Savanna Bulldogs Football Team Preview – Presented by Ira Brinlee, Shelter Insurance

SAVANNA BULLDOGS

Coach: CHAD STONE

4-6

OFFENSE

First-year head coach Chad Stone is energized about the direction of the program. “After our team’s first playoff appearance in over a decade [last season], I feel this team could be a dark horse in our district and in all of Class B,” said Stone. “We are excited about the direction of Savanna football and hope to turn it into an 8-man powerhouse.”

Aiden Totani

The Bulldogs return five offensive starters, including junior Aiden Totani (6-3, 185, Jr.), who will transition from running back to quarterback. “Aiden will lead the way after qualifying for the state track meet in the 200M and accounting for almost 1,500 all-purpose yards on last year’s offense,” said Stone. “He’s explosive, has great speed, and tremendous instincts.”

Up front, Savanna boasts size and experience. Cody Woods (6-3, 215, Sr.) and Hayden Parker (6-3, 235, Sr.) return on the offensive line, while Lucas Pope (5-11, 245, So.) looks to take on a larger role. Sophomore Brayden LeFlore and transfer Rhett Gibson (6-1, 180, So.) round out a group that impressed at team camp.

Rhett Gibson

“I’m an old school split-back veer disciple,” said Stone. “I believe in ball control and limiting negative plays and turnovers with the big potential for play-action passes. I feel this offense has the potential to be special.”

DEFENSE

The Bulldogs also bring back five defensive starters in Stone’s aggressive 3-2-3 base. “I like a press man with a blitzing defense that reduces the QB’s time to throw,” said Stone.

Totani is a two-way leader, racking up 76 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and six sacks last year. Woods adds strength off the edge with six sacks, while Ketchum (6-0, 315, Sr.) provides size at the nose. LeFlore and Gibson are expected to be key contributors.

8-29 – at Oklahoma Bible Academy

9-5 – OPEN

9-12 – vs. Wilson (Henryetta)

9-19 – at Thackerville

9-25 – vs. Wetumka

10-3 – vs. Webbers Falls

10-10 – at Dewar

10-16 – vs. Caddo

10-24 – at Canadian

10-31 – at Quinton

11-6 – vs. Keota