Promising sophomore class could jump-start Miami football program

Wardogs get the benefit of a returning senior quarterback to help guide the way.

By Patrick Kays 

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 Miami Wardogs. 

HEAD COACH

Zach Gardner

RETURNING STARTERS

7 offense, 9 defense

2021 AT A GLANCE

Overall record: 3-7

District record: 1-6, 8th in District 4A-3

Playoffs: Did not qualify

PLAYERS TO WATCH

QB Karson Jinks, 6-0, 185, Sr.

Jinks has good size for a quarterback and is physical at the position. In his final season, he will present a needed poise with young weapons around him, and he should lead his team well under center.

RB Seth Davis, 6-2, 185, So.

Davis is a unit of a running back, possesses good speed and will only get stronger with three more seasons left under his belt. Expect him to be a key piece for the Wardogs.

LB Chris Kelley, 5-10, 190, So.

Kelley brings speed and awareness to the linebacker position for Miami. He can drop back in coverage or meet a running back in the gap. He is a must watch.

DE Reece Satterwhite, 6-2, 225, So.

The size Satterwhite brings to the defensive line is elite level. He is quick on his feet and his long arms are like claws. As he continues to grow, he will be a force at his position.

OUTLOOK

It has been a rough going about for the Miami Wardogs.

With four wins over the last three seasons, head coach Zach Gardner and his staff look to change a culture that has struggled. A loaded sophomore impact group will be all over the field.

Those aforementioned sophomores - Davis in the backfield, Kelley at linebacker and Satterwhite in the pass rush - should help boost the Wardogs the next few years.

Miami opens the season on Aug. 26 at home against Dewey. The Wardogs are home the following week to take on Grove, which moved up from 4A to 5A, and will wrap up the non-district schedule with a Sept. 9 game at Inola.

They will also host a pair of 4A-3 contenders, the district opener with Cushing on Sept. 23, as well as the regular-season finale Nov. 4 against Wagoner.

COACH SAID

"We're coming off a competitive and very youthful season. ... We feel we're much more experienced and are pleased with our progress on the defensive side of the ball." - Zach Gardner