BLANCHARD LIONS
Coach: JEFF CRAIG
8-4
OFFENSE
In the last five seasons head coach Jeff Craig and the Blanchard Lions are 39-20 overall and a team in playoff contention every year. This season the Lions return eight starters on offense including quarterback Carson Cooksey (6-0, 180, Sr.). “Several key players return on the offensive side of the ball that should be key for early success on offense. Some gaps to fill on the defensive side of the ball could mean some high scoring affairs early in the year,” said coach Craig. In 12 games Cooksey threw for 2,698 yards on 311 attempts completing 173 throws with 26 touchdowns. His QB rating was 96.4. Cooksey will have several targets in the passing game including Brayson Carter (5-9, 150, Jr.) and Reagan Palmer (6-2, 185, Sr.). Carter made 44 receptions for 659 yards, scoring six touchdowns. Palmer had similar numbers making 22 receptions for 549 yards and six TDs. “We run an option-based offense from the spread utilizing inside/outside zone, counter, and power run game with RPO concepts on all. Quick passing game with a dose of drop-back passing concepts,” said coach Craig. Trey Spencer (6-0, 275, Sr.) and Ross Johnston (6-5, 275, Sr.) are two big reasons the power run game works for Blanchard. Add tight end Hudsen Periman (6-4, 195, Jr.) to the mix and you start to see the offense coming together nicely for the Lions.
DEFENSE
A strong gap responsible defense based on solid technique and fundamentals is preached at Blanchard. Look for the 3-4 scheme to feature Carter at free safety and Johnston at defensive end. Tyler Hughes (6-0, 195, Sr.) will start at outside linebacker where he made 57 tackles and two sacks last season. Add six hurries and Hughes is one of the more productive linebackers in district. Palmer will move to corner on defense where he played last season making four interceptions with 32 tackles. Blake Woods (6-0, 240, Sr.) will likely see time at end with Spencer. Woods saw limited action last season but is expected to be a difference maker in 2023. Spencer has the size and power to play interior line but could see time on the edge. Other players to watch include Cole Watkins who could see time at tight end on offense and kicker Alex Price (Jr.). Price is the sister to the Lions female kicker from 2020. Price is entering her third season and will likely handle the majority of the extra point duties.
SCHEDULE
9-1 – vs. Noble
9-8 – at Piedmont
9-15 – vs. Shawnee
9-22 – vs. Harrah
9-29 – at Newcastle
10-6 – vs. Tuttle
10-12 – at Classen SAS
10-20 – vs. Bridge Creek
10-27 – vs. Bethany
11-3 – at Tecumseh
