2015 Prep Football Preview

Talent pool INSIDE: From a defending state champion to prolific running backs and special teams standouts, the area has plenty to be excited about — and the Phoenix staff finds quite a few to pick from. ALSO: Special features, team analysis, schedules and more.

PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Prep Football Preview

Table of contents

Wagoner establishing a Dawg Dynasty, 14

Page 2

Sunday, August 30, 2015

PRESEASON SUPER 7 1. Wagoner (6) 2. Hilldale T3. Fort Gibson COVER STORY: T3. Vian If you have a talent pool, T5. Checotah why not pick from it?

T5. Eufaula Our staff and selected 7. Muskogee correspondents play the Also receiving votes: new national pastime, fantasy high school style. Sequoyah, Stigler, Page 5 Tahlequah, Webbers Falls, Hulbert, Haskell.

Two of 2014’s stars face similar challenges, 12

McIntosh foes set for 100th meeting, 18

TEAM REPORTS Muskogee, 7 • Hilldale, 9 • Fort Gibson, 11 • Wagoner, 15 Tahlequah, Sequoyah, 16 • Checotah, Eufaula, 17 • Stigler, Keys, 20 Haskell, 21 • Vian, 22 • Warner, 25 • Gore, 27 • Hulbert, 28 Porum, Porter, 29 • Midway, Webbers Falls, 31 ON THE COVER: Top: Checotah’s Andrew Sands, Wagoner’s A.J. Freeth, Hilldale’s Grant Sikes, Fort Gibson’s Chris Walker. Middle: Muskogee’s Tavian Davis, Hulbert’s Anthony Howard, Sequoyah’s Justin Hooper, Haskell’s Tre Lang and front, Eufaula’s Shane Moore are among the top returning players in 2015

Prep Football Preview

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Page 3

Prep Football Preview

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Page 4

Prep Football Preview

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Tapping the pool in a new national pastime Our staff and correspondents bring fantasy drafts to the prep level over hotdogs and chips, just like the rest of the country does at other levels. So with our forms in hand, let’s roll.

By Mike Kays

Phoenix Sports Editor

Millions will play it online, monitoring Sunday games and stat updates, guided by analysts and experts and a few guys trying to make a buck.

Well, this is high school ball. And yet they’re pretty good too, each with fantasies of hoisting a gold ball.

Analysts? Well, we try to be, and if you’re holding this, you’re helping us make a buck.

So why not fantasy football, prep version, in the talent pool called the Phoenix region of this here state?

Over hotdogs and chips, members of the Phoenix sports staff brought it home, tapping into the local talent pool and doing, at this level, only what has been an activity for college coaches with offer sheets in hand.

His name drawn out of the bowl first, staff writer/

copy editor Ronn Rowland won the honor for top pick and went with one of the two top multi-threat players returning — Checotah’s Drew Dan was a 1,110-yard receiver who also scored four return TDs. “That was my strategy, getting guys who could get points in multiple ways,” Rowland said.

As the order snaked back to him with the eighth and ninth picks overall, Rowland used that strategy to select Webbers Falls quarterback Darren Shanks, an 8-man field general who had 1,432 yards passing and 586 yards rushing.

Then it was 2014 All-Phoenix Newcomer Nikia Jones, one of two outstanding Wagoner receivers who may be the more explosive big-play type of the two. More on the other later.

Rowland went defense in successive picks, going for (See FANTASY, 23)

Page 5

Prep Football Preview

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Page 6

Roughers’ head coach renews expectations for year two at helm

By Mike Kays

Phoenix Sports Editor

Rafe Watkins has won a lot. His four state championships at Guthrie lay witness to it.

But there’s still lessons for success he’s finding.

Case in point: his initiation to Rougher Nation during a 3-7 season in 2014, and he’s carried the notes into 2015.

“We had a lot of football to learn. We really did,” he said at the outset of fall drills about what he thought he knew a year earlier, but didn’t. “Last spring, I thought we were very physical in our spring practices, had a good team camp and all year long I thought we had a chance to be a playoff team.”

Then came the comparisons.

“We got pushed around about two or three games,” he said. “We were clearly not as strong as we needed to be.”

That was accented in the final three games of the season, a shutout at Sand Springs and two games where they allowed 50 or more points.

Backing the train up though, Muskogee was 2-3 and in a position to break out of the pack against Bartlesville in a homecoming week.

Bartlesville won 35-15.

That game would ultimately keep Muskogee out of the postseason.

“The big turning point,” he said. “We didn’t approach it right and the kids didn’t approach it right. They wanted to have all the homecoming

MUSKOGEE ROUGHERS Record last year: 3-7 Head coach: Rafe Watkins (second year, 3-7) Coaching staff: David Heath (assistant head coach, secondary) Travis Hill (defensive coordinator, linebackers) Jason Medrano (offensive coordinator, quarterbacks) Curt Denton (special teams coordinator) John Graham (running backs) Josh McMillan (offensive line) Anthony McNac (tight ends) Jim Platter (defensive line) Darren Reeves (defensive ends) Don Mays (secondary) Brenton Duncan (Wide receivers) Returning starters (6 offensive, 6 defensive): Quintahj Cherry, QB/WR, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Tavian Davis, WR/S, 6-0, 165, Sr; Hunter Watkins, RT, 6-2, 235, Sr.; Zane Rasmussen, LG, 6-1, 240, Sr.; JaColby Anderson, RG, 6-2, 310, Sr.; Jamari Davis, WR, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Kamren Curl, S, 6-1, 170, Jr.; Travon Hughes, C, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Jared Lopes, DE, 6-2, 225, Sr., Devon McCoy, C, 5-10, 165, Sr. Top newcomers: Mikey Rodriguez, QB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Molijah Gilbert, RB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Thaddeus Billings, LB, 5-10, 230, Sr.; Christian Maier, LT, 6-4, 245, Jr.; Darius Lewis, LB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Jeremiah Medrano, TE, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Jacob Medrano, QB, 5-10, 160, So.; Raishaun Marshall, DB/WR, 6-4, 170, Sr.; Keondre Davis, OL, 6-5, 280, Jr.

fun and the focus was not there.”

That’s the other lesson — winning at Guthrie was an expectation. Here, they’re trying to regain that, and one way is to make homecomings less about senior prank weeks and other fun and more about showing up in key games.

Fast-forward to now.

“We took H. Watkins care of the strength issue,” Watkins said within a group that returns six starters on both sides of the ball. “We went harder in the weight room. We’re not where we ultimately want to be, but I know for sure we’re a lot further along than we were.”

Then there’s a mental approach adjustment, led by this year’s group of seniors.

“Near the end of last year when things unraveled, we had some seniors who were acting hurt, but more frustration than hurt because it had been 3-7, 3-7 and headed for another 3-7,” said offensive tackle Hunter Watkins, the son of the coach who has spent time in a winning culture.

Part of that is beginning to show.

“Our last team at Guthrie in 2013 was probably the seventh- or eighthmost talented team I had,” the head coach said. “They were a bunch of good kids, no stars, that played as a team and didn’t worry about a lot of individual (See TWO. 7)

Phoenix special photo by Von Castor

Muskogee head coach Rafe Watkins overestimated the challenge at Muskogee in his first season, but multiple tweaks have been made to overcome that in year two of his tenure.

Prep Football Preview

Two Continued from Page 6

stats, just wins and losses. This senior group has bonded in that kind of way. They’re supportive of each other, they’re unselfish and they lead.”

That’s not to say this team is an equivalent of a Class 5A champion, which in itself would be a shot of encouragement going into the second year of the Division II of Class 6A. But it should be better.

For extra measure, Watkins went out and got Travis Hill, a state champion head coach at East Central in 2005 and a defensive coordinator on the Rasmussen 1991 Northeastern A&M national champion, to implement his 4-3 scheme as the Roughers’ new defensive coordinator.

The offensive line regained a popular coach from some of Muskogee’s earlier success, Josh McMillan with the offensive line and James Platter with the defensive line return as coaches after short absences.

Indeed, it is a different team from 2014. Lessons on success have been applied.

“It’s about staying together, having a next-play mentality and staying positive,” said senior Tavian Davis, who is part of perhaps the strongest part of this team athletically, in the secondary and receiver corps.

Perseverance, they believe, will pay off.

“Our goal is the playoffs,” said Zane Rasmussen, another senior offensive lineman. “It’s way past time for that. Once we do that, we’ll go from there.”

Page 7

Sunday, August 30, 2015

HOT ROUTES QB situation Quintahj Cherry just may be the guy that can’t get away.

Quarterback for all or part of every season since his freshman year when he started a couple of games early in the year due to injury situations, he has shown over the summer he makes a good slot receiver battling one-onCherry one coverage while sophomore Jacob Medrano and Mikey Rodriguez got their share of reps. Both were said to have better arms than the more-athletic Cherry.

But he may still be the guy as the season approaches.

“He gives us leadership and his throwing has really gotten better,” Watkins said, not willing to name a starter after the first scrimmage.

Mo ground game

Muskogee averaged just 13.6 points per game. One reason they struggled was a lack of a consistent run game.

Molijah Gilbert’s best games last year totaled 62 and 61 yards. Not so coincidentally, he found the end zone once while sharing duties with three other backs.

He’ll get much more of the load this year and with good reason.

“He sees the whole field when he’s running. He’ll make a cut that most people won’t see,” Medrano said.

Gilbert gives credit to the guys up front. Not only is it sparked by senior leadership, it also has some size it hasn’t had.

Minus 6-2, 285 senior Jacolby Anderson, who recovered from a knee injury all summer, Keondre Davis (6-5, 280) came out from basketball and is working his way into football shape. Christian Maier is 6-5, 240.

Liking it

Soon after his arrival on the scene, new defensive coordinator Travis Hill formed some improessions.

“I got asked recently if there’s anything that scares me about

Muskogee’s Quintahj Cherry has started all or part of every season at quarterback as he heads into his senior year. Don’t be surprised if he ends up as a receiver at one point or another as he has proven himself there. coming here and my response concerned coaching kids who don’t want to fail. You can motivate them and everything, but the bottom line is when the going gets tough are they going to play hard or not,” he said early this summer.

“That’s what I’m excited about here.

These kids practice harder than most people play, so to me it’s a matter of getting Davis the kids in the right place. They want to give you everything they got out here. Whether you’re 5-5, 3-7 or 10-0 that’s something you can feel good about.”

Billing offenses

Defensive coaches have been increasingly excited about the middle of the 4-3 with the development of Thaddeus Billings heading into his senior year. Part of that slow start might have had to do with Billings not playing as a sophomore.

His junior year saw scant duty on the front as he was playing catchup.

“I had to prove myself. Main thing was I didn’t know the reads,” Billings said. “But I’ve gotten better at

Phoenix special photos by Shane Keeter

Travon Hughes will look to lower the boom again in a talented secondary. that and get to the ball faster. My tackling is also better. I just see the field differently. Now that I’m a senior, I know I can go out there and make a difference.”

That’s what they’re counting on.

Heath’s happy

David Heath’s overall responsibility has diminished on the defensive side, giving Hill control of the coordination. But there’s a silver lining to some focused duties -- he’s leading what may well be the team’s strongest foursome as secondary coach.

Three positions are locked up by veterans, in safeties Tavian Davis and Kamren Curl and cornerback Travon Hughes. The other has a senior, Devon McCoy, in the lead with Jamari Davis in the wings and Quintahj Cherry, if he doesn’t wind up at quarterback for a fourth consecutive year.

“It’s not quite where we were in 2006 and 2007 (semifinal seasons), but I think it’s one of the better ones,” Heath said of the unit.

Davis, a 6-0, 170 senior, is the leader of the group, but not by much. Curl, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound junior, has an inch-edge in size that could put him in that category of players top major college coaches like.

“Kamren has all the tools in the world. He’s very football savvy. The difference between him and Tavian is a year of maturity,” Heath said.

“Tavian has a nose for the football.

Kamren is learning to have that, to be in the right place at the right time. It’s a feeling when you get out on the field and with another year Kamren could be that kind of player.

“Tavian may be smaller but small D1, hey, it’s possible. It depends on the year he has as to just where he might go.”

Prep Football Preview

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Page 8

These guys know current events, too

Trump

Don’t think that these high school football players don’t know what’s on the news.

We won’t hold it against those at our media day that the presidential race didn’t get a great turnout but hey, we’ve still got a year of this

act to follow.

For president in 2016: Donald Trump 7 Waka Flocka 5 Hillary Clinton 4 Jeb Bush 3 Ben Carson 3 God 3 Si Robertson 1 Ted Cruz 1 Morgan Freeman 1 Marco Rubio 1 Quintahj Cherry 1 Tre Lang 1

And the biggest problem America faces: Debt 9 Obama 7 Social media 3 Racism 2

Hunger 2 Chinese 2 Poverty 2 Unemployment 2 Murder 2 Gay marriage 2 Everything 2 Too much focus on the little things 2 Turning against God 2 Islamic terrorism 2 Crocs 2 Confederates, police, no peace, crazy people, health care, straying from 20th century values, salaries of troops, United States, clothes, cancer, legalization of marijuana, bad choices (all with one vote each)

Prep Football Preview

New general in charge at Warner

By Nick Hampton

Phoenix Correspondent

The 2015 campaign will usher in new leadership for the Warner Eagles with Brandon Ellis taking hold of the coaching reins. The “new” will also include a change in offense and defense.

“I’m going to bring in multiple-I formations and some spread on offense and we’ll go to a 4-3 on defense,” said the veteran coach.

Some players elected not to continue Ward with a program that was 3-7 a year ago.

“But I’ve got nine seniors and they’ll be the ones to get the new era started,” said Ellis.

Bobby Ward will return at quarterback for the Eagles and he’ll be joined in Jones the backfield by sophomores Ty Neighbors and Nik Pleas, who will take on the slotback spot, along with Zack Jones, who will add running back to his resume in addition to defensive end.

Wyatt “I’ve been a lineman since I started playing football and so this will be a big addition for me,” said Jones, a senior threeyear starter. “I’ve had a trainer during the summer and I’ve been running a lot. I think Rogers I’ll adapt to it pretty well.”

Jones, Pleas, Neighbors, and Ward should be helped by a beefier Eagle offensive line this year including returner Jace Rogers (6-foot-5, 230 pounds).

“Our line will average around 227 pounds this year, where in the past we’ve had guys that were 150-160 pounds on the line,” said Rogers.

“Our summer program has really helped us get in better condition than in the past. Our new offense is different but simple, just back to ground-and-pound football.”

The defense will be guided by Jeremy Jackson, who also served as El-

Page 25

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Phoenix special photo by Von Castor

Brandon Ellis signals to his team during a practice. Ellis, who previously coached at Gore, is in his first season at Warner.

HOT ROUTES Familiar faces, places

There’s plenty here that head coach Brandon Ellis is used to. Particularly: • He spent time at Webbers Falls, Gore and the last four seasons at Panama which he thinks might be a plus for the Eagles.

“A lot of the coaches I played against at Gore and Panama and that we’ll play here at Warner are still around, so I have a pretty good idea of what they’ll do. I’ve also got my own videos that I can go to of these teams in the past and use that in addition to what they send us that’s current,” said Ellis.

•Jeremy Jackson was Ellis’ defensive coordinator at Gore. He’s the principal at Warner — ironically, one of his bosses now.

While it’s a little unusual to see a member of the school administration move in to an assistant coaching position, Ellis is thrilled to have him.

“Jeremy was the defensive coordinator for probably my best two years at Gore,” Ellis said, adding that it’s Jackson’s decision to utilize the 4-3. “I’ve never questioned him on defensive strategy and I’m glad he’s here because it’s one less thing I have to worry about.”

And it’s not bad having a boss work under you.

“I’m kind of hoping since he’s the principal, that will gain a little more respect from the kids and maybe even instill a bit of a fear-factor for them,” he said.

lis’s defensive coordinator at Gore.

Besides Jones, who had 117 tackles and five sacks last season, and Ward on defense, Ellis hopes his defensive line, centered around Rogers, Jeff Coe (6-0, 220) and Bryce Wyatt (6-1, 240), will put a stop to opponents running game.

Jones summed up the hopes and attitudes of the returning members of the team.

“I think things will be a lot better because we’ll be bigger in the line and we’ve lost some folks who had negative attitudes, so that should

help morale,” said Jones.

But with a new system and coach, the project is still under construction.

“We’ve got some work to do here,” said Ellis. “I got in early in the spring so I had a chance to see a lot of spring practice and from that point on we’ve set three goals for this team. Number one, improve our record from last year, number two is make the playoffs whether it’s the top spot or the fourth, and the third goal is to win that first-round game when we make it.”

WARNER EAGLES Record last season: 3-7 Head coach: Brandon Ellis (first year, 61-48 career-11 years) Coaching staff: Jeremy Jackson (Defensive coordinator), Paul Whitley, Tim Thomas, Jake Taylor Returning starters (11 offensive, 2 defensive): Bobby Ward, QB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Ty Neighbors, RB, 6-2, 165, So.; Nik Pleas, WR, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Jarod Crabtree, RB, 5-8, 185, Jr.; Zack Rowell, DE, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Dakota Bean, WR, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Zack Jones, TE, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Bill Kauffman, LB, 5-8, 185, So.; Jeff Coe, OL, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Jacob Hamm, OL, 6-0, 200, So.; Jace Rogers, OL, 6-5, 230, Sr.; Bryce Wyatt, OL, 6-1, 240, Sr.; Daniel Hamm, OL, 5-11, 245, Jr. Top newcomers: Kaden Pennington, RB/LB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Dalton Bean, WR/DB, 5’8, 160, So.; Dawson Neighbors, RB/DB, 5-10, 153, Fr.; Jeremy Thomas, RB/DB, 5-10, 140, Sr.; Carson Foreman, QB/LB, 5-9, 175, Fr.; Wryan Daniels, WR/DB, 5-8, 140, Fr.

Prep Football Preview

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Page 26

The makings of a football player...

Trust us, this was our Wunderlich test on potential fantasy draftees We all have our ideas of what it takes to play the game of football — strength, speed and size immediately come to mind. But with the help of our area guys who are in the middle of it all, we went deeper on the subject, using our own version of the test given NFL players during the draft combine.

1. Knows that football is a matter to be taken seriously.

Trace Maxwell, Stigler on his ultimate comedy experience so far: “Nothing.”

Football isn’t a laughing matter.

2. Respects those who have gone before him. a. Jake Tincher, Vian on what is the best compliment he’s have received: “That I look like Rowdy Simon.” b. Daylon McWaters, Vian on his sports idol: “Rowdy Simon.”

We’ll let you be the judge of the looks by looking to your right, but Rowdy was the 2012 Phoenix Male Athlete of the Tincher Year. Not much not to respect there.

Well he may be active in the Heaven Football League. Way to stretch the rules there Anthony.

for No. 1 in the state.

8. In season it’s all about football, not girls: a. Bailey Puckett, Hilldale on his first kiss: “What’s a kiss? b. (but if you had to mix in the girls): Everett Farris, Sequoyah and his dream date: “Ronda Rousey.”

Nothing like a gal who can outdo your the linebacker coming at you.

3. Respects those around him.

9. Hunter Soap, Sequoyah on his pre-game Jesse Walker, Eufaula on the No. 1 ritual: “Sleep.” player on your HS fantasy draft list: We figure Everett Farris would need that rest after “Shane Moore.” a couple of Rousey blitzes.

No. 2 in the our MVP voting and the

key to the Ironheads’ offense at running 10. Football’s in the blood (not necessarily back. the genes): Rowdy Kyle Lucas, Tahlequah, on what he’d do as a wom4. Knows the art of exploiting his an for 24 hours: “Play powderpuff football.” opponent.

Eufaula’s Hunter Schaffer on what he would do 11. And it’s always a priority. if he was instantly turned into a woman for a day: Zane Rasmussen of Muskogee on what he’d do if “Marry the richest and hottest dude, take his money he were invisible: “I’d tackle people.” then go back to being a guy.”

Unchecked travel and the guy wants to knock the Enough said. vision out of people.

5. Keeps his game plan covert.

Adam Davis, Hulbert, on what he would do if he were invisible for a day: “I don’t want you to know.”

Enough said — rinse, wash, repeat.

6. Fears nothing.

KJ Lee, Wagoner on what he would do if invisible: “Go to every amusement park and ride every ride there is.”

We think it’s also a test of balance, especially in gut flow.

7. Definite gold ball material.

Lane Fletcher, Porum on the biggest compliment he’s received: “She said ‘I’m the best looking guy she’s seen in Oklahoma.’”

We don’t know who “she” is, but he’s got her vote

12. Has his own highlight reel: Eric Stepp, Wagoner on his ultimate You Tube moment: “A big hit.”

It takes more than one big hit for a highlight reel, but this is a start.

13. Knows the value of carbo-loading: a. On the subject of favorite pre-game meal, Kanyon Kelley of Haskell: “Anything.”

Bad and good carbs, but from the looks of Kelley, he’s getting lots of good ones. b. Dean VanVors, Porter: “Pasta salad.”

Just in case you need a game plan.

14. Thinks outside the box: Anthony Howard, Hulbert on his first pick in an NFL fantasy draft: “Walter Payton.”

15. Knows you win games in practice: a. Taylor Stephens, Webbers Falls on his favorite thing about practice: “Communication and working on execution.”

This here is a film junkie.

b, Trey Mattox, Gore on least favorite thing about practice: “I don’t have one.”

If first-year Pirates coach Scott Sapulpa blames a sense of overpreparedness for a loss, we’ll know exactly who to point the finger at. His biggest hurdle may be overpreparing.

16. Isn’t afraid to seek help Gunner Ford, Eufaula “Psalm 23.7.”

Which says “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”

17. Brimming with self-confidence or personal vision.

Muskogee’s Tavian Davis on his pick for the Heisman Trophy winner? “Me.”

18. An eagerness to learn from the best.

And if Muskogee’s Quintahj Cherry were invisible: “I’d go to every professional game.”

Boo-yah!

19. Seeks to emulate excellence.

Midway’s Hayden Morgan on his No. 1 draft pick in a high school fantasy league: “The Jenks Trojans.”

20. Sense of family.

Tyler Armstrong of Porter’s superhero: “My dad.”

Boo-yah again!

21. Always cool under pressure.

Fort Gibson’s Justin Cates’ pet peeve: “I don’t have one.”

Just from looking at some of his teammates’ answers, this is the guy you want behind the wheel in traffic with ignorant drivers and the teammate riding shotgun smacking gum.

22. Appreciation for his hometown traditions.

Andrew Sands’ dream date: “Carrie Underwood.”

Sands, you guessed it, is from Checotah, where Carrie ain’t anymore.

23. Keeping perspective and knowing one’s limits: Greatest fear Jace Rogers of Warner has: “A mad woman.”

Football’s the first hurdle, but this guy’s already good marriage material. Happy wife, happy life.

Prep Football Preview

Page 27

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Pirates have a new ship captain Checotah

By Patrick Kays

Phoenix Correspondent

The Gore Pirates’ sails are set and with a new captain on the ship, the Pirates look to bounce back from an 0-10 finish in 2014.

Scott Sapulpa, who was a defensive coordinator for the Muskogee Roughers last season, takes over as head coach for the 2015 campaign and sets his sights on helping his James guys become better football players.

“Success to me is for these guys to learn,” said Sapulpa. “When I Mattox interviewed for the job, I said I am not going to guarantee wins, but I guarantee the boys will get better as far as know- Hamilton ing their job and doing assignments.”

Thus “Do Your Job” is the team’s motto for the season and with spring ball, team camps, passing leagues, and an open weight room for the entire summer, Sapulpa saw a core group of boys step out and show up, which gives him some optimism for a young team with no seniors on the roster.

“To be honest, I am excited and I am loving it. Everyone is optimistic this time of year and they should be, cause if you are not you should probably check your pulse,” said Sapulpa. “We are anxious to see what happens.”

Christian “Trey” Mattox is tabbed as the Pirates starting quarterback, and

will be set behind an experienced line featuring a three-year starting crew of juniors Brandon Saunders (6-1, 310), Owen James (6-0, 265), and Blayde Ferguson (6-0, 260).

Mattox feels comfortable with the line he has protecting him.

“They are one of the best lines in our district. I can argue for that,” said Mattox.

“They are going to do what they can do, and I am going to do what I can do.”

With a belief that running the ball increases their chances of winning, Sapulpa plans to set a lot of weight on the shoulders of junior running back Izaya Hamilton (6-2, 240).

“Our team is built off of a running offense,” said Hamilton. “We went to a team camp and really found out what we could do.”

Defensively, they are going to be using a 3-3 stack.

Ferguson, James, and freshman Hunter Farl-

Continued from Page 17

Phoenix special photo by Von Castor

Gore coach Scott Sapulpa was a head coach at Okay, and most recently an assistant at Muskogee High School. He’s in his first season at the Pirates’ helm.

iss are slated to be in the trenches, with Hamilton, freshman Tommy Smith and sophomore Nick Brackett will be set as linebackers.

In the secondary, Mat-

tox will be joined by Shore Couch, James Linduff and Bryan Lane — in order, a junior, sophomore and freshman

GORE PIRATES Record last season: 0-10 Head coach: Scott Sapulpa (first year) Coaching staff: Ernie Ragland (assistant head coach, offensive line, offensive coordinator), Martin Lincoln (associate head coach, special teams, corners, tailbacks) Heith Wilkinson (Director of football operations, strong safeties, wide receivers, Hudl coordinator), Cliff Baker (defensive line, tight ends, assistant offensive line), Chayson Anderson (wide receivers, safeties), Michael Jackson (trainer) Returning starters (8 offensive, 8 defensive): Owen James, OL/DL, 6-0, 265, Jr.; Blade Ferguson, OL/DL, 6-1, 270, Jr.; Lathan Treadwell, OL/ DL, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Hunter Swimmer, TE/DE, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Laine McDaniel, CB/FB, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Shone Couch, WR/SS, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Christian Mattox, QB/DB, 6-1, 175, So.; John McMahon, C/DE, 6-0, 175, So. Ferguson Top newcomers: Izaya Hamilton, TB/MLB, 6-2, 218, Jr.; Hunter Farless, OL/DE, 5-11, 190, So.

HOT ROUTES NFL bloodline Coming in as head coach, Scott Sapulpa wanted a strong staff on the sideline.

He got quite a gem in a trainer as Michael Jackson joins the Pirates coaching staff. Jackson, a retired Army veteran but not the king of pop, is the trainer for the Cleveland Browns.

“He is going to be able to take care of all the injury problems we may have,” said Sapulpa.

“So that is going to help out a ton.”

Deep staff

Speaking of the staff, there was a time when Gore had two coaches, including an administrator, as its staff just not too long ago.

“It’s been amazing the support I’ve gotten in terms of what we need,” Sapulpa said. “There’s a real desire in the community to get this program going in the opposite direction.”

work.”

The Wildcats welcome back five starters including All-Phoenix wide receiver/return specialist Drew Dan, the top vote-getter at both spots. Dan, a 6-foot-3, 180-pound senior, had 48 receptions for 1,110 yards and averaged 27.3 yards per return and four touchdowns and looks forward to his final year.

“I just want to enjoy every game – playing every game with my friends since I was little,” said Dan. “I know defenses are going to be double-teaming me. I know I’m not the only player on the team that can perform.

“I just have to do what I do and the rest will take care of itself.”

Making sure to get the ball to Dan downfield is quarterback Andrew Sands. The 6-1, 250 senior finished 2014 completing 72 of 127 passes for 1,325 yards and 18 touchdowns in seven starts while rushing for 722 yards on 141 carries and nine TDs. “It’s a good feeling to have somebody that has the arm that he’s got to get me the ball down deep,” said Dan. “He’s smart and when we need to make an adjustment, we connect and he’s seems to know where I’m going.”

And Sands feels just a fortunate to have a weapon like Dan to throw to.

“In my eyes, he’s one of the best in the state,” Sand said.

“He’s a great target and that helps a lot. I just have to take time and don’t try to force - just let the offense flow.”

Also returning to protect Sands in the pocket are 5-9, 225 senior Kody Casey and 6-3, 245 junior Derek Bollinger. Junior Zach Henson (6-0, 285) also figures in.

While Casey is a three-year starter, he still feels there’s lots of room for improvement.

“I still like watching game film to see what I’m doing wrong,” Casey said. “I want to keep progressing, working on my steps and my footwork. I’ve had problems with my footwork since my freshman year.”

Another returner is Randy Wood, a 5-8, 200-pound running back who finally got on the field last year.

HOT ROUTES What’s more important?

When Checotah meets its arch-rival Eufaula in the third week of the season, it will mark the 100th anniversary of the oldest-ongoing rivalry in the state.

For senior running back/linebacker Randy Wood, there is no more important game on the schedule.

“If we don’t have a good season, I just want to finish off winning that game,” he said. “To me personally, that’s my biggest game – districts or not. Rivalries are the biggest one.”

Blue glue

It’s not just about Xs and Os for Checotah quarterback Andrew Sands – it’s about bonding.

Sands is one of four returning starters on this year’s team and knows this year will be the last time he plays football with this group.

“I just want to enjoy spending time with my teammates,” he said.

And he’s not just referring to on the field.

“I enjoy practicing with these guys,” he said. “This is the greatest bunch of guys I’ve been around. This year is going to be fun.”

Prep Football Preview

Page 28

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Riders in gear after turnaround year

By Nick Hampton

Phoenix Correspondent

For a football team to be successful, it must have players that can play, but it also needs coaches that are experienced and are able to relate to their players.

For sure, three of the coaches can relate to each other. They’ve spent years at the dinner table together.

When it comes to experience, the Hulbert Riders have a diverse mix of coaching and playing experience on R. Harris the sidelines.

Head coach Rusty Harris is entering his second year at Hulbert but has had other coaching experience, in one form or another, at Keifer and Muskogee High, where he served under Matt Hennesy as the Roughers’ offensive coordinator.

Two of his assistants on his staff may not have as much coaching experience, but they more than make up for that in the experience they bring as players that have played at the college level. They also happened to be named Harris -- and are sons of the head coach.

Offensive coordinator Kaleb Harris was an All-American quarterback in college and his younger brother

Kyler, a secondary coach, was a two-time All American, one as a receiver and one as a defensive back.

The brothers are now helping their father guide the Riders into the season and sharing their experiences at the college level with their players.

They’ve made an impression on Riders senior Ethan Autry.

“Kyler, you watch him and he’s a weight-lifting machine,” Autry said.

“If you need any help with technique, he Cleveland really helps with that. He teaches well on the field.

He’s a safety all American and a wide receiver all American, so on either side of the ball he knows what he’s talking about.

“I’ve learned more from these coaches than from anybody I’ve ever been around.”

Senior Adam Davis agreed and added, “It’s a real confidence booster knowing our coaches have the experience that they do.

We show up every Friday night knowing that we’ve prepared the best way possible. It helps a lot knowing that they will give as much effort as we do.”

The Harris family is joined by longtime Hulbert

HOT ROUTES Running in stride

Anthony Howard, who had a 300-plus yard game a year ago, takes the tag of Small School Offensive Player of the Year in stride.

Howard “My goal is just to show up every day and work hard, look to my teammates and coaches and listen and learn from them,” he said.

Next aim: 7-3

Phoenix special photo by Darren Stephens

Anthony Howard was the Phoenix Small School Offensive Player of the Year last season.

aide Mickey McGowan, who will direct the linemen and special teams, and Aaron Fowler, who played under the head coach and his oldest son at Muskogee, and was a teammate of Kyler.

Hulbert’s offense will continue with the spread formation, but will put an emphasis on running the football. “Our staff feels committed to that you have to be able to run the ball to win at the end. Kaleb has brought some twists to our offense that makes us harder to defend than we were a year ago,” said Rusty HarRecord last season: 6-4 ris.

Head coach: Rusty Harris (2nd year, 6-4) Rusty Harris also serves Staff: Mickey McGowan, OL/DL, Special Teams Coordi- as the teams defensive coornator; Kaleb Harris, QB/Offensive Coordinator; Kyler Hardinator and firmly believes ris, REC/DB; Aaron Fowler, RB/OLB in the style of defense HulReturning Starters (8 offense, 9 defense): Jordan bert will put on the field.

Gibson, WR/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Jon McGowan, WR/DB, 5-8, 150, So.; Gabe Scott, OL/DL, 6-0, 220, Jr.; Ethan Au“I’m a 3-4 guy. I think it fits try, RB/OLB, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Anthony Howard, RB/LB, 5-10, our kids really, really well.

180, Sr.; Adam-Ty Davis, WR/OLB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Nick It’s something that I truRichmond, OL/DL, 6-1, 285, Sr.; Greg Landaverde, OL/DL, ly believe in and I can tell 5-10, 195, Sr.; Gunner Cleveland, OL/DL, 5-10, 290, Sr. you that after last year, our Top newcomers: Parker Taylor, WR/DB, 6-5, 210, Sr.; kids firmly believe in our Spencer West, QB/DB, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Jacob Bruce, WR/ DB, 5-8, 145, Fr. defense, because they have

HULBERT RIDERS

seen the results,” he said.

Hulbert will use different looks on defense and will rotate some of the big guys on the line but some players will pull double duty on both sides of the ball.

“Defensively we have some depth and we play a bunch of guys up front.

Some skills guys have to be two-way goes like Anthony (Howard). He’s a guy that’s gonna play every down at tailback and every down at linebacker. We’ll rest him on the weekends,” said the head coach.

Howard is also last year’s All-Phoenix Small School Offensive Player of the Year.

He’ll take handoffs from quarterback Spencer West. “(Howard) is going to carry the ball and it’s not a secret,” Harris said. “We have some weapons around him and I think Kaleb has done a great job in using our athletes in ways that makes us much harder to defend,” said Rusty Harris.

The Riders were 1-9 in District 2A-8 the year prior to Rusty Harris’ arrival. They started 4-0 to gain their first winning season since the 1999 team went 7-3. The 2011 team made the postseason as Davis a fourth-place team going 4-6.

That’s the next step for this program. Outside of that, the most wins in any season since 1999 was three.

While Adair is at the top of the 2A-7 deck, Adam Ty-Davis said everyone is still an anticipated rival.

“Every team we play thinks they can beat us, and that makes me mad and I’m sure it makes these other guys mad,” Davis said. “Adair humiliated us last year and we want to settle with them, but we’re that way with pretty much everybody.”

Legacy

“Our leadership has been a real focus for us thorugh the winter. We’ve done some things leadership wise as a unit. This group of seniors has been so much been fun to work with and really commited themselves not just to being great leaders and great stewards of the program, but they want to be part of a legacy of what we hope is a monster in terms of what Hulbert football is in the future,” Rusty Harris said.

Eufaula Continued from 17

are ready to go out and give it all they have got.”

Jesse Walker, a junior, will be running alongside Moore as a fullback picking up blocks and also as a tailback when Moore is not in the game.

Somewhat in Walker’s shadow is threeyear starting quarterback Gunner Ford (6-1, 220 Jr). Both Moore and Walker will be frequent targets for Ford out of the backfield. Hunter Schaeffer (6-2, 215, Sr.) steps in as tight end to replace UCO signee Daxton Williams. Freshman Junior Bailey (6-0, 170) has emerged as a top receiving candidate.

“Jesse has really stepped up for us. He probably has the best hands on the team now,” said Ford. “We have about four freshmen that we are really confident in playing and Schaeffer is coming in at tight end.

All of them have been working really hard.”

Schaeffer is one of those guys.

“I have been working on my hands more than anything,” said Schaeffer. “So when (Ford) throws it he can trust me to catch the ball.”

Ford has also been working on improving his own game.

“I have been working on my speed more than anything and to get stronger. I have been working on my timing and hitting routes by doing the 7-on-7 tournaments and really keying in on my accuracy and velocity.”

But as occurred last year, as Moore goes, so will go the Ironheads.

Prep Football Preview

Page 29

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Pirates are senior heavy in coach’s second season

By Nick Hampton

Phoenix Correspondent

Optimism might be the buzzword for the Porter Pirates as they look towards the upcoming season. With 11 seniors, including nine returning starters on each side of the ball, the Pirates have every reason to believe they’ll Ross improve on last year’s 1-9 mark.

“I think with so many seniors on the team we’ll be much better at playing situational football this year,” said second-year coach and Muskogee High alum Zac Ross. “Last year we struggled to play smart football, but I think with our experience and maturity, we’ll be better able

to make smart decisions this year.”

The offense will be led by quarterback Dean VanVors, who ran for nearly 500 yards and passed for almost 1,000 last year. The three-year starter is hoping that after two rocky years of taking his lumps, 2015 will be the bright spot Smith in his Pirate career.

“Last year with a new coach and a new system, it was a growing experience for us. I think I put the ball up too much under pressure and it hurt us,” said VanVors. “This year I’m going to strive to be more relaxed and calm back there and I think our line will be better too, so that should help. I’ve been to sever-

al camps this summer to work on footwork and timing and I think playing in the seven-on-seven leagues for the first time this year will also help improve our passing game.”

John Isreal (6-feet-2, 170 pounds) will be VanVors’ primary target. The Armstrong junior wide receiver had 486 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Also back is the versatile Bracey Kilgore, who showed he can reach the end zone as either a wide receiver or kick returner last year.

Thanks to an aggressive off season weight program, the offensive (See PORTER, 31)

PORTER PIRATES Record last season: 1-9 Head coach: Zac Ross (second year, 1-9) Coaching staff: Zac Ross (head coach, offensive coordinator), Chris Sherwood (defensive coordinator, wide receivers, secondary), Dalton Worthington (special teams coordinator, offensive line, defensive line), Tom Hubbard (linebackers, running backs) Returning starters (9 offensive, 9 defensive): Dean Van Vors, QB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Daniel Smith, RB/LB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; John Isreal, WR/CB, 6-2, 173, Jr.; Bracey Kilgore, WR/FS, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Nick Jenkins, WR, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Caleb Cox, SS, 5-8, 140, So.; Jordan Macheras, FB/ LB, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Jordan Carter, CB, 5-8, 155, Jr.; Johnny Link, RT/DT, 6-4, 250, Sr.; Jon Bailey, C/DE, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Chris Harmon, LG, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Wesley Brown, FS, 5-11, 160, So. Top newcomers:Tyler Jarman, DE, 6-2, 215, Jr.; Tyler Armstrong, LT/DT, 6-3, 255, Sr.; Devin Newby, RG, 6-2, 250, Jr.

HOT ROUTES Becoming dad

Pirate head coach Zac Ross’ father is David Ross, who helped resurrect the football program at Bacone a decade ago. “From the time I was about 2 I was at practice with my dad every fall and in the winter. I was in the weight rooms with him and at spring practice,” he said. “He was big influence on me and I knew, once I finished playing college ball, I wanted to get into coaching.”

Weight room dividends

The Pirates have been beneficiaries of the Porter community as Ross revealed that they had put nearly $12,000 into modernizing their weight room during the offseason.

“We’re appreciative of the community’s help in improving the weight room. The kids have put a lot time in there this summer and now we need to see if we can put that hard work to use on the field this season,” said Ross.

Lineman Tyler Armstrong echoed the sentiments of his head coach. “Coach Ross’ summer program was a killer, but I can already see how it has helped. Our line was a lot better in team camps and I think we’ll a lot bigger and stronger this season.”

Porum intends on packing well-conditioned punch

By Jimmy Stinson

Phoenix Correspondent

Kenny Hokit is looking for consistency for the Porum Panthers in 2015.

The Panthers’ 2014 season started slow, found some consistency in the middle, and then faded toward the end.

Mann Hokit, entering his 15th year as the head coach at Porum, hopes better conditioning this year will help his team find that consistency.

“We started out kinda slow, the kids weren’t in the kind of shape I thought they should be in. It was kind of an up and down season,” he said.

“We are looking forward to

this season. We lost three starters but we have some good seniors coming back.”

One of those returnees is quarterback Tristen Mann, who played some at running back last year before moving to quarterback.

He’s also full-time on Gritts defense in the up-tempo 8-man game.

“You have to condition yourself and stay in shape or there is no way you can play an entire game. In Class B there aren’t a lot of guys so you have to play both ways,” said Mann.

The Panthers’ offense will still use the power I formation that Hokit has used for most of his stay at

Porum. While some of the larger schools are making the switch to a pass happy, spread offense, Hokit likes the power I for its ease of teaching to the players.

“Most of the schools are going to that wide spread, no huddle stuff but it is just Fletcher harder to do at the smaller schools. We just don’t have as many coaches, so it’s hard to adjust and go to that type of offense,” added Hokit.

That type of offense seems to be just fine with Mann.

“I am not real strong at throwing the football and it takes a lot of pressure off of me, knowing that I

have a back in the backfield that can make it a little easier to do my job,” said Mann.

Defensively, the Panthers will continue with the 3-3 scheme that Hokit has used since his arrival at Porum. Casey Gritts, a three year starter will return on the line along with Colton Fraley and newcomer Drew Spradlin.

“Our defense is set up to where the defensive lineman will keep the guards off of our linebackers to free them up. We like to cause turnovers and get up field on people. We try to take the thinking game off of our kids and just let them play football,” said Hokit.

Fletcher and Travis Terrell will see time on the defense as well as Colby Thornton at cornerback.

PORUM PANTHERS Record in 2014: 4-6 Head coach: Kenny Hokit (15th year ?/?)

Staff: Norman Powell, assistant Returning starters (6 offense, 6 defense): Lane Fletcher, OL/DL, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Colton Morton, OL/DL, 6-2, 290, So.; Drew Spradlin, OL/Dl, 6-2, 190, So.; Travis Terrell, OLB, 5-4, 140, Jr.; Tristan Mann, QB/CB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Colton Fraley, N, 5-10, 165, Jr. Top newcomers: Lane Brown, QB/DB, 5-8, 130, Fr.; Chris Garcia, LB/FB, 5-4, 130, So.

HOT ROUTES Lane Fletcher takes over for the graduated Darren Bowman as the primary ball carrier.

“We are going to move Lane(Fletcher) from line to tailback,” Hokit said. “Over the last three years has been probably 80 percent of our offense.”

The Panthers will see stiff competition in B-4 with teams like Dewar, Keota and Weleetka leading the pack, but the game most of the players circle on their calendar is their only non-district game and season opener -- Webbers Falls.

“Webbers is our biggest rival. We want to play our best against them,” said Mann.

Prep Football Preview

Page 30

Sunday, August 30, 2015

New coach wants new mind set in Warrior land

By Ronn Rowland Phoenix Sports Writer

Trent Holt wants to change the mind set at Webbers Falls.

The Warriors’ new coach takes over a program that finished 2014 at 6-5 after a 56-6 loss to Bluejacket in the first round of the Class C playoffs. Prior to Webbers Falls, Holt was the only coach that Gans had Holt ever known, having started the program in 1998 and compiling a 10769 record in his 17 years for the Grizzlies.

One thing Holt preached while at Gans in District C-4 was to play tough every game, and he said that’s what’s been lacking in the district’s history.

“We went to the finals one year (2003) and went deep in the playoffs a couple of other times out of C-4,” he said.

“Traditionally, it’s not been a very tough district. You’ll have 4-5 games that you look really good in, and when you

match up against another district sometimes the teams from C-4 go 0-4 in the firstround of the playoffs.”

While Holt got a late start at Webbers Falls, arriving in late May, he is well versed in what the Warriors have returning and is hoping for a larger roster.

“We had 9-10 kids for spring practice,” Holt said. “Our seniors are pretBray ty good athletes and we have some good upperclassmen. “We had 18 kids that showed up for fall practice.”

The Warriors open at Porum in a non-district game before the C-4 opener at Fox. After Webbers Falls’ home opener in week three versus district foe Bowlegs, the Warriors play at Destiny Christian to finish up non-district play.

Senior fullback/middle linebacker Taylor Stephens feels the team can help its cause for a district championship in the early going.

“Fox is always tough in our district and we play them the second game,” he said.

“Thackerville always gives us a run for our money and we don’t play them until later in the season. But we can’t look past anyone.”

Fox won C-4 in 2014, not dropping a game in district play on the way to an 11-2 record with a semifinal loss to Shanks eventual state champion Tipton, while Thackerville posted an 8-4 record, 6-2 in district play finishing third, falling to Tipton in the quarterfinals.

A 2014 All-Phoenix selection, senior quarterback Darren Shanks finished his junior year completing 74 percent of his passes (94 of 124) for 1,432 yards and 19 touchdowns while rushing for 586 yards and 11 TDs. “It’s a lot of pressure but everyone does their part,” Shanks said. “I just take it to the field and let it happen.”

WEBBERS FALLS WARRIORS Record last season: 6-5 Head coach: Trent Holt (first year 0-0) Coaching staff: Clint Gillman (assistant coach, defensive coordinator) Returning starters (7 offensive, 7 defensive): Darren Shanks, QB/DB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Taylor Stephens, RB/LB, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Dakota Reed, RB/LB, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Hunter Brey, WR/DB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Matt Haraway, TE/DE, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Jordan Turley, OL/DL, 5-9, 180, So.; Bruce Yang, OL/DL, 5-8, 185, So. Top newcomers: Bobby Guthrie, OL/DL, 5-8, 175, Fr.; Jeremiah Cole, OL/DL, 5-10, 200, Jr.

HOT ROUTES Staying healthy

A key to any good season is keeping the players healthy.

Hunter Bray, a 6-1, 196 senior wide receiver and kicker, believes in making a positive out of a negative.

“You have to take what happens bad and turn it into good,” he said. “I mean we had a lot of injuries last year to a lot of good kids. It Stephens scarred a couple of guys.

“We encouraged them to play through it. We’ve talked to them every day about it and most of them are going to come back, plus we recruited a couple of new guys that said they might play.”

Numbers crunch

Coach Holt said with student population of 86 kids at Webbers Falls, he’s needing for the players to not only stay healthy,

but eligible.

“In spring practice, I had about nine or 10 players and we didn’t get to do a whole lot – we went over a lot of offense but we didn’t hit a whole lot,” Holt said. “It looks like we are going to have a few more kids come out this year which helps. In 8-man, we don’t have the luxury of running out eight guys for offense and eight guys for defense.”

Commanding the offense

Darren Shanks knows that the success of the Warriors will start with him at quarterback. The senior understands the he has earned the coaches’ respect and can’t lose it.

He also has the authority to change the play if needed.

“I’m focused on the way the other team’s defense sets up,” he said. “Also how they react as soon as the ball is snapped. Once I get the read, I can stay with the play or change it is the defense calls for it.”

Strong finish built Midway momentum for 2015

By Eric Shannon

Phoenix Correspondent

It is all on how you finish.

And despite a 5-5 finish, it’s those back-toback season-ending wins that Chargers head coach G.B. Myles thinks could tell the tale for 2014 as it sparked moMyles mentum going into the offseason and Summer Pride, where attendance doubled.

“Kids are seeing the hard work has paid off and the community has really gotten behind the program again,” the coach

said.

Offensively returning quarterback Junior Corey Miller will lead the Charger offense with =year starter, senior Nick Hayes, to throw to.

“I think our offense should be better than last year and should run very smooth with all our reMiller turning players,” said Hayes.

Two-year Hayden M5organ (6-3, 300) is a big piece on both lines. So is a three-year starter, Tank Collins (6-1, 395).

Hayes, Miller and Junior William Cantrell will be managing

the defensive backfield. Juniors Devon Barnes and Sean Bispo along with sophomore Jackson Webb should fill in the linebacker spots.

Cody Prater joins Myles on staff as his defensive coordinator.

Coming from an 11-man system at Henryetta, Hays Prater is excited with what he has to work with.

“We are going to be aggressive and try to dictate to what the offense does and try to put them into things that they’re uncomfortable with,” said Prater.

MIDWAY CHARGERS Record last season: 5-5 Head coach: G.B. Myles (second year, 5-5, career, 8-12) Coaching staff: Cody Prater (defensive coordinator) Returning starters (13 offensive, 13 defensive): Nick Hays, WR/DB, 5-9, 155, Sr.; Corey Miller, QB/DB, 5-8, 140, Jr.; William Cantrell, WR/DB, 5-7, 145, Jr.; Devon Barnes, TB/LB, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Jackson Webb, TE/LB, 6-0, 170, So.; Sean Bispo, TB/LB, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Hayden Morgan, OL/DL, 6-3, 300, Jr.; Tank Collins, OL/DL, 6-1, 395, Sr.; Chance Hays, OL/DL, 5-10, 245, So.; Colin Miller, FB/DL, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Jeremiah Burch, OL/DL, 6-3, 205, Sr.; Seth Knight, WR/ DB, 5-7, 145, So.; Jeff Webb, TE/LB, 5-10, 165, Jr.

Morgan

HOT ROUTES If the Chargers goal of reaching the second round of the playoffs is obtained this season it would be only the third time in the schools 21 year football history. Also, if it breaks the .500 mark they’ll end a streak of four consecutive non-winning seasons.

Prep Football Preview

Page 31

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Season schedules for area teams MUSKOGEE S4 McAlester S11 at Owasso S18 at Fayetteville S25 at Sapulpa O2 Ponca City (HC) O9 at Bartlesville O15 Claremore (HOF) O23 at Sand Springs O30 Bixby N6 T. Washington (SrN),

S4 S11 S18 S25 O2 O9 O15 O23 O30 N6

S4 S11 S18 S25 O2 O9 O15 O23 O30 N6

S4 S11 S18 S25 O2 O9 O15 O23 O30 N6

S4 S11 S18 S25 O2 O9 O15

7 p.m.

7 p.m 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

HILLDALE Stigler 7:30 p.m. at Fort Gibson 7:30 p.m. at Tulsa McLain 7:30 p.m.

Beggs (HC) 7:30 p.m. at Morris 7:30 p.m.

Okmulgee 7:30 p.m. at Victory Christian 7 p.m.

Eufaula 7:30 p.m. at Checotah 7:30 p.m.

Tulsa Rogers (SrN) 7:30 p.m.

FORT GIBSON at Tahlequah 7:30 p.m.

Hilldale 7:30 p.m. at Wagoner 7:30 p.m.

Sallisaw 7:30 p.m.

Broken Bow 7:30 p.m. at Central 7 p.m. at Metro Christian 7:30 p.m.

Muldrow 7:30 p.m. at Poteau 7:30 p.m.

Stilwell 7:30 p.m.

TAHLEQUAH Fort Gibson 7:30 p.m. at Stilwell 7:30 p.m. at Sallisaw 7:30 p.m. at East Central 7 p.m.

Collinsville 7 p.m. at Pryor 7 p.m.

Enid 7 p.m. at Edison 7 p.m.

Grove 7 p.m. at Coweta 7 p.m.

WAGONER at Coweta 7:30 p.m. at Pryor 7:30 p.m.

Fort Gibson 7:30 p.m.

Oologah 7:30 p.m.

Cascia Hall 7:30 p.m. at Miami 7:30 p.m.

Tulsa McLain (HC) 7:30 p.m.

O23 O30 N6

at Vinita 7:30 p.m.

Cleveland (SrN) 7:30 p.m. at Catoosa 7:30 p.m.

CHECOTAH S4 at Keys 7:30 p.m.

S11 Henryetta 7:30 p.m.

S18 at Eufaula (100th mtg) 7:30 p.m.

S25 Idabel 7:30 p.m.

O2 at Victory Christian 7:30 p.m.

O9 Tulsa Rogers 7:30 p.m.

O15 at Morris 7:30 p.m.

O23 at Okmulgee 7:30 p.m.

O30 Hilldale 7:30 p.m.

N6 Beggs (SrN) 7 p.m.

S4 S11 S18 S25 O2 O9 O15 O23 O30 N6

S4 S11 S18 S25 O2 O9 O16 O23 O30 N5

SEQUOYAH Okemah at Roland at Broken Bow at Inola at Jay Westville (HC) Locust Grove at Keys Lincoln Christian Cl. Sequoyah (SrN)

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

KEYS Checotah 7:30 p.m. at Lincoln, Ark 7 p.m.

Vian 7 p.m.

Jay 7 p.m. at Westville 7 p.m.

Locust Grove (HC) 7 p.m. at Kellyville 7 p.m.

Sequoyah (SrN) 7 p.m. at Cl. Sequoyah 7 p.m. at Inola 7 p.m.

EUFAULA S4 at Beggs 7 p.m.

S11 Hartshorne 7 p.m.

S18 Checotah (100th Mtg) 7:30 p.m.

S25 Heavener 7 p.m.

O2 at Spiro 7 p.m.

O9 Valliant (HC) 7 p.m.

O15 at Stigler 7 p.m.

O23 at Hilldale 7 p.m.

O30 at Idabel 7 p.m.

N6 Roland (SrN) 7 p.m.

STIGLER S4 at Hilldale 7:30 p.m.

S11 Sallisaw 7:30 p.m.

S18 at Henryetta 7:30 p.m.

S25 at Valliant 7 p.m.

O2 O9 O15 O23 O30 N6

S4 S11 S18 S25 O2 O9 O15 O23 O30 N6

S4 S11 S18 S25 O2 O9 S15 S23 O30 N6

Idabel (HC) at Heavener Eufaula Roland at Spiro Victory Chr. (SrN)

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

HASKELL at Ketchum Morris at Spiro Chouteau Chelsea at Hulbert at Adair Salina at Kansas Colcord (SrN)

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

HULBERT at Porter at Warner Mounds at Kansas Salina Haskell at Colcord Adair Caney Valley (SrN) at Chouteau

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

VIAN A28 at Nowata 7 p.m.

S5 Jones (at Choctaw) 11 a.m.

S11 at Heavener 7 p.m.

S18 at Keys 7 p.m.

S25 Wilburton 7 p.m.

O2 Liberty (HC) 7 p.m.

O9 Hartshorne 7 p.m.

O23 Pocola (SrN) 7 p.m.

O30 at Antlers 7 p.m.

N5 at Panama 7 p.m.

S4 S11 S18 S25 O2 O9 O16 O23 O30 N6

S3

PORTER Hulbert at Drumright Chouteau at Sal. Central Warner at Quinton Gore (HC) Savanna (SrN) at Talihina at Mounds

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

GORE Panama

7 p.m.

S11 S18 S25 O2 O9 O15 O23 O30 N6

S4 S11 S18 S25 O2 O9 O15 O23 O30 N5

S4 S11 S18 S25 O2 O9 O15 O23 O30 N6

S4 S9 S18 S25 O2 O9 O15 O23 O30 N6

S4 S11 S18 S25 O2 O9 O15 O23 O30 N6

at Mounds at Ketchum Quinton at Talihina Sal. Central at Porter Chouteau at Warner Savanna (SrN)

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

WARNER at Summit Christian 7:30 p.m.

Hulbert 7 p.m. at Panama 7 p.m.

Pocola (HC) 7 p.m. at Porter 7 p.m.

Savanna 7 p.m. at Talihina 7 p.m. at C. Sallisaw 7 p.m.

Gore 7 p.m.

Quinton (SrN) 7 p.m.

PORUM Webbers Falls Dewar at Weleetka Keota at Haileyville at Arkoma Wetumka at Canadian Caddo (SrNight) at Gans

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

MIDWAY at Wright Christian 7:30 p.m. at Sasakwa 7:30 p.m. at Cave Springs 7:30 pm.

Paoli 7:30 p.m.

Thackerville 7:30 p.m. at Bokoshe 7:30 p.m.

Webbers Falls 7:30 p.m. at Fox 7:30 p.m.

Bowlegs 7:30 p.m. at Prue 7:30 p.m.

WEBBERS FALLS at Porum 7:30 p.m. at Fox 7:30 p.m.

Bowlegs 7:30 p.m. at Destiny Chr. 7:30 p.m. at Sasakwa 7:30 p.m.

Cave Springs (HC) 7:30 p.m. at Midway 7:30 p.m. at Thackerville 7:30 p.m.

Bokoshe 7:30 p.m.

Paoli 7:30 p.m.

Porter Continued from Page 29

line should be bigger and stronger anchored by returning center Jon Bailey (6-1, 195) and tackle Johnny Link (6-4, 250). Joining them will be guard Devin Newby (6-2, 250), and tackle Tyler Armstrong (6-3, 255).

They’ll also get help from Broken Arrow move-in Tyler Jarman (6-2, 215).

Leading the defense for the Pirates will be senior linebacker Jordan Macheras who recorded 118 tackles last season.

Link, Bailey and Armstrong will be the upfront stoppers for Porter while Daniel Smith, who had 82 stops, will join Macheras at linebacker and Kilgore, Isreal, and Jordan Carter return in the secondary.

“We’re looking forward to the 2015 season. We spent a lot of time in the weight room getting bigger, stronger and faster.

This year we are expecting to have a better season than last year. Our main goal is to have the first winning season and first playoff spot for Porter in the past five years.”

More player talk Speaking of schedules:

How about that homecoming dream date, fellas?

These guys who answered at our annual Media Day like the physical gal, MMA fighter Ronda Rousey was a runaway choice. But a lot of these guys are “living the dream” as the runner-up choice shows. These were the leaders:

Ronda Rousey 18 My girlfriend 9 Jennifer Aniston 5 Carrie Underwood 3 Kate Upton 3 Meagan Fox 3 Mila Kunis 3

Football players on the rest of football Who will be this year’s college football national champion?

Oklahoma 20 Ohio State 9 Oregon 7 1/2 TCU 5 Oklahoma State 4 Alabama 2 1/2 Texas 1 Michigan State 1 Georgia Tech 1 Florida 1 USC 1 LSU 1 Hulbert Riders 1

Heisman Trophy winner: Samaje Perine, OU 14 Cardale Jones, Ohio State 8 Trevone Boykin, TCU 3 Sterling Shephard, Oklahoma 3 Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State 2 Braxton Miller, Ohio State 1 J.T. Barrett, Ohio State 1 Joe Mixon, Oklahoma 1 Mason Rudolph, Okla. St. 1 Also receiving votes: Odell Beckham, N.Y. Giants 1 Adrian Peterson, Minnesota 1 Tavian Davis, Muskogee 1 Quintahj Cherry, Muskogee 1

Super Bowl champion: Dallas Cowboys 18 Seattle Seahawks 8 New England Patriots 8 Green Bay Packers 7 Denver Broncos 4 Arizona Cardinals 3 Pittsburgh Steelers 3 Miami Dolphins 2 Philadelphia Eagles 2 N.Y. Giants 2 Houston Texans 1 New Orleans Saints 1 N.Y. Jets 1 Baltimore Ravens 1 Indianapolis Colts 1

Prep Football Preview

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Page 32

Prep Football Preview

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Page 9

Hornets hopeful of adjusting the buzz

By Mike Kays

“Now it’s not unknown.

I’m better able to approach and know how to juggle evA year ago, Chad erything.”

Kirkhart was charting unHis football squad, for known waters. another reason, had a simiAfter temporarily step- lar experience in charting a ping down from the Hill- 2014 season that followed dale head coaching job to a second straight quarterfibecome an assistant prin- nal season in 2013 and the cipal at the loss of 17 seniors, then at high school, the end of the 2014 spring, and followa suspended starting quaring a time of terback. participating The journey saw Hilldale in the search lose another quarterback for a replaceby injury near midseason ment, he and in an roller coaster of and athletic a year, made the playoffs Kirkhart director Erik despite a losing record, Puckett figfinishing 4-7 with a firstured a way for Kirkhart to round spanking at Lincoln do both.

Christian.

Seventeen days after “It really makes a difstepping down, he was ference with the amount given his old job back as a of leadership you have second job. to the number of seniors “It was a lot of un- you have,” said offfensive knowns. But going through lineman Wyatt Gassaway, a year of it you see how to who will start there for the balance things,” he said. third consecutive year. “My “I’m busy as a principal and busy as a head coach.

(See BUZZ, 10) It boils down to balance.

Phoenix Sports Editor

HILLDALE HORNETS Record last season: 4-7 Head coach: Chad Kirkhart (sixth year, 41-19) Coaching staff: Phil McWilliams (offensive coordinator), Ryan Keenom (defensive coordinator), Eric Stout (offensive line, defensive line), Levi Walker (running backs, linebackers), Tim Stevens (wide receivers, defensive backs), Tyler Foster (wide receivers, defensive backs) Returning starters: (5 offensive, 6 defensive) Bailey Puckett, RT, 6-4, 270, Sr.; Wyatt Gassaway, LT, 6-2, 245, Sr.; Xavier Milton, C, 6-1, 265, Jr.; Austin Patterson, NG, 5-9, 225, Jr.; Tanner Thomson G, 5-10, 210, Jr.; Jaron Nail, QB/SS, 6-2, 185, So.; Kort Morgan, QB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Grant Sikes, WR, 6-3, 165, Jr.; Cole Kiser, WR/CB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Hunter Reheard, DE, 6-1, 190, So.; William Dominguez, DE, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Isaac McWilliams, ILB, 6-0, Puckett 210, Sr.; Kobe Kuykendall, ILB, 5-8, 165, Jr.; Wyatt Wolfe, OLB, 5-10, 175, Jr., Trae Davidson, S, 6-1, 175, Jr., Cecil Rhodes, OLB, 5-8, 155, Jr.; Devin Cochran, RB/LB, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Alex Puckett, CB, 6-0, 190, So. Top newcomers: Mitchell Croftcheck, QB/FS, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Isaac Isham, WR/DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Aaron Sanders, WR, 6-1, 200, Sr.; NG Tyler Gober, 5-10, 265, Sr.; Troy Gunkel, 6-3, 285.

Special photo by Von Castor

Hilldale’s Cole Kiser will be a two-way performer for the Hornets this season, including receiver, where he is on this catch.

Prep Football Preview

Buzz Continued from Page 9

sophomore year we had 17-18 seniors, last year we had a couple, this year we have 12 coming back. I think we’ve got that covered.”

It’ll come from one of three quarterbacks: Mitchell Croftcheck, who matured past his suspension that was alcohol related, full of regret and resolve; Jaron Nail, who saw action as a freshman, or Kort Morgan.

A starter may not be named until this week.

Or it will be from a group of five wideouts led statistically

by Grant Sikes (43 catches, 713 yards, 10 TDs) and Cole Kiser.

Sikes isn’t concerned who the Sikes leader is behind center.

“Whoever it is, we’ll be fine.

They all have things they do well,” he said.

“All have had equal reps so we’re on with all of them. They know what we can do and we all know each other’s strengths.”

Or it will come from a seasoned offensive line. Gassaway and Bailey Puckett are both three-year starters and had a taste of the two best seasons in Hilldale football history. They want more, after a season of angst.

“One thing about losing together,” Gassaway said. “You’re either angry together or sad together but it brings people together in a common purpose pretty fast.”

Or it’ll be 10 full or part-time starters back on defense, plus much-missed 265-pound Tyler Gober at nose guard in the 3-4 alignment. Gober was a starter two seasons ago before taking a Gassaway year off due to burnout. “(Matt Bargsten) was our only senior starter.

He was a big motivator but it wasn’t enough,” Kiser said. “We had to come together and grow together, which we’ve done over the summer.”

Kirkhart sees the maturity as the key to what he believes is a district championship-level team.

“You look at last year and we were so close in several games,” he said. “Beggs goes to the quarterfinals and we were inside the 5 three times (without scoring) and they beat us by two TDs. Eufaula beat us by a touchdown, Victory Christian beat us by a touchdown. We were close in a lot of those seven losses where a play here or a play there or a turnover or giving up a big-play defensively makes the difference. So much of those issues are things that maybe you don’t do if you’ve been in that situation before.

“Correct that and the team can be a lot like 2013.”

Page 10

Sunday, August 30, 2015

HOT ROUTES QB differences They have their different styles, Kort Morgan took Hilldale out of it’s normal style at the position, a drop-back thrower who isn’t as likely to run. He had five starts and threw for 1,603 yards and 106 completions in 201 attempts.

His 12-touchdown, 14-interception numbers showed some inconsistency. Mitchell Croftcheck (6-1, 170) and Jaron Nail (6-2, 175) both are run-pass threats.

Even if it’s the pass-happy Morgan, with the depth at receiver, Hornets coach Chad Kirkhart insists the team will lean toward the run-game with Devin Cochran, Mikey Winston and Isaac McWilliams.

“We’ve got one and twoback sets so it’s not predicated on the quarterback being a run guy,” Kirkhart said. “Devin’s the one-back guy and we’ll mix the other two in a two-back.

But we don’t want to throw 40 to 50 times. Against Checotah (with Morgan), we threw it 63 times.”

Which shows they have that option.

Problem solved It was a considerably bigger Seminole front line in the 2013 quarterfinals that brought to an end a physically-challenging season for Tyler Gober.

“I thought I needed a break,” Gober said when spring football rolled around in 2014.

Summer came, then fall.

“Halfway through the season I realized I shouldn’t have quit,” Gober said.

But missing spring ball doesn’t work with Kirkhart, and Gober just had to deal with the reality of his frustration.

He’s back, he’s fresh, and his sheer size plugs a hole in the middle in a prototypical way for a team that tried plugging it by committee, with less-than-optimum results.

“With him there at our team camps (this summer), I didn’t get blocked and had a straight line to the ball carrier,” said Isaac McWilliams, one of two returning inside linebackers.

William Dominguez had a standout season at defensive end, but with Gober’s presence next to him, it should also disrupt the passing game and

Phoenix special photo by Von Castor

Hilldale’s William Dominguez loses his helmet but wraps up Stigler’s Dylan Bryant in action last year. Dominguez is back at defensive end. give a big assist to a defensive secondary.

More reinforcements Croftcheck’s absence wasn’t just felt behind center last year. He was expected to be a contributor at safety. He’ll be back there this year. Also in the safety mix is Isaac Isham, who brings strong athleticism but hasn’t played football since the seventh grade.

Better educated Hilldale gave up an average of 58 points in its final three games. That wasn’t all on the

defense, though.

“A lot of young guys hadn’t been in that situation a lot,” Kirkhart said. “But overall I don’t think it was as bad as those last several games showed. Some points were on offensive mistakes. There were also times where they would make a good stand, the offense would drive inside the 5 and not score. That mentally affects the defense where you should have put points on the board and didn’t. But we’ve grown from that. I expect we’ll be much better overall.”

Red-letter dates

Fort Gibson, Sept. 11 — The Tigers have won three straight games in the series. They’ll return to being district rivals after this season in Class 4A. Beggs, Sept. 25 — The Hornets squandered this one last year. They need it this year, right out of the District 3A-6 gate.

Checotah, Oct. 30 — Enough of the pieces on both sides of the field are back in a matchup that produced 107 points and 1,128 yards of offense in the 59-48 game.

Tulsa Rogers, Nov. 6 — If anything, the Hornets should be perturbed. Easily the worse outing, a 58-34 loss.

Prep Football Preview

Page 11

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Whiteley, Tigers stay the course

By Ronn Rowland Phoenix Sports Writer

Change can sometimes be very stressful.

For the Fort Gibson Tigers, the change that was made at the top of the football program could be viewed as a stress reliever.

After guiding the Tigers to a 12-1 re- Whiteley cord, the only loss coming to Oologah in the Class 4A semifinals, James Singleton resigned as head coach last spring to Eastwood accept a similar position at McAlester. So whom did the Fort Gibson school district believe was the right man for the job to replace Singleton?

How about one of Singleton’s top lieutenants – Greg Whiteley, who has been at the school for seven years, four as assistant coach and offensive coordinator.

“I don’t know if I would have ever done this again in another situation or another school,” Whiteley said. “But with these guys – knowing these guys, the fun times

FORT GIBSON TIGERS Record last season: 12-1, 4A semifinalists Head coach: Greg Whiteley (first year) Coaching staff: Kenyatta Wright (assistant head coach, defensive coordinator, linebackers), Carter Bradley (secondary), Sammy Johnson (special teams coordinator, defensive line), Mike Shelton (Recievers), Justin Brown (offensive line), Adam Pemberton (running backs), Craig Collins (tight ends) Returning starters: (2 offensive, 2 defensive) Ace Eastwood, OL/DL, 6-1, 235, Sr.; Chris Walker, RB/LB, 6-1, 195, Jr.; Justin Rosales Cates, LB/RB, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Michael Rosales, DL/OL, 5-11, 225, Jr. Top newcomers: Baily Torix, WR/DB, 5-7, 145, Sr.; Jared Cornelius, OL/DL, 6-0, 270, Sr.; Coy Pendergraft, LB/TE, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Bailey Harris, WR/DB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Dylan Murray, QB/DB, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Jesse Sanchez, RB, 7-7, 180, Jr.; Jett Brassfield, WR/DB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Sammy Sanchez, LB/RB, 5-11, 180, So.

we’ve had and the victories we’ve had – it was definitely worth it to push forward and keep the consistency within our program. Doing the things we’ve done the last four years and keep that going – with a few twists.”

Keeping a familiar face on the staff, one that some players have know since they began playing organized football, allowed the players take a deep breath and not worry about if they were going to have to learn a whole new system or adjust to a different personality.

And to make things even easier, Whiteley kept all but

Phoenix special photo by John Hasler

Fort Gibson head coach Greg Whiteley was formerly the team’s offensive coordinator.

one of last year’s assistants, adding only Adam Pemberton, who will coach the running backs, and offensive line coach Justin Brown, who was the offensive line coach for the Tigers from 2009-12 before moving to Bethany for two seasons.

“It was definitely way easier than if we had gotten all new coaches,” said junior running back Chris Walker, the 2014 All-Phoenix MVP. “I was in the eighth grade when coach Brown was last here, so it’s good to get re-acquainted with him.

There are the other coaches who were here last year and coach Whiteley and I have

Phoenix special photo by John Hasler

Fort Gibson defender Justin Cates celebrates a play in the second round of the Class 4A playoffs last season against Newcastle.

always been close – he’s also my track coach.”

On Whiteley’s part, keeping the coaches that were here last year to stay was a top priority. Once he accomplished that, Whiteley said bringing Brown was not that difficult.

“I got to coach with him for four years,” Whiteley said. “He’s from Yukon and they thought they wanted to

get back to that area. They got there and realized that they really like it here.

“It wasn’t a hard sell to get him back here. He wanted to come back and we were very fortunate to get him.”

One of the main problems that Whiteley and his staff have dealt with is turnover.

The Tigers have only two starters returning on both

the offense and defense.

However, the players that are returning have some seen time under the lights.

“We have a lot of kids that are going to play on Friday nights that have never played on Friday nights this year,” he said. “It’s like I tell them each practice, each time you sit in there and lis(See FTG, 19)

Prep Football Preview

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Page 12

New challenge for area’s top two RBs

By Ronn Rowland Phoenix Sports Writer

Fort Gibson and Eufaula will answer one of the most basic questions in football – does the running back make the line of scrimmage, the line make the runner, or both?

At stake is the reputations of the top two vote-getters for All-Phoenix MVP. Fort Gibson’s Chris Walker and Eufaula’s Shane Moore have revamped lines because of graduation, bringing into the spotlight the issue of whether great backs can make linemen better or is it the line that makes the back.

“It’s a combination of both,” said Fort Gibson’s Ace Eastwood, a 6-foot-1, 235-pound offensive lineman who will block for Walker, the reigning MVP. “You can’t have a star running back without a good line and you can’t have a star line without a good running back. They complement each other.”

Walker, who rushed for 2,415 yards on 329 carries and a school-record 36 touchdowns, want to shed any doubt of possible decline in numbers.

“The way I’d answer

Up close and personal

Fort Gibson’s Chris Walker and Eufaula’s Shane Moore answer a few game-related questions and some not-so related handoffs: Best pre-game music tune: Moore: “Dreams and Nightmare” by Meek Mill Walker: Just country Who is your sports idol?

Moore: Marshawn Lynch Walker: Adrian Peterson What would you doif you turned into a girl for a day?

Moore: Gold-dig Bill Gates Walker: Gymnastics. That’s a sport girls do.

Who would play you in a movie?

Moore: Johnny Depp Walker: Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) What HS course would you like to take more of?

Moore: History Walker: Athletics Ultimate dream date: Moore: Marilyn Monroe Walker: Drive through all 50 states (it’s the substance, not the person).

it is being on the team and knowing everybody, I don’t think it’s going to be a down year,” the 6-foot-1, 195-pound junior said. “We’ve got the same tough guys as last year, just different people and different names. We may not have the size we did last year, but I know we’ll have the heart – especially on the line.”

Moore, the All-Phoenix Large School Offensive Player of the Year who ran for 2,372 yards and 23 TDs touchdowns, hinted that the hard work in the off-season looks like it might be starting to pay off.

“We’ve been helping the new guys that have questions and they are listening,” he said. “What we’ve been focusing on is getting the guys to block all the way through the end of the play. And they’re looking pretty good right now – they’re pretty disciplined.

“Some of the new guys are fast and some are strong. When some of them pull on the sweep, they can get to the edge pretty fast.”

Fort Gibson coach Greg Whiteley, who takes over for James Singleton after serving as the Tigers’ offensive coordinator and

assistant head coach under Singleton, said the guys up front just need the experience.

“We have a lot of kids who are going to play on Friday nights that have never played on Friday nights,” he said. “We’re gaining experiencing every day, especially for our young kids. We’ve got a lot to prove – especially our younger kids. We’ve got a competitive situation here.”

Eufaula coach Larry Newton, who is entering his fourth year as the (See BACKS, 22)

Phoenix special photos by John Hasler, Shane Keeter

Fort Gibson running back Chris Walker, top, ran for more than 2,400 yards in winning the All-Phoenix MVP award in 2014. Eufaula’s Shane Moore was just behind with 2,372 and was the MVP runner-up.

Prep Football Preview

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Page 13

Prep Football Preview

Dawg Dynasty

By Mike Kays

Phoenix Sports Editor

WAGONER — When he arrived from Comanche before the 2005 season, the first thing that drew Dale Condict’s attention was an old scoreboard.

“I remember seeing it and thinking it didn’t belong on any field,” he said.

He spoke at a Rotary Club meeting shortly thereafter.

Kevin Grover, who runs his own auto dealership in town, was listening, as was a group that hadn’t had much to cheer for historically. Wagoner’s only state finalist was in 1945 and the Bulldogs didn’t get to play the game due to an outbreak of flu that hit most of the squad and was ruled a forfeit in favor of Woodward.

“He had a plan and that was the biggest thing,” Grover said. “He said his goal was to develop the program from kids playing in Wagoner Youth Football Association and once they hit the seventh grade, he’d have them in a position where they understand the system.”

Something unexpected happened.

“I left that day with $45,000 in donations to

Page 14

Sunday, August 30, 2015

buy that scoreboard, and we hadn’t even played a game,” Condict said.

The unexpected continued.

His first team reached the Class 4A championship game where a dream season ended with a loss to Clinton. Since then no Wagoner team has missed the postseason. A state title in 2011, the area’s first since Muskogee’s in 1986, was followed by a second title last fall.

That plan has evolved into one of the state’s elite programs in any class. In 10 seasons at the helm, Condict’s squads have won 108 games, more than any other 4A team during that span, and lost just 23.

He jokes today about being a victim of his own ambition.

“I’ve always been taught what you want out of life is what you get, so I’ve never coached in a game on Friday that I didn’t think we had a chance to win,” Condict said, reflecting on a 17-year, 158-48 career. “I think we’ve created that — not that I expected to get to the state finals in 2005. I didn’t, but once the playoffs started we were playing really well and I thought there was a chance.”

Wagoner’s success is best of decade in 4A

Special photo by Von Castor

Wagoner coach Dale Condict prepares to hand his team the gold ball last fall, its second since 2011. Wagoner has been in the postseason in each of Condict’s 10 years.

That’s because he took it a game at a time. But yes, he’s created a level of expectation beyond the norm.

“Now, there’s just an expectation that we’re going to win and win playoff games and be in the running for the state championship,” he said of a program that has reached at least the semifinals in eight of his seasons.

It was that belief that navigated the team through a 1-4 start, by far Condict’s worst at the school. Wagoner beat Oologah 45-21 at Broken Arrow to win their second title and cap a nine-game win streak, made 10 by a forfeit of their Oologah loss in the District 4A-3 opener for both due to an ineligible player.

The 11-3 mark is the worst in five years. But a program that was top heavy in freshmen and

sophomores had come of age quicker than expected.

“We heard, mostly on the internet, from fans who said we weren’t ready for the big time,” now-junior quarterback Malcolm Rodriguez said. “When we got it turned around, I was hearing how I was the right man for the job.”

Jeremy Holmes does audio for Friday Night Bulldogs, the school’s online broadcast site which has an internet comment application.

“There was a lot of nervousness expressed from fans in the early going,” he said. “I mean it’s almost like people got bored or used to success. We haven’t seen 1-4 since 2004. But there were also those who felt like with the kind of schedule we had early on that this team would get it going.”

It did, and Condict has seen the impact.

“It changes a lot after you win a championship and I think when you win a second one it solidifies the notion that this wasn’t just a one-hit wonder,” he said.

“I feel like there’s less judgment toward the coaching staff and how we do things.

“With the kids, they know what the expectations are, but it’s not so much a burden anymore as it is excitement and anticipation. It’s something good and positive in the community.”

Grover agrees.

“He’d be the first to credit the kids and his staff, but from a leadership standpoint he’s been a good leader and set the foundation and put the principles in place on how to be a team and how to work together as a team,” Grover said.

“That was most evident last year.”

That energy has led to a broadcast deal with the

Sports Animal network of affiliates this fall. It’s also rubbed off on success in other areas — wrestling produced a couple of state champions a year ago, baseball made its first state tournament trip.

“When you’re in the middle of it you don’t think a lot about it being a dynasty,” Condict said. “You go into a season and do what you think is the best plan for that team and its potential and when it’s over, you gear up for the next group.

“We think we’ve got a special thing going for the next few years. But we’ve had teams we thought would be good but then things happen, with injuries and such. You’ve got to be both lucky and good.

I hope we’ve got the luck, but I really think we’ve got the good covered.”

That’s not good news for the rest of 4A.

Prep Football Preview

Page 15

Sunday, August 30, 2015

No early stumbles this time

By Mike Kays

Phoenix Sports Editor

At 1-4, his team wasn’t living up to Dale Condict’s hopes, but maybe in a sense his worst fears.

Back then, he nudged a nearby reporter and told him, “They better get their shots in while they can.”

That window closed quickly. A young Wagoner team grew quickly, won nine straight games, and in the process got one loss back via a forfeit due to player eligibility. That loss was to Oologah, which the Bulldogs also settled up with on the field, winning 41-24 in the Rodriguez Class 4A championship game.

Condict was recently reminded of his comment.

“Did I?” he said with a snicker.

“I’m not sure I did, but now it’s this year and I didn’t say that.”

Certainly, no one sees the his team on the decline any more. It’s favored by just about any publication that does this sort of thing to repeat as 4A champion, which would also be its third title in five seasons.

Those who got in their shots a year ago weren’t mince meat. All were top 10 teams. Fort Gibson made the Stepp semifinals, losing to Oologah and falling just a game short of a rematch.

Wagoner was up two scores in the fourth quarter on the Tigers in their regular season tussle.

Cascia Hall was No. 2 when Malcolm Rodriguez found A.J. Freeth for what looked like a 30-yard TD catch. Before he stretched for the pylon, an official ruled he had stepped out at the 2.

A sideline photographer’s camera would show differently, and from the 2, Wagoner would go no further on four plays.

Eight sophomores and freshmen had major roles on that team.

“They’ve grown and we figured they would grow,” Condict said.

“I didn’t like 1-4 but I thought

WAGONER BULLDOGS

Record last year: 10-4, 4A state champion Head coach: Dale Condict (10 years, 108-23, Career, 17 years, 158-48) Coaching staff: Nick Humphries (offensive coordinator), Travis Bryant (defensive coordinator), Leland Alexander (wide receivers, special teams coordinator), James Henson (linebackers), Ray Bell (defensive ends), Micco Charboneau (defensive line), Scott Patton (running backs), Bret Bouher (H-backs, tight ends), Chad Soma (offensive line), Allen Sevier (secondary), Kenneth Lee (strength and conditioning) Returning starters (9 offensive, 8 defensive, 2 special teams): KJ Lee, RB/LB, 6-1, 225, Jr.; Orlandis Roberson, G, 6-3, 235, Jr.; Eric Stepp, C/NG, 5-11, 245, Sr.; AJ Freeth, WR/FS/KR/PR, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Nikia Jones, WR, 6-3, 215, So.; PJ Hubbard, G/NG, 6-0, 255, Sr.; Tyler Skeen, SS, 6-4, 180, Sr.; Malcolm Rodriguez, QB/LB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Jordan McKee, LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Jacob King, LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Art Whibbey, DE, 6-0, 220, Jr.; Cameron Dumond, CB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Chris Murray, CB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Alex Phoenix special photo by Von Castor Wisdom, K, 6-0, 170, Sr. Top newcomers: Patrick Curley, RB/LB, 6-2, 185, So.; Marvin Trotter, With a healed wrist fracture, K.J. Lee should not only be RB, 5-8, 185, So.; Mateo Pena, OL/DL, 5-11, 220, So.; Taylor Osborne, DE, a force again on defense for Wagoner, but also occasionally 6-5, 255, Jr. carrying the football.

they had the potential to do great things if we made the playoffs.

And I never felt they doubted that we could make the playoffs and once there, still make a run.”

They did and they’re still running, led by a sophomore quarterback who never lost his perspective. He was 94-of-162 passing for 1,884 yards and 21 touchdowns.

“My teammates and coaches kept pushing me to keep pushing myself,” Rodriguez said.

That push continued into the off-season. He worked on his strength – he was a state runner-up at 152 pounds in wrestling. He’s dated weights all summer.

He’s on such a roll that as a lifeguard at a local pool, he saved a young child from drowning.

With that, it’s little doubt he can’t be counted on to lead again.

“I’ve stressed accuracy, accuracy, accuracy on my passes this summer,” he said. “It’s the one part of my game I wanted to emphasize.”

Condict has seen that emphasis. “Malcolm’s making passes he could not make this time a year ago,” the coach said.

It’s not like the game is all on Rodriguez’s shoulders, though.

A.J. Freeth is as much a perfectionist on routes. Nikia Jones’ leaping ability helped him make something out of nothing in a lot of those imperfect passes. Then one he had it, he could also make something out of nothing, as he

did with a leaping grab then breaking four or five tackles en route to a 77-yard score that put the Bulldogs up late in the semifinal with Metro Christian.

The two receivers combined for 1,502 yards and all but two of M-Rod’s passing TDs. There’s other options.

Scottie Patton and K.J. Lee combined for 1,753 yards rushing. Four of the five linemen return in three-year starter Eric Stepp, PJ Hubbard, Luke Falwell and Orlandis Roberson.

“We’ve got a chance to be a pretty prolific offense,” Condict said.

And Lee heads a defense as a linebacker with Division I capability.

Indeed, teams will have to look hard for cracks in that window.

HOT ROUTES Fresh start Linebacker K.J. Lee followed his All-Phoenix Newcomer of the Year honor in 2012 with 124 tackles, 20 for a loss, forced four fumbles, 11 sacks, and 34 quarterback pressures. Not bad for a guy who played with a broken wrist, but he doesn’t want a repeat year for multiple reasons, including 1-4.

“Our mindset is we don’t want to go back down that way. We want to start off right and keep it going that way,” Lee said.

Jacob King had 63 tackles and

Phoenix special photo by Von Castor

Wagoner receiver A.J. Freeth hauls in a touchdown pass in the state championship game against Oologah.

three sacks on the edge of the linebacking corps. Julio Reyes will re-emerge after moving away for a year. Art Whibbey is an athletic guy on the defensive line.

Busy man

A.J. Freeth will have his hands on the ball as much as anyone. In addition to receiving duties, he’s returning at safety where he had 77 tackles and six interceptions including one for a TD. He found his way to paydirt three times on punts and once on kicks.

His best spot is at DB.

“He’s got all the skill sets you look for in a DB – long and rangy, great feet and hips, a big-timetype athlete,” said Wagoner defensive coordinator Travis Bryant.

Chris Murray and Cameron Dumond shared cornerback duties.

They’ll operate separately and Tyler Skeen is back at the other safety spot.

Compliment Defensive lineman Art Whibbey, said Condict, is “maybe the most athletic defensive lineman I’ve ever coached.”

Prep Football Preview

Page 16

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Goal-centered approach sees next step

By Jimmy Stinson

forward with our expectaPhoenix Correspondent tions in the program.”

Tigers head coach Brad The offense for the TiGilbert has used a goal-ori- gers will continue the mulented approach in each of tiple formations with onehis four seasons at Tahle- back or two-back sets. One quah. thing that Last year, a will change primary goal this year is at was the postthe quarterseason with a back position. bumper crop Kyle Lucas, of senior leada 1,200-yard ership. That rusher at goal was tailback last Gilbert year, will Teague reached -- for move under Tahlequah, the first playoff appearance center for the Tigers. Chase since 2001. It ended all too Morris returns at wide requickly with a loss to Class ceiver and hopes to add to 5A semifinalist Skiatook, his 700 yards and six touchdowns from a year ago. but the goal was realized.

“Playing running back, I Now it’s time for more just got the ball and ran. At goals.

“We try to keep it simple. quarterback, I have to make One of those is reaching the decisions on where to go playoffs, but another goal with the ball,” said Lucas.

“I have tried to learn all this year is a district championship,” said Gilbert. “We the coverages so I know have to continue to move what it looks like and know

where the open spaces are,” added Morris.

While the Tigers are loaded in the skill positions, one area of concern is on the offensive line. The Tigers have two returning starters on the line, Cale Corntassel and Chaz Jimmerson, but are looking to Carlos Aispuro and Morris Shelby Rose to give the Tigers some extra size.

“We had a productive summer. We have a few seniors that have stepped up.

There are a handful of guys that are going to compete for those other spots,” said Gilbert.

The Tigers will continue with the 3-4 defensive scheme. “We try to move around a lot, we aren’t gifted with the biggest guys but

we have a lot of team speed.

We believe in a motto called 9-5-9. We want nine guys within five yards of the ball 90 percent of the time,” said Gilbert.

Kane Teague will be a player to watch at the inside linebacker position.

“Kane has an opportunity to replace Reese Davis who led our team in tackles the last three years. Those are big shoes to fill but we have all the confidence in Kane to do so,” said Gilbert.

Another player to watch on defense for the Tigers is 6-2, 282 pound Dante McDowell who started all 10 games last year. McDowell has the ability to be moved around on the defensive front.

“He’s had a tremendous summer, so we are expecting bigger and better things from him this year,” Gilbert siad.

TAHLEQUAH TIGERS Record last season: 5-6, 5A first round elimination Head coach: Brad Gilbert (Fourth year, 7-24) Coaching staff: Gary McClure, offensive coordinator/offensive line; Keith Wilson, defensive coordinator/inside linebackers; Jackie Willis, secondary; Mark Rogge, running backs; Joe Ichniowski, outside linebackers; Ryan Nolan, receivers Returning starters (7 offense, 5 defense): Kane Teague, ILB, 5-11, 175, Sr. Jake Springwater, OLB, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Strauss Springwater, S, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Seth Campbell, DE, 5-11, 205, Sr.; Dante McDowell, DT, 6-2, 282, Sr.; Chet Rotton, CB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Trae Hendricks, CB, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Chaz Jimmerson, OT, 6-2, 275, Jr.; Cale Corntassel, OT, 6-3, 305, Sr.; Chase Morris, WR, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Kyle Lucas, QB, 5-11, 205, Sr. ; Bryce Patrick, K, 5-10, 155, Sr. Top newcomers: Cedrick Rippetoe, RB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; A.J, Martinez, WR, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Dustin Hicks, DE, 6-1, 205, Jr.; Carlos Aispuro, OG, 6-1, 275, Sr.; Shelby Rose, C, 5-10, 245, Jr.

HOT ROUTES Summer success

Dante McDowell believes the summer has helped in to become a better defensive lineman. “Working hard and the drills coach has us do. Making sure I run in the right gap. If (head coach Brad Gilbert) wants me to change my position, I’m fine with that,” said McDowell.

Chemistry on shelf

Chase Morris hasn’t had much varsity level experience at his position, but he and his quarterback have had built chemistry in previous years.“I have played with Kyle for our whole career with him at quarterback and me at receiver, so we have a pretty good connection,” he said.

Sequoyah’s ready to launch a breakout campaign

By Nick Hampton

Phoenix Correspondent

Although they made the Class 3A playoffs last year, Sequoyah coach Shane Richardson has loftier goals in mind for his Indians this season.

“This is our third year out since our Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association Soap sanctions and we have higher expectations than ever, including taking another step in the playoffs and have a winning record,” said the third-year coach. “We had a good spring and summer. We tell the team that in order to have high success, you have to have high

goals.”

And Sequoyah certainly has a good foundation to build on. Perhaps the cornerstone of that foundation on offense is running back Justin Hooper (5-5, 165). Although smaller in stature, Hooper makes up for it with determination and great second effort, havSevier ing rushed for over 3,000 yards in his career including 1,843 yards and 17 touchdowns last year.

“This year I’d like to get over 20 touchdowns and over 2,000 yards rushing,” said the senior. “I think being in my third year, I’ve grown a lot and

think I can see the field a lot better now.”

Perhaps the big question for the Indians is who will be handing the ball off to Hooper this season. There’s a threeway battle going on for the quarterbacking spot that includes sophomores Caleb Helsley and Bradyn Farris Smith and junior Drake Vance.

“Caleb and Drake are both multi-sport athletes who can run and pass the ball well,” said Richardson. “Bradyn is more of your traditional dropback type quarterback and a good leader in the huddle.”

Whoever ends up as the

signal caller will have a tried and true receiver in Kyle Sanders (5-9, 165), who had 36 grabs for just over 500 yards last season.

“Kyle may be our most versatile player,” said Richardson. “He has a chance to have over 100 receptions in his career which is pretty good in our run-oriented offense.

He’s also our free safety (with 94 tackles in 2014) and makes our secondary calls. He returns kicks, is on kick coverage and is our rah-rah guy in the locker room.”

In the trenches there’s a solid core of players with good size including Lakota Doublehead (6-2, Special photo by John Hasler 285), Jayce Harjo (5-10, 300) and Hunter Soap (6Sequoyah running back Justin Hooper, with 0, 250). ball, has his eyes set on 2,000 yards rushing (See SEQUOYAH, 19)

this year. He was close as a junior with just over 1,800.

Prep Football Preview

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Young Ironheads seek encore

By Patrick Kays

Phoenix Correspondent

The Eufaula Ironheads completed a three-year climb from 1-9 in 2012 and 5-5 in 2013 to 9-3 a year ago under the leadership of head coach Larry Newton Jr. To avoid a slip will be a challenge with a younger Moore squad, especially in the trenches, where one starter is back to block for All-Phoenix Large School OfFord fensive Player of the Year, running back Shane Moore.

Senior Gregory Whitaker (6-0, 220) is the lone returning starter up front. A junior duo of Tyreese Collins (6-0, 200) and Dakota Adams (6-1, 210) will be potential line partners for Whitaker, along with freshman Daniel Atwood (6-1, 275).

“We want guys who are going to buy into the system,” said Newton. “The guys we pick have to go out there and do their job.”

Moore, who racked up 2,372 yards last season and was ranked the second best running back in the area doesn’t seem to be too worried about the situation.

“We are just a young team. The biggest challenge will be to get big guys up there and get guys that really know how to block,” said Moore. “Overall I think we will be great. We have people on this team who (See EUFAULA, 28)

EUFAULA IRONHEADS Record last season: 9-3 Head coach: Larry Newton Jr. (fourth season, 15-17) Coaching staff: Victor Paden (offensive coordinator), Ryan Green (defensive coordinator), Josh Luna (special teams coordinator), Michael Campbell (wide receivers) Returning starters (6 offensive, 5 defensive, 1 special teams): Shane Moore, RB/LB, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Gunner Ford, QB, 6-1, 220, Jr.; Hunter Powell, RB/FS, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Jesse Walker, RB/LB, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Hunter Schaeffer, TE/LB, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Gregory Whitaker, OL/DL, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Jake Hunn, K, 5-10, 190, Sr. Top newcomers: Tyresse Collins, OL/DE, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Dakota Adams, OL/DE, 6-0, 220, Jr.; Junior Bailey, WR/DB, 6-0, 170, Fr.; Daniel Atwood, OL/DL, 6-1, 275, Fr.

HOT ROUTES About the D

On the defensive side of the ball, Hunter Powell (510, 180, Sr.) will be the eagle in the sky at free safety and may be joined by either Shane Moore or Jesse Walker who may be seen switching back and forth from safety and linebacker. Walker is to primarily play at outside linebacker in a 4-4 set while keeping Moore in the middle.

Schaeffer returns to linebacker after having a successful first year at the position as he led the Ironheads in tackles Schaffer last season with 115. The year of experience should make Schaeffer a problem for opposing offenses.

“It was a big step for me as my first year as linebacker,” said Schaeffer. “But this year I am coming out knowing what to do.”

Moore just wants the defense to play with a swagger.

“We want to be intimidating and make teams talk about us and say ‘man these kids, this defense you can’t get around them’,” said Moore. “We want to make a legacy down here and make them work in Eufaula.”

Iron in his blood

Special teams coach Josh Luna was one of the top area defenders as a Eufaula Ironhead, earning Phoenix Defensive Player of the Year his senior year. The 2002 graduate has been on the Ironheads coaching staff since 2006.

“I have had some other offers, but Eufaula has always been home and it is family,” said Luna. “We just ain’t got the numbers we once did but we’ve got kids who work hard, who want to be good and will give you everything they have got.”

Breaking it down

The Ironheads open the season against the same team that ended their 2014 campaign, the Beggs Demons. They will finish the season with two crucial games against Idabel and Roland, who have been projected to finish above Eufaula in District 3A-8.

“I think they finally believe in themselves and got over that hump,” said Luna. “This year they just need to keep it and continue building on it. I think you will see that from them this year.”

Page 17

CHECOTAH WILDCATS Record last season: 8-4 Head coach: Chad Hendricks (third year, 18-6) Coaching staff: Tom Butler (wide receiver, linebackers), Brian Young (running backs), Jimmy Whitlock (defensive line), Bob King (offensive coordinator, offensive line) Returning starters (5 offensive, 5 defensive): Drew Dan, WR/DB, 6-3, 180, Sr.; Andrew Sands, QB/DL, 6-1, 250, Sr.; Kody Casey, OL/DL, 5-9, 225, Sr.; Randy Wood, RB/ LB, 5-8, 200, Sr.; Derek Bollinger, OL/DL, 6-3, 245, Jr. Top newcomers: Seth McKibben, WR/DB, 5-7, 135, Sr.; Damon Talbert, WR/DB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Josh Woodman, OL/DL, 6-1, 270, Sr.; Zach Henson, OL/DL, 6-5, 285, Jr.; Nakota Warrior, QB/WR/LB, 6-3, 215, Jr.; Bailey Conatzer, RB/DB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Andrew Kropp, WR/DB, 5-7, 140, Jr.; Logan Sands, H/DE, 5-11, 180, So.; Dillion Mills, H/LB, 5-10, 200, So.

By Ronn Rowland Phoenix Sports Writer

The Checotah Wildcats are confident they have a solid mix of returners and newcomers to make a deep run in the playoffs in 2015.

The Wildcats ended 2014 with an 8-4, 5-1 record in District 3A-6 Hendricks to finish second behind Beggs. However, a 32-29 second-round playoff loss at Roland, coupled with 19-16 loss in week 3 to arch-rival Eufaula, left Casey the team in the northern end of McIntosh County eager to have a better showing this fall.

“It’s funny, in football you end the season with a loss – unless you become a state champion,” said Checotah coach Chad Hendricks. “We’ve got all kinds of talented players this year.

They’re not going to be well known because of the fact they don’t have a lot of game experience.

“Some are seniors who were in a starting role every game last year and some have waited their turn to start. They’ve all done a great job working in the off-season through passing leagues and camps. We’re pleased and ready to get to (See CHECOTAH, 27)

Prep Football Preview

Page 18

Sunday, August 30, 2015

McIntosh rivals to mark 100th storied meeting

By Tommy Cobb

Rivalry highlights

Phoenix Correspondent

The 100th meeting. Few teams can say that.

A century of games that can be as fierce as any. A county “war” that started in the political arena and spilled over onto the football field.

When Checotah and Eufaula meet on the gridiron the third week of the season to renew the longest uninterrupted rivalry in Oklahoma prep football, it was also be the 100th time the two schools have battled for the bragging rights of McIntosh County. It’s a game that’s circled on the calendar at the beginning of each season.

“This is an awesome thing to be a part of,” said Eufaula head coach Larry Newton, Jr. “This is a special rivalry and to be in the 100th meeting is something special.”

It’s 14 miles from Ogle Field in Checotah to Paul Bell Stadium in Eufaula.

Somewhere in between loyalties change from Wildcat blue to Ironhead maroon.

The rivalry is not a bitter one, but there is a lot of emotion. Ray Grandstaff, who coached Checotah from 1969-73 and 1979-93 once said, “The emotion of this game, it’s a bloodletting.”

Fans on opposite sides of the field are family and close friends — after the final whistle blows. Grandstaff and former Eufaula coach Paul Bell (1962-79) are a perfect example of what the rivalry is all about.

“Coach Grandstaff and I have always been close friends,” Bell said. “When we were coaching, we’d talk 51 weeks out of the year.

The one week we didn’t talk was the week of the game.

But after the game you might find us going out to dinner together.”

It is only fitting that as

both schools and booster clubs prepare for the centennial contest that Bell and Grandstaff have already been selected to do the coin toss. Bell won 12 times in the series while Grandstaff has 13 wins.

Both Hall of Fame coaches have been around the game to some extent since their retirement. Both agree that in the 53 years since they became introduced to the rivalry little has changed.

“It’s been around as long as I have,” Grandstaff said.

“It’s kind of like Christmas, you just always expect it. If you’re not into it, people in town make sure you know about it. It’s a really fun game and I think schools that don’t have a rivalry like this are missing out.

“There’s been coaches come after me that made light of the game, didn’t think it was a big deal. They found out real quick how big of a deal it is.”

Bell said despite the intensity of this game, both schools want to see the other win except when playing each other. Maybe the best example took place in 1948 when a local paper reported that the Eufaula Lions Club adopted a resolution praising the Checotah team that had beaten Eufaula and made the playoffs and promising full support of the city of Eufaula.

The rivalry between the two towns began in May of 1907 when an election was

Phoenix courtesy photos

Tracy Scroggins, left, was a standout at Checotah who later played for the Detroit Lions. Above, all three Selmon brothers, Lee Roy, Lucious and Dewey, were OU All-Americans after their high school years at Eufaula, where J.C. Watts, right, also played before later becoming a U.S. congressman. Lee Roy Selmon died in 2011.

held for the county seat.

Checotah won but Eufaula officials protested. The state Supreme Court upheld it, and the following year another election took place, this time Eufaula winning.

Officials from both towns argued, fought, and even shed some gunfire over the next few years over which town should rule the county.

Eventually, the battle for McIntosh County would focus on the shoulders of high-schoolers.

Despite the occasional egging of a house, mischief between the two teams the week of the game has been much different than the battle for the county seat.

Although Bell did relate a story from the 1960’s concerning a coffin delivered from Checotah to the Eufaula football field.

“It had a note that said something along the lines of ‘here lies Ironhead football.’ Of course, not to be outdone, some of our players put wheels on it, snuck into Checotah high school during class, lit fireworks on it and pushed it down the hall.”

The first contest took place October 15, 1915. It was the first of two games played that year. Checotah won them both. Eufaula won in 1916. It would be three years before the two played again. Checotah won the first game scheduled in 1919 with a second contest slated for Thanksgiving Day. In the first of many Turkey Day encounters, Eufaula came away with a 14-0 win. However, Checotah players walked off the field before the game was over after learning Eufaula used ineligible players. The officials agreed and declared it “no game”.

The teams would not play again until 1922. Since then not a year has gone by without a game. The rivalry has survived weather, protests, illness, religion and national tragedy: • In 1928, Eufaula protests after 15 minute quarters are used instead of 12.

Checotah won 6-2, scoring in the final two minutes.

• In 1936, game was almost cancelled due to a infantile paralysis scare that

closed Checotah schools for two weeks. Eufaula won, 36-0.

• In the 1940’s, with many schools opting not to play football during World War 2, Eufaula won three of the four meetings.

• In 1953, the First Methodist Church in Eufaula moved Friday night revival services from 7:30 to 6:45 in order to be out in time for the game.

• In 2001, despite many games being cancelled the weekend after the 9-11 attacks, Checotah and Eufaula chose to play.

Checotah leads the series 50-48-1 having won six of the last seven. In fact, the series has been one of streaks. Since 1992, Checotah won seven straight, followed by nine in a row by Eufaula, then the Wildcats winning six more. Between 1968-84 the series was more competitive than any other time with 11 games being decided by 10 or less points.

Since 1985, the games have been more lopsided with only four games decided by less than 10 points, three of those played in the last seven years.

1915 – Checotah sophomore Moody Randall scored the first touchdown. Checotah 13, Eufaula 7 1924 – Checotah’s Roy Jones rushed for 365 yards in the first official Thanksgiving Day game. Checotah 19, Eufaula 7.

1939 – Eufaula’s Junior Golding, who had six rushing touchdowns in the 1938 contest, returned a blocked punt for a score late in the fourth quarter. Eufaula 14, Checotah 7.

1947 – J. W. Emerson threw a touchdown pass and John Winkle ran for one as the Wildcats clinched their first playoff berth.

Checotah 14, Eufaula 6.

1956 – Checotah’s Rudy Koch had two rushing touchdowns and one receiving, while Eufaula fumbled four times in the most points scored by one team. Checotah 66, Eufaula 6.

1969 – Luscious Selmon rushed for 129 yards and three scores while Checotah was held to minus 5 yards rushing. Eufaula 32, Checotah 0.

1971 – Lee Roy Selmon scored on a 73-yard run and Dewey Selmon added the two point conversion in the fourth quarter. Eufaula 8, Checotah 7.

1975 – J. C. Watts scored five rushing touchdowns and threw for another. Eufaula 39, Checotah 28.

1988 – Checotah’s Jay Hayes threw for 262 yards and three touchdowns and ran for two more. Checotah 40, Eufaula 21.

1990 – Eufaula’s Demetrius Crowder rushed for 425 yards and five touchdowns.

Eufaula 63, Checotah 34.

2008 – Checotah’s Chris Carr rushed for 236 yards and four touchdowns, Kyle Coleman rushed for 200 and three touchdowns and Eufaula’s Ethan Sharp threw for 497 yards and five touchdowns. Checotah 45, Eufaula 42.

2014 – Eufaula’s Gunner Ford threw for 173 yards and Shane Moore ran for 93. Eufaula 19, Checotah 16.

Prep Football Preview

Sequoyah

FTG

Continued from Page 16

The defense returns a lot of experience led by Everett Farris (5-11, 220) at linebacker who had 108 tackles in 2014. Logan Bush and Bobby Cade will play at the outside linebacking spots with size and experience up front featuring Doublehead, Soap, Harjo and Therron Hammer. Sanders, Smith, Jacob Sevier, Taylor Armbrister, and Arlis Reese will provide speed and experience in the defensive backfield.

“These kids and coaches on the entire team are determined to overcome past issues to turn this football program around. We are in better shape today than we were just a couple of years ago,” said Richardson.

SEQUOYAH INDIANS Record last season: 4-6 Head coach: Shane Richardson (third year) Coaching staff: Brandon Richardson (offensive coordinator), Phil Angieri (running backs, linebackers), Brad Jones (offensive line, defensive line, special teams coordinator), Jerrod Hammer (wide receivers, cornerbacks), Jeromie Hammer (running backs, outside linebackers) Returning starters (8 offensive, 7 defensive):Justin Hooper, RB, 5-5, 165, Sr.; Hunter Soap, C/DT, 6-0, 250, Sr.; Kyle Sanders, WR/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Everett Farris, TE/LB, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Jacob Sevier, DB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Arlis Reese, DB, 5-8, 165, Jr.; Lakota Doublehead, OL, 6-2, 285, Sr.; Jayce Harjo, OL, 5-10, 300, Sr.; Therron Hammer, FB/DE, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Caleb Helsley, OLB, 5-10, 170, So. Top newcomers: Trey Pritchett, WR, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Ryan Carroll, OL/DL, 6-0, 290, Sr.; Taylor Armbrister, WR/DB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Logan Bush, RB/OLB, 5-5, 165, So.; Bobby Cade, RB/OLB, 5-11, 170, So.; Jeffery Vance, WR/DB, 5-9, 165, So.; Bradyn Smith, QB/DB, 5-10, 160, So.; Tyler Barnett, FB/LB, 6-0, 180, So.

HOT ROUTES Sporting genes

If family genes have anything to do with it, Caleb Helsley might have the upper hand as he battles for the starting quarterback spot. He has two brothers who have both moved on in their athletic careers. Ryan is a farm hand for the St. Louis Cardinals after being drafted a couple of years ago and Kyle will play linebacker for the Northeastern State RiverHawks this season.

“I’ve been around sports all my life,” said the sophomore who played receiver and safety for the Sequoyah varsity last season. ‘My brothers were always on me about pushing myself to be better and have been supportive of what I’ve done.

“My parents have also been great as well. Since I

Page 19

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Continued from Page 11

ten to a coach talk, you have to gain experience through all those situations. Everything they do will help them be better prepared when they hit the field against Tahlequah on Sept. 4.”

Senior lineman Ace Eastwood believes not having to get used to a whole new system makes the change a favorable one.

“That’s a really big advantage to this whole thing,” he said. “Yes, we lost a head coach but our coaches have

HOT ROUTES That’s a handful

Ask senior offensive/defensive lineman Michael Rosales which side of the line of scrimmage he prefers, he will not hesitate.

“I don’t really like playing offense,” said the 5-feet, 11-inch, 225 pounder. “I didn’t think I was going to play the offensive line until they needed somebody.”

They’re a semi-obvious answer to his preference for being on the defensive line.

“I like to play nasty and use my hands,” Rosales said.

“You can’t really play nasty when you’re on the offense.

You can, but sometimes you get caught and that’s a bad situation.”

play baseball and basketball too it’s meant a lot of travel Paying homage time for them with me and Justin Cates said he owes a debt of gratitude to last to go see Ryan play occayear’s graduates. sionally,” said Helsley.

The 5-11, 165-pound ju-

not really changed. We got one new coach in (Pemberton) and we got coach Brown that came back. We all know him and he’s been our coach before – so it’s not much of a change.”

While the players expressed how grateful they were for the administration’s decision to keep Whiteley, the coach said it was just as easy on his part – to a point.

“It was an easy transition,” Whiteley said. “I’ve been with these guys for six years. And some of these seniors I’ve been with since the seventh grade. Obviously, when you go from an

nior running back/linebacker learned a lot from his apprenticeship.

“I learned from them to be aggressive,” he said. “I learned a lot from Tristan (Johnson) last year. He really taught me to lead by example and do stuff the right way.”

assistant coach/offensive coordinator to the head coach, usually when the phone rings it’s for you – it’s not for someone else. But I’ve enjoyed the change.”

While some critics of the Tigers have expressed how this will be a down year, pointing out the losses to graduation and the coaching change, the players have no doubt they can pick up where they left off in 2014

– falling one game short of the Class 4A championship game with a loss to Oologah, the only loss of the season.

“People are always going to doubt us – it’s always happened to Fort Gibson.,” Eastwood said. “We still have a lot of people coming back, a lot of people that played. We just have to get better each play. We’ve just got to prove them wrong again.”

Prep Football Preview

Page 20

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Panthers, having healed up, ready to resume winning

By Eric Shannon

kids,” said Risenhoover.

Senior Matthew PearAttrition, especially son was one of those who through injuries, kept had to pick up an extra six key players out of the load.

“We struggled with Stigler lineeveryone up last seaknowing son and it their role,” proved costsaid the tight ly. The Panend. “We’ll be thers were a much more 2-8 in coach cohesive Chris Risteam this enhoover’s Risenhoover season.”

Jim sixth season.

Kelby Senior Shelf will quarterback running back Trace Jack- the squad with a very cason is back after missing pable contingency joining 2014 due to an ACL injury. Pearson. Senior Quontez “We took too many Jim (6-foot-1, 215 pounds) shots for the season and will split time between it put us in a situation to tight-end and linebacker. where we were playing a A senior wide receiver duo lot of young, inexperienced featuring Shayne Quick Phoenix Correspondent

and Trace Maxwell gives the Panther offense experience and leadership in the passing game.

“I’ll do what I can to make plays and whatever the team needs,” said Maxwell. “I’m out there to catch passes but it’s whatever the team needs Maxwell me to do.”

Jim is a physical weapon with good size.

“My job is to be a leader and I hope to be a big factor in games this season,” said Jim. “Just like other guys, I feel we have a much closer team than last season.”

In all, 10 with starting experience return on offense. Risenhoover’s 4-4 defense returns eight.

Jim is a key leader at linebacker. Senior Colby Driver and junior Andrew Moore join him. T.J. Spearman, a junior, and sophomore Bryce TurQuick rentine return.

“Our experience level will be much better and we will be better at knowing our assignments.”

Said Risenhoover. “We are a little sharper football team, no doubt and better prepared physically and mentally.”

STIGLER PANTHERS Record last season: 2-8 Head coach: Chris Risenhoover (sixth year, 45-24; career, 78-48) Coaching staff: Dwight Carey (defensive coordinator), Bill Self Jr. (defensive line), Kevin Wilkett (quarterbacks, outside linebackers), Jeremy Gragg (offensive line, secondary), Eric Stout (special teams, linebackers) Returning starters (10 offensive, 8 defensive): Quontez Jim, TE/LB, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Micah Dunham, OL, 6-1, 275, Sr., Shayne Quick, WR, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Trace Maxwell, WR, Pearson 6-1, 170, Sr., Trace Jackson, RB/DB (injured last season), 5-10, 175, Sr.; Colby Driver, LB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Dawson Barger, WR/DB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Justin Geralds, OL, 6-1, 260, Jr.; Steven Mosley, OL, 5-11, 215, Jr.; Tristen Mobley, DL, 6-0, 260, Jr.; Andrew Moore, LB, 6-0, 195, Jr.; T.J. Spearman, DB, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Bryce Turrentine, DB, 5-9, 160, So.; Garon Mayhall, WR, 5-11, 150, So., Garret Brooks, RB, 5-8, 155, So. Top newcomers: Dravon Johnson, OL/DL, 6-4, 295, So.; Caleb Smith, OL/DL, 6-1, 280, So.; Kelby Self, QB, 6-2, 220, So.; Payton Henson, WR/DB, 6-0, 150, So.

Cougars’ numbers are way up, and so is their optimism

By Eric Shannon

Phoenix Correspondent

Keys Cougars head football coach Kenneth Thornton doesn’t make any excuses for his team’s 2-8 record in 2014, but he does make a great case that 2015 is night and day to last year.

Last year the Cougars

started out with only 18 players. “We wore out a lot out there towards the end of the game with Thornton the limited numbers that we had,” said Thorn-

ton.

This year, he says those numbers have tripled, with 56 out.

Among the Allison returnees: 10 offensive and eight defensive starters.

“That added depth is going to mean a lot to us as a team this year, “ said Thornton. “We can Slack do so much more with more kids out and we are very blessed to have that this season.”

The play- Patrick ers expect better things.

“We are a lot smarter and we know the plays much better than last year, because we’ve had more time to learn what coach Thornton wants of us,” said three-year starter and multi-purpose weapon Elisha Allison.

A zone-offensive scheme this season the Cougars will look to control the tempo. With the scheme

KEYS COUGARS Record last year: 2-8 Head coach: Kenneth Thornton (second year, 2-8) Coaching staff: Beau Brannon (Offensive coordinator), Duane Jones. Chris McMullen (defensive coordinator).

Returning starters (10 offensive, 8 defensive): Elisha Allison, WR/DB, 5-8, 180, Sr.; Kyler Stilwell, WR/DB, Jr.; Cameron Jumper, WR/DB, Sr.; Dakota Matlock, RB/ LB, Sr.; Cayden Aldridge, RB/LB, So.; Nolan Corry, QB, So.; Preston Patrick, OL, Sr.; Brian Neff, OL/DL, Jr.; Justin Slack, OL, Sr.; Mike Malenski, OL, Jr.; Trey Dill, DL, Jr.; Dalton Smith OL, Jr. Top newcomers: Broc Bighorse, OL, So.; Alden Terrell, RB/LB, So.

the offensive line becomes more of a focus.

“We have five returning linemen and leading the younger guys we should be able to get more things done,” said senior center Justin Slack.

When he isn’t returning kicks or playing in the secondary, Allison will be a prime pass target, but joined by junior Kyler Stilwell and senior Cameron Jumper, giving sophomore Nolan Corry plenty of options. Senior Dakota Mat-

lock will get the early nod at running back as sophomore Cayden Aldridge will add depth.

Slack is joined up from by seniors Preston Patrick and Brian Neff and juniors Mike Malenski and Dalton Smith.

Defensively the Cougars hired former Warner head coach Chris McMullen as defensive coordinator just a few days prior to opening fall drills. Thornton insists that with the added depth the defense should excel.

Prep Football Preview

Page 21

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Haymakers aim to avoid the case of the ‘little quits’

By Mike Kays

Phoenix Sports Editor

Greg Wilson isn’t comfortable with it anymore, and he’s trying to push all the facets of his program into the same mode of discomfort.

Entering his fifth season at the helm, Wilson’s past three squads have made the playoffs, but the peak has been hardly enough to stand on. All three seasons, they were eliminated in round one.

“We’ve talked a lot about vision,” Wilson he said. “Vision and expectation.

Four years ago it was a challenge to convince the kids that Lang the playoffs were within their grasp.

Now I think they understand what it takes, but do they have the passion and want Junghans to push further?”

Wilson has had deeper teams. He thought he had the mindset in last year’s team.

He knows what needs to be fixed — the little things.

“It’s mental toughness, it’s what gets you the extra step,” he said. “In any sport, there’s going to be bad things that happen, a fumble here or there is going to happen. “How are you going to handle that adversity in a positive way instead of letting that little quit creep in your mind because every play is important. That’s what is hard at times in a game like football because you have four quarters.

HASKELL HAYMAKERS Record last year: 7-4 Head coach: Greg Wilson (5th season, 21-22) Coaching staff: Everette McAnalley, Mike Jones, Travis Hollis, Kyle Ward, Joe Brown.

Returning starters (2 offensive, 4 defensive): Tre Lang, RB/S, 6-0, 175, Sr.; T.J. Berry, WR/S, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Kanyon Kelley, NT, 6-0, 250, Sr.; Austin Junghans, QB/LB, 5-10, 170, Sr. Newcomers: Mark Wheeland, WR/CB, 6-1, 250, Jr.; Ryan Lechner OL/DL, 6-2, 255, Jr.; McQuay Shaw, OL/DL, 6-1, 250, So.

HOT ROUTES Fridge deal

Kanyon Kelley’s size kept him from running the ball growing up, but with decent big-man speed at 4.8, look for him to get plenty of carrying the football at fullback with his power and toughness.

“I was always too big, but I like thinking about it,” he said, akin to former Chicago Bear William “The Refrigerator” Perry, a defensive lineman who was Kelley used on short yardage situations.

Young but...

Three linemen are young but have starting experience on the offensive side — juniors Ryan Lechner (6-2, 270) and Alex McBride at guard.

“Last year, we could pinpoint certain plays against Spiro where we weren’t doing what we were supposed to do and they’d hit us for a big one. Against Adair, during a crucial point of the game they motioned to empty (set) and we didn’t pick up the coverage and they hit a tight end for a touchdown.”

The Haymakers were still 7-2 with a chance to host a first-round playoff game, something they hadn’t done the previous two years, losing to state semifinalist Vian both times. But they lost in week 10 to Colcord 20-16 then went on the road to Wyandotte and fell by a single possession, 34-26.

“You can’t let that little quit enter and break you,” Wilson said.

One bad thing the Haymakers need to avoid is injuries. They’ve got the playmakers at each level. Tre Lang (6-foot-0, 175 pounds) rushed for 1,145 yards last

McQuay Shaw, a sophomore at 6-2, 250, is the other guard. “Both tackles are really athletic, Wilson said. “We’re youthful but we’re definitely athletic.”

Run heavy Mark Wheeland will team with Berry in the receiving corps. Mark is the brother of former Haskell quarterback Alex Wheeland.

“We’re a spread team but we’re going to lean on the run,” Wilson said. “You usually don’t see that in a spread but our challenge is to convince our wideouts of their importance within this because if we throw 12-15 times, they’re all going to be important throws.”

Running back Tre Lang wants to take advantage of those ground opportunities.“I want a 2,500-yard year,” he said. “But I’ll do whatever I can for the team.”

season, scoring 21 TDs. T.J. Berry (5-10, 165) had 613 yards in receptions. Both will also play on the back end defensively, Lang moving from outside linebacker to safety and Berry from safety to a lock-down corner.

“They understand the game tremendously well,” Wilson said.

Austin Junghans will shift over to take over Lang’s linebacker duties and Kanyon Kelley, the team’s returning leading tackler, will fill the nose guard spot in the 3-4 defense. He’s an imposing 6-1, 250 with good speed for his size, 4.8 in the 40. Junghans, described by his coach as a “ball hawk” was right behind Kelley in team tackles, with Lang next.

“We’ve got solid players at every level defensively but we’re thin and we’re going to have to overcome that,” Wilson said.

Junghans’ biggest adjustment will be from fullback

to quarterback. He had some JV experience behind center.

“It’s different going from just blocking and running the ball a couple times to being the one running and passing and telling everyone where to line up and where to go, so it’s been a big transition,” Junghans said. “I played it a little on JV, but I’ve been working on

Special photo by Darren Stephens

Haymaker T.J. Berry looks for running room.

my footwork this summer and sharpening my ability to make reads.”

Starting 3-0, Wilson said, would provide a big boost going into District 2A-7 play.

To do that, Haskell will have to atone for a loss to Spiro when the rematch takes place in week three.

Adair may be the class of the district but certainly a runner-up spot and a home playoff game at minimum is within Wilson’s squad’s

grasp.

“When you’re from Haskell or a small town in general, you’re playing for that community, you’re not playing for yourself,” he said. “The teams that are the most successful are the ones who embrace the idea of community and how important that positive influence has on that community. That’s one of those hidden links that pushes you through those little quits.”

Prep Football Preview

Page 22

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Young Vian ‘knows the system’ of success

By Patrick Kays

Phoenix Correspondent

Vian coach Brandon Tyler and company have built a tradition of success which has them 5311 in five years.

But after three straight one-loss seasons, and back-toback Class 2A semifinal appearances, the purple and Tyler gold suffered through an injury-riddled season in 2014, going 8-4 and were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs.

The playoff tradition fell a few notches. Now, five offensive and six defensive starters are back to find their way back up the ladder.

“These guys know the system,” said Tyler. “I think they are ready to go and get that chip off our shoulders from last year. These guys have a lot to prove.”

Vian enters this year

with a different offensive scheme that should work well for their deep running back stable, in the form of a flexbone, wing-T set. Juniors Daylon McWaters (5-foot-10, 190 pounds), Rayne Cloud (6-3, 195), and a quick Terron Moses (5-9, 160) should see plenty of reps.

“We have Andrews a dynamic trio right there,” said Cloud. “It’s good to have two b-backs (fullback) like that so that if one gets tired you can just switch one. You are not losing anything really. You can’t go wrong there.”

One big piece of the puzzle that Vian has to fill is the graduation of quarterback and team leader Rylee Simon. Senior Ty Andrews (6-2, 260), who returns to the line after racking up 33 tackles last season, knew the challenge of filling

that void wouldn’t be easy.

“For myself as a senior, I have to step up. It’s been pretty hard since we always had a senior leader which was Rylee,” said Andrews. “Trying to step up and take his spot has been pretty difficult but we have been able to do it.”

Picking a Willis new quarterback is one of the big challenges for the new campaign.

Senior Garrett Willis (5-10, 180) seems to be notched for the starting spot, but they have other viable options in Cloud and the youngest of the Simon gang, freshman River Simon (5-10, 175).

Willis credits summer work and team camps for them being ready to continue the tradition.

“We are mentally prepared for this season,” said Willis. “All of the running, all of the lifting we have done. In team camps we have looked really well.”

Seniors Jacob Tincher (5-10, 180), Dakota Brown (6-4, 210), Trinity Teehee (5-11,170), and Moses will be some top options in the receiving

game.

Defensively, they will retain the 3-4 scheme after they changed from a 4-3 midseason last year after Simon’s injury. The change allowed another speed guy to be on the field, which fits their personnel.

“We feel solid with what we have coming back this year on defense,” said Tyler.

Cloud “These guys are hungry and ready to get after it.

Defense will be setting the tone for us every game.”

Cloud, who led the team in tackles last year, and McWaters will return as linebackers.

Andrews will be joined on the line by junior Zak Griffin (5-11, 245), senior Jakeb Curry (5-11, 230) and junior Shelton Skaggs (6-0, 230).

Team camp success has made Andrews pretty comfortable with what they can do on defense this year.

“I like it,” said Andrews. “So far it has been working. We went up to Muskogee and we pretty much just hit them in the mouth back in the summer. I really like how things are looking.”

Backs

ger and stronger than last season,” Newton said, noting the inch and 10 pounds added to the 6-0, 210 senior. “He will be able to take more of a pounding because he sure likes the contact.”

As for the linemen on both teams, while they’re not taking personally, they do feel that a lot of people are selling them

Continued from Page 12

Ironheads’ coach with a 15-17 overall record, believes the size of his running back will make the offensive line’s job a little easier.

“Shane is much big-

VIAN WOLVERINES Record last season: 8-4, lost in 2A second round Head coach: Brandon Tyler (12th year, 118-11; 15th overall) Coaching staff: Lance Winans (defensive coordinator, linebackers); Beau Burlison (special teams coordinator, line); Gary Willis (quarterbacks, defensive backs); Ryan Tyler (running backs, wide receivers, defensive backs); Johnny Teehee (wide receivers, linebackers).

Returning starters (5 offensive, 6 defensive): Ty Andrews, OL/DL, 6-2, 260, Sr.; Jakeb Curry, OL/DL, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Shelton Skaggs, OL/DL, 6-0, 230, Jr.: Dakota Brown, TE/OLB, 6-4, 210, Sr.; Daylon McWaters, RB/LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Rayne Cloud, RB/QB/ LB, 6-3, 195, Jr.; Garrett Willis, QB/DB, 5-10, Brown 180, Sr.; Trinidy Teehee, WR/DB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Zak Griffin, OL/DL, 5-11, 245, Jr. Top newcomers: Terron Moses, RB/DB, 5-9, 180, Jr.; Jacob Tincher, RB/DB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Whitt Fletcher, RB/ LB, 5-10, 175, Fr.; River Simon, QB/LB, 5-10, 175, Fr.; Kyle England, WR/DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Jacob Cantu, OL/ LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Bodhi Vann, RB/DB, 5-8, 145, Fr.; Randy Adair, RB/DB, 5-9, 165, Jr.

HOT ROUTES Simonized tradition

Both Rowdy and Rylee Simon have bid farewell to the purple and gold, leaving a tradition of successful performances which have earned them both All Phoenix defensive player of the year honors for four straight seasons.

Now the pressure shifts to freshman little brother River Simon.

“My brothers have always pushed me hard to be better,” said River. “It has been a dream of mine to play for Vian and with the success my brothers have had there is a lot of pressure on my shoulders to do the same. I have got to keep the tradition.”

Already started

Due to a summer change on the schedule, Vian opted to drop a scrimmage and play Nowata in what will become known as week zero next season when many schools will take advantage of an early start to have an off week during the middle of the regular season.

short.

“We still have a lot of people coming back, a lot of people that played,” Eastwood said. “We just have to get better each play. People are always going to doubt us – it’s always happened to Fort Gibson. We’ve just got to prove them wrong again.”

Eufaula’s Greg Whitaker, a 6-0, 220 senior

and the Ironheads’ only starter returning starter, feels very little pressure in keeping up with last year’s squad.

“We just need to keep working hard,” Whitaker said. “We’re a little faster than last year and that’s going to open holes a lot faster.”

Prep Football Preview

Fantasy Continued from Page 5

Warner defensive lineman Zach Jones in the fourth round, then grabbed the first defensive unit off the board in Wagoner before taking a Bulldogs defensive lineman, Art Whibbey.

Midway’s Devon Barnes gave Rowland another 8-man scoring threat.

He then finished with Sequoyah receiver Kyle Sanders, Vian running back Rayne Cloud and Patrick Curley at what we’ll call our two-way flex, a solid late pick as the guy Wagoner coach Dale Condict says will be his team’s Roman Rodriguez this year — a role-play offensive guy with huge defensive numbers at linebacker and whoever wins the Fort Gibson kicking job, which was not determined at draft time – Carter Lawson did much of those duties in 2014 but Levi Ford has a soccer foot as well.

Picking No. 2 to start was staff correspondent Patrick Kays and without hesitation, he grabbed the 2014 All-Phoenix Most Valuable Player, Fort Gibson running back Chris Walker.

Walker’s 2,475 yards and 36 TDs came with a seasoned offensive line that graduated four. But Walker was well-scouted at the spring game by this coach.

“The kid was ridiculously quick on his feet and strong,” Kays said. “He’s going to get the touches to get 1,500 yards. He got more than that last year and they still had other big weapons.”

Kays continued to load up on marquee players that fell to him. Eufaula running back Shane Moore and Hulbert running back Anthony Howard were the large and small school offensive players of the year on the All-Phoenix squad.

Kays got Moore second

Page 23

Sunday, August 30, 2015 and Howard slipped all the way to the sixth round but comes to him as a flex guy who also put up good numbers at linebacker. In between he got the No. 1 player’s QB, Andrew Sands of Checotah and Hilldale’s top returning receiver, Grant Sikes, then picked defensively in returning Vian lineman Ty Andrews.

Rounding out his draft was the Fort Gibson defense, Muskogee nose tackle Thaddeus Billings, Stigler wide receiver Dawson Barger, Vian’s Daylon McWaters at the flex spot and Tahlequah kicker Bryce Patrick.

Correspondent Nick Hampton picked third to start and went with the top returning quarterback in Wagoner’s Malcolm Rodriguez, a run-pass threat (1,884 yards passing, 21 TDs) with two big-time receivers on the defending Class 4A champions. Warner running back Jarod Crabtree was third.

Hampton’s fourth pick was a gamble of sorts.

Muskogee’s Quintahj Cherry was picked as a receiver, but Cherry is still in a battle for the quarterback spot while speculation persists that he’ll line up at slot. Hampton went with the speculation. He then took the Hilldale defense, which aided by offensive turnovers gave up in excess of 50 points a game as a youthful unit a year ago, but is expected to be much improved with 10 starters back as well as an impact nose guard in Tyler Gober, who sat out last season but was an integral part of a 3A quarterfinal defense in 2013.

Muskogee’s Tavian Davis went next as the first of two defensive selections, the other being Sequoyah tackle Hunter Soap two rounds later. The final three picks were flex players Dakota Brown of Vian and Trace Maxwell of Stigler, and Porter receiver

Special photo by Von Castor

Checotah’s Drew Dan was the top pick in our fantasy draft. He had over 1,000 yards in receiving and multiple return TDs.

Nick Jenkins rounding it out.

Then it was my turn, the fourth and final name out of the hat and thus getting the last pick of the first round. But due to the snake format, I got two of the top five picks overall. I had targeted Rodriguez but had a plan B that worked out. Multipurpose player, A.J. Freeth, as a flex, would have been my top pick anyway. Freeth had 800 yards on 30 catches and eight TDs while also scoring five touchdowns via interceptions or kick returns.

But the down-to-thewire Hilldale quarterback battle between Mitchell Croftcheck, Jarron Nail and Kort Morgan, has Rodriguez-like potential.

One of those, Morgan, was the third-stringer in the

spring but set the school’s single-game passing record against Checotah with over 500 yards. So I took the tobe-named winner of that job.

With the marquee running backs off the board, I hedged my bets with my back-to-back picks in the third and fourth rounds: Scottie Patton, the top Wagoner ball carrier who will average 15 to 20 carries a game, and backed him up by flex player, and Tre Lang of Haskell, a 1,115-yard running back and safety on the defensive side. The top defensive player on the board, Wagoner linebacker K.J. Lee and his 126 tackles and 11 sacks while playing the entire season with a fractured wrist, was my fifthround pick.

On to my next pick: Tahlequah’s Chase Morris joined Freeth as my pass targets. Stigler’s Quontez Jim was a kicker picked next, but with injury backup on both sides of the ball.

With my next pick’s teammate, Tavian Davis, taken

by Hampton, I went with Muskogee’s Jamari Davis, said to be the fastest of the Roughers’ wideouts.

Admittedly, I was almost as fired up about my ninth and 10th picks as I was my first two — in my book “value” picks that luckily fell. Hilldale running back Devin Cochran will be the Hornets’ featured running back in a loaded offense, and Fort Gibson linebacker Justin Cates figures to be the Tigers’ top playmaker defensively. A young Vian defense that has both the potential and tradition finished his draft.

Then we decided the pool still had water in it.

So we got our resident historian-correspondent, Tommy Cobb to pick what we called an expansion team. If he’s sharp on his history he’ll see that this is the quickest expansion team ever awarded in any league.

Cobb’s picks, in order, were Eufaula quarterback Gunner Ford, Stigler running back Trace Jackson — a find we all let slip since he spent last year recovering from an ACL tear, Haskell’s short yardage guy Kanyon Kelley, Wagoner’s Chris Murray and Muskogee’s Kamren Curl as receivers, wideout/DB T.J. Berry and Midway’s tailback and linebacker Sean Bispo as flex players, and on defense, Eufaula linebacker Hunter Schaefer and Hilldale defensive end William Dominguez with Eufaula selected as his team defense.

The pool still isn’t dry, but the hotdogs are gone.

So we’ll let the real battle go to the field where real championships are won.

The teams Earl Campbell’s Soups Coach: Ronn Rowland Drew Dan, Checotah, FLEX Darren Shanks, Webbers Falls, QB Nikia Jones, Wagoner, WR Zach Jones, Warner, DEF Wagoner defense Art Whibbey, Wagoner DEF Devon Barnes, Midway, RB Kyle Sanders, Sequoyah, WR Rayne Cloud, Vian, RB Patrick Curley, Wagoner, FLEX Fort Gibson kicker I barely graduated before this team will Coach: Patrick Kays Chris Walker, Fort Gibson, RB Shane Moore, Eufaula, RB Andrew Sands, Checotah, QB Grant Sikes, Hilldale, WR Ty Andrews, Vian, DEF Anthony Howard, Hulbert, FLEX Fort Gibson defense Thaddeus Billings, Muskogee, DEF Dawson Barger, Stigler, WR Daylon McWaters, Vian, FLEX Bryce Patrick, Tahlequah, K Hampton Inn-Zones Coach: Nick Hampton Malcolm Rodriguez, Wagoner, QB Justin Hooper, Sequoyah, RB Jarod Crabtree, Warner, RB Quintahj Cherry, Muskogee, WR Hilldale defense Tavian Davis, Muskogee, DEF Cole Kiser, Hilldale, K Hunter Soap, Sequoyah, DEF Dakota Brown, Vian, FLEX Trace Maxwell, Stigler, FLEX Jordan Harris, Porter, WR Sports Editors in Pads Coach: Mike Kays AJ Freeth, Wagoner, FLEX Hilldale QB Scottie Patton, Wagoner, RB Tre Lang, Haskell, FLEX KJ Lee, Wagoner, DEF Chase Morris, Tahlequah, WR Quontez Jim, Stigler, K Jamari Davis, Muskogee, WR Devin Cochran, Hilldale, RB Justin Cates, Fort Gibson, DEF Vian defense

Cobb’s Country Critters Coach: Tommy Cobb Gunner Ford, Eufaula, QB Trace Jackson, Stigler, RB Kanyon Kelley, Haskell, RB Chris Murray, Wagoner, WR Kamren Curl, Muskogee, WR T. J. Berry, Haskell, FLEX Sean Bispo, midway, FLEX Hunter Schaefer, Eufaula, DEF William Dominguez, Hilldale, DEF Eufaula, DEF Alex Wisdom, Wagoner, K

Prep Football Preview

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Page 24