Coweta facing sky-high expectations following consecutive 10-win seasons
By Ross Lovelace | Photo by Karen Schwartz
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 Coweta Tigers.
HEAD COACH
Tim Harper
2021 AT A GLANCE
Overall record: 10-2
District record: 6-1, 2nd in District 5A-3
Playoffs: Lost to Midwest City Carl Albert, 14-7, in 5A quarterfinals
PLAYERS TO WATCH
QB Carson Laverty, 6-0, 185, Sr.
Laverty transfers in with plenty of starting experience after manning the quarterback position at Putnam City North over the past few seasons. The signal-caller threw for 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns over his time with the Panthers, and can be a huge help for the Coweta offense.
In addition to his throwing abilities, Laverty is a top-notch athlete at the quarterback position. He’s a speedy player that can really beat defenses with his running abilities. There’s plenty of potential options with Laverty at the helm.
RB/WR Mason Ford, 5-9, 175, Sr.
Ford has a chance to see his stock explode this fall. He had a very strong offseason and should be an unstoppable gadget player in the Tigers' offense.
The senior has generated plenty of recruiting attention this summer and has demonstrated his ability to play multiple positions on the field. Not only is Ford a force out of the backfield, but he’s lethal in the receiving game. He has incredible athleticism, speed and is also a great possession receiver.
If Coweta puts the football in his hands, good things will end up happening.
DL Deacon Peterson, 6-2, 235, Jr.
Peterson is a beast in the trenches for this Coweta team. He sets the tone on the defensive line and has a unique ability to rush the quarterback. Peterson registered 14 sacks last season, causing consistent mayhem in the backfield.
He plays both ways, marking his versatility, as he’s able to lead the offensive line, too. Peterson stars at both defensive end and left tackle. He still has plenty of room to improve and grow, too, as Peterson is just a junior. He has a chance to be special.
OL/LS Wyatt Holmes, 6-3, 270, Sr.
Holmes is another massive body on this line with plenty of potential to play at the next level. He has found a niche on the offensive end as a long snapper and has really excelled at that position.
Holmes had a very impressive offseason and his stock has quickly risen. The rising senior recently received an offer from Southwest Baptist and is lining up for a strong final campaign.
OUTLOOK
The expectations for this Coweta team will be sky high after back-to-back 10-win seasons.
The Tigers had plenty of big wins last season, including a week one victory at Bishop McGuinness and a late district win against Bishop Kelley. The Tigers also ended an eight-game losing streak against Wagoner, a bitter rival, with a huge 37-14 win.
With transfer quarterback Carson Laverty, the pieces of the puzzle are starting to come together. Laverty and Ford could be a devastatingly fast duo for the Tigers' offense and open up many different options in both the running and passing game.
Will Mason (6-1, 215, Sr.) and Lolo Bell (5-9, 190, Jr.) will also each have a huge say in the ground game, too, as they’ve been using a three-headed attack to perfection with Mason Ford for some time now.
The Tigers have been close for two seasons now, falling just short each time. With all of the returning talent, though, this could finally be Coweta’s year.
One of the Tigers’ lone losses last season was a 33-2 stomping to powerhouse McAlester, which reached the 5A title game. If Coweta is going to get the job done, the Tigers will still have to conquer the giant along with plenty of other talented teams like Bishop McGuinness.
The Tigers are deep on both sides of the line, though, with impressive skill players across the field. The rushing attack should wear teams down early, allowing Laverty to capitalize often. Keep an eye on this Coweta team as a serious threat to win it all.
