LAVERNE TIGERS

Coach: MATT COX

13-1

OFFENSE

As it pursues a third consecutive state title, Laverne’s 2023 team has its work cut out for it. Ninth-year head coach Matt Cox expects several new contributors to make significant impacts on both sides of the ball; Only four starters return from the team’s 36-28 championship victory over Seiling in December. But the dynamic talents of players like Felix Teal (5-7, 175, Jr.) and Wyatt Tillery (5-10, 170, So.) should ameliorate some concerns for the Tigers. Teal broke out last year for over 3,100 all-purpose yards and a whopping 47 touchdowns taking snaps in the Laverne pseudo-wildcat offense. Tillery, meanwhile, erupted for 1,681 yards and 23 touchdowns in his debut varsity season as a hybrid back.

DEFENSE

The Tigers defense will bring back five quality starters from 2022. It will base out of a 3-2 cover 2. Cox’s agenda is to control the line of scrimmage, defend the run and prevent big plays. Tayte Dome (6-2, 225, Sr.), an experienced linebacker with athleticism and size, will return for an anticipated senior season as he could be the most productive Laverne defender. Dome made 110 tackles as a junior, the most among returning players, and forced 3 fumbles, made 5 fumble recoveries, and caught an interception. The Tigers will rely on him to anchor the defense, crank out turnovers and produce tackles again this year. Cox hopes to coach the Tigers to another postseason run, the quest starting Week 0 against Waurika.

SCHEDULE

8-25 – vs. Waurika

8-31 – at Pioneer

9-8 – at Seiling

9-15 – vs. Okeene

9-22 – vs. Alex

10-6 – at Hollis

10-12 – vs. Shattuck

10-20 – at Beaver

10-27 – vs. Turpin

11-2 – at Balko-Forgan