COVINGTON-DOUGLAS WILDCATS
Coach: BRIAN SMITH
8-3
OFFENSE
In two decades of coaching, Brian Smith has seen just about everything. Coming into the 2024 season, Smith is hopeful the incoming seniors will be the leaders he needs on the field. “Bring back a solid group of soon-to-be seniors. Most of the skill position kids are back. Offensive line is a strength as well as we get some injured players back and guys that contributed a lot last year,” said Smith. The return of Wyatt Farthing (6-6, 315, Sr.) is a big deal for the team and for quarterback Ford Smith (6-1, 165, Sr.). Smith will run the single-back offense and utilize multiple formations to keep the defense guessing. The goal is to be balanced on offense. Last season Smith rushed for 1,305 yards and threw for 2,011 yards. One of his favorite targets is Camden Thayer (5-9, 165, Sr.). Thayer rushed for 223 yards and added 396 yards off offense through the air. Running back Miguel Tarango (5-7, 150, Sr.) is another dual-purpose back having accounted for 465 yards on the ground and 263 receiving yards last season. Cache Pierson (5-9, 180, Sr.) will get in the mix as well at running back. Sophomore Justus Halcomb (6-1, 155) found his way to the field as a freshman and added 112 yards receiving a year ago.
DEFENSE
Five starters return to the defense including Pierson who made 105 tackles and three sacks at linebacker. Pierson is a full speed, all-out attacker who runs through blocks and finds the ball. Tarango plays defense in a similar fashion. Last year Tarango logged 87 tackles as a DB and OLB. Smith starts at safety giving the secondary someone who can read and react quickly to the play. Smith amassed 69 tackles. The defensive line is a strength this season with Farthing playing end or nose guard and Blake Hamlett (5-10, 215, Sr.) plugging holes in the middle. Hamlett made 60 tackles and four sacks as a junior. Braden Thayer (5-9, 190, Jr.) adds to the already tough D-line and will likely play defensive end or nose guard in the 3-2 scheme coach Smith will run this season. Also look for Grayson Marler (So.), an exciting young player with a high ceiling.
8-29 – at Waynoka
9-5 – at Medford
9-13 – vs. Ringwood
9-27 – vs. Garber
10-4 – at Canton
10-11 – vs. Waukomis
10-17 – at Cherokee
10-24 – vs. Coyle
11-1 – vs. Davenport
11-7 – at Olive
