EUFAULA

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Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021 19

Seasoned air game in place at Eufaula

By Nick Hampton Phoenix Correspondent

Eufaula head coach Larry Newton Jr. has high expectations for his Ironheads as the new season draws near.

With six returning starters on each side of the ball, the Ironheads have a solid core to carry on where last year’s team left off with a 9-3 record and a spot in the state quarterfinals.

One reason for the optimism is junior quarterback Luke Adcock.

The rangy All-Phoenix move-in came to Eufaula last summer and had to learn the system cold without any spring or summer practice due to the pandemic. After struggling in the first two games, which the Ironheads lost, Adcock went on to pass for 2,168 yards and 22 touchdowns while connecting on 64 percent of his passes as Eufaula rattled off nine straight wins.

“I was very impressed with Luke last year not having the 7-on-7 or being able to do anything until a short preseason practice schedule,” said Newton.

So after a great rookie season and a full complement of spring and summer workouts this year, Adcock should be even more dangerous.

“I’m a lot more comfortable with everything now and there’s not near the stress there was starting last year,” said the 6-foot-4 signal-caller.

Another reason for comfort is the return of All-Phoenix receiver Khelil Deere, who had 53 receptions for 1,110 yards and 14 TDs last season.

“Unless you see Khelil Deere live, you don’t understand what he’s able to do,” said Newton. ‘I had one D-I coach tell me he might be the best skill player in the state this year.”

Deere is in the midst of the recruiting wars, with solid offers on the table from Tulsa and Arkansas State at this point, with others likely to follow.

“The recruiting creates a lot of stress, but I’m experiencing a lot of things and having a good time with it,” said Deere.

The offensive line will also be solid with the return of Eden Gray at center along with Johnny Burton and two-time All-Phoenix selection Ty Dodd. The only big question on offense will be replacing running back Noah Alexander and that task will fall to junior Ontario Ellen.

“Once Ontario grasps the game mentally, I think he’ll be the man at that position,” said Newton. “I’ve seen a lot of improvement from him in the last month.”

The Ironheads face a unique predicament on defense where they’ll be looking for a stopper.

“This is the first year in a long time that I haven’t had a strong returning linebacker,” said

Newton Jr.

Adcock

Dodd Newton. “But it’s like I tell the kids, somebody will step up and take on the challenge.” Dodd and Burton will anchor the line on defense while Adcock and Kaden Bumgarner will try to fill the shoes at linebacker and Deere and Tyler Lee will be the lockdown guys in the secondary. Eufaula gave up an average of just 16 points a game last season and the play at linebacker will be a key to repeating that feat in 2021.

Deere Burton

File photo

Eufaula quarterback Luke Adcock, who passed for 22 touchdowns and 2,168 yards last season, runs for yardage in last year’s Class 2A playoffs.

EUFAULA IRONHEADS

Record in 2020: 9-3, lost in 2A quarterfinals

Head coach: Larry Newton, 10th year

Staff: Josh Luna, offensive coordinator; Jeremy Gragg, defensive coordinator; Michael Campbell, special teams; Victor Paden, Cameron Box, Cory Adcock, Jimmy Whitlock.

Returning starters (6 offense, 6 defense):

Khelil Deere, WR/DB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Luke Adcock, QB, 6-3, 205, Jr.; Ty Dodd, OL/DL, 6-5, 300, Sr.; Eden Gray, OL, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Johnny Burton, OL/DL, 6-2, 260, Sr.; Draven Gragg, OL, 6-1, 260, So.; Matt Clover, OLB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Kaden Bumgarner, OLB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Ontario Ellen, RB/DE, 5-11, 195, Jr.; Tyler Lee, WR/DB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Slade Williams, DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.

Others to watch:

Jayden Bray, WR/DB, 6-0, 19 0, So.