RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesCATOOSA — A year ago, Catoosa was fighting a numbers problem almost as much as the opponent across the line of scrimmage.
With only 22 players, there was little room for injuries, fatigue or mistakes. This fall, however, nearly twice as many Indians are suiting up, and coach Sal Guerrero believes the transformation goes deeper than the roster sheet.
With approximately 48 players in the program, a more experienced group and a move down to Class 3A, the Indians are embracing an “All In” mentality as it attempts to leave last season's struggles behind and return to the playoffs.
“The windshield is bigger than the rearview,” said Guerrero, whose team finished 0-10 in 2025. “We only glanced a little bit in the rearview. We're going to keep moving forward. I kind of shared that with our guys, and these guys said we don't even have a rearview mirror. Everything's looking forward.”
OVERVIEW
For Guerrero, Catoosa's turnaround starts with things that rarely show up in a box score.
Hand placement. Footwork. Assignments. Discipline.
Those details have been an emphasis throughout the offseason after mistakes proved costly a year ago. The Indians are older now, but Guerrero doesn't want experience to create complacency.
“Everything we do, we're going to be disciplined,” Guerrero said. “We're going to wear the same practice gear. We're going to make sure we're doing everything the same and be consistent with everything.”
Perhaps the clearest sign of progress is simply the number of players at practice.
That increase in bodies gives Catoosa considerably more depth and competition for positions as it enters its first season in a new classification.
“I didn't lose many kids this year [to the transfer portal], so a lot of those freshmen and sophomores that played last year now have meaningful reps,” Guerrero said. “But not only that, we also benefited from what hurt us last year as far as transfers. We've got a few that are really going to help us out.”
The Indians have dropped to Class 3A for at least the next two seasons, providing a fresh start of sorts, though the road to the postseason won't necessarily be easier.
Catoosa’s district includes perennial contenders such as defending Class 2A-I state champion Jones, 11-1 Metro Christian and Berryhill, making Guerrero's emphasis on eliminating self-inflicted mistakes particularly important.
“We're excited for those those top three games because that really shows where you're at, and those those games can determine who's going to make the playoffs,” Guerrero said. “You win one of those games, and you might secure third place.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
One of Catoosa's biggest changes comes at quarterback.
Devin Johnson, who totaled over 1,000 all-purpose yards last year, is making the transition from halfback to quarterback, where his athleticism gives the Indians a dual-threat option to build their offense around.
The move also allows Matthew Compton to shift from quarterback into a more versatile role. Compton is expected to line up at receiver and H-back, giving the Indians another weapon it can move around the formation.
“Matthew can move around,” Guerrero said. “He's playing receiver, he's playing H-back and he can play running back, so he's turned into a really good athlete for us.”
There should be no shortage of options around them.
Brysen Jimenez, Brandon Hampton and Junior Brown are among the players expected to contribute at the skill positions, while L.J. Harrison offers versatility as a receiver and running back.
Kaysin Morgan gives Catoosa a more physical option out of the backfield and will also contribute at linebacker.
Another intriguing addition is Bryan Inegbenoise, who arrives from Broken Arrow and is expected to contribute defensively as well as at tight end.
“Bryan’s probably sitting about 6-4, 230 pounds of just straight muscle, and his wingspan [is crazy],” Guerrero said. “He has great hands. He decided to want to come over here and give it a shot, and he's turned out to be a really good defensive end and tight end for us.”
On the other side of the ball, Ryder Phillips gives Catoosa a potential shutdown option at cornerback.
Much of the Indians' development, however, could depend on a young offensive line. Sophomores Jason Watkins, Julian Rodriguez, Jose Ramirez and Coby Byrum are among the players expected to anchor the group.
The Indians have more players, more experience and a new classification. Now they are counting on being “All In” to produce a different result.
“We want to win some games, but we want to make the playoffs, and I think we can,” Guerrero said. “I think we have the opportunity. We have the kids to do so.”
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