The Duncan Banner's Gridiron Preview 2010 Edition by Ben Whitehead

G R I D I RO N P R EV I EW

| The Duncan Banner | Fall 2010

Call 580-255-5354 to place a Classified ad.

2010 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULES Sept. 3

Sept. 10

Sept. 17

Sept. 24

Oct. 1

Oct. 8

Oct. 15

Oct. 22

Oct. 29

Nov. 5

Duncan

At Guthrie

Noble

Carl Albert

At Capitol Hill

Durant

At NW Classen

Lawton Mac

Altus

At Ardmore

At Chickasha

Marlow

Lone Grove

At Elgin

Comanche

At Weatherford

Anadarko

At Sulphur

Bridge Creek

At V-A (Sept. 2)

Ringling

At Marlow

Walters

At Cordell

Washington

At Hobart

At Healdton

Ringling

At Waurika

At Maysville

Rush Springs At Wilson

At Bray-Doyle

At Healdton

Empire

Stratford

At Dibble At Alex

Comanche

Comanche (Sept. 2)

Velma-Alma

At Walters

Maysville

At Wayne

At Elmore City-Pernell

At Dibble

Maysville

At Snyder

Walters

Marietta

At Ringling

At Mt. View-Gotebo

Paoli

At OCA

Fox

Empire Bray-Doyle Waurika Central High

At At Wynnewood Rush Springs

At Riverside (Oct. 21) At Frederick (Oct. 21) At Wilson (Oct. 21)

Blanchard

At Tuttle

Mt. St. Mary

Lindsay

Empire

Bray-Doyle

Ringling

Waurika (Oct. 21)

At Velma-Alma

Wilson

Healdton (Oct. 14)

At Ringling

Waurika

At Velma-Alma

Velma-Alma

Wilson

At Empire (Oct. 21)

At Bray-Doyle

Healdton

Maycomb

At Cyril

Sasakwa (Oct. 21)

At Davenport

Bowlegs

Good luck to all area teams in 2010! All starting times are 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise indicated. Gray areas denote District Games.

BEN WHITEHEAD Sports Editor

A new beginning

elcome to a new decade of football. It’s somewhat hard to believe, but the 2010 football season is upon us. I can’t be any more excited than I am to be able to cover a sport that means so much to so many. One of the main themes that I’ve heard around fall camps has been the word “tougher.” Coaches at every school have uttered the word at some point or another, and for good reason. It’s football for Pete’s sake and the most physical team wins 99.9 percent of the time. That led us here at The Duncan Banner to come up with the cover for our Gridiron Preview 2010 Edition of “The Schools of Hard Knocks.” Hard-hitting, pads clashing and bones crunching — OK, so some of you parents might not like that last one — are just a few of the things that come to mind when I think of football. That’s how it has been for more than a century and that’s how it should remain. What I’m about to do is probably going to sound like an awards acceptance speech, but please bear with me. A lot of hard work and long hours went into making this special section and there are many

folks to thank. First and foremost, I want to thank the coaches and players for all that they do. You spend countless hours in the spring and summer preparing for the season. You take time away from your families to join another family, making many memories and friends as you go. To the coaches and players that helped us out with this section, thank you. You have allowed us to attend your practices, sit in your offices and even spend time with you on the phone in the evenings. I especially want to thank the coaches and the eight players who attended our photo shoot for the cover page for taking time out of a busy Saturday morning to join us for a quick few minutes. For that, we cannot thank you enough. To the parents who send their young men to football to become better players and people, and who have offered us practically anything and everything we could ask for, thank you. I know time with your sons is slowly slipping away and you’d like to spend every waking minute with them, but you know those Friday nights are so much more worth it. To our staff here at

OnTheCover COVER DESIGN AND LAY-OUT Kevin Kerr, The Duncan Banner

F O O T B A L L PL A Y E R S Standing, from left Reece Bartling (Waurika Eagles), Kyler Newton (Central

High Bronchos), Michael Rice (Duncan Demons), Ethan Elroy (Marlow Outlaws), Jesse Barton (Bray-Doyle Donkeys) and Geoff Jones (Empire Bulldogs) Kneeling, from left Johnny Heath (Comanche Indians) and Tanner Jenkins (Velma-Alma Comets)

The Banner, a big thank you. Our publisher, Kevin Hook, and our editor, Ron Booth, have done an outstanding job of putting out a quality paper each and every day. A lot of time and planning goes into special sections like these and they go above and beyond to make it the best. My co-workers have put forth a lot of effort in putting all of this together. Matt Tillson, David Laughlin, Jeff Kaley, Booth and I have provided all of the content, much of which I’m sure you will enjoy. Our advertising and composing departments did a great job gathering ads and getting the pages ready to go. Kevin Kerr designed and laid out the entire cover page and it is absolutely stunning. Thanks to all of you for making this section look first class all the way. I hope you enjoy what you are about to read and see. I’m just as anxious to see the pigskin flying through the air as you are, so let’s get this thing started! — Ben Whitehead is the sports editor for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 255-5354, Ext. 165, or via e-mail at ben.whitehead@duncanbanner.com.

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The Duncan Banner | Fall 2010 |

Demons have big potential SEASON FILLED WITH HIGH EXPECTATIONS BY BEN WHITEHEAD THE DUNCAN BANNER

There’s no denying the fact by Duncan football players and coaches that this season should be something special. Duncan returns nine starters on offense and four on defense, plus plenty of talent on both sides of the ball to fill in the gaps. Junior quarterback Brandon Wilson has had a year to mature and will play behind an offensive line that will be one of the strengths of this team. A deep backfield and a strong receiving corps means the Demons have the potential to light up the scoreboard. On the defensive side of the ball, Holloway has put the pieces of the puzzle together, hoping there are no cracks. Most of the offensive line will play on the defensive line the majority of the time. The linebackers and secondary are

athletic and fly to the ball, each one wanting to make the “big play.” “We’re probably the most athletic since I’ve been here,” Duncan head coach Jim Holloway said. “It’s taken a lot of hard work, but the guys just have more football skills. The number and quality of players coming back adds to the optimism. Our players aren’t dumb. They know what’s in that locker room and our confidence builds from that.” Holloway said he breaks the season down into three parts: The preseason (first three regular season games), the regular season (district games) and the playoffs. “The first three games are a measuring tool to tell you where you are and where you can go,” he said. “You get to see how far the players have come in a year. The next seven games determine playoff positioning, whether you miss the playoffs or you make the playoffs and are fighting for a No. 1 seed, No. 2 seed, No. 3 or No. 4. Then, the playoffs are the

third season. You know you’re in the top 16 and can win a state championship no matter what happened in those first 10 games.” The Demons travel to Guthrie to open the season Friday, Sept. 3. The Bluejays knocked Duncan out of last year’s playoffs in the first round at Duncan. Guthrie and Duncan are neck-andneck in the Class 5A standings, with several publications ranking the two in the top four. Noble comes to Duncan the following week for the Demons first home game. It will be the first official game underneath the new lights and sound system that were installed at Halliburton Stadium this summer. Following that, the Demons will host Carl Albert, another school ranked in the top three in Class 5A. Duncan will then hit District 5A-2 play against Capitol Hill (away), Durant (home) and Northwest Classen (away), but it’s the final stretch of games that

REACH FOR IT

BEN WHITEHEAD/THE DUNCAN BANNER

Healthy special teams unit gives Duncan options in kicking game THE DUNCAN BANNER

Injuries crippled the Duncan special teams unit last season. Freshman kicker Jack Braught missed the entire season and junior Micah Frye was injured midway through, leaving backup kicker Bradley Wilson handling all the kicking duties. All three return and barring injuries in 2010, Duncan head coach Jim Holloway thinks the special teams could be, well, special. “They’re both healthy this year and we’ve got Jack kicking field goals and kickoffs, and Micah punting right now,” Holloway said. “I don’t want to have one guy doing both because they are different kicking styles. Having said that, if our guy placekicking out punts our punter, or vice versa, then we’ll do that.” Braught is a sophomore now and has good range and accuracy on field goals. Frye, who also plays receiver and defensive back, can pin opposing offenses deep in their own territory, paving the way for the Demon defense to make a big stop. Getting the ball to them will be Cody Pollock, who returns with the most experience at

short and long-snapping. “Cody’s got the most experience of all the guys we’ve got snapping,” said Holloway. “I know he and Michael Buben have been snapping the most, but I think Cody’s going to be our guy.” Of course with special teams on the field, there’s always a chance for a trick play. Holloway said he’s got a few up his sleeve and he’ll use them when he feels they are necessary. “We’ve got about five different things to do out of the punt formation, a couple out of field goals and extra points and about three on kickoff returns,” he said. “You do one in each area about once every four to five years. We might run one in Week 1 and then not do another until Week 9 or 10.

camp is full of optimism at this point. Our district is going to be very competitive. Eight of our 10 regular season games are going to be very competitive. Our players are going to have the opportunity to get a lot better over the course of the season.” Even though Holloway said he and the rest of the coaching staff are excited about the upcoming season, he said maintaining focus is what will help get the Demons through week after week. “Yeah, we’re excited. When you quit getting excited, that’s when you need to quit coaching,” he said. “But our players have to keep their poise and never get too high or too low. We need to find that balance and sustain it for four quarters of football, and the coaches have to do the same thing.” — Ben Whitehead is the sports editor for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 255-5354, Ext. 165, or via email at ben.whitehead@duncanbanner.com.

DUNCAN DEMONS AT A GLANCE

Duncan’s Payton Atchley tries to stretch the ball across the goal line in a scrimmage against Ada.

BY BEN WHITEHEAD

will prove crucial for the Demons. “We’re going to really find out who we are those first three weeks of the season,” said Holloway. In those final four games, Duncan will host Lawton MacArthur and Altus, before finishing the season on the road at Ardmore and Chickasha. Lawton Mac and Ardmore are predicted to finish in the top three of the district — along with Duncan — while Altus and Chickasha are fourth and fifth, respectively. “Mac is a really good football team,” said Holloway. “Ardmore and Chickasha both have a lot of returning players, a lot of good players. Altus is going to be athletic and very physical. We don’t know much about Durant because we haven’t played them recently, but they’ve had some pretty good football teams. “Week in and week out, there’s going to be six teams in the mix for the playoffs and only four can make it. Every

“Basically, we have what I guess you could call a library of special plays. If a team we’re playing has never seen it or if we’re playing a team we haven’t played recently, we’ll run a play. But if there’s a coach there that’s seen the play before, we won’t run it ever again against them.” Holloway said having the “special plays” is always a bonus and running them gets the players excited. “Oh yeah, they love running those plays in practice,” he said. “And they really love running them in the games.” — Ben Whitehead is the sports editor for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 255-5354, Ext. 165, or via e-mail at ben.whitehead@duncanbanner.com.

SCHOOL COLORS: Scarlet and white STADIUM: Halliburton HEAD COACH /HEAD COACH EXPERIENCE/ CAREER RECORD: Jim Holloway, 6th at Duncan, 34th total, 234-161 ASSISTANTS: Kim Longest, Todd Hudson, Jacob Offolter, Tim Buben, Matt Terry, Clint Nabors, Brent Clark, Steve Etheridge and Brandon Graham 2009 RECORD: 8-3 2009 DISTRICT RECORD: 6-1 LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2009 OFFENSIVE ALIGNMENT: Multiple Gun and I-Formation DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENT: Multiple 50 RETURNING STARTERS: Offense 9, Defense 4 KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Dylan Dismuke, Sr. (OT/DT); Dylan Laurens, Sr. (OG/DT); Cody Pollock Sr. (OC/Short Snapper); Corey Hamilton, Sr. (OG); Michael Rice, Sr. (TE); Robert Trujillo, Sr. (WR); Brandon Wilson, Jr. (QB/DB); Jordan Laskey, Jr. (RB/LB); Payton Atchley, Sr. (RB/LB); Bradley Wilson, Jr. (WR/LB); Tyler Wilkins, Sr. (QB/SS); Domonique Petties, Sr. (LB/RB); Jack Braught, Soph. (PK); Michah Frye, Sr. (P/WR/DB). KEY DEPARTURES: Tyler Wickard (OL/DL), Devante Harris

(FB/DL); Tyler Gay (WR); Dane Steil (LB); Kale Thaxton (DB); Chris Gilbert (DB) and Randal Snider (LB). KEY NEWCOMERS: Christian Archer, Sr. (DB/WR); Daniel McCoy, Jr. (WR/DB); Christian Thaxton, Jr. (WR/DB); Jeff Ervin, Jr. (WR/RB/LB); Johnathan Berry, Jr. (RB/LB); Michael Buben, Jr. (TE/DE) GAMES TO WATCH: Duncan gets a chance to redeem a home playoff loss to Guthrie in the first week of the season on the road. The next two weeks are showdowns with Noble and Carl Albert at home, setting up the district slate. The Demons will likely enter a crucial game against Lawton MacArthur 3-0 in district play. Following that, Duncan hosts Altus on Senior Night and will wrap up the season on the road at Ardmore and rival Chickasha. Duncan should be at or near the top of District 5A-2 and a deep run in the playoffs is not out of the question.

DUNCAN’S SLATE Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 5

at Guthrie NOBLE CARL ALBERT at Capitol Hill* DURANT* at NW Classen* MACARTHUR* ALTUS* at Ardmore* at Chickasha*

* Denotes district game All games start 7:30 p.m.

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Now they’re tough enough FRESH FACES LAMINATE TOUGH DEFENSE BY BEN WHITEHEAD THE DUNCAN BANNER

It’s taken six years for Jim Holloway’s defensive mindset to set in with his players, but they’ve finally got it. When Holloway came to Duncan, he wanted to restore a program steeped in tradition. In order to do so, he had to get the Demons tougher. Much tougher. “The first year I got here, this year’s group of seniors was in seventh grade,” Holloway said. “They’ve had time to go through our Sum-

mer Pride program. We really introduce them to the program when they’re in seventh and eighth grade so they have the opportunity to start at an early age. They get the same style of teaching, stability and being in the program for six years. It’s been a process of development, but they have the continuity now, especially the freshman group on up.” It’s that process that has helped Duncan climb to the top of the polls in Class 5A, despite returning just four defensive starters and one part-time player. Gone are Devante Harris, Tyler Wickard,

Dane Steil, Kale Thaxton, Chris Gilbert and Randal Snider. Returning are Tyler Wilkins (strong safety), Domonique Petties (outside linebacker), Bradley Wilson (outside linebacker) and Payton Atchley (inside linebacker). Also back is defensive tackle Dylan Dismuke, who will play sparingly because he’s a full-time starter on offense. Stepping in will be Dylan Laurens and Corey Hamilton on the defensive line, and Christian Thaxton, Daniel McCoy and Christian Archer in the defensive backfield. Jeff Ervin, Michael Rice and Johnathan Berry will

likely see some time at the linebacker position, as well as Michael Buben at defensive end. “We won’t be as flexible defensively,” said Holloway. “Where we’ve had 13 to 14 guys rotating in and out in the past, we’ll be closer to 11, maybe a max of 13. We’re not very deep, though. We’re really thin. A lot of our guys are going to play both ways, but they won’t play both ways the whole time. “So far, this group has meshed together pretty good. We’re going to have bumps and bruises, but I think they can step up and overcome them.” Holloway said the

TALKING IT OVER

coaches have seen a great amount of improvement from a lot of the defensive starters. He said there’s not one particular group that is ahead of the other, but that they are all competing at a high level. “I think guys like Bradley Wilson and Tyler Wilkins are much improved,” said Holloway. “Bradley does a good job of helping out our younger linebackers and Tyler is a threeyear starter who’s been communicating a lot out there. They do a good job of getting everybody lined up and making

adjustments. “We tell our guys we want to make the game a little bit faster than the other team and stretch them out of their comfort zone. There’s just a lot of confidence with this particular group.” That confidence has to carry over to the season, Holloway said. If it does, the Duncan defense will look more like a brick wall than football players in red jerseys. — Ben Whitehead is the sports editor for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 255-5354, Ext. 165, or via e-mail at

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Duncan head coach Jim Holloway, middle, talks with his team following the Red/White Preview.

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Linebacker Payton Atchley, front, lines up during drills at a recent Duncan practice.

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DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT

BEN WHITEHEAD/THE DUNCAN BANNER

Duncan’s offensive line will be one of the strengths of the team and will be key to the Demons’ success. Quarterback Brandon Wilson, middle, will rely on the line to keep his jersey clean. Pictured are, from left, Michael Rice, Corey Hamilton, Dylan Dismuke, Wilson, Dylan Laurens, Cody Pollock and Jacquan Beck.

Getting offensive

CAN’T BE STOPPED

DEMONS RELYING ON TALENT, EXPERIENCE BY BEN WHITEHEAD THE DUNCAN BANNER

When two starting offensive lineman are receiving Division I football letters and phone calls, there’s most certainly a chance of putting together a highly successful season. For Duncan, that chance begins — but doesn’t end — with those offensive linemen. Dylan Dismuke and Dylan Laurens are the two linemen who have received offers from Division I schools, with Dismuke having already committed to the University of Oklahoma. Yet, there’s more. Duncan head coach Jim Holloway is even more excited about the possibilities of those playing beside Dismuke and Laurens. Senior returning starters, center Cody Pollock and guard Corey Hamilton, join Dismuke and Laurens in making up the bulk of the offensive line, one that Holloway hopes has its way with opposing defensive players. “I think having those players being recruited made those other guys want to be just as good,” Holloway said. “I look at a guy like Corey Hamilton and no one mentions him. But you talk about a guy who’s made tremendous improvement. And Cody Pollock, too. Those guys have worked real hard to get where they are.” Depth is a factor on the line and Holloway noted that it will be vital for the starters to healthy remain throughout the season, even though the majority of them will be playing both ways. “I hope they can hold up a long time,” he said. “It’ll be Week 9 or 10 before we’re ready to throw those younger guys into the fire. At the

same time, you can’t control what happens down the road. You just have to focus one play at a time.” Taking the snaps will be junior Brandon Wilson. Wilson started for the Demons last year and returns a little bit more mature, Holloway said. “I expect him to have a much better year,” he said. “It’s all about poise, and you’ve got to be under control when things are going good and you’ve got to be under control when things are not good. Brandon is a smart player. He’s physical, he’s strong, has a strong arm, strong legs and he’s a tough player and a tough competitor, one of the toughest we’ve got. You can do a lot more when you have a returning quarterback than when you don’t have one.” During the preseason, Holloway has seen five running backs share time with the first string offense. Jordan Laskey, Payton Atchley, Domonique Petties, Jeff Ervin and Johnathan Berry have all carried the ball, and made it tough on the coaches to pick one, two or even three starters. “Early on, our running backs showed a lot of improvement and a lot of leadership,” said Holloway. “They’ve all run the ball very well. I

know what Jordan and Payton and Domonique can do, but I’ve really been impressed with Ervin and Jeff Berry. Johnathan They’re making it hard on us to pare it down to just two or three.” Senior tight end Michael Rice is one of many passing options. Rice will be joined by fellow tight end Michael Buben and a receiving corps which includes seniors Robert Trujillo and Micah Frye, and juniors Daniel McCoy and Christian Thaxton, as the main targets in the Duncan Demon air attack. “Daniel McCoy has had a great preseason,” said Holloway. “He’s stepped up and become a really good practice player and a really good leader. I think the receiving corps is going to get a lot better as the season progresses. “Overall, the entire package is going to make our offense better. Every group is stronger and better than a year ago. They’ve worked hard, but the important thing is they’ve stepped up this year. They continue to lead by example, the whole group.”

GasMarketing_Print:Layout 1 1/22/08 10:43 AM Page 1

BEN WHITEHEAD/THE DUNCAN BANNER

Jordan Laskey will get plenty of carries during the 2010 season.

— Ben Whitehead is the sports editor for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 255-5354, Ext. 165, or via e-mail at ben.whitehead@duncanbanner.com.

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Marlow chock-full of seniors LEADERSHIP KEY FOR OUTLAWS BY MATT TILLSON THE DUNCAN BANNER

MARLOW — New Marlow Outlaw head coach Jeremy Gage said that he will be looking for his 17 seniors to be providing leadership and experience this football season. “We have been really proud of our seniors and all they have been doing,” Gage said. “They have been working hard and playing with a chip on their shoulder this year.” Part of the reason the Outlaws may have a chip on their shoulders is that they finished 3-7 last season and are ranked at the bottom of Class 3A heading into the 2010 campaign. “We are ranked dead last in 3A this year and we are looked at as the underdog,” Gage said. “I think that is a great

that they want to have.” A few of those seniors that Gage is looking forward to watching play are Holden Davis, Ethan Elroy, Tanner Southerland, Ethan Fullerton, Cody Brown, Kody Harvey, Dakota White, and John McLearen. Marlow has been working hard in practice and during their scrimmages, and Gage said he is looking forward to opening up the season on Sept. 3 at home against Lone Grove. “It will be a good game and we are ready to get the season startMATT TILLSON/THE DUNCAN BANNER ed,” Gage said. “They beat us by a touchdown Marlow head coach Jeremy Gage gets his players ready with words of wisdom before practice. last year so we would like to get that back and The Outlaws will be class this year. motivator for our kids own challenges, but “We have a bunch of beat them.” because we play better Gage remains opti- looking to fill some holes left by seven seniors this year that mistic. as the underdog team. — Matt Tillson is a “We have a great starters from last sea- knew that they had to “Our main goal is to reporter for the Duncan make the playoffs. That group of kids this year,” son’s graduating class. step up and fill the roles Banner. He can be is what we are working Gage said. “They are a Gage said that the holes that we needed them to on and that is what we talented bunch and were not as difficult to fill,” Gage said. “That reached at 580-255-5354 very athletic. I think it fill as originally thought speaks a lot for each of Ext. 143 or via e-mail at want to achieve.” matt.tillson@duncanMoving to the role of will be a very good year given the size and dedi- these kid’s character cation from the senior and the type of season head coach brings its for Marlow football.” banner.com.

Outlaw ‘O’ turns the page BY MATT TILLSON THE DUNCAN BANNER

MARLOW — The Marlow Outlaws will be looking to climb from the basement of the Class 3A rankings and move to a run in the playoffs behind new head coach Jeremy Gage and the experience of 17 seniors on the team. One senior that Gage will be looking to help the Outlaws rise from the bottom of the standings is wide receiver Ethan Elroy. “Ethan is really going to be liking a

lot of the schemes that we are running this year,” Gage said. “He will be getting a lot of one-on-one coverage, and with his size and speed he can really take advantage of that.” Getting the ball to Elroy will be sophomore quarterback Wakley Bergner. Bergner looks to improve after having a year of experience behind him, as he started his freshman season. “Wakley started last year as a See MARLOW, Page 12B

MARLOW OUTLAWS AT A GLANCE SCHOOL COLORS: Navy blue and white STADIUM: Outlaw HEAD COACH/HEAD COACH EXPERIENCE/CAREER RECORD: Jeremy Gage, 1st at 0 Marlow, total ASSISTANTS: David McKay, Keith Thomas 2009 RECORD: 3-7 2009 DISTRICT RECORD: LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2007 OFFENSIVE ALIGNMENT: Wing T DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENT: 3-3-5, Odd Stack RETURNING STARTERS: Offense 37 defense 8 KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Holden Davis, Sr. (RB/LB); Ethan Elroy, Sr. (WR/DB); Tanner Southerland, Sr. (WR/LB); John McLeren, Sr. (OL/DL); Dakota White, Sr. (OL); Ethan Fullerton, Sr. (OL/DL); Cody Brown, Sr. (TE/LB); Kody Harvey, Sr. (RB/DB). KEY NEWCOMERS: None listed.

KEY DEPARTURES: Halston Harris (OL/DL); Dalton Wortham (OL/DL); Kaleb King (RB/DB); Tate Stephens (OL). GAMES TO WATCH: Marlow finds itself in a new district (3A1) and preseason ranked dead last in 3A in most polls. The Outlaws will look to prove otherwise, but have a tough road ahead. The opening three games will tell how good Marlow can be with games against a school from Class 3A, 4A and 2A, respectively. District play will be tough as Tuttle and Bridge Creek are ranked in the top five of class 3A.

MARLOW’S SLATE Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 21 Oct. 29 Nov. 5

LONE GROVE at Elgin COMANCHE at Weatherford* ANADARKO* at Sulphur BRIDGE CREEK* at Riverside* BLANCHARD* at Tuttle*

* Denotes district game Games start at 7:30 p.m. unless noted.

MHS staying physical BY MATT TILLSON THE DUNCAN BANNER

big things out of him.” Cody Brown will be joining Burns in the linebacker corps. Gage said that Brown, a three-year starter, has the most experience on the defensive side of the ball. “He is just a natural linebacker,” Gage said “He has been flying to the ball and doing great defending the run and the pass.” Swade Dungan and Tanner Southerland will be spending some time at strong safety for the Outlaws. Gage said that both players have been playing really well and showing some positive signs. “Swade has been playing lights out at the strong safety position, doing really good on both run and pass plays,” Gage said. “Tanner spent

some time in the weight room over the summer and has been moved from corner to strong safety.” Two Outlaws that opposing teams will have to worry about in the Marlow secondary are seniors Kody Harvey and Ethan Elroy. “Kody will be playing the corner position. He started there last year and has the experience that we need,” Gage said. “Elroy will be in the middle of the secondary and not many people will want to try and throw the ball over him.”

MARLOW — Traditionally, the Marlow Outlaw defense has been known as a solid, physical defense. Marlow head coach Jeremy Gage said the Outlaws remain physical. Senior leadership will be on display on the defensive line with John McLearen, Ethan Fullerton and Dakota White seeing double time, rotating in and out at defensive end and putting time in on the offensive side of the ball. “Those three guys are — Matt Tillson is a very physical, tough reporter for the Duncan players,” Gage said. Banner. He can be “They use their size and reached at 580-255-5354 toughness.” Ext. 143 or via e-mail at Cody Mercer has been matt.tillson@duncanbanmoving around from ner.com. defensive end to nose guard. Gage thinks that Established 1969 he has finally found the Mark Hunt, Owner right position for Mercer, though. “Cody is our nose guard this year,” Gage said. “We’ve moved him around and tried him at MOTOR COMPANY different positions and we think we have him right. He has been break812 North 81 Hwy ing through the offensive Duncan • 255-7071 line really well.” The Outlaws will be using different defensive formations, but sticking mainly with a UNERAL OME 3-3-5 and an Odd Stack formation. Ron & Suzie Smart Manning middle linebacker will be will be 1316 W. Oak Ave. • 580-255-2766 senior Brandon Burns. “Brandon has been looking really good so far,” Gage said. “We are really looking to get some

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Playoffs in Indians’ sight OPTIMISM RUNNING HIGH AT COMANCHE BY BEN WHITEHEAD THE DUNCAN BANNER

COMANCHE — A new coach and the loss of 13 seniors would have most high school football teams trying to start from scratch. Not Comanche. Steve Justus spent the 2009 season on the sidelines for the Indians as an assistant coach and took over for former head coach Brent Clark after the season. Justus knows the reality of the coaching world. There is no next year, only this year. And it’s that mentality that he’s implementing in his practices as the Indians prepare for what they hope is a playoff season in 2010. “For me, for our players, our fans and anyone in the program, we don’t want to wait until next year,” Justus said. “We want to have a game plan that will allow us to compete this year. To heck with next year, we want to win this year. “My expectation is to put a good football team on the field and compete every week.” Comanche has just three seniors on this year’s squad, one of whom is playing football for the first time. It’s the corps of juniors that Justus said will have to be the ones to step up and be leaders for this

team. “We’ve got really good, quality kids and last year’s record doesn’t speak to how well our kids competed,” said Justus. “For four quarters, they gave great effort and lost a lot of tough ballgames. It was a testament to coach Clark for having those guys ready to go. What we have to do this year is duplicate that to see who will step up. “We don’t have a great number of seniors, but we preach daily that leaders don’t have to be seniors. They can come from any level. We have to have someone step up. Guys like Johnny Heath, Garrison McCauley, Kale Clinkenbeard are leaders both physically and vocally. They’ve stepped to the forefront on and off the field — offensively, defensively and in the weight room. That’s what we’re looking for.” Another key to success for the Indians is keeping the team mindset. Justus knows that in games certain players will step up. In practice, however, he wants there to be a competitiveness that keeps the guys fired up and knowing that they have to give their all to play in the next game. “In order to create a team atmosphere, every player has to have the chance to be a contributor,” he said. “We want all of our guys to compete week in and week out for playing time. I would much rather have 11 players on the

BEN WHITEHEAD/THE DUNCAN BANNER

Garrison McCauley is one of several players Comanche will look to in leading the Indians back to the playoffs. field at one time who are doing the right things and doing an outstanding job, than to have one key player.” The new season begins Thursday, Sept. 2 when Comanche travels to VelmaAlma. Last season, the Indi-

CHS meshes old with new BY BEN WHITEHEAD THE DUNCAN BANNER

COMANCHE — Having the reigning Duncan Banner Offensive Player of the Year is just the beginning of what’s anticipated as being a high-flying Comanche Indian offense. Comanche head coach Steve Justus is installing an offense which he had succeeded with at previous coaching steps. The system (Wing-T plus Spread), meshed with some things the Indians have done in the recent past, is expected to produce a balanced attack. “We’re gonna try to have a good mix of power run, spread run and throwing the ball,”

Justus said. “We need to be efficient in our play action pass game to complement our run game. Hopefully with that variety, we put a lot of points on the board. “The system we have has been very good to us. Plus, there were a lot of really good things in the system here last year and we want to mesh those two and become better.” Returning is junior quarterback Johnny Heath, who has two years of experience under his belt, plus the aforementioned honor of Offensive Player of the Year. Justus hopes to utilize Heath’s athletic ability this season to

maximize his potential, as well as have Heath step up into a bigger leadership role. “Johnny is a returning starter at quarterback and linebacker,” said Justus. “He’s a great athlete and has done some great things on the field for us. Last year, he led by example because he was a sophomore and had a lot of seniors to lead the team. This year, he has to lead by example and verbally. We’ve only got three seniors, so he’s going to have to step up for us.” Behind Heath will be a deep backfield Kale including See CHS, Page 12B

COMANCHE INDIANS AT A GLANCE SCHOOL COLORS: Red and white STADIUM: Harley Stadium, Bennett Field HEAD COACH/HEAD COACH EXPERIENCE /CAREER RECORD: Steve Justus, 1st at Comanche, 18th total ASSISTANTS: Nick Price, Keith Burton, Tim Thomas, Sean Hushbeck and Trey Clinkenbeard. 2009 RECORD: 4-6 2009 DISTRICT RECORD/FINISH: 2-5 LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2005 OFFENSIVE ALIGNMENT: Wing T, Spread DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENT: 3-53 RETURNING STARTERS: 4 offense, 6 defense KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Johny Heath, Jr. (QB/LB); Garrison McCauley, Jr. (RB/LB); Jason Pitts, Sr. (OL); Kale Clinkenbeard, Jr. (DB); Anthony Robinson, Jr. (DB/WR); James Watson; Jr. (OL); Kale Reed, Soph. (DB). KEY NEWCOMERS: Shy Bandy, Jr. (LB/TE); Ben Justus, Sr. (DB); Alex Tuttle, Soph. (LB/RB); Brant Baker, Jr. (LB/RB); Brady Mann, Jr. (OL); Jake Standridge, Soph.

(OL); Corbin Henderson, Soph. (LB/RB). KEY DEPARTURES: Tyler Olheiser (WR/LB); Clayton Bennett (WR/DE); Ben Graham (DL/OL); Blake Hare (RB/LB); Dillon Wilson (RB/LB); Colt Allen (OL); Nathan McQuin (OL). GAMES TO WATCH: The VelmaAlma game will set the tone for the season. The Indians will have a chance to pick up a few District 2A3 wins, but will have to do so on the road. Home matchups with Washington and Lindsay, two of the top three in the district, won’t be easy. Going on the road never is either.

ans topped V-A 15-8 at home season with a win.” and Justus knows getting off on the right foot would be — Ben Whitehead is the huge. sports editor for The Duncan “It’s a grudge match, that’s Banner. He can be reached at for sure,” said Justus. “It was 255-5354, Ext. 165, or via ea close game last year and it’ll mail at ben.whitehead@dunbe big for whoever opens the canbanner.com.

Challenges ahead of ‘D’ BY BEN WHITEHEAD THE DUNCAN BANNER

COMANCHE — With offensive schemes everchanging, it’s the defense that must keep up with the times. what That’s Comanche is doing as it prepares to face a wide variety of offenses over the course of the 2010 season. Comanche head coach Steve Justus knows that each week will present its own challenges. Getting prepared for those challenges will be the key. “We feel that we’re going to have to be multiple in our fronts and coverages and stunts,” Justus said. “From Week 1 against Velma-Alma, who will come right down at you and run the football down your throat, to others in our district, who will be wide open spread with no

running backs ... We’ve got to defend all of that. We could be anywhere from a three-man front to a six-man front.” What Justus isn’t worrying about, however, is his team being tough. “There’s been a lot of teaching and learning, and every day we have some type of something to develop toughness,” he said. “It’s football. There’ll be opportunities to bring it downhill on somebody with reckless abandon. But also with the spread, you’ve

got to tackle in open space. Tackling in space is a lot harder because there’s more room for the runner to work. You have to be good at both.” Justus will have six returning starters, plus another who played sparingly because of injuries last season. Just like the offensive line, the Indians are thin on the defensive line, having lost a majority of the starters there. “We’re replacing a lot

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Comets look for big season SENIOR LADEN GROUP LEADS VELMA-ALMA BY RON BOOTH THE DUNCAN BANNER

VELMA — There are many ways to describe the 2010 version of the Velma-Alma Comets. Among the adjectives one could use is athletic. Another is physical, and yet another is knowledgeable. Coming off of a 9-3 campaign, the Comets have their sights set high. Velma-Alma has eight starters returning on offense and seven back on defense. The Comets’ focus has been on defense throughout the preseason. “Coach (Scott) Combest and I talked about how when we played good teams last season, we couldn’t stop them,” Velma-Alma head coach Greg Gothard said. “We have been focusing on defense. We have scaled back what we are doing on offense, and the offense is pretty much in. There are a few wrinkles that we’ll add. Right now, we are further ahead than we have been in the last couple of years.” One of the keys to the offense is the offensive line, which Gothard said has been much improved in the early parts of practice. “All of these guys started at some point last year,” Gothard said. “Peyton Presgrove is in his third year of starting at tight end. Any offense that runs the ball is only going to be as successful as their tight end is.” Dallas Fox will be back for his second year of starting at strong tackle, while Dalton Harless settles in at strong guard after seeing time at quick guard last season. Taking over the center position will be Zack Morse, who had been the team’s strong guard. “We felt like we needed somebody with that experience there,” Gothard said. “Last year, Cord (Gothard) made all the calls for the line and even audibled some. I had never had a guy do all that before Cord.” At quick guard will be Jordan Moore and Shawn Wright will be at quick tackle. “Jordan played some there (quick guard) last season,” Gothard noted.

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Comet tailback Tanner Jenkins, right, takes a hit from Dallas Bare during a hitting drill at a recent Velma-Alma practice. “Shawn Wright will be at quick tackle. “We had four or five kids that worked non-stop this summer and Shawn was one of them. He is a blessing. Both my tackles have great work ethic.” Velma-Alma’s simplistic approach will be centered around an alwayspotent running game featuring senior tailback Tanner Jenkins. Jenkins isn’t the only Comet that will be featured in the backfield. Junior Tyler Smith will see time at tailback, while senior Tucker Dobbs will get the lion’s share of work at fullback. “Tanner is our head captain and he is doing a great job,” Gothard said. “He is going to carry us. Tucker Dobbs might be the best fullback I’ve had since Billy Riffe. Tucker was marking time for a little while at a team camp and we had a discussion and he has been outstanding since then. Tyler Smith is 6-1, 180 and he can run a hole in the wind. He is liking football.” At quarterback, the Comets will have an experienced signal caller back under center even though he wasn’t with Velma-Alma last season.

Dillon Morgan, who was a running back at Hennessey last season, is back at V-A for his senior season. Morgan started at quarterback for most of the 2008 season leading the Comets to the second round of the playoffs. “Dillon looks like he never left,” Gothard said. “He fits in with our kids real well.” Another player that will be utilized wherever and whenever possible is sophomore Dallen Mercer. “Dallen is going to play quarterback, fullback, tailback and backside tight end,” Gothard noted. “We have a lot of options in the backfield and with any of them, we aren’t going to fall off.” Another versatile weapon for Gothard will be Dillon Dennis. Dennis is one of the top wide receivers in the area and has already gotten looks from some colleges. “Dillon can go catch the football,” Gothard said. “I have to find ways to get him the football.” Another wide out that will be count-

ed on is sophomore Checotah Lynn. “He can catch the football and probably has the best hands on the team,” Gothard said. Most of the names on offense will be the same ones that fill out the depth chart on defense. One of the biggest battles of the season is at cornerback. According to Gothard, there are four players with an opportunity to earn one of the two cornerback slots. “There are four kids that could start and we are just waiting for a couple of them to step up,” he said. “Tyler, Checotah, Dallas Bare and Zack Hutto are all competing hard. Two of those will be our starting corners. It is a daily battle. We are waiting for two of those young me to come to the top. It really is a dead heat.” In the middle of the secondary will be Dennis at free safety. “He gives us height and speed at that position,” Gothard said. “We feel like that is a good move for us.” Anchoring the defensive line at the end positions will be Presgrove and Wright, with Fox at defensive tackle and Morse at nose guard. “We’ve got four seniors there and Morse is making the move from linebacker to nose guard. He will still be making a lot of our calls for us on defense. We wanted to be more active at nose guard and we felt like Zack could solidify our line.” Filling in the middle of the linebacking corps will be Mercer and Jenkins. “This is Pony’s (Jenkins) third year and he has led us in tackles the last two,” Gothard said. “Dallen gives us more height and they both have a good nose for the football.” At outside linebacker will be Morgan and Dobbs. “Both of them are really athletic,” Gothard said. “All four of our linebackers are really athletic. Most of our guys can run to the football.”

— Ron Booth is the managing editor for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 166, or via e-mail at ron.booth@duncanbanner.com.

VELMA-ALMA COMETS AT A GLANCE SCHOOL COLORS: Maroon and gray STADIUM: Edgar Martin Field HEAD COACH/HEAD COACH EXPERIENCE/CAREER RECORD: Greg Gothard, 12th at V-A, 12th total, 112-35 ASSISTANTS: Scott Combest, Andy McGuire, Randy Norton, and Keith Norton 2009 RECORD: 9-3 2009 DISTRICT: Second in A-4 LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2009 OFFENSIVE ALIGNMENT: IFormation DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENT: 4-4 RETURNING STARTERS: Offense 8, defense 7 KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Dillon Dennis, Sr. (WR/DB); Dallas Fox, Sr. (OL/DT); Tanner Jenkins, Sr. (FB/LB); Zack Morse, Sr., (OL/FB/NG); Peyton Presgrove, Sr. (TE/DE); Tucker Dobbs, Sr. (LB); Shawn Wright, Sr. (OT/DE); Jordan Moore, Sr. (OL); Dalton Harless, Jr. (OL). KEY NEWCOMERS: Dallen Mercer, Soph. (RB/LB); Tyler Smith, Jr (DB); Dallas Bare, Soph. (DB); Chechotah Lynn, Soph. (WR).

KEY DEPARTURES: Cord Gothard (C/DT); Trenten Files (RB/LB); Dustin Sloan (QB/DB); Aaron Albertson (DB) GAMES TO WATCH: A good start will be important against Comanche, one of only four home games for the Comets. It’s likely that V-A and Ringling will be 1-2 in District A-4. With Ringling traveling to V-A, anything can happen. Despite all the road games, the Comets will have an opportunity to put together another eight or nine win season and make a push in the playoffs, most likely hosting in the first round. VELMA-ALMA’S SLATE Sept. 2 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 29 Nov. 5

COMANCHE at Wynnewood at Rush Springs at Healdton* RINGLING* at Waurika* at Maysville at Wilson* EMPIRE* BRAY-DOYLE*

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V-A seniors hope to leave their own legacy. Pictured are, standing, from left, Jordan Moore, Tanner Jenkins, Zack Morse, Peyton Presgrove, Shawn Wright and Dillon Morgan. Kneeling, Sean Corcoran, Dillon Dennis, Dallas Fox and Tucker Dobbs.

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B-D making improvements DONKEYS HOPING TO GET ON A ROLL

BRAY-DOYLE DONKEYS AT A GLANCE

BY MATT TILLSON THE DUNCAN BANNER

BRAY —After having a winless season last year, Bray-Doyle head coach Warren Butler remains optimistic. He said that he will be looking to make improvements with the Donkeys this season. “We are looking at big-time improvements, with having leadership and unselfishness from our players this year,” Butler said. Those three characteristics will be upheld by the Donkeys’ upperclassmen this year. “We are going to be looking at them (the seniors) and our juniors to be the leaders of the team this year,” Butler said. “They have the experience that we are going to need to lead us to wins this year.” The Donkeys will be replacing five starters from the offensive side and the defensive side of the ball. They will also will have five starters returning. Bray-Doyle will be working through different alignments with their main focus using the Flex, spread and the I formation. Junior Josh Butler and senior Jacob Roller will be will be competing for the starting spot at running back and also be an option at the wide receiver position. “These are two athletic kids that will do a really good job taking the ball out of the backfield for us,” Butler said. “They are both very quick and strong runners.” Taking snaps under center will be junior quarterback Jesse Burton. “Jesse has the experience that we will need to lead us this year,” Butler said. “He has been working hard in practice and in the scrimmages. He

SCHOOL COLORS: Royal blue, red and white STADIUM: Donkey Stadium HEAD COACH/HEAD COACH EXPERIENCE/CAREER RECORD: Warren Butler, 3rd at BrayDoyle, 2-18 as a head coach ASSISTANTS: Cokey Wilson and Kenny McGough. 2009 RECORD: 0-10 2009 DISTRICT RECORD: 0-7 LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2004 OFFENSIVE ALIGNMENT: Flexbone, Spread and I-Formation. DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENT: 3-4 and 4-4. RETURNING STARTERS: 5 offense, 5 defense KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Josh Butler, Jr. (RB/WR/DB); Jacob Roller, Sr. (RB/WR/DB); Jesse Barton, Jr. (QB/DB); Chris Womack, Soph. (OL/DB); Gage Wood, Sr. (TE/DL); Heath Maxwell, Jr. (TE/DE). KEY NEWCOMERS: Greg has been doing very well.” Also in the Donkey backfield will be junior Broadie Helton and senior Koty Lyles rotating in at the fullback position. Burton will have his choice of tight ends in Gage Wood and Heath Maxwell to get passes off to this year. “Heath brings us the size that we need at the tight end position,” Butler said. “He also gives us a very good

Perez, Fr. (OL); Flint Wilson, Fr. (RB/DE); Cameron James, Fr. (WR). KEY DEPARTURES: Cody Douthit, Sammy Santiago, Dylan Smith, Keaton Green and Robert Jenson. GAMES TO WATCH: Coming off a winless season, the Donkeys are hoping to surprise some teams in 2010. District A-4 will be tough for the Donkeys, but getting wins early and often will be the key. If Bray-Doyle can build momentum, the Donkeys could find themselves in the playoffs. The No. 4 spot in the district is up for grabs and coach Warren Butler would love nothing more than to snag it out of the air.

BRAY-DOYLE’S SLATE Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 14 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 5

at Elmore City-Pernell at Dibble MAYSVILLE at Wilson* EMPIRE* STRATFORD HEALDTON* at Ringling* WAURIKA* at Velma-Alma*

* Denotes district game All games start 7:30 p.m.

receiving option when we need it.” Butler added that freshman, Camron James will get time at the wide receiver position this season. The offensive line will be led by Aaron Price and sophomore Chris Womack. Butler said that he would be looking for freshman Greg Perez to earn playing time during the season on the offensive line. Defensively, the Donkeys will be

Watkins ushers in new era for Central High Bronchos BRONCHOS HAVE UNFINISHED BUSINESS BY MATT TILLSON THE DUNCAN BANNER

CENTRAL HIGH — The Central High Bronchos football team may have been worried when in the final month of their summer break then heda coach Glennis Ring decided to take a coaching position at Edmond North. Those worries were answered with Central High assistant football coach Colin Watkins being promoted to head coach. “I’m excited for the opportunity and I think a lot of the kids are excited,” Watkins said. “I am ready to begin the season and get a chance for us to get back to contending.” Watkins said that one thing that he is excited about is “finishing” some unfinished business with some teams that the Bronchos lost to last season. “We definitely have some unfinished busi-

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ness with some teams in our district,” Watkins said. “We know Davenport and Fox are going to be good and Paoli is a pretty solid team, but we feel that our district is wide open. There were a few games that we should have competed better than what we did.” The Bronchos will becoming off of a tough 3-7 record. Even with the losing record, the Bronchos had a chance of making it into the playoffs last season. Watkins said that the final game of the season left a bitter taste in some players mouths and they are hungry to fix that. “We all remember that we were one play away from being in the playoffs last year and we want to be there this year,” Watkins said. “I expect for our offense to do well. We averaged 31 points per game last year and that is good,

but we gave up on average 36 points a game and we just to improve that.” Central High will have to replace three starters from last season because of graduation in Tony King, Chule Hile and Mike Davis. King was a strong player for the Bronchos on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Watkins said that the Central High coaches have found a replacement for the hole that King left in sophomore Ashton Wright. “Ashton will be making up for the loss of Tony King,” Watkins said. “He is a strong, tough and fast kid who is very committed. “One of the bright sides to Ashton is that he is only a sophomore and I believe that he is further along than Tony was as a sophomore,” Watkins said. Wright will be taking

using the 3-4 and the 4-4 formations. The defensive line will be lead by Troy Norris at the nose guard position. He will be joined by Wood at defensive end, Kevin Norris, and Clayton Hall. “Troy is an athletic kid that has been looking really good for us,” Butler said. “We may even try Flint Wilson at the defensive end position and maybe even at linebacker. He is a quick, physical kid.” Flying to the ball in the Donkey secondary will be Butler and Roller at the safety position and Burton will be ready at the cornerback position. The Donkeys have been working hard in practice and during their scrimmages, but according to Butler they still have a few things that they will need to work on. “We have to quit shooting ourselves in the foot and making mistakes on the offensive side of the ball,” Butler said. “Defensively we just need to be more aggressive and physical.” Butler added that he has some large goals for his team to achieve during this season. “Our main goal is to make the playoffs and I think that we will make the playoffs,” Butler said. “It is a tough district, but you have to expect more of yourself, to achieve the goals that you set and that is what we plan to do.” The Donkeys will open their season at Elmore City-Pernell at 7:30 p.m. Butler said that he is expecting big things during the season opener. “Their a pretty good ball club and we are going to have to get after it if we want to win,” Butler said. “I believe that we can do it though. We just need to not make mistakes.” — Matt Tillson is a reporter for the Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354 Ext. 143 or via e-mail at matt.tillson@duncanbanner.com.

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handoffs from junior quarterback Kyler Newton. Newton had a good season under center last year and Watkins said that he would be looking at him to be a leader on the field for the Bronchos. “Kyler is one of those players who has great awareness on the field,” Watkins said. “He has a good head on his shoulders and does pretty well under pressure.” Newton will be airing the ball out to his receiving corps that includes seniors Jeremy Russell and Tyler Matthesen, and tight end Bryce Spencer. “These guys are some fairly good receivers,” Watkins said. “Kyler and Jeremy found each other

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Eagles make do with few BY JEFF KALEY FOR THE DUNCAN BANNER

WAURIKA — Were he to instruct a class on the composition of a football roster, Larry VanBeber might dub the course: How to Make Do With Few, 101. The Eagles had 16 players during their spring practice sessions and by the time the first official practice of August arrived, that number had dipped to 15. By the middle of the second week of workouts, the roster had grown some, but when WHS went to its first preseason scrimmage at BrayDoyle, there were 18 players in uniform. The roster is currently at 19, but the Eagles haven’t had a practice in which they can line up and scrimmage with 11 players on each side of the line. VanBeber, who’s been on both sides of the numbers game in 17 years as a head coach, said the lack of bodies requires creative preparation. “I’ve had teams with 16 or 17, and I’ve had teams with 100 or more,” said the Eagles third-year skipper, who had rosters of 22 to 26 in his first two years at Waurika. “What you have to do is make do with the number of guys you’ve got, but low numbers make it difficult in some ways. “Obviously, depth is really going to be a problem for us this year. We’ve got to stay healthy and our kids have to take care of their academics.” Regardless how many Eagles there are, they’ve spent much of preseason installing the “double-wing flexbone,” which is the offense of choice for 2010. “We don’t have two 6-foot-1, 210pound running backs anymore,” VanBeber said, referring to Gil Griffin and Levi Henderson, classic power runners who combined for 1,559 yards and 18 touchdowns a year ago. “The ‘double-wing’ is similar to the ‘wing-T’ that we’ve run since I’ve been here, the only big differences in the backfield is that we only have one back and we use two wingbacks. But it fits the kind of players we’ve got this year,” VanBeber explained. With rare exception, those players are leaner but quicker than a year ago. Taylor Fuller, a 5-10, 210-pounder, may be used on occasion as the “set back,” but at 5-10, 175, Fuller’s brother Tyler is more typical of the Eagles’ skilled position players of 2010. In fact, there’s almost a cookie-cut-

ter appearance to the stable of backs and outside receivers: Quarterback Mason Johnson (5-9, 180); set back (fullback) Cameron Bloodworth (5-8, 155); wingbacks Mason Wilkerson (61,170), Joey Romero (5-7, 150) and Austin Masoner (5-7, 140); wideouts Robert Gomez (5-8, 150), Garrett Bachand (6-1, 140), Dawson Porterfield (511, 145) and Michael Huff (5-9, 150). “There’s a lot more misdirection involved, with all four backs going somewhere different on each play. Our passing routes are shorter and quicker, although we can still throw the ball down field out of it,” VanBeber noted. “And it has simplified some things for our linemen in their blocking responsibilities.” Experience and versatility are factors up front, beginning at center, where juniors Gage Pittman and Kevin Guzman are three-year starters. Guard Dillon Pruitt has been a fullor part-time starter for two seasons, and although Gus Porterfield didn’t play as a junior, VanBeber and line coach Glenn Howard value the senior’s size (6-foot, 240), quickness and aggressive nature. The coaching staff has been extremely pleased with the progress of junior Evan Waid, who can play guard or center, and joins senior guard Reece Bartling as options to back Taylor Fuller at tight end. Defensively, Howard has been forced to test his ability to work jigsaw puzzles, trying to bring together pieces that fit into the grand scheme of things. “One of my big adjustments, and one the other coaches are experiencing, is getting the kids into the right positions, and then helping them figure out how to play that position,” he said. “It’s like, we don’t have four or five true defensive tackles, so we’ve had to adjust the techniques and alignments to suit the kind of players we have.” Howard wants to stick with the 4-3 alignment the Eagles used in the 2009 season. However, that scheme requires some bulk in the front line; tackles with the size and strength to drive offensive linemen aside and allow linebackers to fill rushing gaps and make tackles. The Eagles have fair but not outstanding size at the tackle spots. Gus Porterfield, Guzman and Marshall fall in the 240- to 250-pound range. Two other tackle prospects — 6-foot, 215-

Johnnie Drewery, Jr. (OL); Jarrett Sparks, Soph. (OL). KEY NEWCOMERS: Grant Thomlinson (OL/DL); Chauncy Apple (OL/DL); Tanner Childress (WR/DB). KEY DEPARTURES: Tony King, Chuck Hile and Mike Davis. GAMES TO WATCH: Central High plays eight district games this year, meaning each and every week is important. The Bronchos have a chance to reach the playoffs with several key home games against Paoli, Fox and Sasakwa.

CENTRAL HIGH’S SLATE Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 21 Oct. 29 Nov. 5

at Mt. View-Gotebo PAOLI at OCA* FOX* at Alex* MACOMB* at Cyril* SASAKWA* at Davenport* BOWLEGS*

* Denotes district game All games start 7:30 p.m.

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SCHOOL COLORS: Cardinal and white STADIUM: Cy Sloan HEAD COACH/HEAD COACH EXPERIENCE/CAREER RECORD: Larry VanBeber, 2nd at Waurika, 17th total, 9-11 record at Waurika, 56-73 total ASSISTANTS: Glen Howard, Roger Jessie and Josh Trent. 2006 RECORD: 4-6 2006 DISTRICT RECORD/FINISH: 4-5, 6th LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2000 OFFENSIVE ALIGNMENT: Flexbone (Double Wing), Spread, Wing, Multiples DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENT: 4-3 RETURNING STARTERS: Offense 7, defense 7 KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Gage Pitman, Jr. (OL); Dillon Prewitt, Jr. (OL); Kevin Guzman, Jr. (OL); Evan Waid, Jr. (TE); Taylor Fuller, Jr. (TE/FB/P); Tyler Fuller, Jr. (QB/DB/PK); Mason Wilkerson, Soph. (RB/OL). KEY NEWCOMERS: Austin Masoner, Fr. (RB/DB); Dawson pound Waid and 5-11, 204-pound Chance Deason — will have to substitute athleticism for going bulk on bulk. Although his background is as a linebacker, Pittman figures to open the season at defensive end, where Wilkerson is also a possibility. The starting linebackers may come from the trio of Bartling, Taylor Fuller and Prewitt. While the front seven may be a work in progress, Howard is already projecting big things out of the secondary. Bloodworth was a starter as a sophomore and Tyler Fuller has played nearly every secondary spot in his first two seasons. Each position in the defensive backfield is at least two deep. “Cameron Bloodworth is as natural at free safety as any kid I’ve seen in Class A, and Tyler is proven at strong safety,” Howard said. “Austin Masoner just needs some experience and he

ERA

CENTRAL HIGH BRONCHOS AT A GLANCE SCHOOL COLORS: Blue and golf STADIUM: Bronchos HEAD COACH/HEAD COACHEXPERIENCE/CAREER ING RECORD: Colin Watkins, 1st at Central High, 0 years ASSISTANTS: John Nease and Mark Perry 2009 RECORD: 3-7 2009 DISTRICT RECORD: Not listed LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2004 OFFENSIVE ALIGNMENT: Spread, I-Formation, Wing T, Wishbone DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENT: 3-2, 3-3 STARTERS: RETURNING Offense 8, defense 8 KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jeremy Russell, Sr. (WR/DB); Craig Bernard, Sr. (FB/LB); Tyler Matthesen, Sr. (WR/DB); Bryce Spencer, Jr. (TE/DE); Zack Miller, Sr. (NG); Jimmy Quisenberry, Sr. (LB/DB); Ashton Wright, Soph. (RB/DB); Hunter Blaine, Sr. (OL);

WAURIKA EAGLES AT A GLANCE

FROM PAGE 9B: BRONCHOS WORK ON BLOCKING SCHEMES on the field a lot last year and that is what we need them to do this year.” Watkins said that one thing that the Bronchos have been working on in practice is their blocking schemes. Newton will need time to work behind the line, so Watkins is stressing the importance of holding their blocks. “We finally got some size on the line and we have been waiting on this group of kids for awhile now,” Watkins said. “The thing that we need to work on with these kids, though, is to get them to hold their blocks and give Kyler some time back there.” A lot of the players on offense will be playing both sides of the

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Porterfield, Fr. (RB/LB); Garrett Bachand, Fr. (TE/DE). KEY DEPARTURES: Gil Griffin (RB/LB); Levi Henderson (FB/LB); Bobby Harris (OL/WR); Jace Dunn (QB/RB/DB); Robert Gilmore (OL/WR). GAMES TO WATCH: The opener at Snyder has no baring on district play, but it will be the debut of several new young players. Ringling is the A-4 opener and another tough contest comes up Oct. 8 against Velma-Alma. A key will be when the Eagles meet Wilson, Empire and Bray-Doyle. Wins in those games put a focus on the final regular season game against Healdton.

WAURIKA’S SLATE Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 5

at Snyder WALTERS MARIETTA at Ringling* at Dibble VELMA-ALMA* WILSON* at Empire* at Bray-Doyle* HEALDTON*

* Denotes district game All games start 7:30 p.m.

can become a good free safety, although we can also play him at cornerback. “Mason Johnson will be a good backup to Tyler, and we’ve got Garrett Bachand at strong safety as well, but one day he’ll be a defensive end or cornerback. “We’ve got four kids at the cornerback spots — Romero, Gomez and Dawson Porterfield, and Huff is a freshman move-in from Lawton. “Every one of them can play somewhere, and they each have a skill set that can help us. They’ve been aggressive, top to bottom, and I think our secondary can be impressive.” — Jeff Kaley is editor of the Waurika News-Democrat and a Duncan Banner columnist. He can be reached at 580228-2316 or e-mailed at jeff.kaley@duncanbanner.com.

ball and playing the majority of snaps on defense as well. With them playing ironman football, Watkins said that his team needs to remain tough and ready. “We’ve got some great, tough kids this year playing for us,” Watkins said. “For us to have a good chance to win, those kids need

to be healthy and injury free. If they can do that, I think we have a good chance this season.”

— Matt Tillson is a reporter for the Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-2555354 Ext. 143 or via email at matt.tillson@duncanbanner.com.

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The Duncan Banner | Fall 2010 |

11B

Bulldogs back on right road BY DAVID LAUGHLIN THE DUNCAN BANNER

EMPIRE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A quick jog through the annals of Empire Bulldog football will reveal the most recent winning season for the Class A football team was 2003. That same year the Bulldogs propelled themselves to post-season play. The 2003 Bulldogs couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t advance beyond the first round after falling to Crooked Oak. This year, the Bulldogs are poised for similar success. Thanks to a seventeam district, the Bulldogs are on the cusp of beginning a season that could result with extra games. With the top four teams in the division earning a spot in the playoffs, the Bulldogs would just have to win three division games to advance to the post-season. In a top heavy division, led by Ringling and Velma-Alma, the final two playoff spots are up for grabs between five similar Bray-Doyle, teams, Healdton, Waurika, Wilson and Empire. The latter hopes to cash in on a plethora of young talent and leadership of its four seniors to end the winning drought. Bulldogs head coach Tony Roberts is expecting a successful year. Roberts is in his second year as head coach for the Bulldogs. Continuity is where some of his expectations are derived from. Empire is boasting the same three coaches for consecutive years. One coach, Drew Swartz, did leave the program after wrestling was cut for budgetary reasons. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Number one, the kids know what to expect from me and my coaches,â&#x20AC;? Roberts said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We, me and my coaches, know what we can expect from them, too.â&#x20AC;? Roberts is hoping to field a more aggressive

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Empire quarterback Tanner Shorter, center, will look to lead the Bulldogs this year. Shorter will be assisted by Geoff Jones, left, and Michael McKinley, who will take turns trying to slash defenses. team than in years past. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t teach aggressiveness,â&#x20AC;? he said. One thing that can be taught, and is being taught by Roberts and his coaches, is discipline. Discipline, Roberts says, is important to a football team because it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t only applicable in sports, it can be applied to every part of the athleteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our kids are terrific, I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be more pleased with how things have turned out so far,â&#x20AC;? said Roberts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have 28 players out right now. I think there is a good possibility that we will surprise some folks.â&#x20AC;? Defensively, the Bulldogs will employ a 3-4 alignment in an attempt to thwart opposing offenses. In doing so, Roberts said he is trading size for speed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With a 3-4 we are putting more athletes on the field,â&#x20AC;? said Roberts. Senior Geoff Jones is one of those athletes that will anchor the defense. Jones will hold

down one of the four linebacker spots on the field. Roberts is also expecting freshman Stephen Price to add depth at linebacker. Roberts will depend on his two ball-hawking safeties, junior Michael McKinley and sophomore Tanner Shorter, to help with run support. With a 3-4 alignment, nose guard Harrison Moore, one of the four seniors, will be an important cog in the defensive wheel that Roberts hopes will run over opposing offenses. Offensively, Shorter will take the helm of the offense. Shorter took snaps last year as a freshman. Roberts is handing the reigns over to Shorter this year. After taking snaps last year as the varsity quarterback, Roberts doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t anticipate any jitters for Shorter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done a lot better this year,â&#x20AC;? Roberts said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are going to ask him to play within himself. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want him

EMPIRE BULLDOGS AT A GLANCE SCHOOL COLORS: Red, black and white STADIUM: Ric Johnson Memorial Field HEAD COACH/HEAD COACH EXPERIENCE/CAREER RECORD: Tony Roberts, 2nd at Empire, 12 total, 52-50. ASSISTANTS: Jason Allenworth, Pierce, Jeff Rodney Strutton and Jared Armsworthy 2009 RECORD: 2-8. 2009 DISTRICT RECORD: 2-6 LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2003 OFFENSIVE ALIGNMENT: IFormation, Multiple I, Spread. DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENT: 3-4 RETURNING STARTERS: Offense 6, defense 6. KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Geoff Jones, Sr. (RB/LB); Trent Ford, Jr. (OL/LB); Harrison Moore Sr. (OL/DL); Jake Williams, Sr. (TE/DE); Michael McKinley, Jr. (WR/DB); Jake Dewey, Jr. (DL). KEY DEPARTURES: Tyler Car-

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ney (QB/LB); Brandon Salazar (OL/DL); Josh Robinson (OL/DL); Clint Parks (WR/DB). KEY NEWCOMERS: Tanner Shorter, Soph. (QB/DB); Cooper Hill, Fr. (WR/DB); Stephen Price, Fr. (LB/FB); Aaron Key, Soph. (RB/DB); Victor Gomez, Soph. (WR/LB); Nic Brown, Jr. (WR/DB). GAMES TO WATCH: The Bulldogs have a chance to pick up a couple wins at home against Waurika and Wilson, but the first district game against Bray-Doyle could decide a playoff spot. Empire will get plenty of preparation with four games prior to district play against quality opponents.

to throw picks, just do what he needs to do.â&#x20AC;? The Bulldogs will employ a balanced offensive attack from the I-Formation. Roberts will put the ball in Shorterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hands. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are going to throw the ball a bit,â&#x20AC;? he said. Shorter will need to stay upright to have a successful season ... In come the offensive line. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Offensive line is one of our bigger concerns,â&#x20AC;? Roberts said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are going to have some young guys on the line.â&#x20AC;? Young linemen or old linemen, Shorter will try to connect with a slew of speedy receivers. Roberts said he is expecting junior J.J. Keihn and freshman Cooper Hill to have an immediate impact. Roberts hopes to frustrate opposing defenses by getting Mcckinley involved in the passing game early. The Bulldogs will boast solid special teams play. Junior T.J. Beebe will handle the

kickoffs and extra-point attempts, Roberts said. Jake Williams will handle the punting game for the Bulldogs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will be able to kick it into the endzone this year,â&#x20AC;? Roberts said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In doing that, we will make the opposing offense have to go 80 yards for a score.â&#x20AC;? When Roberts looks closely at his underclassmen, he has reason to smile. He will be working with a solid crop of talent for at least

Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 21 Oct. 29 Nov. 5

at Walters MAYSVILLE at Wayne RUSH SPRINGS at Bray-Doyle* at Healdton* RINGLING* WAURIKA* at Velma-Alma* WILSON*

* Denotes district game All games start at 7:30 p.m.

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â&#x20AC;&#x201D; David Laughlin is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 144, or via e-mail at david.laughlin@duncanbanner.com.

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the next few years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our years are coming. If we can get started now and have some success, that will breed success. The next couple of years will be very good for us,â&#x20AC;? Roberts said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to be the doormat anymore.â&#x20AC;?

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| The Duncan Banner | Fall 2010

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LAST GO ROUND FOR THESE BOYS OF FALL

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Duncan football seniors would love nothing more than to end their high school careers with a state championship. Pictured are, front, from left, Terre Farrow, Micah Frye, Jordan Bachman, Christian Archer, Payton Atchley, Cody Pollock, Tyler Wilkins, Martin Lopez and Jamaal Williams. Back, Robert Trujillo, David Ardila, Corey Hamilton, Dylan Laurens, Dylan Dismuke, Michael Rice and Domonique Petties.

CHS FROM PAGE 7B: WIDEOUTS CAN MAKE BIG PLAYS Clinkenbeard, Garrison McCauley, Kale Reed, Corbin Henderson and Brant Baker. Justus said that having depth at the running back position is critical because of the Wing-T formations. “It’s good to have depth in the backfield,” he said. “It we didn’t, it would be hard to run what we do.” Another position with good depth is wide receiver. Reed and Clinkenbeard will see time at the wideout spots and will be joined by fellow receivers Zach Young and Anthony Robinson. “These guys (in the preseason) have really displayed the fact that they can go catch the ball,” said Justus. “They can really go get it. With

he’s been solid as a rock. “In our scrimmage against Carnegie, they had some huge defensive linemen. We were able to move the football, especially in the running game. Our offensive line did a good job assignment-wise and moving people. Coach (Keith) Burton has done a really good job with the line, but we’ve still got a ways to go.” What it all equates to is winning ballgames, Justus something believes his team can do. “We just want to win and get into the playoffs,” he said. “We’ve got a good group of players who have played and know what we expect. We’re confident that it’s a good system and we’re confident in the kids.”

decent speed and good hands, they give us the threat to throw the ball.” Depth at the skilled positions isn’t a concern for Justus. The offensive line is a different story as four spots will be filled by players who had limited playing time a season ago. Jason Pitts is the only returning full-time starter from 2009, although James Watson saw valuable time because of injuries to other players. But there are plenty of big boys up front competing for time. Justus said Jake Standridge, Brady Mann, Tre Anderson, Asger Nielson and Ethan Cook may all see time on the line. Freshmen Cody Crow, Jonathan Tuttle and Christopher Tuttle could push the upperclassmen for time as well. “One guy who has had an immediate impact is Asger Nielson,” Justus said. “He’s a foreign exchange student and

— Ben Whitehead is the sports editor for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 255-5354, Ext. 165, or via e-mail at ben.whitehead@duncanbanner.com.

SEEING RED

INDIANS FROM PAGE 7B: MCCAULEY, HEATH LEADERS AT LINEBACKER

at linebacker this year. “We’ve got a lot that can get playing time there,” he said. “To have the ability that they do and that depth this early is a big plus.” Justus raved about his defensive secondary, which boasts five returning starters or part-time players, plus a move-in. Zach Young, Ben Justus, Kale Reed, Kale Clinkenbeard and Anthony Robinson all return for the Indians, and David Alvarez has joined the team and caught the coach’s eye. “Once again, we have depth at this position,” Justus said. “The secondary is pretty good with the returning experience, and the sophomores have stepped up their games too. Zach and Ben have shown they are more comfortable in the defensive backfield. David moving in just helps us out that much more. I feel like it’s a really solid group.”

of quality guys, seniors that were really good kids last year,” said Justus. “There’s been quite a few guys competing for those spots. We don’t have five standouts and five second stringers right now, but they’re competing and getting better.” Those competing on the line are Ethan Cook, Andrew Absher, Billy Mac Chouteau, Asger Nielson, Jason Pitts, Jake Standridge and James Watson. In the 3-5 scheme, Comanche will have plenty of linebackers roaming the middle of the field. Garrison McCauley and Johnny Heath are the two leaders of the linebacking corps — Ben Whitehead is the sports editor from last year, but Justus said depth for The Duncan Banner. He can be at the position will be a plus for his team. Shy Bandy, Corbin Henderson, reached at 255-5354, Ext. 165, or via email at ben.whitehead@duncanbanBrant Baker, Kale Clinkenbeard and ner.com. Tre Anderson will all likely see time

MARLOW FROM PAGE 6B: DAVIS, HARVEY TO GET MAJORITY OF CARRIES

Gage said. “They are both very strong and very quick. They will be the foundation of our running game.” Opening up holes for Harvey and Davis will be the trio of Ethan Fullerton, Dakota White and John McLeren. “Each of those three saw a lot of playing time and are very solid players,” Gage said. “Dylan Hanley will be playing at offensive tackle and will help a lot. He did not see any playing time last year, but is looking very good for us.”

freshman and got some experience under his belt,” Gage said. “With that experience he has really started playing like a junior.” There will be some rotation in the running game between seniors Holden Davis and Kody Harvey. Gage said that both players have shown similar styles and will per— Matt Tillson is a reporter for the form well in the Outlaw offense. Duncan Banner. He can be reached at “Both Holden and Kody could be 580-255-5354 Ext. 143 or via e-mail at matt.tillson@duncanbanner.com. almost made out of the same mold,”

THROUGH THE CHUTES

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Bray-Doyle’s Flint Willson gets by a Maysville Warrior during a scrimmage.

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Broncho offensive linemen get set to run through the chutes.

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