With 13 returning starters, Sapulpa goes for more wins in 2022

The Chieftains will be solid defensively, but running game might tell the tale.

By Ross Lovelace 

Over the next few weeks, SBLive Oklahoma will break down high school football teams from the four largest classifications in the state in anticipation of the upcoming 2022 season. Here's our look at the Sapulpa Chieftains. 

HEAD COACH

Tim Holt Jr.

RETURNING STARTERS

5 offense, 8 defense

2021 AT A GLANCE

Overall record: 6-5

League record: 4-3, 4th in District 5A-4

Playoffs: Lost 48-14 to McAlester in the opening round of the 5A playoffs

PLAYERS TO WATCH

OLB/TE Xander Konell, 6-2, 205, Sr.

Konell is a force on the defensive end and will lead Sapulpa rushing off the edge this season. He’s a very athletic player and is versatile in any scheme.

He also excels in other areas, like on the mat. Konell is an impressive wrestler, too.

The rising senior notched 100 total tackles last season, recording three for loss. He also had four pass break-ups and two interceptions. He can really do it all on the defensive end, whether he’s asked to rush the quarterback, stop the run up the middle or fall back into coverage. Look for Konell to make even more noise as one of Sapulpa’s best players this fall.

RB Marco Smith, 5-9, 190, Jr.

Smith started his sophomore campaign as a backup and ended up being too talented to keep off the field. Now, with a year of experience under his belt, Smith is expecting an even bigger junior season.

Smith was able to rush for 1,110 yards and 12 touchdowns while splitting carries, and was a huge help for this Sapulpa team down the stretch. He kept getting better as the games got bigger.

Now, this Sapulpa offense looks to be centered around Smith’s running abilities as he will have the workload this season. He’s a strong runner, but has the unique combination of physicality and speed. Sapulpa will try to feed him the rock whenever they can.

QB Colton Howard, 6-0, 195, Jr.

Howard will man the quarterback position at Sapulpa this fall after transferring in from Coweta. He had a solid off-season and excelled during the 7-on-7 periods, and will look to capitalize on that momentum heading into the season.

He has solid pocket awareness and presence, and can step up and launch it downfield. His arm strength is impressive, and as just a rising junior, Howard still has lots of room to grow and improve.

OUTLOOK

After a successful 2021 season that saw six wins, Sapulpa will look to make it even farther this year. The Chieftains will return an impressive 13 starters from last year’s squad.

The defense will be a strong suit for Sapulpa, as the Chieftains return eight starters. Headlined by Xander Konell on the defensive line, the unit should lead Sapulpa all year long.

Look for the Chieftains to sneak up on a few teams this year and build on last year’s late run. The rushing attack will be crucial for this team, and can carry them far in the postseason if they’re able to figure it out early.

The Chieftains kick off the 2022 season by playing their traditional rival, Sand Springs, on Aug. 26 in Sapulpa. Also in non-district play, Sapulpa faces Tahlequah and Bartlesville, both Class 6A-II schools.

COACH SAID

"We are in an extremely tough district that should produce some great football games this fall." - Tim Holt Jr.