19th Street August 2021

Westmoore has a strong cast of returning starters on both sides of the ball this year. To better fit the strengths of the returning team, the Jaguars are adjusting their formations, but they will have some big shoes to fill at quarterback with the graduation of three-year starter Dayton Wolfe.

Jaguar head coach Lorenzo Williams said this years’ approach would be more of a ground attack.

“We will look a little bit different,” Williams said. “We don’t have Dayton anymore so we can’t sit back there and throw the ball 50 times a game.”

The Jags are coming off a 6-5 season last year. Even with plenty of talent returning, there are still some question marks heading into the 2021 season.

Shyheim Johnson (So, 6’2”, 200) appears to be the early leader in the quest for the starting job at quarterback, according to Williams.

“He’s got a great frame and a big arm and makes really good decisions,” Williams said. “We just need him to manage the football, not turn it over very much and get it to the guys who can make plays.”

Westmoore will try to establish a stronger run-game this year with a running back who is a returning starter and a starter from two years ago who didn’t get to play last year due to injury.

“Our guys up front are looking good. We got a really good run game,” said Wiliams. “We’re going to be more dependent on the run game and making sure our quarterback has some time to adjust to the speed of the game.”

Brandon Arnold (Sr, 5’10”, 185) is back at running back where he had a good season for the Jaguars last year rushing for 532 yards and 668 yards receiving, along with five touchdown receptions. Kaibren Grant (Sr, 5’10, 175), a starter as a sophomore but had to sit out all of last year due to an ACL injury, also returns to give the Jaguars plenty of depth at the skill positions.

Jalen Hardison (Sr, 5’9”, 150) had 521 yards receiving, Kevion Williams (Sr, 6’, 160) had 832 yards and eight touchdowns and Ethan Lawrence (Sr, 5’9”,170) had six touchdown receptions and 728 yards receiving. Those three will be the primary receivers who play on the edge and will be counted on to make big plays, especially once they get in the open field.

Tyler Koonce (Jr, 6’, 265) will be the veteran on a very young but talented offensive line. The Jags will be starting two sophomores on the offensive line to try and open the holes for the running game and protect the quarterback.

The Jaguars will change their defensive approach as well and will run a traditional 3-4 defense with the entire front-seven returning. Some of the leaders are expected to be nose-guard Bashon Basey (Jr, 6’3”, 280) and a pair of defensive ends Devin Simmons (Jr, 6’2”, 235) and move-in Talon Pierce (Sr, 6’3”, 235) also on the defensive front.

“We’ve got a good, talented front,” Williams said. “Our linebackers are fast and explosive.”

Kayzen Bird (6’1 205 Jr) will be the leader of the defense at inside linebacker. He had 31 tackles in a back up role last year and is ready to strike in his first year as a starter. D’Angelo Shanks (Sr, 6’1”, 220) is another player new to the program to keep an eye on at the outside linebacker position, according to Williams.

Playing in the defensive backfield for the Jaguars, Xavier Ware (Sr, 6’2”, 184) is another newcomer to the program expected to make an impact.

Free safety Parker Franklin (Jr, 6’, 160) grew a couple of inches since last year. CB Mykel Patterson (So, 5’9”, 170) is going to be a superstar, according to Williams.

“He’s got a 36-inch vertical and runs a 4.4 forty,” he said. “We’re looking forward to seeing him do a lot of great things at that corner position.”

“Defensively, we’ve been looking pretty good even at team camp. Guys are excited, very motivated,” Williams added. “We’re expecting big things from our defense this year.”

When asked if he felt the defense was the strength of the team, Williams said, “Anytime you start a sophomore quarterback your defense has to step up. I’m counting on the defense to hold it together while we get this young quarterback to adjust to the speed of the game.”

Freshman Jackson Lee and senior Ashton House will take care of the kicking duties.

The Jaguars will open the season with their two rivalry games against Moore and Southmoore before going on the road to play at Broken Arrow week 3. District play begins week 4 at Edmond Santa Fe. –19SM