WAGONER BULLDOGS
Coach: DALE CONDICT
11-3
OFFENSE
Last year, the Bulldogs chased their motto “Get It Back” to a sixth Class 4A state championship since 2011 and second in the past three seasons. This year, Wagoner has revised its inspiration to go “Back-to-Back” in 2023 and with a solid offensive unit that returns six starters. Kale Charboneau (6-0, 215, Jr.), one of three Top 100 nominees will direct the offense after completing 63 percent of his passes while totaling 2082 yards and 18 touchdown strikes plus proving his durability as a dual threat by running for 609 yards and 11 scores. The other pair of Top 100 selections Alex Shieldnight (6-4, 235, Jr.) and Witt Edwards (6-6, 205, Sr.), who both have multiple Power-5 Division I college offers, will be primary receiver targets where the dynamic duo totaled six touchdown receptions. “Those three are the definition of competitors and have made a commitment along with their teammates to never be satisfied but get better everyday,” replied head coach Dale Condict, who begins his 18th season on the sidelines for the Bulldogs. Matson Watson (5-10, 160, Jr.) and Anthony Coleman (6-1, 175, Jr.) will add to the air attack in 2023. The power ground game will no doubt find the end zone with regularity as Trenton Edwards (5-11, 165, Jr.) who averaged 11.7 yards per carry will get a bulk of the carries this season along with Bryce Steel (5-9, 170, Sr.) and Tayshawn Williams (5-10, 185, Jr.). Although reloading its offensive line, the brute force of Wagoner’s offense will be powered by strength and mobility in the Bulldogs in the trench where Ryder Aadahl (5-9, 205, Sr.) returns to the group joined by Tucker Cluff (6-2, 235, Sr.), who bench presses 315 pounds, Josh Davis (5-10, 215, Sr.) and Trevor Fowler (6-3, 245, Jr.), who will take over at center.
DEFENSE
Wagoner’s ability to win the Class 4A state title was just as much the result of a dominating defense that strangled its opponents by allowing only 8.4 points per game in 14 contests, enriched by posting six shutouts. “We have a group of talented athletes eager to be just as dominant on defense as last year,” said Condict with a look of confidence and expectation. The Bulldogs lineup will have a similar ability in 2023 as eight starters return including highly recruited playmakers at all three level defensively. Kale Charboneau recorded 92 tackles including 17 stops for loss and two interceptions while Alex Shieldnight overpowered opposing blockers to chart 21 tackles for loss including 12 sacks and 83 tackles and at the same time Witt Edwards was making five sacks, three interceptions and 45 tackles at safety. Keyton Cole (6-0, 185, Sr.) was equally as dominate at linebacker as the Bulldogs tackle leader with 117 stops made three sacks and four fumble recoveries and will be supported on the edge by Bryce Steel and Gavin Miller (6-0, 205, Jr.) at outside linebacker. The fastest player on the roster, Shaun Atkins (6-0, 170, Sr.) returns at cornerback along with Matson Swanson, who proved to be a solid cover corner last season. Another starter in the secondary that returns will be Tres Thornton (6-1, 175, Jr.) who also made key plays in the 2022 season. Josh Davis will be new to the starting lineup but is a proven talent in the defensive trenches after charting eight sacks last season and will get support from Ryder Aadahl and Cody Wheeler (6-2, 190, Jr.). “This team will have much different expectations put on them than last season. How we grow and develop under those expectations could determine how we finish,” said Condict. “There’s no doubt that we have the roster to repeat, but championships NEVER come easy. We have to earn it like everyone else.”
SCHEDULE
9-1 – at Coweta
9-8 – at Tahlequah
9-15 – vs. Grove
9-22 – vs. Skiatook
9-29 – at Oologah
10-6 – vs. Cushing
10-12 – at Cleveland
10-20 – vs. Tulsa McLain
10-27 – at Catoosa
11-3 – vs. Miami
