WESTERN HEIGHTS JETS
Coach: TRAVIS BURDINE
2-8
OFFENSE
Newly hired head coach Travis Burdine knew there were challenges in taking the job at Western Heights, but he also knew his approach would be different and reaching the students would be the focus. “This season as I start a new chapter in my coaching career. I plan to fix the WHY. Why wasn’t you competitive last season? Why aren’t you playing to your full potential? Why does your mentality fall below being successful? So, in the offseason we had to address these issues before we could even attempt to move forward. Now that were on a new page of understanding Discipline, Dedication, and Determination,” said Burdine. “Our outlook has started to become clearer of knowing we have to show up every day and put in work to have a successful season. We’re in a great district that will offer challenges and opportunities that we can overcome and put some wins on our record. This season is the rebirth of a program that has faced many obstacles and many difficult challenges. But with bringing in the right staff and focusing on developing from within, we will be in a position to shock a lot of unexpected teams.” The journey to success starts with the offensive line. Tristan Brady (5-11, 235, So.) is an impressive player at guard while Albert Ferman (6-6, 270, Sr.) and Reginald Wilson (6-4, 250, Sr.) bring good experience at tackle. Calling the assignments is center Isaiah Arnold (6-3, 245, Sr.). This group will be responsible for open holes in the run game that features Keziah Howell (5-11, 175, So.). The Jets will run a double-tight formation as the look to control the clock and grind out wins. Jason Glover (6-3, 185, Fr.) is an exciting, young player to watch in the passing game at wide receiver. Coach Burdine alongside QB coaches Jalen Couch and Brandon Tombs are working to develop quarterbacks who can lead the program into a new era.
DEFENSE
Four starters are back on defense as the Jets implement their new 4-2-5 scheme. “We’re looking to fly around the ball and cause destruction. We are going back to the basics of fundamentally sound football. Pursue, aggressive and destruction. We will focus on transitioning our coverages and mixing up our blitz. Nothing complicated,” said Burdine. Leading the way is VYPE Top 100 selectee Terronce Long (6-2, 250, So.) at defensive end. Long is a terror at end and will force opposing quarterbacks into bad decisions. Jaden Jessie (5-11, 225, So.) start at middle linebacker and loves to play a physical style of football. A pair of outside linebackers in Brandon Bogle (5-9, 175, Sr.) and Kipp Davis (5-10, 180, Sr.) fly around the field and make plays from sideline to sideline. Also look for free safety Jeremy Tash (5-10, 165, Jr.) to help lock down the secondary. A couple of players to watch on both sides of the ball are Ja’Kyri Arbertha (5-11, 175, Fr.) and Za’Trayvion Price (5-11, 150, Fr.). These young bucks are hungry to gain as much experience this season as possible and become the future of the program. The coaching staff includes Randy Tilley (LB), Jimmy Chaves (DL), Logan Lials (OL), Jay’Quan Lincoln (WR), Chris Payne (OL), Tre Curry (FS/CB), Josh Street (DL), and Xavier Gurly (FC/CB).
9-6 – vs. US Grant
9-13 – at Harrah
9-20 – vs. NW Classen
9-27 – vs. Carl Albert
10-4 – at Altus
10-11 – vs. Lawton
10-18 – at Guthrie
10-24 – at Noble
11-1 – vs. John Marshall
11-8 – vs. El Reno
