SALINA WILDCATS
Coach: SCOTT HARMON
SCHEDULE:
8-30 – at Quapaw
9-6 – vs. Locust Grove
9-20 – at Chouteau
9-27 – vs. Adair
10-4 – at Commerce
10-10 – vs. Keys
10-18 – at Wyandotte
10-25 – at Kansas
11-1 – vs. Colcord
11-8 – at Chelsea
OFFENSE
The Wildcats are entering the 2024 campaign looking to end a three-year playoff drought. Scott Harmon is in his first season leading the program and he says that while his squad has their work cut out for them, he looks for them to have a good season. “We are relatively young and have some quality skilled kids,” Harmon said. “We look to be a little more athletic on the defensive side of the ball and will spread the ball around on the offensive side of the ball. Will need to improve on our special teams units to compete in this tough district.” Leading the offense will be Eli Swarer (5-11, 165, Jr.) at quarterback. Last season, he racked up 1,700 yards and 22 touchdowns and looks to continue that production this season. Swarer willhave a couple of outstanding receivers at his disposal. Cooper Hooker (5-9, 160, So.) ended his freshman year with 14 touchdowns. With a solid offseason in the books, Hooker should have an even bigger impact this season. Another wide receiver to keep an eye on is Micah Richards (6-2, 183, Sr.).
DEFENSE
Salina’s defensive unit had a solid season a year ago, only allowing their opponents to score an average of 20 points per contest. They will work to be more aggressive this season and take advantage of their length and athleticism. Brandon Hawk (6-0, 178, Jr.) and Richards will patrol the secondary and work to keep the opposition’s big plays to a minimum. At linebacker, Jescee Sanders (5-9,198, So.) and Jax Kiener (6-1, 210, Jr.) will have their heads on a swivel, ready to attack the ball wherever it goes. Assistant coaches for the Wildcats this season are Brandon O’Field, Daniel Chamberlain, Mike Nordquist, Johnathon Teague, Ben Self, and Grant Harmon.
