SPRING FOOTBALL: Dewey and copan build promise on experience, talent
Dewey High School’s Easton Davis and several other Bulldogger veterans are expected back for next season’s football team. Spring practice was held this week.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Dewey High School’s Kaiden Fowler will be a force on the defensive line during next season.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
By Mike Tupa
May 23, 2025
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Could this be the long-awaited year of break-out for Dewey High School football?
Yes.
With higher-than-usual numbers (almost 50) out for spring football — many of them with multiple years of varsity experience under their belt — the Dewey grid scene is sweetened by a double-scoop of promise.
“We’ve had a good influx of young kids,” said veteran head coach Ryan Richardson. “We’re also a pretty veteran ballclub.”
One of the twists that could unfold into big dividends is a shuffle at quarterback.
Well-honed athlete Easton Davis is being groomed to move back out to slot receiver, where he’ll have a chance to disrupt opposing defensive strategy.
Meanwhile, Chase Miller — who has made a big impact on the baseball diamond — is taking most of the quarterback reps.
“(Miller) is a highly competitive young man who does a good job of commanding the offense,” said Richardson. “He does a good job getting in and out of the plays. He’s not a tall young man but he does a good job of changing arm angles on his passing.”
Dewey also brings back a couple of battle-tested ballcarriers in Matthias Walker and Jayden Vallen. Joining Davis in the receiving rotation will be Caydn Artherton.
Kaiden Fowler will bring strength and savvy to the defensive line.
Four varsity-tested linebackers include Eddie Rice, Parker Garrison, Nate Sloan and Mason Spears.
Following a strong showing in the state track meet, Kavery Weathers is back at cornerback, where he started all 10 games as a freshman.
Layne Gastel is a veteran free safety.
The Dewey coaching staff — which includes defensive coordinator Scott Sapulpa, offensive coordinator Grant Elerick, and line coach Stephen Mitchell — are utilizing spring football to install several aspects of the attack.
Dewey is set to attend the Pawhuska team camp.
“We’re excited about this season,” Richardson summarized.
Copan High School’s Teegan Caron is expected to play big role during next season. Spring practice began earlier in the week.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Copan High School’s Weston O’Rourke will be back for next season. Spring practice began earlier in the week.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
COPAN HORNETS
Fresh off back-to-back playoff seasons and strengthened by genuine expanded senior leadership, the prospects appear promising next fall for Copan High School football.
The Hornets welcomed 19 players out for spring football, with many of the key roles already defined or snapping into focus.
Competing for the starting quarterback spot is Zane Stricklin and freshman Edan Thompson. Copan likely will alternate a wildcat look this year with senior Teegan Caron also taking snaps.
The installation of the wildcat look signals new head coach Trenton Kallenberger’s preference for a ground-oriented attack, an alteration for the 50/50 style the past few years.
“My philosophy has been to evaluate your team and run to your strengths,” he explained. “If I can do the things I want to do, we’ll be run-heavy and play hard-nosed, tough defense.”
Copan is definitely one of the feel-good stories in area football.
In 2017, the school cancelled the season — due to a shortage of eligible players. For the next two seasons, Copan football staged a lukewarm revival by co-opting with Wesleyan Christian (2018) and South Coffeyville (2019).
But with the arrival in 2020 of Marshall Foreman as head coach, the team has steadily improved.
In 2023, the Hornets earned their way into the playoffs for the first time since 2009, and posted a 5-6 record.
Last season, Copan charged out to a 6-1 start before finishing at 8-3 after another postseason appearance.
During the offseason, Foreman resigned in order to coach at Pawhuska, opening the door for his former assistant Kallenberger to take charge of the Copan grid program. Copan also bid good-bye to Kane Foreman, the team’s starting quarterback since 2022, who transferred for his senior season.
“Personally, it was a huge advantage for me to know the kids, to know our strengths and weaknesses,” Kallenberger said. ‘It feels like it’s been a good transition. I still feel that we’re making strides forward.”
Seniors Caron, Weston O’Rourke and Shooter Brewington have been full-time starters since their freshman year and should set the pace.
Bryson Kalivoda will be counted on for leadership on the line.
Others with notable varsity experience are Elijah Evans, Ashton Jeffers and Keeghan Smith.
Some of the younger returnees or players who are getting a close look by Kallenberger are Gavin Barnes, Marcus Bryan, Chris Reed and others.
As mentioned, Kallenberger's gritty recipe for success will be seasoned by plenty of warriors that already have been through the Friday night battles.
“I think experience,” he said in evaluating one of the team's strengths. “We’ve been to the playoffs in back-to-back years and we have a chance this season to have some deep senior leadership.”
Next week Copan attends a team camp hosted by Shattuck. Some of the other teams will include Laverne, Kremlin-Hillsdale and others.
Weight and conditioning sessions are planned throughout the summer, leading up to the opening of season practice in August.
Even with a new head coach, quarterback and offensive scheme, the Hornets appeared primed to make a roaring buzz next fall.