About

Class 4A District 3

School Colors: Red and White

Head Coach: Ron Culwell (23-29, 6th season)

Assistant coaches: JH Ward (DC/LB), Rick Trimble (OC, QB, RB), Dustin Crowder (Sec), Matt Barnhart (OL), Justin Teel (S/TE), Ken Kimmel (DL), Cameron Smith (DB/WR), Cortland Weaver (Specialists/WR)

COACH CULWELL SAYS:

“I want our players to work hard and bring energy every practice. We need to help each other and be unselfish. Lastly, we need to do things right and be disciplined. If we do those things, we will be in contention.”

Five Year Trend (Playoffs)

• 2020: 7-4 (First Round)
• 2019: 5-6 (First Round)
• 2018: 4-6 (No Playoffs)
• 2017: 1-9 (No Playoffs)
• 2016: 6-4 (No Playoffs)

2020 REVIEW

In 2020, the Ridgerunners earned their best record in at least five years, finishing the season 7-4. After a 4-0 start and putting up 30+ points in each, Grove stumbled a bit down the stretch. In the playoffs, they fell in nail biter, losing by just one point to Hilldale. “I think the fire has been lit for us to continue to improve our program,” says Culwell in reference to his team’s 43-42 playoff loss. “We compete in a tremendous district,” Culwell says. “Every team will beat you if you don’t prepare well.”

RETURNING STARTERS (2020 stats)

OL/DL Ben Johnston (Sr) 6’2”, 265 lb – Honorable Mention, 43 tackles, 4 tackles for loss

OL/DL Jesse Arnall (Jr) 6’0”, 195 lb – 34 tackles

OL Cooper Edwards (Jr) 6’3”, 220 lb

OL Nick Jackson (Sr) 6’2”, 245 lb

LB Kade Sharp (Sr) 5’10”, 205 lb – 97 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries

QB Carson Trimble (Jr) 6’1”, 175 lb – Honorable Mention, 1,382 pass yards, 14 TD

RB Emmanuel Crawford (Jr) 6’0”, 170 lb – Honorable Mention, 1,124 rush yards, 10 TD

FS Jace McPhetridge (Sr) 5’10”, 170 lb – 39 tackles, 1 interception

P Carter McCarthy (Sr) 6’3”, 230 lb – 31 avg yards

K Nick Allsup (Sr) 5’10”, 160 lb – 39-39 PAT, 2-5 FG

OTHER KEY RETURNERS

WR Hagen Hacker (Jr) 6’2”, 170 lb

Slot Matt Bush (Sr) 5’10”, 180 lb

H Back Caden Gain (Jr) 5’11”, 175 lb

TE Jaydon Hill (Sr) 6’4”, 215 lb

SCHEDULE:

9/3 vs. Vinita

9/10 @ Jay

9/17 @ Pryor

9/24 @ Oologah

10/1 vs. Catoosa

10/8 vs. Bristow

10/14 @ Skiatook

10/22 vs. Cleveland

10/29 vs. Wagoner

11/5 @ Miami

2021 SEASON OUTLOOK

Last season, the Ridgerunners tallied the program’s most wins, at 7, since Culwell took over in 2016. Grove is returning running back Emmanuel Crawford, who rushed for 1,124 yards and quarterback Carson Trimble, who threw for 1,382 yards last season. Both earned honorable mention for their performances and will be key players on Grove’s offense in 2021. Conversely, Grove has lost its top two receivers, but they have some quality skill players to fill those spots. The Ridgerunners will be building around what Culwell calls a “solid nucleus,” on defense. “We need to be better against the run,” Culwell says. “Week in and week out, we have to stop big physical teams from running the ball like Wagoner and Bristow.” Culwell expects prominent leadership roles from Trimble and senior linebacker, Kade Sharp. However, he wants leadership to come from everyone. “All players can be leaders if it’s in their personality,” Culwell says. “I expect us all to help each other become great.”