April On Campus: Gilbert Indians
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GILBERT | Closing in on the school’s all-time career coaching wins mark at Gilbert is not the top priority for head coach Chad Leaphart. For the Indian alumnus, who needs two wins to surpass Marty Woolbright, finding replacements for his…
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Continue ReadingGILBERT | Closing in on the school’s all-time career coaching wins mark at Gilbert is not the top priority for head coach Chad Leaphart.
For the Indian alumnus, who needs two wins to surpass Marty Woolbright, finding replacements for his potent hyphenated backfield of Jaden Allen-Hendrix Jaden Allen-Hendrix 6'2" | 230 lbs | RB Irmo | 2024 State SC (now at Irmo) and Alias Graham-Woodberry Alias Graham-Woodberry 5'9" | 165 lbs | RB Gilbert | 2023 State SC stands among the biggest challenges for the 2023 season.
The duo combined for 3,225 yards and 48 touchdowns on the ground last season in leading Gilbert to a fourth Region 5-3A title in school history.
“I think that will take care of itself, but we’re just trying to get our guys ready,” said Leaphart about becoming the school’s winningest head football coach. “I feel good about the defense. We’ve got nine out of 11 starters coming back on defense. On offense, we’ve got a lot to replace, to be honest, especially a lot of yards out of the backfield. A lot of touchdowns out of the backfield.
“We’re also losing Blake Cooke Blake Cooke 6'3" | 235 lbs | OL Gilbert | 2023 State SC off our offensive line who was a North-South (All-Star), Nat Yon and Will Stroud, another senior. So we’ve got some guys to replace upfront.”
What has Leaphart optimistic about is the program’s success during his tenure withrunning backs. From Catriez and Deandre Cook, to Cody Temples, Colton Mason, Allen-Hendrix and Graham-Woodberry, the Indians’ backfield has found capable players to carry the football.
Looking to continue that run of success are juniors Jaylen Jay and Krew Morris Krew Morris 5'11" | 185 lbs | WR Gilbert | 2025 State SC . Both possess similar physical traits as their recent predecessors with the 6-0, 200-pound Jay resembling Allen-Hendrix and the speedy, versatile Morris (5-10, 180 lbs.) playing the Graham-Woodberry role.
Expect Gilbert to open its passing game with returning starter Drake Braddock Drake Braddock 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB Gilbert | 2024 State SC . The rising senior replaced Chance Jennings Chance Jennings 5'11" | 175 lbs | ATH Gilbert | 2023 State SC in Week 6 and led the Indians to seven straight victories.
Braddock is also among the Gilbert players who’ve benefited from the opening of a new, expansive weight room inside the school. Braddock has added 25 pounds to a 6-2, 185-pound frame and is focused on improving his arm strength to help the Indians’ offense further open the field for long scoring plays.
Rising junior tight end Connor Gooding Connor Gooding 6'4" | 215 lbs | TE Gilbert | 2025 State SC has also gained 25 pounds in the off-season. The 2-year letterman provides another receiver option for Braddock as well as an extra blocker to open running lanes for Jay and Morris.
Defensively, the Indians will be led upfront by co-sack leaders senior tackle Kelvin Blackwell and end Caleb Strese Caleb Strese 6'3" | 210 lbs | DL Gilbert | 2024 State SC and active outside linebacker Caleb Strese Caleb Strese 6'3" | 210 lbs | DL Gilbert | 2024 State SC .