ANTLERS BEARCATS
Coach: DUSTIN BEASLEY
Last 8 Years:
2021 – 9-3
2020 – 7-5
2019 – 3-7
2018 – 9-3
2017 – 8-4
2016 – 9-4
2015 – 7-4
2014 – 6-5
OFFENSE
Experience will be in somewhat short supply for the Antlers Bearcats as the 2022 football season unfolds. After making it to the second round of the Class 2A playoffs last year, Antlers took a hit from graduation and returns just four starters on the offensive side of the ball. One of those is quarterback Kooper Johnson (5-10, 180, So.) who saw just limited action last year under center. “Kooper was a starting linebacker as a freshman as well being the backup QB,” said head coach Dustin Beasley. “But he was thrust into the starting quarterback job in our two playoff games after an injury to our senior starter. But Kooper is an intelligent athlete with speed and toughness who is also a great leader.” Carrying the mail for the Bearcats out of the spread offense will likely be Kade “Bubba” Watson (5-9, 160, So.), Daniel Caldwell (5-10, 160, Jr.) or Reece Crowsy (6-0, 175, Jr.). Leading the way in the offensive line will be returning starters Jansen Rimensander (5-11, 250, Sr.) and Chance Maris (6-2, 260, Jr.). “I’m looking forward to coaching a great group of young men,” said Beasley. “The Bearcats will be a younger group of competitors that will bring effort and enthusiasm to every practice and game, and I believe we will once again be in the playoffs.”
DEFENSE
The Bearcat defense looks to be a little more experienced and may be called upon to carry the load for the young and relatively inexperienced offense. Leading the charge for the defense will be Timmy Paredes (5-10, 170, Sr.) who returns at corner back where he’ll be joined by Caldwell and Micah Parkins (5-6, 150, Jr.). Maris will anchor the defensive line for Antlers while a solid group of linebackers led by Dakota Williams (6-2, 200, Sr.) and Crowsy as the Bearcats run out of the 3-4 set on defense. Williams and Paredes may also contribute as tight ends or receivers for the offensive unit as well. A non-district schedule that features away games against Okmulgee, Coalgate and a home encounter with former district foe Atoka should give the group of youngsters a chance to settle in and see where they stand going into the games that count.
Schedule:
9-2 – at Okmulgee
9-9 – at Coalgate
9-16 – vs. Atoka
9-23 – vs. Wilburton
9-30 – at Spiro
10-7 – vs. Hugo
10-13 – at Eufaula
10-21 – vs. Idabel
10-28 – vs. Valliant
11-4 – at Heavener
11-5 – at Eufaula