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FOOTBALL KINGS 2020 INSIDE

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McAlester

Hopeful and excited for 2020 season

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PRODUCED BY McAlester

MEDIA

Top Returning Stat Leaders

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Hartshorne

Building a culture and playoff tradition

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Wilburton

Working toward playoff return

30

Quinton

Loves to play football

34

Eufaula

Looking for district three-peat

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Savanna

Looks to build on foundation

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Canadian

In new territory after historic year

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Top Five Storylines

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Players to Watch

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Covid -19

Area coaches discuss impact/precautions

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Big 12

64

Sooners Football

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OU Football

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2020 Football Schedules

PUBLISHER REINA OWENS EDITORS IN CHIEF ADRIAN O’HANLON III DEREK HATRIDGE EDITORIAL DESIGN MARSHA ERWIN COVER PHOTO MARSHA ERWIN PHOTOGRAPHERS ADRIAN O’HANLON III FILE PHOTOS SR. ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE CONNIE POOLE SALES EXECUTIVES JANA WEDDLE JILL HUNDLEY PHYLLIS HURLBUT CINDI PEREZ

The editor.

Teamwork important during pandemic There’s something special about being a part of a team.

Derek Hatridge | Sports Editor

That much has always been true for those of us that have played sports. But I think it takes on a new meaning after everything we’ve been through together this year.

March 11, 2020, is a night I’ll never forget. Like most sports fans in our area, I was gearing up to watch the Oklahoma City Thunder play against the Utah Jazz and…well, you know how that ended.

Fast forward a few hours, and I’m literally about to walk out the door at the McAlester News-Capital to head to Oklahoma City to cover the state basketball tournaments when my phone buzzed.

No games, no tournaments, no sports. It was all gone.

Covering sports in an unprecedented global pandemic is challenging, to say the least. But with careful planning from hundreds across the state of Oklahoma, it looks like we’re going to give it another go.

That’s why I was excited to dive into compiling together all the materials to create this yearly magazine that you’re holding in your hands. So, if you’re reading this, that means we succeeded — and I’m probably taking a nap in the corner of my office to recover.

Just as each and every sport has its endearing, unique qualities — so does football. If you don’t get chills about that first game night, as your team runs onto the field under the lights, then you’re not doing it right.

There’s a large amount of pride that goes into high school athletics, and Friday nights in the fall means towns are painted in school colors while buzzing with the excitement of what’s to come at kickoff.

But this year, things are going to be different.

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has been and will continue shaping our lives. I don’t know how different it will look this season — but I do know the people around here.

I’ve spent the last few weeks talking to coaches and players, and it’s been great to visit with them about the potential of the upcoming season and how ready they are to return to the field. It’s been a little slice of normal in a year that has been anything but.

But what I admired the most after each visit has been how unified these coaches and players have been. They’ve leapt over the hurdles in their way, and are meeting the challenges.

They compete not only for themselves, but for each other as well.

And that’s why it’s so important to be part of a team. I’m beyond blessed to have joined this amazing team at the McAlester News-Capital in January and working together with those responsible for bringing this magazine to life.

General Manager Reina Owens and Editor Adrian O’Hanlon III provide great leadership and took a chance on this local kid with a love of sports and writing. The advertising team of Jana Weddle and Connie Poole work tirelessly to make sure this project becomes a reality, while designer Marsha Erwin helps bring it to life.

Those are just a few of the many names that have helped make this year’s magazine possible. So, while my name is on most of the bylines, I could never have done it without the whole team.

Sports are the best of us, and we’re being reminded of that ever so fiercely during this once-in-a-lifetime event. So pour through these pages, and allow yourself to get a little excited. I know that first night, as your team runs onto the field, that familiar feeling of pride for your team will return.

And that’s ultimately how we’ll make it through the unknown — together.

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LAS WA T SE A S S W IL O F W O N, M C I LB E R NNING ALE S F LU E K E. A DY . AN T ER S H D T O SE C PR O T H IS O W ED ON S V D SA I E T H E A SO H OW D H -Y E A R N AT I AN T H E , T H E C A PA B D T S T E A MC AL L SU C B U F EST S T U O U G M SH FA L E I T C E E MB H O RC SS W O E N W AN A SN S D S L E S , T H E S S T H E D A OA C H E ’T A R O U LO T ON FO R EB CO U N O T C L A O T H E D P L A F FS F G H O U F D E T R E S T M I N IS T 20 ER M A ZE T H E SS 5A PL AYO CE I N H 1 FFS T H E ED W I 9. A F T I NAT I O Y E V E S TAT T , M A D IS ER NTU E Q TR H A EA N U K AL S TA A R T ER I N G A I C T. T 6-5 R E R LY HE CO TE C FI N H A N A L S A PPE Y WO R D MP A I O N AG A I N R A N C U L D G O ST C .

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Now, with a new season on the horizon, Mazey said that having his players get a taste of that success will only help propel them into the future.

“I think we were a touchdown away, or pretty close to being district champions if we beat (Tulsa) Edison,” Mazey said. “I really enjoyed watching the kids and the coaching staff enjoy winning like it should be. I’m at the point now in my career where I hate losing more than I like winning, and I want that to be the feeling for those kids for years to come.

Gridiron Experience

“It just takes a lot of hard work,” he added.

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And the Buffs have been putting in that work during the summer.

Mazey said attendance for Summer Pride workouts has been high, and the fire of competition has been raging throughout the locker room.

The Buffs will have to address the loss of playmakers like quarterback Chris Hilton, who led the way for McAlester in both the rushing and passing categories.

However, Mazey said his team is stacked with returning talent as well to help with the reload.

McAlester will return three of last year’s starting offensive linemen, led by senior Quentin Thomas — who recorded 20 pancake blocks last season — and most of its entire defense, including linebacker Chase Faber.

Football Preview Gridiron

“We have so many, so many contributors that do such a good job,” — Forrest Mazey

Offensively, Trent Boatright will see a bulk of the quarterbacking duties. As Hilton’s backup, the junior Boatright recorded 174 yards on 23-of-35 passing. Mazey also said sophomore Erik McCarty will also see some time at the quarterback position because his athleticism is such an asset and gives the Buffs a chance to run multiple package options.

Gavin Johnson, who caught 15 passes for 514 yards and six scores last season, and Gage Dollins, 14 receptions for 288 yards and a touchdown, will be top targets this season alongside Luke Homer, who had 19 catches for 215 yards

in 2019. Seniors Matthew Davey and Larry Lowe will look to help anchor the ground game for the Buffs.

Those are just some of the many pieces Mazey said will contribute this season, and that personnel will not be an issue for McAlester.

“We have so many, so many contributors that do such a good job,” Mazey said. “It’s like it’s by committee almost.”

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Thank You for Voting us Your Favorite McAlester will compete in 5A-3 against Bishop Kelley, Coweta, Durant, East Central, Edison Prep, Shawnee, and Will Rogers. It’s a group of some tough, talented teams, but Mazey believes his Buffs have what it takes to compete for a district title.

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“People thought I was probably crazy last year (when I said that),” he said. “And we were close.”

Ultimately, Mazey believes his team could do big things this season, and that the Buffs are going to make an impact.

“To return that amount from the offensive and defensive side, and then a nice little playoff run, I think the kids are hopeful and excited for the season,” Mazey said. “And I think the town is ready to get back to McAlester football.”

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Gridiron Experience

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Gridiron Football Preview

TOP RETURNING

STAT LID LEADERS

By Derek Hatridge | Sports Editor

Noah Alexander, Eufaula, Senior Micah Baker, Hartshorne, Senior

RUSHING

Gridiron Experience

Noah Alexander, Eufaula, Senior Alexander returns to cap off a stellar career with a memorable senior season. The Army Academy football commit had 178 carries for 1,448 yards and 17 scores. He’ll be looking to race his way into stardom and help the Ironheads compete for a third-straight district championship.

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Baker has had an excellent career in the Miners backfield. During his junior season, Baker carried the ball 165 times for 919 yards and 11 touchdowns. After helping his team to return to the playoffs last season, Baker will be looking to repeat that success in his final year.

Bryson Cervantes, Hartshorne, Senior Cervantes is a dual threat quarterback for the Miners, and serves as a dependable option in the

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Grayson Mathis, Wilburton, Junior

ground game. Last year, he ran 117 times for 448 yards and nine scores. With all the pieces in place for 2020, Cervantes will be helping lead the charge for Hartshorne’s playoff aspirations.

Lane Spruell, Wilburton, Junior Spruell rose to prominence in the Diggers offense during his sophomore season, where he ran the ball 94 times for 377 yards and five touchdowns. He’ll see time as a wide receiver in 2020, but can still serve as a reliable addition for Wilburton run game if needed.

Pakes Garnett, Savanna, Junior Garnett served as a strong rushing presence for the Bulldogs last season, earning 340 yards on 49 carries while scoring five

touchdowns. With a new district and fresh defenses entering the fray in 2020, Garnett will be a key piece to success for the Savanna offense.

PASSING Grayson Mathis, Wilburton, Junior Mathis has seen a lot of success since coming in as quarterback for the Diggers. In his sophomore season, he completed 104-of196 passes for 1,599 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also has the ability to scramble — 207 yards and four scores —adding another option to the offense.

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Bryson Cervantes, Hartshorne, Senior Cervantes puts himself into the top of both the passing and rushing categories. As the head of the Miner offense, Cervantes has completed 74-of-189 passes for 1,082 yards and seven touchdowns.

He’s part of a key group of senior playmakers that have returned Hartshorne to playoff contention.

Nick Jones, Eufaula, Senior Jones has been an integral part of the offense as the play-runner for the Ironheads. Last season, he threw for 771 yards and scored 18 touchdowns. He’s also able to run the ball if needed, as he notched 865 yards on the ground. With a talented roster surrounding Jones, Eufaula is set to have another successful season.

Ayden Fry, Savanna, Sophomore

Gridiron Experience

Fry made an immediate impact with the Bulldogs as he stepped into the quarterback position during his first high school season.

He completed 44-of-65 passes for 560 yards and three touchdowns.

In his second season, he’ll have top targets Cayden McElhaney, Dawson Jones, and Jace Martin to round out a solid passing game for Savanna.

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Blaize Bray, Quinton, Senior Bray returns to a Quinton team that will finally be playoff eligible after spending the last few seasons as an independent after the move down to 8-man football.

Last season, Bray threw for 197 yards and three scores, while also adding 74 yards and a touchdown on the ground. In his final year, he’ll be looking to lead Quinton into playoff contention in 2020.

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Khalil Deere, Eufaula, Junior

Jake Brewster, Canadian, Senior

RECEIVING Jake Brewster, Canadian, Senior Brewster has seen many successes in his time on the field for the Cougars. During Canadian’s 12-1 season in 2019, Brewster caught 26 passes for 676 yards and 10 touchdowns. His squad will need that production once again as the Cougars make the switch to 11man football in 2020.

Deere was a force to be reckoned with for the Ironheads in 2019.

He caught 33 receptions for 577 yards while scoring eight touchdowns. He also pulls double duty defensively, where he logged four interceptions and six pass breakups. Deere will be a pivotal piece to the Eufaula roster as they look to compete for yet another district title and playoff run.

Gavin Johnson, McAlester, Senior Johnson was a top target and playmaker for the Buffs offense last season. He nabbed 15 receptions for 514 yards and six touchdowns, helping lead McAlester to the second round of the playoffs.

As one of the lead returners for the Buffs, Johnson’s contributions will only help strengthen the corps of returning talent.

Keegan Barnhill, Hartshorne, Senior

Christian Gockel, Wilburton, Senior Gockel has been a breakout star for the Diggers. During the 2019 campaign, he had 32 receptions for 642 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. He’s the top target for quarterback Grayson Mathis, and Wilburton will be looking for a swan song season from Gockel to help return the Diggers to the playoffs.

Barnhill made a lot happen with each and every pass he caught in 2019. He hauled in 19 passes and turned that into 358 yards with two scores. With a loaded roster returning for the Miners, Barnhill will add yet another playmaker as Hartshorne strives for another playoff run in 2020.

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Gridiron Football Preview

BUILDING A CULTURE &

PLAYOFF TRADITON Hartshorne

By Derek Hatridge | Sports Editor

JEFF BEARE LIKED HOW HIS TEAM RESPONDED LAST SEASON, AND HE BELIEVES THAT’S DUE IN PART TO HIS PLAYERS RESPONDING TO ADVERSITY AND BUILDING EVERY DAY.

After going 3-7 in 2018, the Miners bounced back in the 2019 season, finishing 5-6 and placing fourth in the district while also making an appearance in the Class 2A playoffs.

Gridiron Experience

“The season worked out for us because we made it back to the playoffs. That was a big deal for us,” Beare said. “Hartshorne traditionally always goes to the playoffs, and we had a spurt there where we didn’t go for a couple of years.”

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Beare hopes to continue the tradition of playoff appearances for the Miners as they work toward the start of the 2020 season.

But he said that before they can start to game plan against opponents, Hartshorne will have to take care of itself first.

“We’ve got to start off with the goal of ‘worry about ourselves.’

That’s always been our focus, “ Beare said. “That’s the biggest thing for me, to make sure these guys are focused on how we can get better every single week.”

The Miners will have the advantage of returning nearly all of its key players from last season. They graduated only four players, and while Beare said they will be missed, he’s excited to be returning so many players.

Hartshorne will bring back the top two leading returning rushers in the area in seniors Micah Baker and Bryson Cervantes. Baker led the way for the Miners with 919 yards on 165 carries with 11 touchdowns, followed by Cervantes with 448 yards on 117 carries and nine scores. Senior Javen Shaw will also help supply short yardage opportunities in the fullback position.

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Cervantes also handles quarterback duties for the Miners.

Last season, he threw for 1,082 yards on 74-of-189 passing with seven scores.

Senior Keegan Barnhill will return as the top target after finishing with 19 receptions for 358 yards and two scores in 2019. He’ll be joined by junior John Beauchamp, who had five catches for 198 yards last season.

Gridiron Experience

“Our junior class have been starting for us since they were freshmen, so they’ve got a lot of experience under their belt,” Beare said. “And that senior group, they’re a big part of what we do.”

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The Miners will once again be facing off against 2A-6 opponents Antlers, Atoka, Eufaula, Hugo, newcomer Idabel, Valliant, and rival Wilburton. Beare said the district is filled with talented programs, and Hartshorne will have to really focus on itself and be ready to play week in and week out.

“You can name them all and they’ve all got things that they do really well,” Beare said. “If we’re doing what we can do to the best of our abilities, it’ll work itself out.”

Football Preview Gridiron

“Our junior class have been starting for us since they were freshmen, so they’ve got a lot of experience under their belt,” — Jeff Beare

In the end, Beare hopes to have his team molded and ready for whatever comes their way. He said his ultimate goal is to shape the Miners both on and off the field, and thinks the culture of the program helps to set his players up to succeed.

“We’re very family oriented,” Beare said. “It means the world to you when you see whatever you’re preaching unfold in front of you.”

“We’re very family oriented, ...It means the world to you when you see whatever you’re preaching unfold in front of you.”

— Jeff Beare

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Gridiron Football Preview

WORKING TOWARD

PLAYOFF RETURN

Wilburton

By Derek Hatridge | Sports Editor

THE FOOTBALL SEASON ISN’T A SPRINT — IT’S A MARATHON. THAT’S SOMETHING THAT WILBURTON FOOTBALL COACH JEFF MARSHALL KNOWS ALL TOO WELL.

Gridiron Experience

“We got into really some of our tougher competition (late in the season). It’s kind of a war of attrition, really,” — Jeff Marshall

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After starting the 2019 season at 5-0, the Diggers finished at 6-4 and on the outside looking in at the playoffs.

So that’s why, in 2020, Marshall said one of the bigger keys will be to keep his players conditioned and healthy.

“We got into really some of our tougher competition (late in the season). It’s kind of a war of attrition, really,” Marshall said. “We were pretty low in numbers, and in most of our games…we’d just wear down.”

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The Diggers will be looking to make up for what they missed last season as they return nearly all of their players from 2019.

Marshall said that after having this group start so young and develop with hours of real game minutes, that experience will only serve to help further push Wilburton toward success.

Breakout star receiver Christian Gockel will also be back for the Diggers. He caught 32 passes for 642 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2019, and Marshall said he expects big things out of him for his senior season. Senior Lane Spruell, last year’s leading rusher for the Diggers, will also be returning.

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“We feel pretty good about our nucleus that we are returning,” Marshall said.

Wilburton offensively will see the return of junior quarterback Grayson Mathis, who last season threw for 1,599 yards on 104-of196 passing with 16 touchdowns, while also rushing 86 times for 195 yards and four scores.

Gridiron Football Preview

Senior Ralph Camacho will play as both a slot receiver and linebacker, while Brad Jones, a 6-foot-4, 290lbs senior, will hold the line alongside J.J. Justice and Brendan Miller.

A multitude of players will see time on both sides of the ball, which can easily lead to fatigue.

And Marshall believes the battle to combat those challenges start with workouts and conditioning in the offseason.

Gridiron Experience

“We’re probably just getting back to full tilt and where we kind of want to be,” Marshall said. “We’ll have to probably turn it up a notch when we can to get those guys to where we feel like they’re in game shape.”

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Marshall also said that Wilburton comes into the 2020 season as the smallest 2A school, missing the drop down to Class A by just a few students.

Still, he believes the Diggers are in good shape, and he’s thrilled to have a dedicated, talented group of athletes.

“Numbers will be an issue for us, always are. But I’m excited to see what they’re going to do,” Marshall said. “We want to be a playoff football team, and go take a shot and see what we can get done in the playoffs,” The Diggers will be tasked with facing off against 2A-6 opponents Antlers, Atoka, Eufaula, rival Hartshorne, Hugo, newcomer Idabel, and Valliant. Marshall said that while the competition will be fierce, Wilburton will take the challenge each game at a time.

Football Preview Gridiron

“Our district is tough, and adding Idabel made it tougher. So we’re just going to go get after them one at a time.”— Jeff Marshall

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Gridiron Football Preview

QUINTON LOVES TO

PLAY FOOTBALL Quinton

Gridiron Experience

By Derek Hatridge | Sports Editor

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“THESE KIDS JUST LOVE TO PLAY FOOTBALL,” — KENNY HOKIT

QUINTON HAS A LOT TO BE EXCITED ABOUT FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON. AFTER DROPPING FROM 11-MAN TO 8-MAN FOOTBALL, 2020 MARKS THE FIRST YEAR THAT THE GREEN AND WHITE WILL BE IN A DISTRICT AND ELIGIBLE FOR THE PLAYOFFS — AND COACH KENNY HOKIT SAID HIS TEAM HAS BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO THE OPPORTUNITY. “THESE KIDS JUST LOVE TO PLAY FOOTBALL,” HOKIT SAID. “THEY’VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THIS YEAR AND THE PLAYOFFS EVER SINCE I (WAS HIRED).”

WHEN QUINTON MADE THE SWITCH TO DROP A CLASS, THE DECISION CAME AFTER THE NEW DISTRICTS WERE DRAWN. THEREFORE, HOKIT AND HIS TEAM WERE FORCED TO FORFEIT PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY UNTIL THE REDISTRICTING PROCESS BEGAN AGAIN AFTER THE COMPLETION OF PLAY IN 2019.

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“District will be tough, but we’re excited for the challenge, excited to go play.”

— KENNY HOKIT

Last season, Quinton finished with a 4-5 record and Hokit said his team continually built momentum with each game. Although they had to sit out from the playoffs, Hokit said they’re ready to prove themselves and return to the postseason.

It’s something Hokit said his players have been dreaming about for years, and they finally have the chance to make it come true this season.

Gridiron Experience

“It just seems like it’s a family atmosphere,” Hokit said. “The town, the kids, the school, they’re just ecstatic. That’s their goal right now is to go to the playoffs.”

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A few changes will be in store as Hokit will also be taking back over the offense for Quinton and expects a bit of a transition period. But he said his players are ready to take on the challenge, and Quinton will be returning some of its top impact players from last season.

Senior Blaize Bray will be back at quarterback, and he will be backed up by Eli Blankenship, an incoming freshman who will also see time as a receiver. Hokit said they are very excited to see the youngster play and develop.

In addition, Quinton will also see the return of senior tailback

Football Preview Gridiron

Caden Birckel with Clint Barnes at center, while Colt Short and Caden Williams will add size up front in the guard positions on the offensive line to help open up the ground game.

“I’m pretty familiar with these guys.

So, as I tell these kids, you’ve got to come ready to play,” Hokit said.

“District will be tough, but we’re excited for the challenge, excited to go play.”

Defensively, many players will be pulling double duty. Barnes and Short will dig in the trenches, while Birckel and Bray will join junior Ryan Clark in the secondary. Hokit said those names are among the many that will be making a difference for his squad.

But to play well in district play means putting in the work in the offseason. Hokit said that while the numbers may have not been what he’d like them to be, those that have shown up every day have been putting in the hours of work needed to succeed. He also said he’s seen a large number of junior high students, helping add to the promise of a bright future for Quinton football.

“We pretty much got everybody else back,” Hokit said. “We’ve got a lot of young kids and a lot coming back.”

Quinton will be challenged as it returns to district play, being slotted in B-5. They’ll have to face off against Dewar, Porum, Webbers Falls, Weleetka, and Wetumka, but Hokit said he is fairly familiar with the district thanks to his coaching days at Porum.

“The whole town surrounds around football,” Hokit said.

“They’re very excited about this year.”

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EUFAULA LOOKING FOR

DISTRICT threePEAT

By Mike Kays | CNHI Sports Oklahoma

IT’S SOMETHING LARRY NEWTON HAS SEEN BEFORE. NEWTON’S EUFAULA IRONHEADS ENTER THE 2020 SEASON WITH A PROBLEM IN THE TRENCHES. THEY’VE HAD THAT PROBLEM FOR TWO YEARS, FROM TIME TO TIME, AND ALL THEY’VE DONE IS WIN THE SCHOOL’S ONLY BACK-TO-BACK DISTRICT TITLES.

“It seems like I’ve been saying it forever, but offensive line is where it begins anyway,” Newton said.

“We’ve been pretty good up front defensively and we lost those guys last year, so we have those spots to fill too.”

If they do, it’s a good bet their recent success will continue.

There’s little problem anywhere else among eight starters on both sides of the ball.

Nick Jones totaled 1,636 rushingpassing yards at quarterback a year ago, 865 on the ground and 18 touchdowns. His 7.3 yard average, coupled with the 8.3 clip from running back Noah Alexander (1,488 yards in 10 games), shows there was quite a bit of yardage into the second and third levels of real estate.

Khelil Deere had 577 yards receiving on 33 catches. He also had four interceptions playing in the secondary.

“It’s like any other year,” Alexander said. “We’ve got decent skill guys and it just takes a little while for the line to come into their own.”

Gridiron Experience

There’s something about this team that at times, baffles Newton.

“I’ve had teams with more overall talent go 1-9,” he said. “This one has the intangibles that brings

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success. It’s a group that loves to work hard, a no nonsense type of group that carries themselves well.

I challenge them every day and they accept it.”

That description bodes well with Alexander, who in June committed to Army. That’s seven months after a knee dislocation and fractured fibula that took him out of the postseason.

“I’ve run way more than I ever have,” he said. “By March I was hard-cutting and moving fast.

But with the pandemic and everything closed, the outdoors becomes your friend.”

“It seems like I’ve been saying it forever, but offensive line is where it begins anyway,” — Larry Newton

Army offered a couple days after Navy. East Central also offered him. He grew up wanting to play at Tulsa.

“Army’s offense was pretty solid against Oklahoma and seems a better fit for a running back,” he said. “I had a cousin who went into the Army and it took 13 years to reach officer status. I’ll get that by graduating there,” he said, noting his intention to be a biology major.

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“If we do just a little up front, Nick and Noah can make things happen,” — Larry Newton

A bout that line: Ty Dodd will go at center. “He’s worked there over a couple of years even though it’s not his natural position on the line,” said Newton of the 6-foot-4, 295-pounder.

Gridiron Experience

JoDan Marshall is looking to get clearance from a medical issue on his spine. Tight end Jacob Fitzer was a late bloomer as a receiver who also may have to move to an inside spot if a cluster of sophomores don’t develop in a hurry, Newton said.

“If we do just a little up front, Nick and Noah can make things happen,” Newton said. “Nick’s probably the better athlete of the two.

Noah is strong and able to get rid of that first hit a lot. Nick has that capability like the basketball player he is to get around you.

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He’s got those crossover jukes that he brings from the guy and you better be breaking down for him and figuring which way he’s going to go.”

The Ironheads remain in District 2A-6 with one change from 2019 — Idabel drops from 3A and replaces Heavener.

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Tye Pippenger is joined by Noah Gray at that spot. Pippenger’s 61 tackles was tops on the team, but three of the top four tacklers are gone. Trevion Nichols, Tyler Lee and Briar Sweitzer will go with Deere in the secondary. Look for Fitzer to go at an edge spot, likely shoring up the defensive front.

Stetson Smelser at linebacker and Corrie Crabtree up front round it out.

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Gridiron Football Preview

To

SAVANNA LOOKS

BUILD On

FOUNDATION

By Derek Hatridge | Sports Editor

FOR TAYLOR BARR, IT FEELS GOOD TO BE HOME.

Gridiron Experience

Fusce quis magna eget felis scelerisque auctor. Vestibulum laoreet ultricies lectus vitae suscipit.

Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Nulla porttitor sodales erat. Mauris ultrices lorem at erat commodo, ac rutrum orci ornare. In dictum ac nulla vitae iaculis. Sed mollis neque sed est dignissim ultrices. Donec ac leo porta, mattis purus eget, suscipit leo. Etiam vitae libero sit amet dui bibendum ultricies. Duis fermentum vestibulum tristique. Vestib

THE 2010 SAVANNA GRADUATE ENTERS HIS SECOND YEAR AT THE HELM OF HIS ALMA MATER, AND LOOKED BACK FONDLY ON LAST SEASON.

“Taking over and getting back to where I was from was really neat,” Barr said. “It was kind of an opportunity I felt I couldn’t pass by, and was really excited to be back down here.”

Barr brought on his former fellow Savanna teammate Matt Murdaugh as defensive coordinator, and said together they wanted to continue the legacy of Savanna football.

Although the 2019 season started a little shaky, the Bulldogs finished third in the district and advanced to the playoffs for the first time in two years.

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“We felt like we had a chance (last season) if the kids would buy in and work hard, and believe in us and believe in themselves,” Barr said.

We felt like we had a chance (last season) if the kids would buy in and work hard, and believe in us and believe in themselves,”— Taylor Barr

But this newest season will produce a little change for Savanna.

The Bulldogs will be without Clay Wageman, a two-way player that was a force on both sides of the ball. He was last season’s district defensive MVP, while also gaining 710 yards and three touchdowns as Bulldog’s top rushing threat.

“He might be one of the best players I’ve ever coached,” Barr said.

But despite Wageman’s graduation, Savanna will still be returning a veteran group of players that will continue to make a difference.

Offensively, Ayden Fry returns to the quarterback position, where he threw for 560 yards and three touchdowns last season.

Cayden McElhaney, another two way threat, returns as well. Last season, he had 12 catches for 195 yards and a touchdown.

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He’ll be joined by Jace Martin, who had eight catches for 202 yards and two scores. Pakes Garnett will run the ground game for the Bulldogs as he gathered up 340 yards and five touchdowns in 2019.

Gridiron Football Preview

On the defensive side of the ball, seniors Trent Edwards and Luke Woods, will receive big time minutes as the leading tackles, while McElhaney, Garnett, and Ty Hoffman will fill the linebacker positions. Barr said that as returners, those players only help strengthen the team’s game plan and culture.

“We talked about establishing the foundation, and we talked about what the Bulldog culture is,” Barr said of the first meeting last season. “These kids coming back this year…really kind of understand more of what we expect and the routine of practices and game days.”

Gridiron Experience

Barr said he expects district play to present a new wrinkle to the 2019 season.

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With Canadian’s move to 11-man football and placing in Savanna’s slot in A-8, the Bulldogs have been moved into A-7, pitting them against the likes of Allen, Konawa, Liberty, Mounds, Okemah, Stroud, and Wewoka.

We’ve got to show up every day and every Friday night. Any of these teams can beat you on any given night.

Any of these teams can beat you on any given night.” — Taylor Barr

“I might have been the most shocked I have ever been in my life,” Barr said of when he learned of the new district. “It really through a wrench in things because you get comfortable and familiar with coaches you’re going up against.”

Barr said the district is filled with solid programs that have seen many successes in their histories.

But that doesn’t mean the Bulldogs aren’t up to the challenge of facing off with their new foes.

“We can’t have a bad day of practice. We can’t have kids getting their minds wandered off,” Barr said. “We’ve got to show up every day and every Friday night. Any of these teams can beat you on any given night.

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Gridiron Football Preview

IN NEW TERRITORY AFTER

HISTORIC YEAR

By Derek Hatridge | Sports Editor

canadian

A COLD NOVEMBER NIGHT IN THE RAIN LAST SEASON IS SOMETHING THAT CANADIAN FOOTBALL COACH WES JACKSON SAID WILL FOREVER HAUNT HIM. “I STILL CAN’T BRING MYSELF TO WATCH IT,” HE SAID.

Gridiron Experience

THE COUGARS WENT UNDEFEATED IN THE REGULAR SEASON AND SET NEW SCHOOL RECORDS HEADING INTO THE CLASS B FOOTBALL QUARTERFINALS AGAINST FIFTH-RANKED CHEROKEE ON NOV. 29, 2019.

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Canadian erased a 34-point deficit to force overtime, and a trick play in the end zone during the third try ended the Cougars’ dream season at 12-1 while simultaneously going viral on social media.

“It was the farthest Canadian has ever been,” Jackson said. “It’s also the most surreal moment you could ever have. It’s a TV ending in a way that you don’t want the movie to end.”

Jackson said the moment has stuck with his players and is serving as motivation as the Cougars begin a new chapter after being bumped up to Class A 11-man football.

“I think when they came back, they remembered that moment and said ‘we’re not done, either,’ “ Jackson said. “They’re saying ‘we’re still here. We still have a fight in us.’ “ Looking ahead to the 2020 season, the Cougars will be looking to fill in the gaps after graduating over 10 players in the spring.

Notable names such as Carson Thompson, who led the area in rushing — 2,419 yards with 43 touchdowns — and passing — 2,172 yards and 33 scores — and Terrell Crawford, the area’s top receiver with 54 catches for 979 yards and 14 touchdowns.

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Jackson said that all of his seniors last season exhibited leadership skills that helped the team to succeed, and because of that, this year’s seniors have the blueprint to continue to build on those successes.

One of those players is Jake Brewster, who finished second in the area in receiving yards behind Crawford. Brewster had 26 catches for 676 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2019 for the Cougars. Jackson also mentioned Isaac Tanner on the line, as well as players who have stepped up over the summer — Camden Harris, Austin Hammack, and Caleb Morgan.

The biggest change for Canadian, however, is the switch to 11-man football. The Cougars were bumped to Class A after the conclusion of last season and will now play in District A-8, in the slot previously held by Savanna. They’ll be tasked with facing off against Central Sallisaw, Colcord, Gore, Hulbert, Porter, Talihina, and Warner.

But Jackson said the key for his team will be to figure out themselves before they start breaking down how to play against their new

Gridiron Experience

district opponents.

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It was the farthest Canadian has ever been... It’s also the most surreal moment you could ever have. It’s a TV ending in a way that you don’t want the movie to end.” — Wes Jackson

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TOP F I V E Sto Gridiron Football Preview

Every football season brings new challenges and excitement about the hope of a new year. Here are some of the top storylines to watch for the upcoming football season in the McAlester News-Capital area.

By Derek Hatridge | Sports Editor

1.

McAlester

replacing

C h r i s H i lt o n

Gridiron Experience

McAlester will be tasked with replacing one of its top playmakers from last season. In 2019, Hilton led the Buffs in rushing — 166 carries for 900 yards and 16 touchdowns — and in passing — 1,322 yards on 87-of-142 passing with 11 scores and only eight interceptions. The Buffs will be looking to junior Trent Boatright, who earned significant minutes behind Hilton last season, and sophomore Erik McCarty to run multiple package sets.

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2. C a n a d i a n

moves up to

1 1 - ma n

football

The Cougars will be in new territory as they will transition from 8-man to 11-man football this fall.

Last season, Canadian’s offense led the area with 3,221 rushing yards and 2,364 passing yards, leading to an average gain of 429.6 yards per game.

They will also be replacing top playmakers at the quarterback and receiver positions. But coach Wes Jackson believes his team has what it takes to not only make a smooth transition, but be successful as well.

Football Preview Gridiron

torylines “The ones who want to achieve and win championships motivate themselves” — Mike Ditka 3. N e w

s h u f f l e d d i s t r i c t s p a i r l o c a l t e am s w i t h n e w f a c e s

Every two academic years, the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association uses school enrollment numbers to reclassify and redistrict member teams. With the most recent shuffle, every single area team was either moved to a new assignment or had a new team moved into their district. McAlester, who competes in 5A-3, will now face off against Tulsa East Central, Shawnee, and Will Rogers in district play. Hartshorne and Wilburton, both in 2A-6, saw the arrival of Idabel, who replaced Heavener. Canadian, with the move to 11-man, takes over Savanna’s spot in A-8 against opponents such as Talihina, Gore, and Warner. As a result, Savanna moves to A-7, where they will face off against teams such as Allen, Okemah, and Stroud. Finally, Quinton is moved from independent status and placed in B-5, facing off against the likes of Dewar, Porum, and Webbers Falls.

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4 . B at t l e

of

G o w e n M o u n ta i n

m e a n s p l a y o f f i m p l i c at i o n s

Gridiron Experience

One of the oldest rivalries in the state, the Battle of Gowen Mountain is a yearly contest between Hartshorne and Wilburton. Not only do both schools battle for bragging rights, but also for position amongst District 2A-6. Last year’s contest became one of the deciding factors for putting Hartshorne in the playoffs while Wilburton remained at home.

This season, with both teams graduating less than 10 players combined, the talent level and high stakes set the stage for one of the most important, exciting games of the 2020 season.

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It all s

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“The sky has no limits, neither should you” USAIN BOLT - TOP ATHLETE

5.

Ke nny Hoki t ta ke s b a c k ove r t h e Q u i n to n o ffe n s e

Kenny Hokit will once again be taking the reins of the offense for his 8-man squad.

He mentioned that there will definitely be a transition period — for both himself and his team. But he believes Quinton has the right playmakers and personnel to succeed. Blaise Bray returns as quarterback for the green and white, and the strong presence on the line thanks to Clint Barnes, Colt Short and Caden Williams can help open things up for tailback Caden Birckel to establish the Quinton ground game. Hokit said that with the returning players and the added talent of his underclassmen, such as Eli Blankenship, help give Quinton plenty to work with.

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ll starts now!

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5

P L AY E R S

T O W AT C H

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1 2

Another season brings some familiar faces and some new ones for local football teams. Here are some of the top players to watch heading into the year.

Trent Boatright, McAlester, Junior, Quarterback

Boatright not only spent time learning the Buffs’ offense behind Chris Hilton, he also received valuable in-game minutes. He earned 174 yards on 23-of-35 passing, and McAlester coach Forrest Mazey said Boatright will be getting the nod as this year’s starter. And while Hilton leaves behind a big gap, Boatright will still have the tools surrounding him to succeed.

Chase Faber, McAlester, Junior, Linebacker

Faber returns as one of the most dominant forces on the McAlester defense. He spent his sophomore season putting the opposition on the turf with 94 tackles and six sacks. In what is already a loaded Buffs defense, Faber’s productivity will no doubt have an impact on stopping opposing quarterbacks and creating problems for the opposition’s offensive schemes.

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Christian Gockel, Wilburton, Senior, Receiver/Linebacker Gockel’s standout year in 2019 made waves for Wilburton. The senior Digger spends time on both sides of the ball, and his presence doesn’t go unnoticed. As a receiver, he nabbed 32 catches for 642 yards and 10 touchdowns. Defensively, Gockel had a knack for magnetically drawing himself to the football, recording 85 tackles on the year. His success can lead to the team’s success in 2020.

Bryson Cervantes, Hartshorne, Senior, Quarterback

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Cervantes and the Miners battled their way through the competition last season as they made a return to the playoffs. He returns as a dualthreat for the Miners offense, throwing for 1,082 yards on 74-of-189 passing and seven scores, while also rushing 117 times for 448 yards and nine touchdowns. Cervantes will be one of the top keys to returning to the playoffs for the Miners.

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Micah Baker, Hartshorne, Senior, Running Back Baker completes the one-two punch that can be delivered by the Hartshorne offense, alongside Cervantes. He’s the area’s top returning rusher, running for 919 yards on 165 carries and reaching the endzone 11 times in 2019. The Miners finished fourth in the district last season, but remain hungry for more. And if Baker can establish the ground game early, he’ll be able to help push his team back to the playoffs.

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“We haven’t skipped a beat,” Beare said. “Knock on wood, we’ve been very fortunate so far.” — Jeff Beare 58

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AREA COACHES DISCUSS

COVID-19

I MPA CT, PRE CAU TIO NS

By Derek Hatridge | Sports Editor

For months, the stadium lights have remained extinguished, locker rooms empty, and the sounds of game day have been silent. But as sports return one-by-one, what will they look like when the lights finally turn back on?

“We’ve got a real strong administration that’s going to protect these kids at all costs.”

— Kenny Hokit

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The coronavirus pandemic forced the cancelation of athletics across the country since March 11, when an NBA game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Utah Jazz was moments away from tipoff. And while stadiums and arenas closed down, leagues and organizations scrambled to react, with players and coaches wondering what comes next.

Since then, Oklahoma has felt like the epicenter of canceled sports. The shockwaves from those shutdowns have been felt all the way to the local level, as high schools across the state look for answers on how to safely move forward with athletics after the cancelation of those spring seasons.

“It’s just one of those things where I hope for the best,” McAlester coach Forrest Mazey said. “I hope, for our kids, they get to have a season.”

After a vote from the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association, players and coaches were able to meet for the first time in months on June 1. But before workouts could begin, a plan had to be formed.

Gridiron Experience

School administrators jumped into action and formulated return to athletics plans they felt best suited their districts. Many schools in McAlester and the surrounding areas developed these plans with certain precautions, such as temperature checks, health screenings, and stringent sanitation protocols.

Quinton’s Kenny Hokit joined his fellow area coaches in commending the job local administrations have done in coming up and enacting plans to return students to the field.

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“It’s just one of those things where I hope for the best... I hope, for our kids, they get to have a season.” — Forrest Mazey

“We’ve got a real strong administration that’s going to protect these kids at all costs,” Hokit said.

And according to Hartshorne’s Jeff Beare, those plans have helped bring students back to sports while still keeping their safety in mind, as they’ve not recorded a confirmed positive test on the team.

“We haven’t skipped a beat,” Beare said. “Knock on wood, we’ve been very fortunate so far.”

On the opposite side of Gowen Mountain, Wilburton’s Jeff Marshall also praised how well the school’s plans have been working. He believed that by coordinating with local health officials, it’s kept his team healthy and moving forward.

“I think they’ve took a really realistic approach to it,” Marshall said. “We monitor temperatures, and hand sanitation, and making sure (players) are taking care of business and not bringing anything in the building to spread.”

As of Aug. 3, Oklahoma has had over 38,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, with over 200 of those coming from Pittsburg County. And while coaches acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, they also said that protecting against

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“I just want whatever we can do for these young men to have the ability to play,” — Forrest Mazey infections aren’t the only health risks involved. With the loss of three months of conditioning and training during the spring, the chances of injury during play also increases.

Savanna’s Taylor Barr agreed that teams will see some of those kind of effects from the shutdown, and that coaches will have to battle that alongside keeping pandemic protocols in place.

“It definitely hinders,” Barr said. “If anybody out there, just in my humble opinion, tells you it didn’t hinder them at all, they’re lying.”

But one thing that has stuck out is the commitment of the players to try to continue their training, even while isolated at home. Using virtual tools such as Twitter, Facebook, and team group chats, athletes have been challenging themselves to be ready when the time came to return.

Drills and workouts using farm equipment, makeshift ground markers, or even homemade obstacle courses became commonplace. The tenacity of players to continue, even while socially distanced, helped create a new kind of drive for the upcoming season.

“We consistently got calls from kids at the very beginning on ‘what can we be doing,’“ Barr said. “The kids have been really proactive in everything.”

Athletes from all over the area have shown an insatiable hunger to get back to football. In Canadian, coach Wes Jackson joins a multitude of his fellow coaches who have seen high attendance during summer workouts.

The OSSAA decided to leave the decisions about game day protocol up to each member school. Some of the areas impacted include whether to have fans in the stands — and if so, how many — or whether to have non-player personnel, such as coaches, trainers, and managers, wear a mask on the sidelines.

“If they tell me to wear a mask while I coach, that’s what I’ll do,” Mazey said. “You’ve got some places that are wanting to do whatever they can to have the opportunity (to play football).”

Mazey, like many of his fellow coaches, believes in the power of the game outside the athletic competition. He talked of the positive social and psychological effects that playing sports can have on a young person in their formative years “I just want whatever we can do for these young men to have the ability to play,” Mazey said. “I think football teaches you so many lessons about life.”

Beare also shared the same sentiment about the players he coaches, and hopes they will take many of those lessons with them after they graduate. “(I want them) to know what it’s like being out in the world,” Beare said. “All the things that you learn in football are life skills, every bit of it.”

And while it isn’t known what the upcoming season could look like, coaches are approaching everything they do with the apprehension of the unknown in the back of their minds.

“I’m just real…nervous isn’t the right word. (It’s) just not knowing what it’s going to be like,” Hokit said.

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“It’s not mandatory yet, it’s all voluntary. So the kids that are here want to be here,” Jackson said. “They show up before I do, and they’re sitting ready to get their temperature taken and all the protocol that we have to do.”

Football season in Oklahoma is filled with tradition and memorable moments, and is treated more as a staple of life in the fall months. But with the continuation of the pandemic, things could look a little different this season.

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BIG :12

TO PLAY '9+1' SCHEDULE FOR

2020 SEASON

By Jason Elmquist | CNHI Sports Oklahoma

Gridiron Experience

The Big 12 Conference Board of Directors voted for the league to play nine conference football games plus one nonconference game – putting them in line with the majority of the Power 5 Conferences.

The league made the news official Monday night after reports broke the news.

“I would like to salute the work of our university presidents and chancellors, athletics directors, coaches, medical advisors and administrators who have worked tirelessly and collaboratively during these extraordinary times,” Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said in the league release. “We believe this change provides the best opportunity going forward. However, we will undoubtedly need to be flexible as we progress through the season in order to combat the challenges that lie ahead.”

The league vote would benefit Oklahoma State in a way.

The Cowboys were in search of a new opponent to open the season due to the Pac-12 move to playing conference-only games – canceling OSU’s home opener against Oregon State.

Oklahoma State still had Tulsa and Western Illinois on its nonconference slate, and would have to trim one of those two – the most likely being Western Illinois, allowing the Cowboys to maintain it’s in-state rivalry with the Golden Hurricane.

However, the American Athletic Conference – with which Tulsa is a part of – has yet to make a decision

“...we will undoubtedly need to be flexible as we progress through the season in order to combat the challenges that lie ahead.” — Bob Bowlsby 62

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on how its season will be formatted. AAC Commissioner Mike Aresco has been quoted saying that the league could stick with its eight-game conference schedule and let its members play as many of their four nonconference games – which are dwindling among Power 5 Conferences.

The same is the case with Western Illinois’ conference – the Missouri Valley Conference – which has five league members originally scheduled to go against Big 12 teams (Missouri State at Oklahoma, South Dakota at Iowa State, North Dakota at Kansas State and Southern Illinois at Kansas).

According to the release from the league, the plus-one game for Big 12 teams must be played at home.

The league championship game, scheduled for Dec. 5 at AT&T Stadium, could potentially be bumped back by a week or two, giving some wiggle room in the event of games having to be postponed midseason.

There was no further information in regard to when the Big 12 football season would start, with the release stating it “will be solidified in the coming weeks, with an anticipated start sometime between mid- to late-September, with the expectation that nonconference games are contested prior to beginning league games.” OU and KU had already moved up their season openers – against the Missouri Valley Conference programs – to Aug. 29.

For example, the SEC and Pac-12 – each of which are playing 10 conference games – will not begin their football season until Sept. 26 (three weeks after the original starting weekend).

The ACC, which voted upon an 11-game season with 10 conference games, will begin its season the weekend of Sept. 12 – the second week of the originally scheduled season.

The Big Ten, which was the first league to announce a move to a 10-game conference-only slate, has yet to release a new schedule for its teams.

The NCAA is slated to meet Tuesday with potentially making a decision on all other fall sports – such as soccer, volleyball and lower-division football – and whether to cancel or postpone the championship events for those sports.

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SOONERS

OPEN

FALL CAMP

By Joe Buettnerv| CNHI Sports Oklahoma

Gridiron Experience

NORMAN — Oklahoma’s fall camp arrived on Aug. 4 and 143 days since the team’s last true practice.

Research wasn’t required to find that number. OU coach Lincoln Riley, wearing an OU cap and face covering, mentioned it almost immediately when asked about the team’s first day in an interview with Sooner Sports TV. “It’s been a long time coming,” Riley told Sooner Sports TV. “You could feel that in the atmosphere today. Guys just eager to be out here, very excited. Maybe even more than a normal opening of camp. They’re always fun, but this one had a different feel to it.”

OU was allowed to start its fall camp earlier than normal because its season opener moved up a week. Barring any COVID-related changes from the Big 12 Conference, the Sooners will start the year with Missouri State on Aug. 29 in Norman.

So far, OU seems to be in good shape to play that game. The university released its weekly COVID-19 testing data on Thursday and reported zero active COVID cases within its football program. OU has now went four consecutive weeks without a football player or staff member test positive for the coronavirus.

Riley said the team didn’t take Friday’s camp opener any lighter than usual. Not much is different really with how OU’s conducting football-related activities.

“We’re not changing a whole lot about our practices,” Riley said.

“We’ve gone for seven days now in the OTA [organized team activities] period, and you know, even in that, we’ve done team drills, guys up next to each other. And as everybody knows, we tested again and had no positives, so we feel like what we’re doing is working.”

OU’s yet to have any players sit out from team activities during the pandemic, Riley confirmed to Sooner Sports TV. The school announced all student-athletes have the option to remove themselves from their sport during the pandemic. Players that choose to opt out of their sport will not face any impact to their team standing or financial aid.

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por

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“You could feel that in the atmosphere today. Guys just eager to be out here, very excited. Maybe even more than a normal opening of camp. They’re always fun, but this one had a different feel to it.” — Lincoln Riley

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O U TA K E S FA M I L I A R PLACE IN PRESEASON COACHES POLL

By Joe Buettner | CNHI Sports Oklahoma

Gridiron Experience

No question, the college football season will look different.

The teams at the top, however, will not.

The Sooners were tabbed No. 6 in the year’s first Amway Coaches Poll, released Thursday morning. The programs in front of them: No. 1 Clemson, No. 2 Ohio State, No. 3 Alabama, No. 4 Georgia and No. 5 LSU. It’s a familiar starting point for OU. This season marks the 19th time in 21 years OU’s checked in at eighth or higher in the preseason poll.

OU’s consistency is a product of its program’s stability since former Sooner coach Bob Stoops arrived in Norman in 1999. Lincoln Riley has maintained OU’s reputation after Stoops handed the program’s keys over to him in 2017.

The Sooners went 12-2 last season, won a Big 12 championship and made the College Football Playoff semifinals.

Riley’s team accomplished the

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same in 2017 and ‘18.

OU’s reduced regular-season schedule will make the 12-win threshold more difficult to meet this season. But the coaches poll still seems to agree with the Big 12’s preseason media poll — OU is the team to beat in its conference.

The Sooners were one of four Big 12 programs ranked in the preseason coaches polls. Texas and Oklahoma State rank No. 14 and No. 16, respectively, while Iowa State snuck in at No. 25. Baylor, TCU and Kansas State were not ranked but received votes.

The coaches poll’s order of Big 12 teams nearly mirrored the conference’s media poll. The only difference was Texas and Oklahoma State’s positioning.

The Stillwater-based Cowboys ranked No. 2 in the Big 12 preseason rankings behind OU and directly in front of the Longhorns.

The Associated Press will unveil its preseason poll on Aug. 24

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“It’s good just to be back out again, some sort of normalcy you know and yell at some guys for a little bit and watch a few dudes run around and make some plays,” — Kasey Dunn 68

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CNHI Sports Photo

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CO WBO Y F OOT BA L L

DEALING WITH ADJUSTMENTS AT START OF

FA LL CAM P

By Jason Elmquist | CNHI Sports Oklahoma

There was very little routine about Oklahoma State football beginning fall camp.

The media is typically permitted to watch and take photos of the first 15 minutes of the opening day of practice, but not this year due to the global pandemic.

From the closed practice to the COVID-19 precautions, which

got to get used to,” Rodriguez said. “It gets foggy up in there

included coaches and players wearing masks and athletes

and it’s hard to see, so yeah I think I’ll have to wipe it down, but

having new face-mask shields, the Cowboys opened camp

I mean, like I said, it’s just got one of those things you’ve got to

with no certainty of when, against whom or even if they will

play through.”

open the regular season.

Wallace noted that due to the space-filler created by the face

Following the Wednesday morning practice, offensive coordi-

shield, it is a struggle to use the “pacifier mouthpiece” that he

nator Kasey Dunn fielded a few questions from the media via

has used in previous years.

Zoom. Dunn, along with returning starters linebacker Malcolm

“I’m not gonna say I’m a big fan of it, but I mean we have to

Rodriguez and wide receiver Tylan Wallace, talked more about

do what we have to do to be able to play football, so if that

adjusting to football life in a pandemic than football itself.

means I have to wear it to play, than you have to do that,” Wal-

“It’s good just to be back out again, some sort of normalcy you know and yell at some guys for a little bit and watch a few

lace said.

The players haven’t been the only ones adjusting during the

dudes run around and make some plays,” said Dunn, who is

pandemic.

also the OSU wide receivers coach. “That’s pretty much what

The coaches didn’t get the chance to work with the athletes

we got after the day.

during the spring – with OSU only holding a few practices

“It was short, it was sweet, we’re off the field already. It wasn’t a

before the pandemic shutdown sports in March – and the

long practice. Obviously, we’re just trying to get guys back into

regular summer routine of building relationships with the

the flow of things again. So it was a good start.”

incoming talent was impacted by distance coaching.

One of the more notable changes the Cowboys are having to adjust to with practices is an extra piece of equipment

“We’re dealing with it right here, it’s everything’s through Zoom, you lose that personal effect,” Dunn said. “When you’re working

designed with the idea of limiting the spread of COVID-19.

with the kids, especially young guys like this, it’s just hard to

Oklahoma State is working out with face shields similar to the

make that impact that you want to make over a computer. …

Oakley product the NFL announced for its players in July. Sev-

It’s a Zoom, Zoom, Zoom world and it’s hard to hold our guys

eral other Big 12 Conference teams have also reportedly been

a little bit accountable for, you know, what they’re learning

wearing the added layer of protect for pandemic precautions.

and what they’re getting, you know, in this technological

However, after the first day of the fall camp, both Rodriguez

world.

and Wallace noted a struggle with using the new barrier built under the face mask.

“Definitely a little harder to breathe, but I mean, like I said, the procedures here are tight, and they’re doing their job to keep

“So the best we can do is do it through computer, so that’s where we are now. But, you know, it was good last couple of weeks to be able to start getting face to face again and move towards, you know, a little bit of a normal routine for us.”

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everything safe for us, but it’s just one of those things you’ve

2020 Gridiron Football Preview

Football Schedules

CANADIAN

MCALESTER

W I L B U R TO N

Aug. 27 at Wewoka (Scrimmage), 6 p.m.

Aug. 28 vs. Broken Bow, 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 28 vs. Pocola, 7 p.m.

Sept. 3 at Ketchum, 7 p.m.

Sept. 4 at Sallisaw, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 11 vs. Keys, 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 vs. Savanna, 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 vs. Ada, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 18 vs. Roland, 7 p.m.

Sept. 18 at Allen, 7 p.m.

Sept. 18 BYE WEEK

Sept. 25 vs. Antlers, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25 vs. Hulbert, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25 vs. Bishop Kelley (Homecoming), 7 p.m.

Oct. 2 vs. Idabel, 7 pm.

Oct. 2 vs. Porter (Homecoming), 7 p.m.

Oct. 2 at East Central (Tulsa), 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 at Hugo, 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 at Talihina, 7 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Sallisaw Central, 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 vs. Warner, 7 p.m.

Oct. 30 at Gore, 7 p.m.

Nov. 6 vs. Colcord (Senior Night), 7 p.m.

E U FAU L A Aug. 27 at Spiro (Scrimmage), 6 p.m.

Sept. 4 at Vian, 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 vs. Stigler, 7 p.m.

Sept. 18 at Checotah, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 25 vs. Hartshorne (Homecoming), 7 p.m.

Oct. 2 vs. Hugo, 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 at Atoka, 7 p.m.

Oct. 15 vs. Wilburton, 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 at Idabel, 7 p.m.

Oct. 30 vs. Valliant, 7 p.m.

Nov. 6 at Antlers, 7 p.m.

HARTSHORNE Aug. 28 at Checotah (Scrimmage) Sept. 4 vs. Spiro, 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 at Morris, 7 p.m.

Sept. 18 vs. Talihina, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Eufaula, 7 p.m.

Oct. 2 vs. Valliant, 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 at Idabel, 7 p.m.

Gridiron Experience

Oct. 15 at Atoka, 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 vs. Wilburton, 7 p.m.

Oct. 30 at Antlers, 7 p.m.

Nov. 6 vs. Hugo, 7 p.m.

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Oct. 9 at Durant, 7 p.m.

Oct. 15 vs. Coweta (Thurs.), 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 at Tulsa Edison, 7 p.m.

Oct. 30 vs. Shawnee (Senior Night), 7 p.m.

Nov. 6 at Tulsa Rogers, 7 p.m.

Q U I N TO N Aug. 28 at Strother (Scrimmage), 6 p.m.

Sept. 3 at Cave Springs, 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 at Gans, 7 p.m.

Sept. 18 vs. Arkoma, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25 vs. Keota, 7 p.m.

Oct. 2 vs. Caddo, 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 vs. Webber Falls (Homecoming), 7 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Wetumka, 7 p.m.

Oct. 22 vs. Porum (Senior Night), 7 p.m.

Oct. 30 at Weleetka, 7 p.m.

Nov. 6 at Dewar, 7 p.m.

SAVA N N A Sept. 4 vs. Warner (Alumni Night), 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 at Canadian, 7 p.m.

Sept. 18 vs. Antlers, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Stroud, 7 p.m.

Oct. 2 vs. Konawa (Homecoming), 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 at Mounds, 7 p.m.

Oct. 15 vs. Okemah, 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 vs. Liberty (Senior Night), 7 p.m.

Oct. 30 at Allen, 7 p.m.

Nov. 6 at Wewoka, 7 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Eufaula, 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 at Hartshorne, 7 p.m.

Oct. 30 vs. Atoka, 7 p.m.

Nov. 6 at Valliant, 7 p.m.

McAlester

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