JENKS TROJANS
Coach: KEITH RIGGS
10-3
OFFENSE
Optimism surrounding the Trojan football program is very high coming into the 2023 season. Head coach Keith Riggs went 10-3 last season, losing to Bixby in the semifinals after giving the Spartans their first loss in 58 games. The Trojans were the only team to compete with the Spartans last season and they’re focused on returning to the top of the 6A-I mountain. “Excited about the upcoming season. We have a good mix of returning starters and guys competing for playing time this year,” said Riggs. Six starters are back on offense including the leader of the offensive line, Gavin Kirby (6-1, 275, Sr.). Kirby will bring leadership to the trenches for the Trojans as they continue to develop throughout the season. AC Christiansen (6-3, 180, Sr.) makes the move from quarterback to wide receiver giving the Trojans that downfield threat the team is known for having every season. Christiansen runs a 10.7 100 and has the size to tower over most defensive backs he will see this season. In the 21-personell the Trojans will base in, look for Khy Beaty (5-10, 205, Sr.) at fullback or tight end. Beaty can hurt a defense running the ball or by being a factor in the passing game. Conner Thompson (5-11, 165, Sr.) gives the Trojans another playmaker at wide receiver. Jordan Schelling (5-10, 185, Jr.) is one of the more durable backs in the class and has the ability to be a difference maker when the Trojans have the ball. The player everyone is talking about is KD Jones (6-0, 170, So.). Jones, a VYPE Top 100 nominee and a legacy player for the Trojans, is everything you want in a true tailback. Speed, agility, power, and a great vision. Only a sophomore, Jones has the potential to dominate the class.
DEFENSE
Five starters return to the Trojan defense including Jett Calmus (6-0, 195, Sr.) at linebacker. What Jones is to the offense, Calmus is to the Trojan defense. After suffering a season ending injury last year, Calmus returns for his final season and is poised to have his best season of his high school career. Hudson Ball (6-2, 228, Jr.), a VYPE Top 100 nominee, is dangerous at defensive end. Expect teams to chip to his side of the field, but as they will learn, that rarely stops Ball from getting in the backfield. Ilias Cooper (5-10, 178, Sr.) is a shut-down corner the Trojans will use to disguise coverages and eliminate the deep threat. Sam Stone (6-0, 184, Jr.) gets the start at safety giving the defense someone who can cover and step up to stop the run. Joining Calmus at linebacker is Jace Hager (5-9, 175, Jr.) who plays an important role in the 3-4 defense. Hager does not shy away from contact and will be crucial in the overall success of the defense. Cash Jacobsen (6-4, 261, Jr.) is a handful on the interior of the defensive line. Pre-snap movement and pressure are two ways Jacobsen is a big problem for opposing offensive lines. Two players to keep an eye on this season are Landon Corwin and Blake Bilby. The coaching staff includes Greg Calabrese, Adam Gaylor, Doug Greenwood, Justin Glenn, Darrell Beeler, Prince McJunkins, Lane Martin, Tyler Bacon, Josh Elmer, Jordan Harding, Tyler Davidson, Braxton Watters, and Jeramie Tew.
SCHEDULE
8-25 – vs. Edmond Santa Fe
9-1 – at Owasso
9-8 – vs. Union
9-22 – at Enid
9-29 – vs. Westmoore
10-5 – at Norman North
10-13 – vs. Moore
10-20 – at Southmoore
10-27 – at Broken Arrow
11-3 – vs. Bixby
