19th Street August 2021

The definition of the word athleticism is the combination of qualities such as speed, strength and agility that are characteristic of an athlete. But really, Webster’s Dictionary could have saved us a lot of time by just saying see the 2021 Moore Lions.

Brad Hill’s team has a lot going on this year, but nothing more than the crazy athleticism his Lions will display this fall. In fact, this may be one of the most athletic teams Moore has had in many years.

Denver Wolfe (Jr, 5’9”, 150) is back at quarterback after his baptism by fire last year in the Moore War. It was an unexpected moment, but he handled it with poise and turned in an impressive sophomore campaign.

“He’s gotten better and better each day,” said Hill. “He’s got command of the offense and understands defenses. He had a really good spring and a really good team camp. We knew he was a good athlete, but after this offseason, we’ve seen he’s one of our pound-for-pound strongest kids. He’ll be an electric player this fall for us.”

The big-play potential for the Lions will be on display at wide receiver. Marcus Dockins Jr. (Sr, 6’2”, 178) is a superstar that scored in every way imaginable last year.

“Marcus is definitely a dynamic athlete,” said Hill. “He can run, jump and even scores 20 points a game in basketball. Last year, he scored touchdowns for us throwing, running and receiving. He plays everywhere and is a really special player.”

If it’s not Dockins making the big play, then it’ll surely come from Brayden Clark (Jr, 5’11”, 170), Lonato Henderson (Sr, 6’4”, 221) or Wyatt Stull (Sr, 6’1”, 165).

Clark is a track star that finished in the Top 6 in the 200-meter dash at the state meet. He has the speed and Henderson brings the size. Stull is a two-year starter that brings a wealth of experience to the table.

“We feel really good about the weapons Denver gets to throw to,” Hill said.

Opponents will have to pick their poison as the Lions feature a thunder and lightning approach at running back. Keandre Pittman (Jr, 6’, 245) is the thunderous power back that had six rushing touchdowns last season. Rejond Hayes (Sr, 5’11”, 180) is the lightning with his quick twitch and incredible

speed. CJ Simon (Fr) who can play anywhere on offense, also figures to be in the rotation.

“Skill position wise, as a collective group, it’s as good as we’ve been since I’ve been here,” Hill said.

The offensive line looks to be a nice blend of experience and young talent. Jax Rumsey (Jr, 6’4”, 280) is a three-year starter and may be the best leader on the team. Race Buser (Sr, 6’5”, 330) is a huge body at tackle and will make rushing the passer extremely difficult for opposing defensive ends.

“We feel like we have some really good players coming back, headlined by Jax,” said Hill. “We also have some young lineman we think are going to be really good.”

It doesn’t get much better than Tyler Lorenzen (Sr, 6’4”, 230) at defensive end. The Division 1 scholarship offers are rolling in, and rightfully so, as the only thing higher than his sack and tackle totals are his ACT score.

“He’s a great young man,” Hill said. “He busts his tail and is a really smart kid. He’s extremely fast off the edge.”

Caleb Pounds (Jr, 6’2”, 190) and Phillip Benjamin (Sr, 6’,

225) will be two other names to watch for on the Lions’ defensive line. Pounds was the defensive MVP of the o-line/d-line camp in Bixby and is poised for a breakout year. Benjamin tore his ACL in the Moore War last year but is ready to make up for lost time.

The linebacker core will have plenty of open competition. Several new faces will vie for the open positions, but the luxury for Moore is that Jacob Leger (Sr, 6’, 210) is back.

“He’s got an offer from Northwestern,” Hill said. “Gritty, throwback type of football player, he’s going to be really solid for us.”

In the secondary, you’ll see a lot of two-way players. That’s a good thing, seeing as Hill will use all the athleticism he has on offense on the defensive side, too.

“Our skill kids will cross both ways,” Hill said. “Clark and Dockins will cross over. Rejond Hayes (Sr, 5’11”, 180) will also play.”

Look for Saxon Scantlin (Sr, 6’, 180) and Dion Williams (Jr, 5’11”, 170) to be main contributors as well.–19SM