Coach: KENNY GOOCH
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OFFENSE
Mannford will have a different look offensively in 2023 under first-year head coach Kenny Gooch. The Pirates, who will be led by senior offensive lineman Alex Remington (6-1, 230) at center, will focus on being more balanced. “Offensively, we will be a little different,” Gooch said. “Going to be a balanced offense with the run and pass. We have playmakers that we want to get the ball to in space. Will take us sometime this spring and summer to install and be ready to go in the fall. Look forward to doing things with the amount of returning pieces we have.” Mannford returns nine of its starters. Remington will be a four-year starter and is VYPE Top 100 nominee. “He is the leader of our football team. Is a guy that we will trust in to anchor our offensive line but also anchor us in the locker room. Can always count on him and a guy that you want to be the leader of your football team,” Gooch said. Sophomore Max Moore (6-2, 180) returns as a starter at quarterback, and Gooch is excited about his potential. “Really good young person with a bright future. Can make all the throws. Starting to grow into his 6-foot-2 frame and be a really good athlete. Someone that colleges should look at for the future,” Gooch said. The Pirates also return running back Brayden Rodriguez (5-9, 165, So.), offensive lineman Riker Rowlan (6-4, 270, Jr.) and receivers Quincy Ardrey (6-2, 175, Jr.) and Cameron Rodriguez (6-1, 175, Sr.).
DEFENSE
The Pirates will also be experienced on the defensive side of the ball with eight returning starters. They will base out of 3-4 alignment. “We are not a really big defense but we’re going to move people using speed and effort. We want to slant and move people and play with relentless effort defensively for four quarters,” Gooch said. Dustin Williams (5-11, 190, Sr.) and James Elliot (6-0, 195, Jr.) will be key parts at linebacker, and Kaleb Kindley (6-3, 180, Sr.) will provide experience on the line as a defensive end. Braden Dorey (5-7, 135, Jr.) will play a role in the secondary as a cornerback. Gooch likes the leadership he’s seen from junior linebacker Bo Landrum, who will also contribute on offense as a fullback. “Kid that will not have a write up in the paper. But a guy that is on our leadership team and a kid that we can always count on,” Gooch said.
SCHEDULE
8-26 – at Perry
9-8 – vs. Cleveland
9-15 – at Bristow
9-22 – vs. Anadarko
9-29 – at North Rock Creek
10-6 – vs. Kingfisher
10-12 – at McLoud
10-20 – vs. Metro Christian
10-27 – at Mount St. Mary
11-3 – vs. Perkins
