MANNFORD PIRATES
Coach: KENNY GOOCH
2-8
OFFENSE
In his second season as head coach, Kenny Gooch will finally field a decent number of upperclassmen after having two seasons of younger players in starting roles. “We are excited about the upcoming season. Have been very young the last couple of years. Starting to finally play a lot of seniors and juniors. Have a lot of buy in going into the season and looking forward to seeing the improvements that we can make in the 2024 season,” said Gooch. Max Moore (6-4, 205, Jr.) will run the Wing-T/Gun-T Hybrid offense for the Pirates. Moore is a two-year starter and a VYPE Top 100 nominee. With his athleticism and high football IQ, it’s easy to see why schools at the next level are starting to knock on his door. In an offense like this, you need backs who can carry the ball and move the chains. The Pirates have that in Brayden Rodriguez (5-8, 165, Jr.), and Noah Ellis (6-1, 175, Sr.). Rodriguez rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a sophomore and has high expectations coming into this season. Ellis is a hybrid type player who can run the ball or be utilized in the passing game where he is comfortable making tough receptions. Grant Pierce (5-11, 170, Jr.) is another wide out the Pirates will use in the offense. Together the skill positions look poised for a big season. But we all know it depends on the offensive line. The Pirates feature Riker Rowlan (6-5, 290, Sr.) and Kendal Howard (5-10, 240, Jr.) up front giving them two road graders at the point of attack.
DEFENSE
Nine starters are back for the Pirates on defense. Several guys will go both ways including Ellis who starts at outside linebacker and Rodriguez who moves to safety. Boone Hodson (5-10, 185, Sr.) will play one of the inside linebacker spots in the 3-4 scheme the Pirates like to run. Moore is an animal at OLB where his speed and willingness to make contact is on display. Bo Landrum (5-6, 150, Sr.) brings a solid work ethic to the field and is looking forward to helping his team in a big way this season. Another linebacker to watch is Cooper Dodd (So.). Dodd made great improvements in the weight room and could see time at tight end on offense. Trey Scott (5-7, 145, Jr.) starts at corner giving the Pirates at speedy cover guy on the edge. The coaching staff consists of Jason Landrum (DC), Josh Pierce (OL/DL), Bryan Golemon (TE/OLB), Jeremy McFarland (OL/DL), Jake Landrum (S/WR), and Ayden Jones (C/RB).
8-30 – at Perry
9-5 – at Cleveland
9-13 – vs. Sequoyah Claremore
9-27 – at McLoud
10-3 – vs. Perkins-Tryon
10-10 – at Bristow
10-17 – vs. Lone Grove
10-25 – at Victory Christian
11-1 – vs. Seminole
11-8 – vs. Sulphur
