2024 Chelsea Football Preview – Presented by Hooker’s Sports Grill

CHELSEA DRAGONS

Coach: RYAN REED

2-8

OFFENSE

It’s an exciting time to be a Dragon as new head coach Ryan Reed takes over the Chelsea football program. Coach Reed said he believes the pieces are there to make this an excellent season for the Dragons. “We are extremely excited about the upcoming season. We think we have the people in places to have a good year. We have some of the best assistant football coaches, football families, and community support in the state,” said Reed. The return of Ben Hagebusch (6-3, 180, Sr.) certainly has fans excited to see what he can accomplish this season. Hagebusch is a state champion in high jump, a straight A student, and a leader on and off the field for Chelsea. Jeremy Versey (6-4, 200, Sr.) joins Hagebusch at wide receiver. The tandem will give opposing defenses a lot of trouble due to their size and athleticism. Jake England (5-8, 160, Sr.) is an athlete the Dragons will use in the air raid offense. The offensive line features Charles Chambers and Wyatt Hamilton. Both are solid players who coach Reed can build his line around. The search for a quarterback is over as Tanner Reed (6-2, 220) will make his debut this season.

DEFENSE

The Dragons want to play a 3-3 stack defense and use pressure to force opponents into bad decisions. Caleb Bates (5-11, 180, So.) made 78 tackles last season from his linebacker spot and is expected to have similar numbers this season. Cooper Hughes (5-11, 180, So.) made 42 tackles as an outside linebacker. Both players put up big numbers as freshmen thanks to their aggressive play and willingness to take on anyone in the open field. Look for Theron Bingham (6-2, 177, Jr.) on defense this season. Bingham has experience at safety and outside linebacker of defense. Bingham also played QB on offense. The coaching staff includes John Chambers (OL/OLB), Terry Tyree (TE/DL), Ronnie Simmons (S&C), Chris Whisenhunt (WR/DL), Hayden Wakefield (IWR/DB), and Matthew E. Hagebusch (DC).

8-30 – at Fairland

9-5 – at Ketchum

9-13 – vs. Nowata

9-27 – vs. Commerce

10-4 – at Adair

10-11 – vs. Wyandotte

10-17 – at Keys

10-25 – at Colcord

11-1- vs. Kansas 11-8 – vs. Salina