5-10, 165, Sr.) and Kai Simpson (6-3, 185, Sr.) lead a group of experienced receivers looking to stretch the field. The senior duo only had 150 yards on 14 catches last season, but play on both sides of the ball, and are looking to have bigger roles within the offense in their final year at Edmond North. “Frazier is very explosive and invested,” Roof said. “He has had a tremendous spring and loves to compete. He will make a strong impact on all three phases this year.” A trio of veteran lineman will set the tone for the Huskies up front. Left tackle Avery Stone (6-2, 250, Sr.), right tackle J.P. Louie (6-2, 310, Sr.), and center Evan Smith (5-7, 270, Sr.) all return for their senior campaigns and will be asked to control the line of scrimmage and get the offense rolling. Look for underclassman Ty Watts to make the most of his opportunities on the field as he grows and builds strength.
DEFENSE
The Huskies return eight starters from their 2021 team. This season expect to see them play fast and aggressive from their base 4-2-5 defense and try to limit big plays over the top. Ben Walker (5-10, 190, Sr.) is the anchor of the Husky defense from his inside linebacker position. Walker has been described by coaches as a cerebral player that knows how to lead his teammates on and off the field. Jonathan Sauer (5-11, 210, Sr.) will join Walker at linebacker and look to bring pressure from the outside. Defensive end Mason Hill (6-1, 200, Sr.) and lineman Will Blankenship (5-9, 220, Sr.) join two-way starter Louie all on the defensive front and try to collapse the pocket and shut down running lanes. “Hill has an amazing work ethic,” Roof said. “He has totally changed his body this offseason. He is focused on doing everything he can to improve every day.” Dev Mathews (6-0, 195, Sr.) lines up at nickelback and Pierson Baker (6-1, 185, Jr.) will roam the secondary at safety.
8-26 – at Deer Creek
9-2 – vs. Moore
9-9 – at Edmond Memorial
9-15 – vs. Enid
9-23 – vs. Norman
9-30 – vs. Edmond Santa Fe
10-7 – at Owasso
10-21 – vs. Yukon
10-28 – at Mustang
11-3 – vs. Union
