Coach: MAT MCINTOSH

7-5

OFFENSE

Community Christian returns seven starters on offense and will have a strong core on its offensive line in 2023 under head coach Mat McIntosh. “We will be balanced on offense. Believe the strength of our team offensively will be our guys up front,” said McIntosh, who will be entering his ninth year as head coach. “We are excited about the season. We lost a good group of seniors that produced a lot of big plays for us, but we return tons of experience on both sides of the ball.” AJ Shadid (6-3, 265, Jr.), Justin Montgomery (6-1, 235, Jr.), Justin Skero (6-0, 280, Jr.) and James Peterson (6-2, 240, So.) will provide experience on the offensive line. Also back is senior wide receiver Braxton Hartsock (5-10, 165) and junior running back Grayson McGuire (6-0, 190). Hartsock had 27 receptions and three touchdowns as a junior in 2022. Senior kicker/punter Carter Lowry also returns and will give the Royals a big boost on special teams. “Strong leg. Consistent touchbacks on kickoffs, and range on field goals is up to 50-plus yards,” McIntosh said.

DEFENSE

Grayson McGuire will lead a trio of experienced linebackers on the defensive side of the ball. McGuire collected 85 tackles last season. Joining McGuire at linebacker are Drew Bradley (5-10, 185, Sr.) and Layton Teichroeb (5-9, 170, Jr.). Bradley had 59 tackles in 2022, and Teichroeb finished with 50. “We will use the 3-4 and play an attacking style defense,” McIntosh said. “We return 10 guys who saw lots of action on the defensive side of the ball.” Dax Crawford (5-10, 175, Jr.) will lead the defensive line at defensive end, and Tag Holt (6-1, 160, Sr.) and Tyndale McIntosh (5-8, 165, Jr.) will provide experience in the secondary. Holt had two interceptions last season, and McIntosh added 43 tackles. Eight starters return on defense.

SCHEDULE

8-25 – at Casady

9-1 – at Oklahoma Christian School

9-8 – at Crossings

9-22 – vs. Little Axe

9-29 – at Washington

10-6 – vs. Comanche

10-12 – at Purcell

10-20 – vs. Lindsay

10-27 – at Crooked Oak

11-3 – vs. Frederick