STROUD TIGERS
Coach: JOSH PRESLEY
11-2
After an impressive 11-win campaign a season ago, the Tigers enter the new season with expectations once again running high. Head coach Josh Presley believes a veteran senior class mixed with eager underclassmen will help pave the way for another strong year. While the Tigers may not boast overwhelming size in the trenches, team speed and athleticism remain strengths. Stroud prides itself on a physical brand of football built around running the ball and playing tough, disciplined defense. With several experienced playmakers returning and young talent ready to emerge, the Tigers appear poised to make another deep postseason run.
Offensively, Stroud will continue to operate out of its hybrid Wing-T attack, utilizing misdirection and a balanced rushing scheme to keep defenses guessing. The Tigers feature one of the area’s most explosive playmakers in Aiden Collins (5-11, 175), a senior halfback and receiver who put together a remarkable junior season with 1,205 receiving yards, 45 receptions, and 19 touchdown catches while also contributing 250 rushing yards and two special teams scores. Presley describes Collins as the quickest player he has coached in two decades, and his ability to impact the game makes him one of the state’s premier athletes. Sophomore quarterback Gideon Smalley (6-1, 175) steps into a larger role and brings both arm strength and speed to the offense. In the backfield, sophomore Gage Bailey (5-10, 180) gives Stroud another dangerous option, while senior receiver Kacin Martinez (5-9, 155) adds reliability in the passing game. Up front, the Tigers will rely on the athleticism and leadership of linemen Brandon McNeill (6-1, 255) and Zane Abbey (5-10, 235) to pave the way.
Defensively, Stroud will once again line up in its aggressive 3-3 stack scheme, emphasizing pressure and multiple looks designed to disrupt opposing offenses. Collins anchors the secondary after recording 57 tackles and six interceptions a year ago, proving equally dangerous against both the run and pass. McNeill will be counted on to create havoc at defensive end, while linebacker Leelyn Neuman (6-2, 215) gives the Tigers a physical presence in the middle despite only being a sophomore. Chalin Morris (5-11, 210) and Trenton Stewart (5-11, 230) add toughness and experience to a defense that aims to keep Stroud among the state’s top contenders.
9-4 – vs. Pawhuska
9-11 – at Okemah
9-18 – at Chandler
9-25 – at Wilburton
10-2 – vs. Hartshorne
10-9 – at Beggs
10-15 – vs. Holdenville
10-23 – vs. Atoka
10-30 – at Morris
11-6 – vs. Kellyville
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