COLLINSVILLE CARDINALS
Coach: KEVIN JONES
9-2
OFFENSE
The Collinsville Cardinals may have some questions to answer this offseason, but the excitement level is there and according to coach Kevin Jones, so is the talent. “We have a very young, but talented team. Going to be a bunch of new faces on the field for the Cards,” said coach Jones. Five starters return to the offensive side of the ball including wide receiver Hudson Henslick (5-9, 155, Sr.). Henslick made 63 receptions for 1,047 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also rushed for 186 yards on 11 carries. Finding someone to get him the ball in space is imperative. Jack Keith (6-1, 235, Sr.) will likely handle most of the running duties. The senior rushed for 397 yards on 65 carries last year. Luckily for Keith, the offensive line looks solid with Colten Christian (6-4, 290, Sr.), Ty McNeal (5-11, 215, Sr.), and Drake Devore (6-4, 265, Jr.) leading the way. McNeal may be the smartest player on the field at any given game. He scored a 29 on the ACT. The Cardinals will base out of the spread and run multiple sets, keeping the defense guessing. Assistant coaches include Sean Tesar, Chad Weeks, Kevin Smith, Jon Washington, Cory James, Tony Daniels, and Andrew Gray.
DEFENSE
Like the offense, the Cardinals defense returns five starters to the field this season including Henslick who will start at free safety. Last season Henslick notched 51 tackles, three interceptions and scored two touchdowns. Keith will play end where he made 25 tackles and seven sacks a year ago. Chris Goodman (6-1, 230, Jr.) will play opposite Keith at end. Goodman accounted for 24 tackles and one sack as a sophomore. Scott Rigby (5-10, 175, So.) is an exciting, young linebacker to watch. As a freshman Rigby made 45 tackles and three sacks. Coach Jones said Rigby is the first freshman to start a full season since 2012. Don’t be surprised to see Rigby playing some running back on offense. Nate Davis (5-11, 175, Jr.) will start in the secondary at safety. Davis recorded 32 tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions a year ago. The Cardinals like to base out of the odd/okie front but possess the ability to adjust and give an opposing quarterback many different looks. Also look for the emotional leader of the team, Will Prickett, who coach Jones calls, “a leader on the football team, in the classroom and in the hallways.” The Cardinals made it to the playoffs last season but lost to the eventual runner-up. The players and coaches are hungry to make a deeper run in the playoffs.
SCHEDULE
9-1 – at Oologah
9-8 – vs. Skiatook
9-15 – vs. Bartlesville
9-22 – at Pryor
9-29 – at Bishop Kelley
10-6 – vs. Nathan Hale
10-13 – vs. Will Rogers
10-19 – at Grove
10-27 – vs. Edison
11-3 – at Claremore
