Wagoner

Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022

13 Wagoner wants a football on Thanksgiving table again

By Nick Hampton Phoenix Correspondent

Having been to the pinnacle of success with five Class 4A championships since 2011, the Wagoner Bulldogs found themselves not practicing on Thanksgiving last year after a second-round playoff exit. So this year coach Dale Condict is shaking things up on offense.

After switching from the staple diamond offense to the spread around mid-season last year with Travis Bryant back on staff, moving from defense to offense, an off-season of shaping it has paid dividends, he said.

“From what I’ve seen in the spring and in team camps, I think we’ve made a lot of progress,” said Condict.

Progress with a major tweak. Senior Gabe Rodriguez moves from quarterback to an H-back position with sophomore Kale Charboneau taking over the signal-calling duties. If that holds, Rodriguez’s last play at quarterback ended with a concussion in the first half of last year’s second-round playoff loss to Tuttle. He finished the year with just over 1,100 yards rushing and also passing and was All-Phoenix Large School Offensive Player of the Year.

“Gabe certainly could be one of the best quarterbacks in 4A football but he’s the kind of guy that’s going to do whatever he needs to do to help the team be the best we can be,” said Condict. “His move to H-back will still utilize his athleticism and we’ll rely on his blocking but that’s not to say that you won’t see him at quarterback in some instances.”

As for Rodriguez’s thoughts? “I enjoy the change a lot. There’s still some pressure but not as much and I enjoy still getting to run some and catch the ball as well.”

The Bulldogs’ running game will also benefit with the return of senior Braylan Roberson, who averaged over seven yards per carry last year while scoring 11 touchdowns.

The new quarterback will certainly have a talented group of receivers that are among the eight returning offensive starters with sophomore Alex Shield-

Condict Rodriguez Skeen Shieldnight

night, junior Witt Edwards and senior Brayden Skeen. Shieldnight, who comes from a basketball dominated family, has been a pleasant surprise for Condict. Edwards “This will be just his second year to play football and from the time he stepped on campus last year, I’ve never seen the growth in a player

File photo

Wagoner’s Gabe Rodriguez ran the offense as quarterback last year. He’ll still carry the football, but next to the guy who will take over behind center, Kaden Charboneau.

Wagoner

that I’ve seen in him,” said the Bulldog head coach.

For Skeen, getting used to a new quarterback has been a driving force for him.

“Last year was OK but I’m looking to do better this year. I’ve been working with Kale a lot and I’m liking what I see,” said Skeen.

The offensive line will be buoyed by three returning seniors in Jacob Barney, Roman Garcia and Kaiden Dick.

The Bulldog defense, which gave up an average of just 15 points a game last year, will again be solid with the likes of Rodriguez, Shieldnight, Charboneau, Skeen and Roberson all expected to play vital roles.

The Bulldogs hold the record in 11-man football for having at least one playoff win in 17 consecutive seasons and Condict is looking to extend that streak in 2022.

“It’s been one of the better summers we’ve ever had, and these guys are focused on getting us back to where we were,” he said. “Last year was the first time in a long time we didn’t practice on ‘Thanksgiving so we’re looking forward to having that practice again.”

The Bulldogs will find out quickly where they stand with a tough non-district schedule that includes 5A standouts Grove and Coweta and 6A newcomer Tahlequah.

Brayden Skeen returns as a pass-catching weapon for Wagoner, as he was in this contest against Sperry in 2021.

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WAGONER BULLDOGS

Last season: 9-3, 4A quarterfinalist.

Head coach: Dale Condict, 17th year, 25th overall.

Staff: Ryan Keenom, Travis Bryant, Leland Alexander, Austin Condict, Chad Soma, Micco Charboneau, Ray Bell, Beau Bowman, Corey Tipton, Allen Sevier.

Returning starters (8 offensive, 7 defensive, 2 specialists): Gabe Rodriguez, Sr., QB/HB/SS, 5-9, 170; Braylon Roberson, Sr., RB/DE, 5-11, 220; Alex Shieldnight, So., TE/OLB, 6-4, 215; Kale Charboneau, So., LB, 6-0, 180; Witt Edwards, Jr., WR/S, 6-6, 205; Brayden Skeen, Sr., WR/CB, 6-0, 165; Ryder Aadahl, Sr., C 6-1, 255; Jacob Barney, Sr., C, 6-1, 255; Roman Garcia, Sr., OL /DE, 6-3, 235; Ethan Muehlenweg, Sr., K, 5-10, 185; Logan Bloxsom, Jr., K, 6-2, 185.

Emerging: Charboneau, QB; Dax Griffin, So., OL, 6-4, 285;Caiden Dick, Sr., OL, 6-0, 230; Gavin Miller, So., OLB, 6-0, 195; Bryce Steele, So., LB, 5-8, 165; Shaun Atikins, Jr., CB, 5-11, 165.

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