FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW CAPSULE: Catoosa

Kevin Green, Claremore Daily Progress, Okla.
·1 min read

Aug. 27—HEAD COACH

Christian Hood

RETURNING STARTERS

6 offense, 5 defense

2021 AT A GLANCE

Overall record: 4-7

District record: 3-4 in District 4A-3

Playoffs: Lost to Poteau 56-14 in first round of Class 4A playoffs

OFFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH

Russel Dugger, QB, Sr., Michael Barnett, WR, Sr., Deandre Hamilton, WR, So.

DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH

Gunner Wilson, DL, So; Brandon Ball, LB, Sr.

TEAM STRENGTHS

The Indians weren't known for their high-scoring offense in 2021, but with Dugger returning at quarterback with some depth at the receiver position, look for them to take another step toward becoming an offensive power.

AREAS TO IMPROVE

Catoosa is fairly thin on the offensive and defensive lines, so something to watch will be whether they can establish a run game while also stopping the run on the other side of the ball.

COACH SAID

"We're excited to see how some of our new faces compete in live action. We graduated a good amount of difference makers last year, but we feel good about the talent level of our younger athletes. Our biggest challenge this year as a young team will be learning how to manage unique football situations. We will lean on our upperclassmen to take the playoff experience they earned last year and lead the rest of the team."