Welch Football Feature – Presented by Welch State Bank

WELCH WILDCATS

COACH: Ryan Gleaves

LAST 6 YEARS:

2018 – 0-8

2017 – 6-5

2016 – 4-6

2015 – 0-10

2014 – 0-10

2013 – 2-8

OFFENSE 

After a one-year hiatus from the team, coach Ryan Gleaves is back and ready to get to work. 

“I am excited to be back at Welch and coach this group of young men,” Gleaves said. “They have a lot of character and we hope to improve from last year.” Gleaves spent the 2018 season with Commerce, his alma mater, as an assistant before returning to Welch. Gleaves brought in coach Joe Bryson, who spent the last six seasons at Miami High School. Seth Hayward (6-0, 155, Sr.) returns to quarterback the Wildcats this season. Hayward has options in the passing game with Nate Beaty (6-1, 150, Sr.) and Daniel Windle (6-1, 165, Jr.) at wide receiver. Noah Barton (5-9, 145, So.) handles the running duties behind an offensive line that features Robby Foust (6-0, 230, Jr.) and Justin Haskell (6-2, 220, Sr.). 

DEFENSE 

Foust and Haskell start on the defensive line with Hayward and Beaty in the secondary. Barton is a productive player at linebacker. Look for younger players to fill in a couple of key positions left vacant by graduating seniors. Finding another linebacker was one of the priorities this spring. Looks for Gleaves to have that problem solved as the Wildcats open the season at home against Watts on Sept. 6. 

SCHEDULE 

9-6 – vs. Watts

9-13 – vs. South Coffeyville 

9-20 – at Foyil 

9-27 – OPEN 

10-4 – at Medford 

10-11 – vs. Covington-Douglas

10-17 – vs. Coyle 

10-25 – at SW Covenant 

11-1 – vs. Bluejacket 

11-8 – at Deer Creek-Lamont