Coach: JERRY DON BRAY
Schedule:
8-27 – vs. Altus
9-3 – at Marlow
9-10 – BYE
9-17 – at Anadarko
9-24 – at Weatherford
10-1 – vs. Clinton
10-8 – at Elk City
10-14 – vs. Cache
10-22 – vs. Bethany
10-29 – at Newcastle
11-5 – vs. Elgin
Quick Hits:
Running back Ma’lek Murphy flashed huge potential in the Chicks playoff loss to Tuttle. Murphy carried the football 18 timnes for 146 yards against the Tigers.
Chickasha ended a four game losing streak to Altus, hammering the Bulldogs 47-14. It was the largest win in series history for the Fightin’ Chicks, who have won only 11 of 40 games.
Last 7 Years:
2020 – 2-7
2019 – 6-5
2018 – 4-6
2017 – 0-10
2016 – 1-9
2015 – 2-8
2014 – 3-7
OFFENSE
In his seventh season at Chickasha, head coach Jerry Bray thinks his team’s experience and toughness can lead them to more success after a two and seven season last year. Five players return to the Fighting Chicks offense, including running back Ma’Lek Murphy (6-0, 205, Jr.). As a sophomore, Murphy rushed for nearly 600 yards and had five touchdowns. “Ma’Lek is a hard worker that is set for a break out junior season,” Bray said. Xavier Copeland-McFadden (6-2, 190, Sr.) will be returning to the wide receiver position, a position that Bray thinks the Fighting Chicks have potential at. McFadden had 18 catches for 315 yards and four touchdowns a year ago. Chickasha returns three experienced offensive linemen, including Aiden Gonzalez (6-2, 290, Sr.), Christian Larsen (6-2, 240, Jr.), and Ty Rayburn (6-1, 230, Jr.). “We will return an experienced offensive line with good size and ability,” Bray said. The offensive philosophy for Chickasha is to run the ball out of multiple formations.
DEFENSE
The Fighting Chicks defense returns six starters from last year’s team and expect their experience to lead them to the win column more. Running an odd stack defense that plays multiple coverages, their philosophy is to play physical and get as many kids as possible running towards the football. Kanard Gonzalez (6-0, 190, Sr.) and Timmy Pursley (6-0, 215, Sr.) will both assume linebacker positions after posting over 80 tackles combined a season ago. Malachi Paukei (5-10, 220, Sr.) plays on the line and recorded 51 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, and four sacks last season, and the numbers are expected to go up even higher this season. Joining him on the line is Aiden Gonzalez, who recorded 17 tackles last season. Cornerback Noah Flores (5-11, 165, Sr.) looks to add to his junior year success after bringing in 29 tackles for the Fighting Chicks. With their experience, the Chickasha coaching staff and players believe this season will be night and day better than last. After giving up 30 points per game, they believe it all starts on the defensive side of the ball
