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Odessa enters a new era on the football field, but Brett Jewell is ready.

Jewell takes over the Bulldogs program after long-time head coach Mark Thomas (1985-1987, 2013-2024) retired from coaching. Jewell served as an assistant coach for De Smet and Lutheran North, each winning state championships during his tenure at each school.

Jewell helped Lutheran North as the defensive coordinator during its Missouri Class 4 state title season in 2024. So far, so good with Jewell taking the wheel of a team that won consecutive district championships.

“The team has taken to my new offensive and defensive systems great,” stated Jewell. “They’re extremely smart and hardworking kids. Every time I have challenged them this summer, they have responded.”

The offense nine starters from its 7-win team last year, including junior quarterback Michael Scott (6-foot-1, 190). The playcaller thew for over 2800 passing yards along with 29 touchdowns to six interceptions. Scott also scooted for 250 yards and four scores.

“Michael has great arm strength, accuracy and IQ. There isn’t a throw on the field he can’t make,” Jewell analyzed. “He ‘s one of the best high school quarterbacks I’ve seen.”

Scott will enjoy targets in senior Amaury Powell (6-foot-2, 170), who caught 37 passes for 870 yards and nine touchdowns. Junior Jackson Whitaker (6-foot-1, 180) snared 24 balls for 350 yards and five scores.

“The Scott to Powell connection will be electric. Amaury’s a smooth route runner that excels at the contested catch,” Jewell said. “Jackson will be one of the fastest players on the field, with sub 4.4 speed.”

Other receiving options will be Brayden Kirkland (6-0, 175) and Garret Young (6-0, 180), who also bring speedy options to the arsenal.

Up front, senior center Zeke Bergen (5-foot-8, 220) returns for his third-year as starter. “Zeke is our leader and most consistent football player. He always gets the guys around him in the right spot and in our pass protection,” commented Jewell.

A pair of junior guards return in Drew Jarrett (5-foot-9, 200) and Haiden Sipek (5-foot-9, 210). Senior Aiden Moreno (6-foot-1, 220) debuts at tackle, while junior Bob Urlauhb (6-foot-1, 250) returns at tackle. Ethan Kimmel (6-foot-1, 190) provides depth on the line.

“Our offensive line is our biggest key. If we keep Scott on his feet and get push in the run game our offense can be extremely dynamic with the multiple playmakers we have,” touted Jewell.

On the ground, junior Cole Westerhold (5-foot-10, 200) returns as a two-year starter at running back after darting for 400 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Junior Trey Sanders (6-foot-1, 170) and sophomore Isaiah Hanks (6-0, 185) will also take totes in the backfield.

“We will need to take care of the ball and always take what the defense gives you,” Jewell said. “Great offenses convert on third down and in the red zone, so those will be important areas for us.”

Defensively, 10 starters return for the Bulldogs. Second-team all-Class 3 and all-conference selection Kade Carroll (6-foot-1, 240) leads the line. The senior notched 39 tackles – eight for loss – along with four sacks a year ago.

Fellow senior defensive end Bergen tallies 21 tackles – three for loss. Urlauhb will anchor the middle at defensive tackle, where he registered 29 tackles – four for loss and two sacks. Jarrett also will rush the quarterback on the line.

Junior Tate Heitman (5-foot-10, 180) will start at tight end, but also man outside linebacker where he notched 85 tackles – seven for loss – along with four sacks and two forced fumbles. Senior outside linebacker Carson Tildan (6-0, 180) logged 69 tackles – seven for loss – and four sacks. Soph middle linebacker Will Scott (5-foot-11, 205) racked up a team-high 114 tackles as a freshman, along with seven for loss and four sacks. Landyn Chapman (5-foot-10, 180) adds depth at linebacker.

Lining up at safety will be Westerhold, who tallied 67 tackles and five interceptions at safety. Also in the secondary will be strong safety Hanks (43 tackles, 11 pass breakups) and junior free safety Trey Sanders (6-foot-1, 170), who earned third-team all-state with 85 tackles, three picks and seven pass breakups.

“Isaiah is one of the more instinctive football players I’ve coached, while Trey is the smarted guy on the field, always in the right position and finishing plays,” commented Jewell.

Whitaker will line up at one cornerback, while junior Brayden Kirkland (6-0, 175) also will man corner.

“One big key is for us running to the ball with physicality and finishing through the whistle,” Jewell stated. “Everyone needs to do their job and trust the guys around them to do theirs. Special defenses play with that type of belief in one another. We have 10 returning starters on defense, so I expect a very smart and physical brand of football to be played.”

Overall, while its the first year as the head coach on the Odessa sideline, Jewell expects the Bulldogs to continue their winning ways, and look for big goals this season.

“Our expectation is to get out of the season what we put in,” Jewell concluded. “I expect a lot of our kids to grow into leaders, on and off the field, and continue to raise the profile of our program. We have what is required to make a run at a special season. It is just up to us as coaches and players to do what is needed week in and week out to reach our team goals.”

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