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The "Klein Oak Man": Carpenter Building Great People While Winning
WINS AND LOSSES ARE IMPORTANT BUT BUILDING A “KLEIN OAK MAN” IS THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF COACH BRANDON CARPENTER’S PROGRAM.
“We have a code,” Carpenter said. “We don’t overuse it to retain its value, but we promote becoming a ‘Klein Oak Man’. Football will take care of itself if we are working as hard as we can. My big emphasis is developing great people, not just good football players. Being a great son, brother, community member, friend, teammate.”
Oak enters the 2022 season with question marks after finishing third in district a year ago and winning a playoff game.
“Our culture is established as a program,” he said. “We are always going to have great players graduate and have great players coming back. The offseason is a time to put the puzzle back together and see where our young guys coming up through the program will fit in.”
Carpenter returns some talented pieces starting with athlete Kaleb Black – the District Utility Player of the Year. He will be flanked in the backfield by all-district, second teamer Keishaun Wooten at running back.
“Kaleb is the catalyst of our offense who can lineup in the backfield, play the slot receiver or wildcat quarterback,” he said. “In our up-tempo, run-pass option offense, our tailback wears many hats. Keishaun is so versatile as an offensive option and is also a great pass-protector and lead-blocker.”
The defense will fly around the ball this season and will be the team’s strength. It starts up front with first teamer Daymond Anderson at tackle and second teamer Ryne Bergeron the end. Second-team linebacker Alexander Marsland will step up in the hole to stop opposing running games.
The secondary is salty with Timmy Bakare, Kamryn Durham, McKinley Wilson and Malachi Oldacre.
“Damon is so hard to block in the middle which frees other guys up to make plays,” Carpenter said. “Ryan grew up quickly in our program and has so much experience. McKinley moves back over to defense to his natural position of defensive back. We are excited about this group.”
The quarterback spot will be a question, but make no mistake – a “Klein Oak Man” will take over.
Youth Served: Collins Junior Class Back With Talent, Experience, Depth
IT WAS A TALE OF TWO SEASONS FOR KLEIN COLLINS IN 2021 AS THE TIGERS WENT 0-4 IN NON-DISTRICT PLAY BEFORE RUNNING THE TABLE IN DISTRICT 15-6A TO TAKE THE CROWN. THE REASON? THE TIGERS WERE TREMENDOUSLY YOUNG IN THE TWO-DEEP ROSTER, BUT EXTREMELY TALENTED.
“Last season was a testament to our kids,” coach Adrian Mitchell said. “[I am proud of] their resilience and their fight to be champions.”
The Tigers return Offensive Newcomer of the Year Tucker Parks at quarterback, who has developed into a college level prospect with his size and athleticism.
Collins does it up front and unanimous first-team selection Jackson Felkins anchors the big men. He will be helped by Aven Rendon and Blake Cruz. Carrying the ball will be Michael Wilson, who came up big as a sophomore in 2021. On the outside stretching the field will be Ty Stamey, a big 6-foot-6 target with great hands.
The defensive side of the ball is Collins’ calling card. The program was built on tough, hard-nosed tackling and fundamentals.
The District Defensive Newcomer was defensive back Chris Gant, who will patrol the secondary with experienced corners Asa Brown and Eli Wyatt. Juniors Antoine Milon and Mason Faye will stuff the run up front and pressure the quarterback. Both were second teamers. The linebackers will be inexperienced, but Bryce Adeokun and Gage Luellen should defend the middle of the field.
Collins will be the district favorites after warming up against Dawson and Summer Creek.
“Our staff and players take a lot of pride in representing the brand of Klein Collins,” Mitchell said. “They believe in our ‘For My Brothers’ mantra and that the swoosh on their chest is something bigger than themselves.”