ODESSA BULLDOGS – FOOTBALL
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Odessa went 9–2 and returns a veteran group loaded with juniors and seniors who have started since they were freshmen. Head coach Brett Jewell, in his second year, writes that it is a “Veteran Group filled with JRs and SRs who have started since they were freshman,” noting “7 Returning starters on offense and 8 on defense.” He describes them as a “Physically and mentally tough group” with “high expectations for themselves,” “poised to take a massive leap and put themselves in title contention” based on their experience and production. The staff includes OC/QB coach Will Fox, D‑line/co‑DC Ron Delashment, STC/RBs coach Kiefer Kratz, OL coach Collin Baumann, LBs coach Jamie Placht, DBs coach Diondre Martin, WRs coach Jaason Levine, offensive assistant Scott Young, and off/def assistant/specialist Xander Shepard.
Offensively, Odessa returns seven starters and runs a Spread RPO. The philosophy is to “take what the defense is giving us and get our playmakers out in space,” leaning on big, fast running back Cole Westerhold while allowing “one of the best QBs in the state” to “pick defenses apart on the outside,” all behind a “tough, physical, and quick O Line.” Senior quarterback Michael Scott (6‑1, 190) completed “60% Comp” for “2,500 Yards, 24 TDs” and added “200 Rush Yards, 3 TDs.” Senior running back Westerhold (5‑11, 215) produced “1,400 TOT Yards, 7 YPC, 20 TOT TDs,” senior receiver Jackson Whitaker (5‑11, 175) recorded “57 Rec 921 Yards 8 TDs 3 Passing TDs” and has “4.3 speed,” senior tight end Tate Heitman (5‑10, 180) had “17 Rec 212 Yards 3 TDs,” and senior lineman Drew Jarrett (5‑9, 190) logged “25 Pancakes” as part of an offense with “4,000 Total yards of offense.” Junior lineman Bob Uhrlaub (6‑0, 245) added “31 Pancakes 4,000 TOT Yards of Offense.”
Defensively, eight starters return in a 3‑3‑5 with a 3‑high shell. The Bulldogs “pride (themselves) with matching numbers of the offense and playing with leverage through run fits,” emphasizing “excellent team tackling and pursuit” with “numbers to the football in a hurry” whether run or pass. Junior linebacker Will Scott (5‑10, 215) made “167 Tackles 15 TFL 3.5 Sacks 3 INT,” junior safety Isaiah Hanks (5‑10, 170) had “118 Tackles 6 TFL 4 INT,” senior corner Brayden Kirkland (5‑10, 170) produced “39 Tackles 2 INT,” and senior safety Trey Sanders (6‑1, 175) returns from injury after an all‑state season the year before. Jarrett added “59 Tackles 14 TFL 6 Sacks” at LB/DE, and Heitman chipped in “63 Tackles 8 TFL 1.5 Sacks” at linebacker.
Scott is the MVP nominee; Jewell says “Mike is our QB and he is always cool, calm, and collected,” with elite arm talent who “can make all the throws” and is “exactly the type of kid you want heading your program.” Sophomore De’Andre Bandy is the underclassman to watch as a 6‑2, 195‑pound defensive lineman with a “motor and quickness” who already played many snaps as a freshman.
