TUTTLE TIGERS
Coach – BRAD BALLARD
OFFENSE
Another year, another ten-plus win season in Tuttle. And it could have been even more. The Tigers had a dominant Wagoner team down in the 4th quarter before surrendering the lead and bowing out in the quarterfinals. Tuttle has hit double-digits in wins five of the past seven seasons under head coach Brad Ballard. The expectation is to continue similar success. The Tigers have a dual threat at running back. Cannon West (5-10, 185, Sr.) and Tyler Woodson (5-10, 165, Jr.) rushed for a combined 1,735 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2020. Woodson posted his totals in only seven games and bulked up in the weight room over the off-season. Mason Stokes (6-5, 205, Sr.) has been a starter since his freshman year. Stokes is a matchup problem on the deep ball, piling up 611 yards receiving and 6 touchdowns as a junior. Chance Cobb (5-10, 185, Jr.) brings typical Tuttle speed to the receiving corps. Tuttle excels in using multiple offensive formations and can be equally effective in the power run game or five-wide sets. The offensive line will be built around veteran tackle Dylan Cummings (6-3, 250, Sr.), a returning starter at offensive tackle. Tight end Tylor McCarthey (6-7, 220, Sr.) caught eleven passes last year and is another difficult matchup for opposing defenses. Mason Dennis (6-0, 180, Jr.) is the heir apparent at quarterback where the Tigers have had graduated starters in each of the last three seasons.
DEFENSE
Experience is spread across the field on defense. Tuttle allowed no more than 21 points in any single game in 2020 and there’s plenty of firepower to suggest the 2021 team might be even more difficult to score against. Linebackers Gunner Kerr (6-0, 200, Sr.) and C.J. Conner (6-0, 195, Sr.) combined to make 230 tackles, including nine for loss. Cannon West adds versatility and toughness at outside linebacker. The Tigers are stacked on the edge with state champion wrestler Harley Andrews (6-4, 220, Sr.) and Tyler Mitchell (6-0, 230, Sr.). Andrews will attend Nebraska on a wrestling scholarship. Parrish Terry (6-5, 235, Sr.) has transformed from a wide receiver into a valuable asset that can be used in various positions across the offensive or defensive front. Dillon Ballard (5-11, 155, Sr.) plays with great instinct at corner. Ballard picked off four passes and made two tackles for loss, showing his value and versatility to the defense. Nathan Ross (6-3, 180, Sr.) adds great range and speed for the Tigers in the secondary. Major Sharp (6-0, 160, So.) is a candidate for a starting spot in the secondary and a viable backup to Dennis at quarterback. The Tigers are loaded and are once again at the very top of Class 4A.
8-27 – at Sulphur
9-3 – vs. Plainview
9-10 – vs. Newcastle
9-17 – BYE
9-24 – at Cushing
10-1 – vs. Tecumseh
10-8 – vs. Harrah
10-14 – vs. Classen
10-22 – at Ada
10-29 – at John Marshall
11-5 – vs. Blanchard
