DEL CITY EAGLES
Coach: ROBERT JONES
13-1
OFFENSE
The Eagles finished the season in the state championship game for the first time since 1976. In spite of losing a wealth of talent, head coach Robert Jones enters 2024 incredibly optimistic. “Our offensive and defensive line is the deepest since I have been at Del City.” That foundation will be a good place to start on offense. Quaylin Goodman (5-10, 275, Sr.) has been around the block on both sides of the football. He will be a three-year starter at center and shores up what will be an experienced unit. Choncei Jones (5-10, 260, Sr.) and Shane Thorton (6-4, 260, Sr.) have also won their share of battles on Friday night. Ricklan Holmes (6-0, 220, Jr.) is ready to take over the rushing load for the Eagles offense. Holmes has started on defense and carried the ball from time to time since his freshman year. He will get the majority of the work at the position this year. Braylon Lassiter (5-11, 180, Jr.) returns to Del City from Star Spencer where he shined last year as the Bobcats starting quarterback for six games. The Eagles will reload at receiver behind a pair of newcomers and a group of hungry young players. Kaleb Blackwolf (5-10, 190, So.) comes over from El Reno after starting on both sides of the ball for the Indians in 2023. He teams up with the ultra-athletic Nick Holmes (6-2, 175, Jr.) who showed great potential at Western Heights a year ago. Mishaun Graham (5-10, 170, Sr.), Kedarrius Palmer (6-0, 180, Jr.) and Josiah Chester (6-2, 170, So.) will all see increased roles in the Eagles’ spread formation at receiver.
DEFENSE
Del City will make a living off pressuring the quarterback from the edge and defending the pass in with elite athletes in the secondary. Holmes anchored the defense a year ago at linebacker. He’s coming off a season with 17 sacks and is just as good against the run. More edge pressure will come from Tay Johnson (6-3, 220, Sr.) at defensive end. Johnson posted 12 sacks as a junior. Quaylin Goodman will shore up a defensive line that welcomes some new faces. Alongside Holmes at linebacker, the Eagles will turn to Charvis Kelley (6-3, 220, Sr.) who has spent time as a starter. Christian Akadari (6-2, 190, Sr.) and Javonte Neequaye (6-2, 205, Sr.) made big strides during the off-season and are ready to perform in the middle of the Eagles’ defense. The secondary will once again be an area of strength. Speed abounds with Jashawn McCalister (6-1, 160, Sr.) at safety and D’Marion Turner (5-10, 160, Sr.) at cornerback. Jeremiah Miles (5-9, 175, Sr.) and A’Montay Hishaw (6-0, 195, Jr.) are expected to see time at cornerback as well and could be part of a rotation behind Holmes at running back. The Eagles should take flight again in Class 5A. Under Jones, competing for championships seems to be the norm rather than the exception.
