IDABEL WARRIORS
Coach: SCOTT PRATT
11-1
OFFENSE
Despite the recent success that has resulted in Idabel moving up to Class 3A this season, the talent level and speed on the football field will keep the Warriors in the conversations for another deep playoff run in 2024. The VYPE Top 100 dynamic duo of Matrail Lopez (5-11, 165, Sr.), an Oklahoma State commit and Ravian Larry (6-0, 205, Sr.) create dual threat challenges in the Warriors running and passing attack evidenced by their double-digit yards per touch in both categories as Idabel averaged 40-plus points per game a year ago. Another three-year starter, Makylan Dixon (5-9, 150, Jr.) will move from wide receiver where he used his elusive speed to average 18.9 yards per catch to the quarterback position to enrich the Warriors productivity in their run-pass option spread style of play. The size and experience of the Warriors offensive front affords head coach Scott Pratt multiple options anchored by four-year starter Braxton Hickman (5-11, 235, Sr.), who will line up next to 3-year veteran Chris Bledsoe (6-2, 215, Jr.), Dalton Vargas (5-11, 305, Sr.) as well as Markee Townsend (6-1, 235, Sr.), Sergio Torres (5-10, 215, Jr.) and Zaden Martinez (5-10, 205, So.). “We’ve got speed in the skill positions that when matched with the strength and mobility of the other players on offense, we have the potential for another successful season,” said Pratt.
DEFENSE
With an abundance of speed, agility and brute strength, the Warriors head coach is confident his team can hang their hat on its 3-4 defense with the veteran leadership of seven returning starters that limited the opposition to 15.2 points per game including allowing ten opponents two scores or less. The sideline-to-sideline pursuit of the linebackers corps will be anchored by Beau Ritchie (5-10, 195, Sr.) who charted 10 tackles for loss among his team high 89 tackles in 2023, along with Kade Pratt (6-1, 215, So.), Quincy Pond (6-1, 215, Jr.), Ravian Larry and the addition of Jattairrius Neal (6-2, 205, So.) and Benny Mthethwa (6-2, 205, Jr.), who sat out last year after moving to Idabel from South Africa. Three-year starter Markee Townsend, who smothered Idabel opponents for loss 19 times among his 82 tackles, will once again secure the battles on the defensive line. The Warriors secondary that grabbed 15 pass interceptions last year will feature the speedy talents of Matrail Lopez, Mackylan Dixon, who scorched opponents with 11 tackles for loss and Quinton Zirretta (5-9, 165, Sr.), all three capable of one-on-one pass coverage in addition to their physical pursuit in making open field tackles. “Defensively it’s a group that feeds off high speed contact,” said Pratt noting the 29 forced turnovers created last season. Realignment has Idabel in a highly competitive 3A-3 district race that will force the Warriors to play at a championship level just to make the playoffs. “It is what it is, but this district is stacked with championship caliber talent, top to bottom,” said Pratt.
8-30 – vs. Valliant
9-13 – at Broken Bow
9-20 – vs. Ashdown, AR
9-27 – vs. Holland Hall
10-4 – at Stigler
10-11 – vs. Muldrow
10-18 – at Locust Grove
10-25 – at Eufaula
11-1 – vs. Checotah
11-8 – at Lincoln Christian
