McALESTER BUFFALOES

Coach: FORREST MAZEY

12-2

OFFENSE

While some of the names will change, the expectations for success remain solid for the Buffaloes after marching to the Class 5A finals the past two years. With six starters including key playmakers returning, the Buffaloes offense will continue to have the ability to put plenty of points on the scoreboard after averaging 36.6 points per game in 2022. VYPE Top 100 choice Caden Lesnau (5-11, 170, Sr.) who completed 60-plus percent of his throws for 2,207 yards and 22 touchdowns will continue to engineer the RPO scheme. McAlester will also have a true version of the Wildcat with Lance Stone (6-2, 220, Sr.) eluding opposing tacklers. On the ground, McAlester will showcase a quartet of running backs who all made the most of their touches last season including Jordan Clark (6-0, 175, So.), Ethan Watkins (5-10, 163, Sr.), Brayden Bumphus (5-10, 190, Jr.) and Drayton Pouncil (6-2, 200, Jr.). When the ball is in the air, McAlester will showcase the talents of Top 100 nominee Elijah Chatman (6-2, 190, Sr.) along with Jaxon Lauerman (5-11, 155, Sr.) and Carter Lance (6-2, 170, Sr.). “Our skill personnel strong and fast and determined to make something happen on every snap,” said head coach Forrest Mazey, who begins his fifth season at the helm. “We’ll do what we need to do to put the opponents under pressure.” The 2023 version of the offensive line will remain big, strong, and physical anchored by Zac Rogers (6-3, 275, Sr.), Shawn Perkins (6-0, 261, Jr.) as well as Landon Pingleton (6-0, 270, Jr.), Noah Lenardo (5-10, 225, Jr.), Jayden Holman (5-11, 235, Jr.) and Gavin Mason (5-11, 270, Fr.) that Mazey can only smile while watching the newcomer develop. “With the big guys up front, we can be balanced running and throwing the ball.”

DEFENSE

The Buffaloes defensive scheme with showcase the efforts of eight returning starters eager to leave their mark through physical, fast and aggressive effort.

Malachi Wrice (6-6, 225, Sr.), another Top 100 nominee is a wrecking ball at defensive end with his speed of the edge while defending the run or pass. Jaden Shumway (5-11, 265, Sr.) has the brute strength to secure the defensive front with added help from Brandon Douglas (5-11, 265, Jr.), Zach Rogers and Gavin Mason while Lance Stone will close the door at the opposite end position. The 4-man linebacker unit will fly to the football led by Will Spears (6-2, 210, Jr.) and Dustin Jacobsen (5-11, 220, Sr.) and Fyfer Mitchell (6-0, 235, Jr.) playing inside while Owen Russell (6-3, 195, Sr.) and Drayton Mitchell race to the ball from the outside linebacker spot. The secondary can defend in man coverage as well as race to the football with the rotation of Carter Lance, Elijah Chatman, Ethan Watkins, Jordan Clark, Brayden Bumphus and Caden Lesnau to maintain high-energy efforts.

Ever confident in his team, Mazey notes that the past success is only a foundation of what will be needed in 2023. “The 25 wins the last two seasons were the result of never being satisfied, always wanting more,” Mazey said with emphasis, “and this year’s team knows what it takes. EAT – effort, attitude and toughness is all we can control. We plan to make the best of it again this year.”

SCHEDULE

8-25 – at Broken Bow

9-1 – at Prescott ARK

9-8 – at Ada

9-22 – at Tulsa Memorial

9-29 – vs. Del City

10-6 – vs. Coweta

10-12 – at Tulsa East Central

10-19 – vs. Durant

10-27 – vs. Sapulpa

11-3 – at Glenpool

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