MOORE LIONS
Coach: GREG BRYANT
4-6
OFFENSE
Coming into the 2023 season, the Lions and head coach Greg Bryant are looking to spread the ball around and get it to their playmakers. Offensive coordinator Jeremy Stark has one weapon every team would love to duplicate in CJ Simon (6-0, 170, Jr.). Simon, a VYPE Top 100 player, has game breaking speed and size making him a difficult match up for smaller defensive backs. Makai Crenshaw (6-3, 175, Jr.) is another wide out with big play potential. Coach Bryant said the Lions return a good crop of talent to the field this season. “Several young returning starters from the 2022 season are looking to make an impact on the team. We had a great offseason to prepare for a tough district and non-district schedule,” said Bryant. Cam Hayes (5-10, 170, Sr.) is elusive and quick out of the backfield. Hayes will depend on guys like Noah Wood (6-4, 280, Sr.) and Koehn Garner (6-4, 300, Sr.) to open holes and keep the defensive front off-balance. Coach Bryant describes Garner as a great teammate with a team-first mentality. Tight end Hayden Stull (6-3, 220, Jr.). Running multiple sets will allow Stull to get involved in the run and pass game for the Lions. Six starters are back for the offense. Finding a quarterback is the top priority of the offseason.
DEFENSE
The defense returns eight starters from last season and with more experience under their belts, the Lions are looking to make statements with their play. The “win with pressure” approach is the calling card for defensive coordinator and assistant head coach Brandon Morris. Consistent pressure up front is backed up with the play of Corey Dean (6-0, 182, Sr.) in the secondary. Dean is a next-level talent who runs a 21.00 second 200-meters, sports a 36-inch vertical and had been clocked at a 4.3 forty time according to coach Bryant. Dean has made gains in the offseason and is expected to be a playmaker this season. Linebacker Nick Carden (6-4, 210, Jr.) will certainly get next-level consideration as a junior. Carden has the frame to carry more weight and seems to have a nose for the ball. Providing the havoc up front is defensive tackle Gracen Gruver (6-4, 285, Jr.). Gruver and teammate Kai Campbell (6-2, 330, Sr.) will be tough for any line to manage this season. Cesar Garcia (6-3, 215, Jr.) has come on strong this offseason giving the Lions a solid pair of backers roaming the middle of the field. Garcia has a work ethic you would expect from a college athlete and is ready to make a big impact this year. Another defensive back to watch is Jonathan Alexander (5-10, 165, Jr.). Alexander is a crafty DB and will see plenty of action this season as QBs stay away from Dean in the passing game.
SCHEDULE
8-25 – vs. Edmond Memorial
9-1 – vs. Edmond North
9-8 – at Norman
9-22 – at Westmoore
9-29 – vs. Enid
10-6 – at Southmoore
10-13 – at Jenks
10-19 – vs. Norman North
10-27 – at Bixby
11-2 – vs. Broken Arrow
