ALVA GOLDBUGS

Coach: DAVE FOSTER

3-7

OFFENSE

Under third-year head coach Dave Foster, the Goldbugs are eager to make improvements in 2023. The offense returns only four starters from last season, but an experienced offensive line could be a recipe for success. Allie Pollock (6-3, 235, Sr.) and Bo Stewart (6-1, 220, Sr.) bring back size and maturity up front as the Goldbugs offense looks to run shotgun formations that include one, two and even three backs depending on what it sees from the defense. Cambell Gaisford (5-11, 155, Jr.) will return as the team’s QB1 after he missed most of last season with an injury. Foster will keep the option play in his back pocket, and he has a great weapon to execute it; Daylon Malone (5-11, 165, Sr.) rushed for 198 yards and six touchdowns and caught a few passes before moving into the quarterback spot in place of the injured Gaisford in Week 5. The pair could be a tough tandem to scheme for once they find their rhythm together.

DEFENSE

The Goldbugs bring back five defensive starters – and a lot of tackles – from 2022. The unit will base out of a 4-3-5 cover-3 but can shift to a 3-4 depending on how its personnel plays out. It will also reserve the option to “sprinkle in man concepts with pressure and some zone blitz.” Stewart and Pollock will start at nose guard and defensive tackle, respectively. Pollock was responsible for 74 tackles last season. Hagan Weirsig (5-11, 185, Jr.) is the team’s most experienced backer as he made 85 tackles, including three for losses, last fall. Safeties Hunter Pfleider (5-8, 155, Jr.) and Malone both return expertise to the secondary. Malone made 59 tackles and caught a pair of interceptions last fall and could have similar, if not better, production this year.

SCHEDULE

8-25 – at Purcell

9-1 – at Thomas

9-8 – vs. Fairview

9-22 – vs. Millwood

9-29 – vs. Newkirk

10-6 – at Blackwell

10-12 – at Chisholm

10-20 – vs. Hennessey

10-27 – at Oklahoma Christian School

11-13 – vs. Perry