2020 Ardmoreite Football Preivew

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Football Preview Index Page Number.....................Team

4. Ardmore Tigers 7. Lone Grove Longhorns 11. Dickson Comets 16. Madill Wildcats 18. Marietta Indians 22. Plainview Indians

Page Number.....................Team

26. Sulphur Bulldogs 28. Wilson Eagles 30. Healdton Bulldogs 32. Fox Foxes 34. Davis Wolves 37. Ringling Blue Devils

Jalen Cohee

Joe Barker

Jack McDonald

Cody McClennahan

ABOUT THE COVER: Ardmore’s Jalen Cohee, Plainview’s Joe Barker, Dickson’s Jack McDonald and Lone Grove’s Cody McClennahan were selected by their respective coaches to represent their squads on the cover of The Ardmoreite’s 2020 Prep Football Preview special section. BEAU BEARDEN AND ROBBY SHORT/THE ARDMOREITE

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OUR TEAMS THIS SEASON!

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ARDMORE TIGERS

Tigers on the hunt and ready to pounce in 2020

By Beau Bearden bbearden@gannett.com

Most squads would be happy with six wins and a trip to the playoffs, but others feel that isn’t enough. That is the case for the Ardmore High School football team, as it knows that the sky is the limit and a state championship is the ultimate goal.

“I think every coach in the state of Oklahoma is never satisfied and that’s the way we go about it here,” said Tigers head coach Josh Newby. “Our philosophy is we’re never satisfied. We’re going to push to become better coaches and become a better program every year.”

Ardmore didn’t necessarily have a bad season a year ago with a 6-4 overall record and a 5-2 mark in Class 5A, District 1, but that was only good enough for a top-three finish.

“Third was a good accomplishment, but we want to do better

Need to know Season opener: 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 4 vs. Ada Head coach: Josh Newby, sixth season Returning starters: Offense – 8 / Defense – 9 Players to watch Cal Swanson, sophomore, QB/DB Donald May, senior, RB/DB Dakaree Scott, junior, WR/ DB See also: Roster: Page 5 Schedule: Page 6 than that,” Newby said. “Our kids are always pushing to do better.”

And what helps accomplish that goal is a solid program. That starts with the seniors and the Members of the 2020 Ardmore Tigers listen to head coach Josh Newby following practice. BEAU BEARDEN/ SEE TIGERS PAGE 6 THE ARDMOREITE

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2020 ARDMORE TIGERS

Ardmore Tigers 2020 roster

51 52 53 No. Name Class Pos. 2 Khaleel McGee 12 RB/DB 54 3 Dakaree Scott 11 WR/DB 55 4 Evan Smith 11 RB/DB 56 5 Gregory Booker 11 WR/LB 58 6 Cal Swanson 10 QB/DB 59 60 7 Alijah Pickens 12 RB/LB 61 8 Jackson Hedger 11 TE/LB 9 Donald May 12 RB/DB 62 10 Jalen Cohee 12 RB/DB 63 11 Ethan Moen 11 TE/DB 65 12 Andrew Mendoza 11 WR/DB 66 13 Zaden Henderson 10 WR/DB 67 14 Bryce Allen 10 TE/DL 68 15 Jalen Reed 11 WR/DB 70 16 Lionel Wynn 10 WR/DB 71 17 Dakota Mitchell 11 WR/DB 73 74 18 Charles Haskins 11 RB/LB 19 Kylan Cohee 10 RB/DB 75 20 KeRonn Johnson 12 WR/DB 77 21 Khalil Gordon 11 WR/DB 88 22 Walter Graham 11 WR/LB

23 Joseph Martin 11 RB/LB

24 Eric Fields 10 RB/LB 25 CJ Williams 10 RB/LB 26 Antonio Tafolla 10 WR/LB 27 Ricky Smith 11 RB/DB

28 Antone Scallion 11 RB/LB 30 Rudy Vargas 10 WR/DB 32 Brandon Allen 11 RB/DL 33 Elijah 9anks 12 WR/DB 34 Chris Bruster 10 WR/LB 36 Dakota Mitchell 10 WR/DB 44 Ezekiel Burt 10 WR/LB

45 Bryce Hardee 11 TE/LB 50 JaQuan Pickens 11 OL/DL

Spencer Bruce 11 Matthew Sheehy 10 Jaylen Mims 10 Amarion Williams 10 Parker Blankenship 11 Shedrick Jones 10 Jesus Anthony 11 Gavin Hobbs 11 Queshon Tyner 11 Reece Mathis 11 Quentin Sheppeard 11 Cordarius Tyner 12 Kolby Lamb 12 Riley Cox 11 Trayven Newberry 10 Jonathon Andino 11 Trae Coley 10 CJ Minor 12 Fermin Avila 10 LJ Mathews 10 Kayden Blansett 10 Hayden Mann 12 JaMar Stubblefield 11 Andrew/ Carpenter 9 Jakorian/ Halstied 9 Isaiah/ Hernandez 9 Jaymes/ Horton 9 Jackson/ Hurt 9 Xavier/ Jones 9 J’drien/ McGee 9 Derek/ Meely 9 Calvin/ Mendoza 9 Peyton/ Smith 9 Zayden/ Smith 9 James/ Vaughn 9 Jaxon/ Weaver 9 Diamant’ae Williams 9 Tucker/ Andrews 9

OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/LB WR/LB RB/LB RB/LB TE/DL OL/DL L/DL OL/DL QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

Ardmore’s Jalen Reed listens to instructions from assistant coach Zack Birth during practice. BEAU BEARDEN/THE ARDMOREITE

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—Ardmore head coach Josh Newby

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ARDMORE TIGERS

TIGERS Continued from Page 4

Ardmore quarterback Cal Swanson throws a pass at practice. BEAU BEARDEN/THE ARDMOREITE

Tigers know it’s best to start molding for the future at a young age.

“Every time you have a good senior class, it provides leadership,” Newby said. “And if you can sustain that every year, then your program stays in good shape. We’re looking to build that from the seventh grade up.”

But what matters now is who steps on the field for Ardmore this season and Newby expects a great year from senior Donald May along with juniors Dakaree Scott and Jalen Reed.

“We’re seeing a lot of good things offensively out of these kids,” Newby said.

“Our offensive line is going to be a good unit. We just have to execute when the ball is snapped.”

And the Tigers already have a good idea of who will be under center when the ball is snapped.

“I’m very excited about Cal Swan-

Ardmore Tigers 2020 Schedule Sept. 4 Sept 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 15 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

Ada (Home)

Shawnee(Away) Ponca City (Home) Southeast (Home) Altus (Away) Duncan (Away) Capitol Hill (Home) El Reno (Away) Noble (Away) Lawton Mac (Home)

son — he’s an incredible sophomore for us,” Newby said. “He has a good football IQ, so he’s going to allow us to do some different things offensively.”

Swanson will also have an experienced offensive line to block for him as Newby said most of them played solid minutes a season ago.

That, combined with an extra week of preparation, should help Ardmore when it opens the 2020 campaign a week later than many teams at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4 at home against Ada. But when it comes to a contest that

7:30 p.m.

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the Tigers are circling this season, Newby wouldn’t commit to one.

“I don’t like circling one because every opponent in this district can beat you on any given night,” Newby said. “So you better have your ducks in a row against our district because Class 5A, District 1, to me, is one of the toughest in Oklahoma.”

The district features Southeast, Altus, Duncan, Capitol Hill, El Reno, Noble and MacArthur. Ardmore will play the squads in that order, with four of the games on the road.

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LONE GROVE LONGHORNS

Longhorns have their eyes on a breakout season

By Beau Bearden bbearden@gannett.com

The Grove High School football team was in a good spot halfway through the 2019 season and appeared to be poised for a playoff run, but then the injury bug hit and things took a turn for the worse.

“We were 5-0 last year and then we had eight kids get hurt — that really kind of put a damper on us,” said Longhorns head coach Brad O’Steen. “We went into the meat of our schedule and competed in every game. And we had a chance to win every game from there on out, but we were a little banged up. We really never truly got healthy.”

Lone Grove may have ended 2019 with a sour taste in its mouth, but the Longhorns return a solid nucleus of athletes this season — highlighted by 13 seniors.

However, O’Steen knows that

Need to know Season opener: 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 28 at Purcell Head coach: Brad O’Steen, third season Returning starters: Offense – 6 / Defense – 7 Players to watch Gavin Peery, senior, RB/LB Cooper Robinson, senior, RB/LB Adrian Becker, junior RB/LB See also: Roster: Page 8 Schedule: Page 9 group has to rise the challenge of being leaders.

“The (seniors) are really good players and this and that, but it just depends on if they want to take the next step and lead us in

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The Lone Grove football team breaks the huddle holding up the Longhorn symbol during the first day of practice. BEAU BEARDEN/THE ARDMOREITE

the right direction of getting to And the extra experience games in 2019.

“We expect to be better than the top,” O’Steen said. “The core should help the Longhorns make (last year),” O’Steen said. “That’s” group of them are really good and strides in the right direction after SEE LONGHORNS PAGE 9 they have a lot of experience.” winning just one of their final five

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LONE GROVE LONGHORNS

Lone Grove Longhorn 2020 Roster No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24

Name Cody McClennahan Blayde Wilkerson Jace Brandenburg Cooper Robinson Gavin Peery Conner King Whitt Wilson Ethan Cohee Jaxon Lee Colton Raper Jordan Ferrer Jaxon Mcclennahan Ethan Denny Colton England Hunter Mckenzie Caden Gilmore Malik Brown Braeden Bailey Christian Hawkins Jackson Grace Robert Buenting Braxton Sparks Cale Mclean

Class 12 11 12 12 12 12 12 10 10 10 10 9 10 11 12 10 12.

11 11 10 11 10 10

25 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 42 44 45 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57

Pos. QB/DB WR/DB QB/DB RB/LB WR/DL RB/LB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB QB/DB WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB FB/LB

Brody Harris Brackston Gresham D’marion Jackson Adrian Becker Derrick Adams Eli Kendall Derek Cox Zayne Bond Cale Sudderth Caleb Cryer Gavin Miller Parker Price Dustin Marshall Tanner Marks Jordan Mosley Stetson Bradshaw Chris Yeager Skylar Battles Tallon Moiser Shawn Johnson Evan Copeland Eyan Moody Caleb Parsley Dawson Pickens Blaine Brown Cade Bridgman

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9 9 9 11 9 9 11 9 9 12 9 12 12 9 11 9 9 10 9 11 11 11 10 10 12 10

WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB FB/LB FB/DL RB/DL WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB FB/DL WR/LB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 70 71 73 74 75 76 77 78 80 81 83 85 88 99

Landon Glover Justin Barnes Braylon Taylor Brandon Fuentes Braden Kott Jaxon Hammons Brody Twyford Andrew Gilbert Aiden Pitts Colton Southerland Cody Conway Jaxen Almon Sam Harris Carson Brewer Daniel Tucker Andon Riggs Brent Lail Aaron Stinson Josh Hacker Dakota Chatham B.c. Studeman Trevon Inlow Ethan Brown Bailen Price Christian Lemons

9 12 10 11 9 9 10 9 9 9 10 10 9 9 9 11 11 10 12 9 9 9 9 9 10

OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DL WR/DB WR/LB OL/DL

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LONE GROVE LONGHORNS

9

Lone Grove 2020 Schedule Lone Grove head coach Brad O'Steen gives instructions during a drill.. BEAU BEARDEN/ THE ARDMOREITE

TACKLE the tough We

one’s.

Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 15 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

Purcell (Away) Wynnewood (Away) Comanche (Home) Pauls Valley (Away) Kingston (Home) Dickson (Away) Plainview (Home) Madill (Home) Little Axe (Away) Sulphur (Home)

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“One thing about our district – if you like to compete, it’s a great district to play in because you have to show up every week.”

—Longhorns head coach Brad O’Steen

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LONE GROVE LONGHORNS

LONGHORNS Continued from Page 10

the expectation right here. How much better, that’s to be determined. We think we have the opportunity to be a lot better, so we’ll see.

And as is the case every year, O’Steen knows the No. 1 goal is to be a state champion. He also added that Lone Grove wants to win a district championship and advance to the playoffs, but that isn’t at the top of the list.

“Those are the goals, but I guess the ultimate goal is to be the best we can be,” O’Steen said. “That’s our goal and wherever that is, is where it is.”

The Longhorns know they can play the best they can, but it still doesn’t guarantee wins as they play in District 2-3A that features top-notch squads.

“One thing about our district — if you like to compete, it’s a great district to play in because you have to show up

every week,” O’Steen said. “That makes it fun. If you’re in some of these weaker districts, it’s not going to make you better. This district will make you better for the playoffs. We’re excited about the opportunity.”

There will be a small difference from a year ago though — a few new faces in the district. Lone Grove has played Dickson and Madill in the past, but it will be facing unknowns in Kingston and Little Axe. That provides advantages and disadvantages, but one thing is clear — it’s going to be a competitive district.

But first the Longhorns have to open the season on the road against Purcell at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28. Lone Grove doesn’t play its home opener until 7:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 18 when Comanche comes to town, but that isn’t necessarily the most important on the schedule.

“There are some key games down the road, but we talk about those when we get to them,” O’Steen said.

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DICKSON COMETS

Comets focused on the big picture entering 2020

By Beau Bearden bbearden@gannett.com

Need to know

It’s no secret that the Dickson High School football team has experienced its fair share of ups and downs during the past few seasons, but that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been improvement.

Steve Day is entering his fifth year at the helm and has watched the Comets make strides to soar higher as a program.

“Obviously we’d like to be a little bit better than what we’ve been in the years past, but I feel like we’re progressing with the little stuff that I’ve seen with the football program come along,” Day said. “It’s way above where it was five years ago to where we

Season opener: 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 28 at Hugo Head coach: Steve Day, fifth season Returning starters: Offense – 8 / Defense – 7 Players to watch Johnny Smith, junior Jzavionn Bennet, sophomore Jack McDonald, junior

SEE DICKSON PAGE 12

See also: Roster: Page 12 Schedule: Page 13 Dickson junior Tanner Stewart, left, and freshman Corbyn Carter battle for a pass during a defensive back drill. BEAU BEARDEN/THE ARDMOREITE

Bayleigh, We are so proud of the young woman you have become, the dedication you put forth to the things you love and the resilience you show in difficult times. These current times are trying but remember this is just the start of what’s to come. You hold the keys to whatever you want, just always find ways to not only better yourself but everything around you!

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DICKSON COMETS

DICKSON Continued from Page 11

are now. So I’m proud of the progress.

“It’s not all about wins and losses, but you’d like to win a little bit more than you lose,” the coach continued. “Everybody would, but I feel like our program as a whole is (made up of ) high-character kids who play with great effort and great attitudes. And the relationships you build with these guys are special, too.”

That fact is evident by looking at just one Dickson athlete who made his presence known a season ago during his senior campaign. He not only excelled as the starting quarterback with more than 1,000 yards of total offense, but he also finished with 130 total tackles on the defensive side of the ball.

“There’s no replacing Rusty Beard,” Day said. “His leadership, his character, his attitude, SEE COMETS PAGE 14

Dickson coach Steve Day talks to the Comets. BEAU BEARDEN/THE ARDMOREITE

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DICKSON COMETS

Dickson Comets 2020 roster No.

Name

Class

2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28

Corbyn Carter Ashton Brown Johnny Smith Kain Stewart Luke Bodkins Jack McDonald Kason Latimer Cooper Shelley Donovan Gaffney Jaden Bean Jann Vazquez Charvis Wright Cameron Greene Tanner Stewart Troy Knisley Gavin Springer Dillon Sullivan Jzavionn Bennett Lane Phipps Brian Jennings Brayden Hamilton Shacodah Bynum Tyler Pearce Barrett Allen

9 9 11 11 11 12 11 11 10 9 10 12 9 11 9 11 9 10 9 12 12 10 9 10

QB/FS TE/LB QB/FS RB/OLB WR/CB WR/CB TE/DE WR/CB WR/FS WR/CB WR/FS WR/FS WR/CB QB/DB WR/CB WR/CB RB/SS WR/CB RB/OLB RB/FS WR/SS WR/SS RB/OLB WR/CB

30 33 35 40 44 46 50 54 56 57 58 59 60 62 70 71 73 74 75 81 82 84 85 88

River Moody Kameron Helm Christian Cotton Colt Winchester Tommy Millsap Casey O’Brien Dale Turner Ethan Byers Bradley Johnson Justice Throneberry Dalton Elmer Sammy Lambeth Jack Jones Dedric Henderson Dominic Hunn Ayo Turner Zachary Gastineau Ashton Ray Tike Tippett Travis King Colton Lansdale Jay Ashley Landon Pershica Damien Whittle

10 12 10 10 11 10 9 9 11 9 10 10 11 10 10 11 9 11 11 9 10 11 9 11

RB/OLB RB/OLB RB/DL QB/LB RB/OLB TE/LB TE/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/OLB OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/CB TE/OLB TE/LB WR/SS TE/LB

Dickson Comets 2020 Schedule Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct.15 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

Hugo(Away) 7:30 p.m.

Comanche (Away) 7:30 p.m.

Ringling (Home) 7:30 p.m.

BYE Madill(Home) 7 p.m.

Plainview (Away) 7 p.m.

Lone Grove (Home) 7 p.m.

Little Axe (Away) 7 p.m.

Sulphur (Home) 7 p.m.

Pauls Valley (Away) 7 p.m.

Kingston (Home) 7 p.m.

Dickson freshman Dale Turner, left, holds a tackling dummy as sophomore Dalton Elmer runs a drill. BEAU BEARDEN/THE ARDMOREITE

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DICKSON COMETS

COMETS

“Obviously we’d like to be a little bit better than what we’ve been in the years past, but I feel like we’re progressing with Continued from Page 12 the little stuff that I’ve seen with the football program come along. It’s way above where it was five years ago to where we his effort, his on-field play and all of that are now. So I’m proud of the progress.” stuff — you can’t replace that. But we do have some guys that are going to step in, that hopefully we can account for that.”

It won’t be as tough as it was a year ago when the Comets lost 16 athletes. Dickson only has to replace six this season, but it’ll still be difficult because one is Beard and others were key contributors on the line.

“We played a bunch of freshmen and sophomores last year and whether they were ready or not, they had to play, and they played better as the year progressed,” Day said. “They’ll continue to get better, too. Last year it might have been a bad thing, (but) this year it’s probably a good thing. We have more players with more experience this year.”

One Comet already proved that the playing time helped him as he set a new school record as a freshman receiver.

—Dickson head coach Steve Day

“Jzavionn Bennett had the most receptions in school history in a season,” Day said. “He caught 36 balls last year, so he’s a guy we got to have contribute on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.”

Bennett won’t be the only one Dickson depends on, as eight other wideouts return for the 2020 season. The running game isn’t as solidified as Day expects to enter the season using a committee.

Switching gears to the other side of the ball has the Comets in pretty good shape with a solid group that can stop the air attack.

“We’re actually going to rely on our secondary a lot and everybody is returning,” Day said. “…We’re going to rely on

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those ‘skinny skills,’ is what I call them to help us out.”

The success of the secondary is important, but Dickson also needs contributions from the athletes in the trenches and at the second level. Casey O’Brien will be one of those athletes, he finished with 76 tackles a year ago as a freshman linebacker.

“We’re going to rely on him heavily on the defensive side of the ball,” Day said of O’Brien. “The defensive line is probably going to be a platoon type of deal. Play the freshest bodies there, which is good and bad.”

The extra bodies are always important in football and the Comets have that benefit this season with only a few who’ve

never played the game. Day hopes they can contribute, but only time will tell.

As far as the schedule goes, Day wouldn’t pick one game to watch as he prefers to take the more conservative route.

“This is cliché, but we try to take it week by week, obviously,” he said. “Our first focus is Hugo (at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28), which is a non-district game. You want to win, you want to start your non-district (schedule) off with a win, get some confidence, start playing better and feel good going (into the rest of the season).”

Dickson’s schedule sets up nicely for Day’s approach as the first three are non-district contests, followed by a bye week and then the Comets fly right into district.

“The No. 1 goal is always to win the district,” Day said. “Everybody wants to win a state championship and I get that, and I understand that, but I want to win district first because that’s step one.

Then you get to the playoffs and we take it week by week from there.”

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THE OKLAHOMAN’S PREP FOOTBALL PRESEASON RANKINGS CLASS 5A

make that the norm. Four of five 8. Lawton MacArthur (5-5): offensive linemen return, which The Highlanders have missed will make the flexbone offense the playoffs in consecutive 1. Carl Albert (13-1): Winner more potent. seasons after making it for 16 of the past four Class 5A footstraight years, but they’re lookball titles, Carl Albert is again 5. McGuinness (11-3): The ing to begin a new streak. the favorite. With senior quar- Fighting Irish lost a bunch of terback Ben Harris and senior experience on both sides of the 9. Coweta (6-6): Coweta won running back Javion Hunt lead- ball, but senior quarterback all six of its road games last seaing the way, the Titans look to Luke Tarman returns looking son but looks to expand as a poscontinue their dynasty. to keep a younger team in the sible breakout team this season spotlight. behind nine returning starters 2. Tulsa Kelley (8-5): After on offense. an injury-riddled season where 6. Collinsville (8-3): The CarTulsa Kelley still found a way dinals are looking to build upon 10. Tulsa Edison (10-2): The to make the state semifinals, it a successful 2019 season by us- Eagles have to replace offenreturns a talented defense and ing their power-run game on sive talent but will have one of plenty of experience. offense and their speed on de- the top defenses in the state. It fense. starts up front with junior line3. El Reno (8-3): Senior quarman Chris McClellan. terback Dorian Plumley is one 7. Ardmore (6-4): Ardmore of the state’s most electric play- missed the playoffs after 11. Guthrie (4-6): After an inmakers and leads a roster full finishing as the state run- jury-plagued 2019 season where of experience looking to make a ner-up in 2018, but its young the Bluejays missed the playoffs push. group has experience and for the first time since 2004 and numerous players ready to had their least amount of wins 4. Piedmont (10-3): Coming make an impact. since 1999, Guthrie is looking to off its best season in school get back on track with a young history, Piedmont is looking to

but experienced group.

12. Tahlequah (9-2): After falling in the opening round of the playoffs last year, Tahlequah is looking to bounce back and position itself for another district title.

16. Noble (10-2): Noble surprised many teams across Class 5A last season after capturing a district title, but the Bears will rely on underclassmen, with only seven seniors, to replicate the success.

13. Sapulpa (6-5): After making the drop from Class 6A-II, CLASS 3A Sapulpa looks to return to the 1. Heritage Hall (11-1): The playoffs behind its excellent Chargers return 14 starters running back Te’Zohn Taft. from a football team that lost 14. McAlester (6-5): Coach just one game last season. With Forrest Mazey is no stranger to stars Robert Mbroh and Melvin making the playoffs, and there’s Swindle returning, the Chara strong chance that continues gers are championship ready. with an experienced group re2. Berryhill (9-2): Junior runturning on offense. ning back Chase Burke returns 15. Claremore (6-5): Clare- after rushing for more than more will have a young and 1,300 yards to go along with inexperienced team, but junior senior quarterback Jake Millquarterback Noah Smallwood er passing attack. With the demoves into the starting role fense returning seven starters, looking to make a quick impact.

SEE RANKINGS PAGE 22

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MADILL WILDCATS

Wildcats on the prowl with Speer leading the way

By Beau Bearden bbearden@gannett.com

It’s a new season with new goals for the Madill High School football team, but there will be an unfamiliar face on the sideline in 2020. Chad Speer, a Missouri native, will lead the Wildcats this season after spending the past 10 years coaching in the Durant area.

“I was at Southeastern Oklahoma (State University) for nine years and then spent last year coaching at Durant High School,” Speer said. “I wanted to be a head coach again and this job came open. I’ve heard nothing but great things. My wife taught here in the past and had great things to say about the people.

I couldn’t be more excited and more blessed for this opportunity.”

And Speer wasted little time helping Madill prepare as it was the lone area school to host a Midnight Madness on Aug. 10,

Need to know Season opener: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28 vs. Enid Head coach: Chad Speer, first season Returning starters: Offense – 5 / Defense – 5 Players to watch Griffon Williams, senior, OL/DL Hunter Clevenger, senior, RB/DL Nick Northcutt, junior, QB/DB See also: Roster: Page 17 Schedule: Page 17 the first day of official practice.

However, the Wildcats were familiar with their new coach long before that night.

“We started with summer workouts, had some camps and

kind of introduced some things,” Speer said. “So hopefully everything is not going to be completely new out there. Offensively and defensively, we kind of have a little base of knowledge. Obviously, we’re excited about starting. I think the kids are ready to go.”

That is most evident at the quarterback position as the battle is down to Nick Northcutt and Kendall Robertson. Tyner Rushing was also in the mix early on, but it’s now down to just two.

“Hopefully we can get things narrowed and figured out by week zero versus Tishomingo,” Speer said. “The good thing is the other guys can help us at other places. Whoever is the guy will be the guy, but then those other guys are going to be playing elsewhere.

So that’s the best thing about it.”

The Wildcats get an early start to the season when they host Enid at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, but the foundation is already set Madill head coach Chad Speer gives the Wildcats instructions during for success.

SEE MADILL PAGE 17

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MADILL WILDCATS

Aug 28.

Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18

Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 15 Tishomingo (Home) 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 23 Durant (Home) 7:30p.m.

Oct. 30 Marietta (Away) 7:30p.m.

Nov. 6 Bye Week

MADILL Continued from Page 16

“I really just want us to put on our best foot forward,” Speer said. “We’re going to focus on each day, try to get better, play with extreme effort, have a great attitude and I think the chips will fall where they will. I’ll feel good if we can just play hard, play together and just work and get better every day.”

Madill is in a good position to accomplish that, as there is a good mix of athletes in all classes. However, there is a large number of freshmen and soph-

Dickson (Away) 7 p.m.

Sulphur (Home) 7 p.m.

Plainview (Away) 7 p.m.

Pauls Valley (Home) 7 p.m.

Lone Grove (Away) 7 p.m.

Kingston (Home) 7 p.m.

Little Axe (Away) 7 p.m.

omores.

“But we still have some good senior leadership and we have some good guys in the junior class,” Speer said. “And then obviously, some freshmen and sophomores from a numbers perspective are really good. I feel good about things.”

The Wildcats should feel good, too, as they’ll transition to a multiple scheme on offense and defense. It’s been a lot of learning on the fly, but Speer and his staff are focused on molding around the team’s strengths.

“We’re going to cater things around our personnel,” Speer said. “Whatever fits our kids, that’s what we’re going to do, offensively and defensively.”

SCORE

BIG THIS SEASON!

No. Name 1 Trey Gammill 2 Stephen Sisco 3 Brayan Herrera 4 Kendall Robertson 6 Ian Zang 8 Tyner Rushing 9 Yovanny Robles 10 Nick Northcutt 11 RJ Morris 12 Marcus Johnson 15 Tristen Martin 16 Coby Sandefur 18 Sergio Hernandez 22 Samy Trevino 23 Holden McGahey 24 Brandon Stevens 25 Josh Burt 28 Yoel Martinez 30 Mason Coles 34 Tito Martinez 35 Tony Barrientos

Class 11 10 12 11 12 10 10 11 10 11 10 11 10 10 10 11 11 11 12 11 11

36 40 45 Position 50 WR/DB 51 WR/DB 52 WR/DB QB/RB/DB 53 54 WR/DB QB/WR/DB 55 56 WR/DB QB/WR/DB 62 65 WR/DB 66 WR/DB 67 WR/DB 72 RB/DB 73 WR/DB 74 WR/DB 78 RB/LB 80 RB/LB 82 WR/DB 84 RB/LB 87 WR/DB 88 WR/LB 89 TE/LB

Tanner Clary Trevor Merritt Hunter Clevenger Armando Sanchez Jesus Diaz Axzel Mendoza Oscar Rodriguez Uziel Aviles Jorge Martinez Josh Schneider Braden Thompson Bryce Coles Adan Yanez Reece Raby Chance Mattly Aaron Wilson Chance Mattly Griffon Williams Victor Moreno Landon Melton Alex Forder Luis Hernandez River Shaw Rodrigo Villegas

11 11 12 12 11 11 12 12 11 10 11 10 10 12 12 12 12 12 10 10 10 12 10 10

RB/LB TE/LB RB/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DB OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB TE/DL K/P

“We’re going to cater things around our personnel. Whatever fits our kids, that’s what we’re going to do, offensively and defensively.”

—Madill head coach Chad Speer

Ar

2020 Madill Wildcats Schedule

Madill Wildcats 2020 roster

17

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MARIETTA INDIANS

Indians aiming for stability with Doby guiding the way

By Beau Bearden bbearden@gannett.com

Need to know

It’s difficult to create consisten- Season opener: 7:30 p.m. cy in a program when there are Friday, Sept. 4 at Healdton five different head coaches in five Head coach: Alex Doby, years. Alex Doby knows that, and first season the first-year head coach believes Returning starters: the Marietta High School foot- Offense – 4 / Defense – 5 ball team has the potential to be Players to watch successful with the right type of Garrett Morgan, senior, support and leadership.

RB/DB “When I took the job, I got to Julian Perez, senior, watch a lot of their film from last year and the year before that — OL/DL I don’t think it’s been a talent Easton Sherfield, senior, issue,” Doby said of the previous RB/LB struggles. “Obviously having a See also: swinging door for coaches that leave every year, having to install Roster: Page 19 a new offense every year, a new Schedule: Page 18 defense and a new culture — it creates some inconsistencies. I The first step in that journey is believe with the structure I’ve creating culture and Doby startput in place we’re going to have a chance to compete here. I really ed to infuse one on June 2. That do.”

SEE MARIETTA PAGE 19

Marietta head coach Alex Doby speaks with a group of Indians.

BEAU BEARDEN/ THE ARDMOREITE

Marietta Indians 2020 Schedule Aug.28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25

Lexington (Home) 6:00 Healdton(Away ) 7:30 Madill (Home) 7:30 Ringling (Away ) 7:30 Frederick (Away ) 7:30

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MARIETTA

Marietta Indians 2020 roster

Continued from Page 18

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 21 22 23 26 28 32 33 40 44 50 51 52 54 55 57 61 65 66 67 68 72 74 75 78 86 88

lesson may not have caught on at first, but it didn’t take long for the Indians to learn they had a coach who isn’t going anywhere.

“I demand quite a bit from them,” Doby said. “I’ve been extremely consistent for them. In my organization and what I’m expecting out of them, I think they’ve appreciated it. The first couple of weeks I think they were testing me to see if I was going to let up or change. That’s not how I’m wired.”

And Doby’s coaching method has positively impacted the program with an addition of 12 athletes to the roster. And he is determined to get the most out of everyone by installing a physical philosophy.

“We’re going to make defenses actually have to execute and play defense,” Doby said. “They’re going to have to defend some oldschool football with a little bit of new-school wrinkles. I have Ryan Keaton calling the offense, working with coach Jake Patterson.”

Those two and Doby will have to make a tough decision on who is under center for Week 1 as returning starter and senior Nolan Birks has some competition for the job.

“Right now Nolan Birks is probably going to wind up being the guy,” Doby said. “(But) he has (Jonathan Lohmeyer) chomping on his heels because the sophomore is extremely hungry.”

Marietta will have to make a decision soon, but some other

Name Carlos Fernandez Garrett Morgan Nolan Birks Jonathan Lohmeyer Patrick Coffey EastonSherfield Henry Pineda Raymond Gibbs Axel Pierce Damoron Green Pedro Sanchez Fisher Payne JuanAlberto Lopez Aldo Salazar Quincy Walker Alex Rueda Curry Walters Titus Higle Alex Amaya Devin Hamilton Keshawn Douglass Caliber Nielson Dakota Gilley Cade Scarborough Tyler Mckelvy Draden Reynolds Uriel Barrientos Noah McMillin Kaden Dudley Xavier Guerrero Hunter Smith Brayden Bromagem Creed Treadwell Jared Kaminski Julian Perez Ladd Beasley Aden Lott Eduardo Zapata Joel Fernandez Edward Hill

Class 9 12 12 10 12 12 9 12 9 9 12 12 10 10 12 11 9 10 12 9 12 10 10 10 9 10 9 11 10 9 12 9 12 10 12 9 12 11 12 9

Pos. K TB/DB QB/DB QB/DB HB/DB TB/OLB WR/K TB/OLB QB/OLB WR/DB WR/DB TB/ILB WR/DB WR/DB TB/OLB HB/ILB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB HB/ILB WR/DB TE/OLB HB/ILB OL/ILB OL/ILB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/OLB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB

athletes have already cemented themselves as candidates for breakout years.

Doby expects senior Garrett Morgan to be special offensively at tailback, while also playing at corner. Easton Sherfield is another senior that Doby mentioned and he is a familiar face.

“I actually coached him at Ardmore before he transferred down here a couple of years ago,” Doby said. “He is well aware of what I expect out of the outside linebacker position. He has a chance to be pretty special.”

The Indians will find out just how

19

special this group is when they open the 2020 campaign on the road at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4 against Healdton.

“I had a ton of success while I was at Ardmore and I see the glimpses that we have a chance to be pretty good here,” Doby said. “I’m just waiting until they see live competition because I have to work on their culture. And dealing with adversity when negative things happen — how are they going to respond? On top of it, if we have some success — how are you going to go respond to success?

That’s almost more dangerous.”

Go, Fight, Win!

Good Luck to All Area Teams

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PLAINVIEW INDIANS

New-look Indians determined to carry over success to 2020

By Beau Bearden bbearden@ardmoreite.com

The 2019 season was one to remember for the Plainview High School football team as it lost just one regular season contest, went undefeated in district play and advanced to the Class 3A State Championship.

That’s where the run ended for the Indians and 24 seniors, but a new group will take the reins in 2020 with extra motivation on their side.

“With so many new starters, it may be a learning curve at first, but I think we can go and compete,” said Plainview head coach Joe Price. “I’m excited about it.

There’s a lot of unknown, but a SEE PLAINVIEW PAGE 23

Need to know Season opener: 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 28 at Pilot Point Head coach: Joe Price, sixth season Returning starters: Offense – 4 / Defense – 4 Players to watch Reis Taylor, junior, QB/DB Morgan Pearson, sophomore, WR, FS Caden Pickens, junior, RB/LB See also: Roster: Page 23 Schedule: Page 24

Plainview head coach Joe Price speaks with a group during practice. BEAU BEARDEN/THE ARDMOREITE

THE OKLAHOMAN’S PREP FOOTBALL PRESEASON RANKINGS

RANKINGS Continued from Page 15

to pick-apart opposing defenses with its multiple-spread offense.

5. Tulsa Lincoln Christian (14-0): The 2019 Class 3A state champions return Berryhill fields talent and experience on only three starters on offense so the Bulldogs will lean on their experienced both sides. defense and senior linebacker Daymon 3. Tulsa Holland Hall (9-3): The Dutch Levell, who turned in 116 tackles and have a lot to look forward to with senior three sacks last season. quarterback Wallace Clark and defen6. Sulphur (8-3): The Bulldogs nearsive lineman Owen Ostroski returning ly returned all of their starters on both after a dominant season. sides of the ball, eight on offense and 4. Perkins-Tryon (10-2): The Demons defense. With Sulphur’s defense alfour-year starting quarterback, Austin lowing just 17.9 points per game last Mages, will lead an experienced offense season, the Bulldogs are primed to be this season as Perkins-Tryon will look even better.

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7. Verdigris (10-3): After advancing to the semifinals last season, the Cardinals return a high-powered offense that averaged 42.6 points per game with sophomore quarterback Dylan White and running back Caden Parnell leading the way.

state runner-up will have to regroup after graduating many of its key players. But with a talented group ready to take the next step, Plainview remains as one of the best teams in the state.

10. Kingfisher (7-5): The Yellowjackets will field an athletic group led by senior quarterback Cade Stephenson. Kingfish8. Stigler (9-3): The Panthers return er’s no-huddle, spread offense will like15 starters from the team that advanced ly give opposing defenses problems this to the second round. Nine return on of- season. fense and six on defense with senior linebacker Bruce Engle, who collected 11. Checotah (9-3): The Wildcats re134 tackles and three interceptions last turn seven starters on defense. But it season, leading the way. will be junior running back Dontierre 9. Plainview (11-2): The Class 3A

SEE 3A PAGE 24

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PLAINVIEW INDIANS

Plainview offensive linemen block for a Plainview running back during a drill. BEAU BEARDEN/THE ARDMOREITE

PLAINVIEW Continued from Page 22

lot of unknown sometimes is fun because you get to really watch the kids develop as they go.”

And development will be crucial for the Indians as they don’t have as many seniors as they did in the past. A part of that is obvious after suiting up 24 in 2019, but the other isn’t something a school usually faces.

“The cycle that we’re in right now has a really small senior class, as far as number of students in the whole school,” Price said. “That obviously trickles down to the football deal, as well. The participation out of those guys we have is great, but there just aren’t many of them.”

Plainview’s overall numbers also have taken a hit with just 43 athletes when it has had as many as 70 in the past. With numbers aside, the Indians are showing that quality is better than quantity.

“The kids we have right now are awesome — they are really hard workers,” Price said. “This may be the strongest bunch of kids that will be our starters, since I’ve been here. They work really hard in the weight room.”

Price knows that will be important as he said Plainview is going to have to be in good shape, be tough and stay healthy to find success. The Indians will lean heavily

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Plainview Indians 2020 roster No. 4 6 7 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 18 19 20 22 25 28 29 30 31 32

Name John Dobson Tyler McDonald Grant Graves Tyler Winchester Morgan Pearson Braxton Reynolds Hunter Young Blane Gibbs Baxter Bolles Will Morris Tavin Richards Reis Taylor Gavin Watkins Blue Norman Wyatt Wisian Matt Hanna Waylon Witliff Jaxon Shirley Dax Price Caden Pickens

Pos. WR/D RB/DB WR/DB QB/DB QB/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/LB RB/LB LB RB/DL RB/DB WR/DL RB/LB RB/LB

50 51 52 53 54 55 58 59 60 61 72 73 75 76 77 78 79 84 85 87 88 89

23

Kash Bederka OL/DL Jerrod Trotts OL/DL Austin Eubanks OL/DL Jaxon Shirley OL/DL Hunter Inselman OL/DL Lane Johnson OL/DL Tajvir Singh OL/DL Nick Hanson OL/LB Jeston Gilliam OL/DL Hunter Freeman OL/LB Kaden Williams OL/DL Tyler Owen OL/DL Ethan Douglas OL/DL Dru Naylor OL/DL Joe Barker OL/DL Nick Owen OL/DL Garrett Keith OL/DL Logan Waldron WR/DB Gavin Wilson WR/DB Gavin Atwell WR/DB Nick Haisler WR/DB Seth Fore WR/DB

on a group of juniors, with one in particu- gauge of where we’re at,” Price said. “We just because the two of us have been so lar going back to a role he’s familiar with have our district rivals ­ — Lone Grove is good over the past five or six years, has after playing receiver a year ago. always a big game and the Sulphur game, become a big rivalry game.”

“Reis Taylor has always played quarterback with his age group,” Price said. “He’s going to be our quarterback this year and I’m excited to see what he’s going to do.”

Price also mentioned Lane Johnson and Jeston Gilliam as two junior linemen who should have great seasons in 2020.

That’s not all, as there is one athlete in particular who could make headlines this fall during his junior campaign.

“Caden Pickens is our running back Sports Injury/Physicals and middle linebacker and I think he’s going to be one of the best linebackers in Minor Skin Procedures the state regardless of what class,” Price said. “He was a part-time starter for us last year and was second on the team in Digital X-Ray tackles. He was a tackling machine when he got out there. I’m excited to see what Laboratory Services he does.” & Other Diagnostic Plainview will also depend on a number Testing of sophomores to step up and provide depth at an early age. Morgan Pearson was one Price mentioned in the group Acute & and described him as an “unbelievable Preventive Medicine talent.”

With that said, the Indians know what matters most is how they fare on the field and that journey begins in Texas against Pilot Point at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28.

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FRIDAY, August 28, 2020 n The Ardmoreite n www.ardmoreite.com

PLAINVIEW INDIANS

Plainview Indians 2020 Schedule Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 15 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

Pilot Point (Away) Tuttle (Home) Cache (Away) Bye Kingston (Away) Dickson (Home) Madill (Home) Lone Grove (Away) Little Axe (Home) Sulphur (Away) Pauls Valley (Home)

7:30 p.m.

7:30 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.

“The cycle that we’re in right now has a really small senior class, as far as number of students in the whole school. That obviously trickles down to the football deal, as well. The participation out of those guys we have is great, but there just aren’t many of them.”

—Plainview head coach Joe Pricer

Plainview head coach Joe Price speaks with a positions group during practice. BEAU BEARDEN/THE ARDMOREITE

THE OKLAHOMAN’S PREP FOOTBALL PRESEASON RANKINGS

3A

ningest coach in Anadarko history.

Continued from Page 22

Fisher, who rushed for 1,062 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, that will give teams headaches.

12. Anadarko (4-6): Coach Kent Jackson returns to his alma-mater to lead the Warriors in their transition from Class 4A back to Class 3A. Jackson is the win-

It returns eight starters on both sides of then tailing off during district play of the ball, which includes senior star line- Class 4A. However, with joining Class 3A 13. Lone Grove (6-4): After just backer Bryant Watts. this season, Tulsa Central looks ready to missing the playoffs last year, the make a possible playoff push.

Longhorns are hungry for a playoff run 15. Seminole (5-5): It appears seathis season. Junior linebacker Adrian soned coach Mike Snyder would face an Becker, who collected 125 tackles and uphill battle replacing many of his start- CLASS 2A three sacks last season, will lead Lone ers, but Seminole has a talented group 1. Vian (13-2): The Wolverines have Grove. ready to make a push for the playoffs. unfinished business after losing in last 14. Kingston (12-1): Advancing to the 16. Tulsa Central (6-4): The Braves year’s state football final. semifinals in Class 2A last year, Kings- will look to be more consistent this seaton is prepared for the jump to Class 3A. son after running off to a 5-0 start but SEE 2A PAGE 25

Good luck to all our area teams!

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THE OKLAHOMAN’S PREP FOOTBALL PRESEASON RANKINGS

2A

have experienced defensive players who up some huge numbers this season and helped them hold three opponents score- take the Huskies even farther. less last year.

Continued from Page 24 4. Thomas (9-4): Standout senior de11. Spiro (8-3): The Bulldogs’ defense fensive lineman Aden Kelley, an Okla2. Jones (10-2): With star junior Car- was dominant last year, posting five homa State commit, anchors a defense with every starter returning. son May at quarterback, Jones will like- shutouts. ly have one of the best offenses in Class 5. Pawnee (13-1): Senior running back 12. Sperry (12-1): The Pirates have a 2A. reliable quarterback in junior Carson and linebacker Trevor Mitchell returns and looks to lead Pawnee to another suc3. Millwood (9-3): The Falcons have ex- Hendrix and a solid offensive line. cessful season. plosive playmakers and will try to stay 13. Chisholm (9-3): The Longhorns finhealthy after battling injuries last year. ished with a perfect district record last 4. Beggs (11-3): The Golden Demons year and allowed 14 or fewer points in made it to the 2019 state semifinals and nine games. have several key players returning, in14. Meeker (8-4): Look for the Bullcluding senior defensive back and Texas A&M commit Kendal Daniels and ju- dogs to rely heavily on Caden Wolford, nior running back CJ Brown, a four-star who has run for 3,057 yards and 48 touchdowns during his three years in prospect. high school.

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15. Idabel (6-5): The Warriors are aimfense will be tough to stop if senior quarterback Nick Jones and senior running ing for another playoff season as they Get up to back Noah Alexander, an Army commit, move down from Class 3A. are hitting on all cylinders.

16. Luther (10-2): The Lions bounced 6. Adair (11-2): The Warriors had an back from a 1-9 season in 2018 and are * for six mon $ months nths th exceptional offense last season, scoring expecting to have another solid year.

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6. Okemah (5-6): Okemah’s offense is going to be dominant. Ten starters return for the Panthers, which could set the scoring pace in every game.

7. Gore (10-2): Weston Shanks returns at quarterback and his dual-threat abilities should help Gore make a run with an experienced team this season.

8. Hobart (7-3): Hobart will look to SEE CLASS A PAGE 38

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SULPHUR BULLDOGS

Bulldogs hungry for deep run in the playoffs

2020 Sulphur Bulldogs Schedule Aug.28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18

Tuttle (Away) 7 p.m.

Washington (Home) 7 p.m.

Davis (Home) 7 p.m.

Open

Season opener: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28 at Tuttle Head coach: Jim Dixon, 46th season Returning starters: Offense – 7 / Defense – 8 Players to watch Sage Borders, senior, OL/DL Logan Smith, senior, RB/LB Garrett Trett, senior, OL/DL

See also: Roster: Page 27 Schedule: Page 26 They may be taking turns in there. I don’t know. We’ll see.”

And as far as overall numbers, Dixon said there are “enough seniors,” but most of the athletes are juniors.

“We have quite a few kids back who played (last season),” Dixon said. “We lost some pretty good players, but we got most of them back.”

Two of those will be seniors Sage Borders and Garrett Trett, who are entering their third year as starters on the offensive line.

Their contributions will be important as Dixon’s outlook hasn’t changed even in his 46th season at the helm.

“Our expectations are high, they are every year,” he said. “You get out of something what you put into it. It’s as simple as that.”

Sulphur opens the 2020 campaign on the road against Tuttle at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28.

“Tuttle is probably ranked in the top four in 4A,” Dixon said. “They won (a state title) in 4A the year before last. They’re good, they’re always good. They have some tradition.”

Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 15 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

Little Axe (Home) Madill (Away) Pauls Valley (Away) Kingston (Home) Dickson (Away) Plainview (Home) Lone Grove (Away)

7 p.m 7 p.m 7 p.m 7 p.m 7 p.m 7 p.m 7 p.m

The Bulldogs drive into a blocking sled at practice. BEAU BEARDEN/THE ARDMOREITE

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It’s not often someone is in one place for nearly a half of century, but don’t tell that to Jim Dixon who’s entering his 48th season with the Sulphur High School football team and his 46th as head coach.

“It’s a little abnormal, it’s rare,” Dixon said. “I didn’t think I would. I grew up in Marlow, and I came over here with coach Nelson who was the head coach at Marlow.

I figured he would be the head coach forever and I would just be the assistant, but after two years he moved, and they moved me up. So I’ve been here ever since.”

The rest is history as Dixon has racked up wins and remained on the sidelines for the Bulldogs.

And that won’t change any time soon.

“As long as I’m healthy, I’m going to keep coaching because that’s all I enjoy doing,” Dixon said. “I retired from being a principal about 10 years ago. All I’m doing now is coaching.”

Sulphur welcomes the stability and looks to bounce back in 2020 after an early exit in the playoffs.

“We had a pretty good season, but we got beat out in the first round,” Dixon said of 2019. “The year before that we got beat in the finals. I thought we played two pretty bad games last year. But even when we got beat in the finals, we played two bad games that year. So we just have to be consistent.”

That usually starts at quarterback and a pair of Bulldogs are still battling to be the starter.

“Nobody is (guaranteed the starting role) — they have to earn what they get,” Dixon said. “Last year TJ Todd, he’s going to be a senior, was hurt when we started out and he missed about the first four weeks of practice. But Reese Ratchford did a really good job. And to be honest with you, we need both of them to play defense.

Need to know

BULLDOG

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S U L P H U R

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SULPHUR BULLDOGS

Sulphur Bulldogs 2020 roster No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 20 21 22 23 24 28 29 30 31 32 33 35 40 44 50

Name Class Mace Mobly 11 Gage Graham 11 TJ Todd 12 Brayden Standifer 11 Logan Smith 12 Carson Pettifer 11 Cole Hammond 12 Reese Ratchford 11 Aspen Jolly 10 Daniel Amaya 10 Trace Todd 9 Brytan Gaddy 9 Blake Stewart 9 Remington Johnson 10 Eathin Kennedy 9 Ben McGill 10 Carson McCarter 9 Ko Withrow 12 Spur Pitmon 11 Kyler Marshall 11 Braxtyn Sanford 11 Coy Myers 9 Konner Gobers 11 James Hotson 12 Cole Gentry 11 Garren Green 9 Brant Flood 11

Pos. QB/DB WR/DB QB/DB RB/LB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB QB/ DB WR/DB RB/ LB QB/DB WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB TE/DE RB/LB WR/DB TE/DE TE/DE RB/LB TE/DL RB/LB RB/DE WR/DE OL/LB

51 52 53 54 55 56 58 60 61 62 63 65 66 67 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 81 82 83 84

Ransom Beam Brex Flood Austin Pace Billy Anderson Sam Pigeon Dylan Rogers Dagan Leming TJ Wright Coltyn Simpson Wesley Mitchell Gavin Bernkopf Alec Franks Drew McGregor Luke Reynolds Garrett Trett Sage Borders Gage Watson Quince Borders Tyler Haney Kaden Prather Zane Pannell Brody Vandagriff Noah Riley Luke Norton Huston Holder Brandon Lloyd

9 11 12 9 10 12 9 12 9 9 10 9 10 11 12 12 11 10 9 10 12 11 9 10 9 11

OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DE OL/DE OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DE OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DE

Sulphur senior TJ Todd, right, and classmate Logan Smith listen to advice from assistant coach Drew Swartz. BEAU BEARDEN/THE ARDMOREITE

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WILSON EAGLES

Eagles facing unknown in 2020 as an independent,

By Beau Bearden bbearden@gannett.com

Need to know

Sometimes a difficult choice has to be made for the good of the program. The Wilson High School football team faced that predicament when deciding whether to make the move to Class A or remain in eight-man football.

“We actually allowed the kids to be part of the decision,” said Eagles head coach Kenny Ridley. “We had a meeting with all of the squad members and laid the cards out on the table and said, “Here’s what the deal is.’ By and large, all of our kids really enjoy playing eight-man football and we feel that’s a great place for our program to be.”

However, there is one negative as the Wilson juniors and seniors won’t get to experience the playoffs or the chance to win a state title since it is an independent eight-man team.

The Eagles can only play 10 games and then the season is over, but there are still a few open slots on the schedule during Weeks 8 and 9.

“With the way things are, we even have the flexibility to maybe play a couple of 11-man games against area JV squads,” Ridley said. “… The thought process is – not only with COVID, but with enrollment, if a school doesn’t have enough kids to play, they’d suspend their season and we may step in and assume some of their schedule.

We kind of left it open.”

That doesn’t mean Wilson is running away from tougher competition, as Ridley said the Eagles will take on anybody they can.

“We’re to the point to where we’re just excited about the opportunity to compete,” he said.

And Wilson will do so with a group that is well-balanced in all three phases of the game. Ridley is excited about that, as well as the squad’s football knowledge.

“We may not have the All-State player or the Division 1 type talent, but I think we have some kids who are versatile, who will be able to do a lot of things and they think on their feet very well,” he said. “From a coaching standpoint, we’ll be better at making adjustments than what we have been.”

The Eagles will also have a few unfamil-

Season opener: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28 vs. Cyril Head coach: Kenny Ridley, third season Returning starters: Offense – 5 / Defense – 4 Players to watch Tre Richardson, senior, OL/DL Caylen Fulton, sophomore, QB/ DB John Gunter, sophomore, OL/DL See also: Roster: Page 29 Schedule: Page 29

iar faces that may add some things to what they’re trying to do as a team.

“We had a young man who moved in last year who wasn’t eligible as a transfer named Tucker Nail that will be a junior,” Ridley said. “Tucker is a really dynamic, natural leader and super smart. He’s one of those utility-knife type kids who we can do a whole lot with.”

Meanwhile, the quarterback position is still a battle as Wilson targeted a few athletes to replace Logan Schaaf.

“We feel really good about it,” Ridley said.

“Whereas we may not have the explosiveness or playmaking ability that Logan had, we’re going to have kids who understand why a little bit more. We’re excited about the potential we have at the quarterback position.”

Collin Wharton is one of those guys and Ridley expects the basketball player to challenge for a starting role and step in and replace Schaaf.

Only time will tell who will be under center when the Eagles host Cyril at 7 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 28, but one thing is for sure, it will be a grueling season.

“Our schedule should be pretty challenging,” Ridley said. “I don’t think there’ll be any weeks off, necessarily. But there’s nobody necessarily that we have circled.

We’re just crossing our fingers that we can hold out and continue to play this season.”

Eagles head coach Kenny Ridley gives instructions to junior Damien Tomlinson as assistant coach Glen Howard looks on during a drill. BEAU BEARDEN/THE ARDMOREITE

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WILSON EAGLES

Wilson Eagles 2020 roster Jersey Position 2 Collin Wharton 3 Michel Cain 4 Jake Shiralli 7 Tyler Weatherford 11 Dakota Smith 12 Hayden Mantooth 21 Tucker Nail 23 Montana Kerley 24 Michael Whatley 27 Jordan Parks 33 Axson Hunziker 36 Caylen Fulton

Name Grade 10 11 9 10 12 11 11 9 11 11 12 10

QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB TE/LB WR/DB TE/LB QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB C/DE QB/DB

2020 Wilson Eagles Schedule Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18

Cyril (Home) Caddo (Away) Thackerville (Away) Waurika (Home)

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

42 44 52 60 62 64 71 72 75 76 82 88

Landon Richardson 10 John Gunter 10 Evan Staples 9 Denver VanCleave 9 Christian Fulton 9 Daniel Howard 12 Tre Richardson 12 Deaken Christian 9 Logun Weatherford 9 Josh Grace 11 Hagen Stoveall 10 Damien Tomlinson 11

Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 22 Oct. 30

Empire (Away) Velma-Alma (Home) Hollis (Away) TBA TBA Wellston (Home)

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HEALDTON BULLDOGS

Bulldogs look for renewed spirit under Richardson

By Beau Bearden bbearden@ardmoreite.com

Sometimes seeing the same thing over and over can be helpful, but other times a fresh perspective is just what the doctor ordered. The Healdton High School football team hopes that is the case in 2020 with Taner Richardson at the helm for his first season.

“It’s good for the kids — it’s a change and a different system,” Richardson said. “They’re excited. Sometimes it becomes monotonous when you go through the same thing. It’s a different system and they’re excited. The main thing is their excitement — they’re coming out and giving us 100% every day.”

And Richardson is pleased with how well the Bulldogs have adjusted to the different offensive and defensive schemes. Healdton also has time on its side as its

Need to know Season opener: 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 4 vs. Marietta Head coach: Taner Richardson, first season Returning starters: Offense – 9 / Defense – 9 Players to watch Kolton Cox, senior Wade Etter, senior Easton Tolliver, junior See also: Roster: Page 31 Schedule: Page 31 opener isn’t in zero week and instead a home contest at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 4 against Marietta.

That will go a long way in seeing where the Bulldogs are, but the team’s IQ is one of the many strengths that should pay off.

“We’ve got a lot of smart kids — The Bulldogs listen as first-year head coach Taner Richardson gives instructions before a drill.

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HEALDTON BULLDOGS

HEALDTON Continued from Page 30

they’ve bought into the system,” Richardson said. “We have some size up front.

We’re going to lean on those guys to try and control the clock, control the line of scrimmage and try to win games that way.”

That shouldn’t come as a surprise though.

Richardson is a Ringling native and played football for the Blue Devils, who have a history of that type of approach. Ringling won a state title last season by running the ball 59 times and controlling the clock for more than 30 minutes.

“I have a background in football and I’ve always been around it,” Richardson said.

“My grandpa has coached football at Ringling for a long time. I’m just from this area and got a chance to come here and take it.”

That background should pay dividends for Healdton, which has experienced athletes such as seniors Kolton Cox and Alex Langley — a duo Richardson expects to have a big year.

However, there are also other Bulldogs who are eager to learn and make a difference.

“We have some good upperclassmen, but we’re going to play a lot of younger kids,” Richardson said. “I think there’s going to be a lot of sophomores on the field. I don’t know if we’ll have too many freshmen, but we’ll have a lot of sophomores playing.”

One of those sophomores

could be Beau Bradberry, who is battling senior Wade Etter to be Healdton’s starting quarterback.

“We’ll see which one comes out on top,” Richardson said. “We’re going to play both of them in scrimmages and see how it goes.”

Bradberry and Etter will get their final tune-up in a scrimmage on Thursday, Aug. 27 at Allen before jumping into the season the following Friday.

And while it’s safe to say a Oct. 15 trip to Ringling could be circled on the calendar, the Bulldogs aren’t looking that far ahead.

“We’re just going to take it one game at a time,” Richardson said. “We start with our scrimmages, get through our non-district and try to win as many district games as we can.”

“We’ve got a lot of smart kids —they’ve bought into the system.”

—Healdton head coach Taner Richardson

Healdton Bulldogs 2020 Roster No.

1 2 3 4 5 7 10 11 12 14 15 20 22 24 25 28 30 33

Name

Garrett Kappel Austin Perdue Beau Bradberry Riley Pierce R.j. Peters Ross Perdue Ray Echols Issac Love Marshall Johnson Maurice Veja Wade Etter Jerod Aycox Hayden Youngquist Johnny Gutierrez Isreal Madril Zack Murray Austin Trapp Chance Wise

Class

10 11 10 12 10 11 11 11 9 9 12 10 10 10 12 10 12 10

34 35 38 40 42 45 50 51 52 54 55 56 59 62 66 67 72 75 82 84 85 88

Jesse Guttierez Will Inselman Jackson Walker Peyton Pierce Conner Smith Alex Langley Jacob Baird Lyndon Watkins Konner Engle Colton Shaw John Marshall Farrell Easton Tolliver Lee Parker Christopher Justice Cameron Burkhalter Cameron Loughlin Clayton Dean Kolton Cox Toby Aycox Nick Timmons Nate Johnson Gage Blackwell

Healdton Bulldogs 2020 Schedule Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25

Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 15 Oct. 23 Marietta (Home) 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 30 Comanche (Away) 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 6 OKC Patriots (Home) 7:30 p.m.

Elmore City (Away) 7:30 p.m.

9 9 9 9 10 11 10 10 11 11 10 11 12 10 10 10 11 12 10 9 9 11

Dibble (Home) 7:30 p.m.

Wayne (Away) 7:30 p.m.

Ringling (Away) 7:30 p.m.

Stratford (Home) 7:30 p.m.

Wynnewood (Home) 7:30 p.m.

Rush Springs (Away) 7:30 p.m.

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FOX FOXES

Foxes prepared to battle despite lack of numbers

By Beau Bearden bbearden@gannett.com

It’s never easy to deal with a decline in athletes, especially in a physically demanding sport such as football. That doesn’t mean the Fox High School football team is making excuses as longtime head coach Brent Phelps knows he still has a job to do.

“We lost four or five seniors, but we’re only going to suit up possibly 10-12,” Phelps said. “Our numbers are way down. The kids come out to play and they want to be the best they can be. It doesn’t matter if you have 40 kids or if you have 10 kids, you have to coach them with the same intensity and level. And demand the same thing out of them.”

Depth issues aside, the Foxes still have something going for them this season.

“I think our strength is our overall team quickness,” Phelps said. “We’re going to be pretty quick. We have some pretty good speed. No flashes, but faster than average, faster than normal.”

One of those athletes will be senior Hawk Anderson, who is moving to quarterback and is expected to have a breakout year.

“Hawk throws well, but we’ve had to work on some mechanics with him a little bit,” Phelps said. “He’s got great speed. He’s not very big, but I think he can have a stellar year if he utilizes the gifts God has given him.”

Robert Davis is another athlete who Phelps believes can make an impact this season. The senior is moving from the offensive line to tight end and will also change to linebacker on defense. “(Davis’) a strong kid, he has good feet and good quickness,” Phelps said.

Even with Fox’s overall quickness, the issue of depth comes back to the forefront.

“The thing with the low numbers that

2020 Fox Foxes Schedule Sept. 4 Sept.11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2

Maud (Away) 7 p.m.

Sasakwa (Home) 7 p.m.

Bray(Away) 7 p.m.

Maysville (Away) 7 p.m.

Temple (Home) 7 p.m.

Need to know Season opener: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4 at Maud Head coach: Brent Phelps, 15th season Returning starters: Offense – 4 / Defense – 4 Players to watch Blain Anderson, senior, RB/DB Bryson Reeves, junior, RB/DB Brenden Schultz, senior, WR/DE

See also: Roster: Page 33 Schedule: Page 32 you have to watch for is injuries because you don’t have the backups to go in,” Phelps said. “The second thing is there is a large amount of motivation that goes to a player knowing that he has a player behind him pushing him to get his spot.

When you don’t have that, sometimes the motivation to excel isn’t as great. So we have to be creative and find ways to create that motivation.”

That shouldn’t be an issue for Phelps and his staff, as they know the stability in the program helps make that easier.

However, he won’t lean on past experience.

“We, as coaches, change throughout our careers as we go,” Phelps said. “You adapt to the type of kids you have because I can’t coach this group of kids the same way as I coached kids 15 years ago.

It’s a totally different breed of animal.”

The Foxes will likely adapt to Phelps and the coaching staff when they take the field for the first time on the road SEE FOXES PAGE 33

Oct. 9 Oct. 15 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

Grandfield (Away) 7 p.m.

Paoli (Home) 7 p.m.

Mt. View (Home) 7 p.m.

Thackerville (Away) 7 p.m.

Ryan (Home) 7 p.m.

Fox freshman Conner Armstrong is shown how to do a drill by assistant coach Michael Barnes. BEAU BEARDEN/THE ARDMOREITE

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33

FOX FOXES

Fox Foxes 2022 roster No. Name 2 Hawk Anderson 5 Robert Davis 6 Aaron Bassett 7 Brenden Schultz 21 Blain Anderson

Pos QB/DB OL/DL RB/DB WR/DE RB/DB

Class 12 12 11 12 12

22 Bryson Reeves 24 Kole Anderson 25 Axle Anderson 54 Kaden Pulis 64 Austin Robinson 72 Conner Armstrong 77 Tristin Robinson 88 Koda Savage

RB/DB RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

11 9 10 9 9 9 12 11

Fox freshman Kole Anderson fires off the line of scrimmage during a drill. BEAU BEARDEN/ THE ARDMOREITE

The road to Athletic Greatness is not marked by Perfection, but the Ability to constantly Overcome diversity and failure.

Fox quarterback Hawk Anderson throws a pass during a drill at practice.

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FOXES

day, Sept. 4 That contest is no doubt important, but Fox is cirContinued from Page 32 cling two district matchups on the calendar. against Maud at 7 p.m. Fri“The team to beat in

our district is Mountain View-Gotebo,” Phelps said. “They were the district champion last year and they didn’t lose a lot.

Maysville will be next.”

“We lost four or five seniors, but we’re only going to suit up possibly 10-12. Our numbers are way down. The kids come out to play and they want to be the best they can be. It doesn’t matter if you have 40 kids or if you have 10 kids, you have to coach them with the same intensity and level. And demand the same thing out of them.”

— Fox head coach Brent Phelps

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DAVIS WOLVES

Wolves focus on team-first mentality in 2020

By Beau Bearden

Need to know

bbearden@gannett.com

Most squads set objectives for the season and hope they can be met, but sometimes there is a better route. The Davis High School football team is going in that direction as it will emphasize the things it can control during the 2020 season.

“Our expectations are that we get as much out of each other as we can,” said Wolves head coach Greg Parker. “I really don’t think about expectations. We want to win, obviously. But it’s the things that enable you to win that we’re focused on.

And doing things right, being together and working as hard as we can towards a common goal.”

Davis is already on its way to meeting that objective, with one of this group’s

Season opener: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4 at Pauls Valley Head coach: Greg Parker, third season Returning starters: Offense – 6 / Defense – 5 Players to watch Colin Dulaney, senior, QB/SS Tanner Claxton, senior, C/OLB Ty Birkes, senior See also: Roster: Page 35 Schedule: Page 35 Davis head coach Greg Parker gives instructions before practice starts. BEAU BEARDEN/ THE ARDMOREITE

SEE DAVIS PAGE 35

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DAVIS WOLVES

2020 Davis Wolves Schedule

DAVIS Continued from Page 34

biggest strengths being its willingness to do whatever it takes.

Parker believes that it’s this group’s strength, but it doesn’t end there.

“They work extremely hard and they’re easy to be around,” he said. “They like one another.

We’re wearing masks in our fieldhouse and we have to run them out after practice. The kids take their shower, get their masks back on and they want to hang out.

They’re really close and they like to be around one another. And that’s important.”

The tight-knit bond will be crucial for a Wolves team that lost 13 seniors from 2019. But as is the case for any team, it’s the next

man up and this year’s senior class is expected to take the reins with ease.

“We’ve got really good leadership out of our seniors,” Parker said. “They had a great summer.

They’re really good friends, good to the younger kids and just great kids. We have so many that I’d hate mentioning names because I would leave somebody out.”

The no-name route was also used when Parker was asked who he thinks will step up and make an impact this season.

“We’re expecting several of them to have a breakout year because of the work that they put in,” he said. “We’ve been around them since they were seventh graders and we know what kind of football players they are. I think that we have a lot of kids on our football team that if they’re willing to do what it takes to get better every

day, that it’s going to show up on Friday nights. And it’ll definitely show up at the end of the season.”

But every year is different than the year before and Parker and every coach across America knows that much is true. For the Wolves, the focus is on improving in areas that can be controlled.

“It’s a different team. It has different leaders,” Parker said. “And we just have to make sure we pull closer together as a team and work on getting better each day” That journey started with summer practice, but the Wolves’ first test will be a trip to Pauls Valley at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4.

“Right now, we’re looking at us,” Parker said. “We’re not concerned with Pauls Valley yet, but before Week 1 we’ll focus in and circle Pauls Valley and that’ll be our focus until Week 2.”

“We’ve got really good leadership out of our seniors. They had a great summer.

They’re really good friends, good to the younger kids and just great kids. We have so many that I’d hate mentioning names because I would leave somebody out.”

— Davis head coach Greg Parker

Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 15 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

Pauls Valley (Away) Sulphur (Away) Wynnewood (Home) Tishomingo (Away) Comanche (Home) Lindsay (Away) Marlow (Home) Coalgate (Home ) Marietta (Away) Federick (Home)

Davis 2020 roster Name Class Jacob Gain Jake Parker 10 Malaki White 10 Tuff Hammons 11 Jake Britt 11 Chris Hymes Lathan Dickenson 11 Tucker Miller 11 Collin Dulaney 12 Sevy Adams Ty Birkes 12 TJ Scott 10 Cody Carraway Drew Parks 11 Lane Rawls 10 Tyler Tinsley Brandon Blankenship 12

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Kolton McGaha Shane Pletcher Jeston Idleman Kavan Bolding Hunter Toops Chase Stewart Levi Baxter Tanner Claxton Landon Sanford Chase Warren Issac Walters Wyatt Fisher Gavin Moore Connor Mohr Kobe England Taylor Lawerence Brady Greenlee

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 11 12 15 19 20 22 24 25 30

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FRIDAY, August 28, 2020 n The Ardmoreite n www.ardmoreite.com

ASSOCIATED PRESS' OKLAHOMA HIGH SCHOOL PRESEASON FOOTBALL POLL CLASS 6A D-I

Others: Broken Bow 14. Ada 13. Hilldale 8. rison 6. Stroud 5. Mangum 5. Fairview 4. CLASS C Cleveland 5. Elgin 5. Newcastle 4. Tecumseh 3. Wayne 2. Texhoma 1. Dibble 1.

School Total 1. TimSchool Total Chickasha 3. 14, Bristow 2. Clinton 2. Grove 1. berlake (3) 32 1. Owasso (6) 45 CLASS B 2. Sasakwa (2) 30 2. Jenks (4) 38 CLASS 3A School Total 3. Buffalo (1) 23 3. Broken Arrow 25 1. Shattuck (7) 46 School Total 4. Mt. View-Gotebo (1) 18 4. Union 23 2. Dewar (1) 23 1. Heritage Hall (5) 91 5. Waynoka (2) 10 5. Edmond Santa Fe 9 3.

Laverne 21 2.

Lincoln Christian (5) 81 Others receiving votes: Mustang 6. Norman Others r: Midway 9. Tyrone (1) 9. Coyle 4. Davenport 19 3. Perkins-Tryon 60 North 2. Yukon 1. Moore 1.

5. Graham-Dustin 4. Medford 4. Fox 3.

5. Cherokee (1) 15 4. Holland Hall 55 Sharon-Mutual 2. Ryan 1.

Others: Regent Prep 9. Barnsdall (1) 6. Pond 5. Verdigris 54 CLASS 6A D-II Creek-Hunter 6. Pioneer-Pleasant Vale 3.

6. Stigler 47 School Total Snyder 2 7. Plainview 36 1. Bixby (8) 45 .

8. Berryhill 33 2. Stillwater (2) 39 9. Sulphur 29 3. Del City 31 10. Checotah 20 4. Muskogee 10 Others: Kingfisher 17. Kingston 16. Lone 5. Booker T. Washington 9 Grove 5. Anadarko 3. Locust Grove 3.

Others: Choctaw 7. Midwest City 6. Putnam North 3.

CLASS 2A

CLASS 5A

School Total 1. Vian (5) 94 School Total 2. Beggs (3) 82 1. Carl Albert (10) 100 3. Jones 64 2. Bishop Kelley 72 4. Metro Christian (2) 50 3. McGuinness 68 5. Sperry 47 4. Piedmont 57 6. Cascia Hall 35 5. El Reno 47 7. Millwood 32 6. Collinsville 31 8. Eufaula 30 7. Coweta 29 9. Adair 24 (tie) Noble 29 10. Lindsay 21 9. Tulsa Edison 26 Others: Washington 20. Classen Sas at North10. Ardmore 20 east 13. Marlow 9. Idabel 7. Hugo 5. Spiro 4. ReOthers: McAlester 18. Sapulpa 15. Duncan joice Christian 4. Meeker 3. Christian Heritage 15. Tahlequah 6. Guthrie 6. Lawton Mac 6. 3. Victory Christian 2. Perry 1.

Durant 3. Claremore 2.

CLASS 4A School Total 1. Wagoner (5) 92 2. Weatherford (1) 80 3. Poteau (3) 78 4. Tuttle (1) 64 5. Bethany 33 (tie) Blanchard 33 7. Skiatook 31 8. Cache 29 9. Sallisaw 27 10. John Marshall 23

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School Total 1. Ringling (5) 89 2. Cashion (3) 87 3. Pawhuska (2) 78 4. Thomas Custer 62 5. Pawnee 57 6. Gore 36 7. Okemah 35 8. Minco 25 9. Hobart 20 10. Tonkawa 16 Others: Hominy 11. Boone-Apache 10. Mor-

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37

RINGLING BLUE DEVILS

Blue Devils look to work ethic in defending state title

By Beau Bearden

Need to know

bbearden@gannett.com

There is no feeling quite like hoisting a state championship trophy after enduring a tough stretch of playoffs games. The Ringling High School football team experienced that euphoria in 2019 with its fifth title in school history and head coach Phil Koons couldn’t put the experience into words.

“It was amazing — I can’t explain how glorious, heavenly, lucky and everything,” Koons said.

“Whenever you win a state championship, it’s so miraculous. Everybody in the state except for one team is going to be brokenhearted.

“And I’ve been fortunate enough not to be brokenhearted three times in my coaching career, which is 30-something years,” Koons continued. “We were fortunate enough and lucky. And our

Season opener: 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 11. at Dickson Head coach: Phil Koons, third season Returning starters: Offense – 5 / Defense – 6 Players to watch Kash Lyle, senior, RB/DB River Miller, senior, RB/LB Jacob Freeman, senior, OL/DL See also: Rosters: Page 38 Schedules: Page 38 kids played great, we played hard.

It happened.”

However, it will be a different group this season as almost 10 Blue Devils are gone, but Koons emphasized that “the culture is the same.” Only time will tell if

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that is true, but there is plenty of evidence of a determined and bought-in squad.

“They know the work ethic — we put in 40 workouts this summer,” Koons said. “We had probably 80% attendance and so they’re chomping at the bit. They know what it takes. Now whether we get there or not is another story. We don’t have as much depth.

We’ll have some big shoes to fill at some positions, but again, they expect to win.”

The biggest shoes Ringling has to fill is at quarterback and right now there are two vying for the chance to be the starter.

“Julius Koons, my son, has kind of taken the reins, but we’ve had a move-in named Karson Daniel from Kingston, who has a great arm,” Koons said. “He has to learn what to do and everything, but because of his arm I can see him taking over the reins. And that

will allow me to move Julius to different places where I would rather him play anyway.”

That will be of the utmost importance considering the Blue Devils’ overall numbers have taken a hit. Koons said Ringling will be fortunate to have 25 athletes on the sideline, but that’s often a challenge that comes with Class A football.

“Our ADA, our average daily attendance, really is lower than probably 20 eight-man schools, but we play 11-man football,” Koons said. “I don’t know how to coach eight-man and they’d probably run me out of town if I ever wanted to change to eight-man.

This is Ringling, this is the tradition. This is coach (Rick) Gandy Field. He created this dynasty and I’m fortunate to be here.”

The Blue Devils also know how lucky they are to be part of a distinguished program and haven’t

faltered under the pressure.

“It’s all about culture,” Koon said. “It’s about work ethic, being good students, keeping your nose clean and staying off bad substances. That’s a problem everywhere.”

But Ringling prides itself on keeping it all about football and will do so this season against a few new teams. The Blue Devils haven’t faced Wynnewood or Wayne, but Koons knows that Dibble, Elmore City-Pernell and Healdton are going to be strong.

But what matters now is the first one and Ringling will get an extra week to prepare for its title defense since it doesn’t open the year until 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11 at Dickson.

“It’s hard to say who’s going to be strong week to week,” Koons said. “I’m like Lou Holtz — ‘Everybody we play is going to be the best team that we face.’

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RINGLING BLUE DEVILS

Ringling Blue Devils 2020 roster 1 2 3 4 5 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 20 21 22 23 37 38 51 53 55 56 57 58 65 70 77

Karson Daniel 10 Paysin Perkins 12 Bo Mitchell 11 Logan Duhon 12 Chase Taylor 11 Coltin Fincher 11 Rance Wilson 9 Caden Barron 10 River Miller 12 Julius Koons 11 Kash Rose 10 Blayden Thompson 9 Alex Nicholas 11 Brayden Johnson 11 Caleb Taylor 9 Kanyon McGahey 11 Hunter Stephens 10 Kash Lyle 12 DJ Lewis 10 Tanner Wilson 12 John Tynes 10 Cole White 9 Scotty Taylor 11 Jacob 9eeman 12 HJ Stewart 11 Kyle Simmons 10 Austin Smith 10 Jaxon Perry 11 Jacob Riley 11

A group of Blue Devils run a drill at practice. BEAU

QB/LB WR/DB RB/LB K WR/DB WR/DB RB/DL WR/DB RB/LB QB/DB TE/DE RB/DB RB/DB TE/LB QB/DB WR/DB WR/LB RB/DB OL/DL RB/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

BEARDEN/THE ARDMOREITE

CLASS A

players are ready to step up and help Minco stay strong.

Continued from Page 25

control the line of scrimmage and run the ball with its excellent running back duo of Cade Lyons and Garrett Dye. 9. Tonkawa (5-5): The 2018 Class A state champs missed out on the playoffs last season but return a team with experience that’s ready again for the spotlight.

10. Minco (10-2): Although the Bulldogs have to replace key skill players, coach Brock Wardlaw said younger

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Sept. 4 Open Sept. 11 Dickson (Away) 7 p.m.

Sept. 18 Marietta (Home) 7 p.m.

Sept. 25 Stratford (Home) 7 p.m.

Oct. 2 Wynnewood (H) 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 Rush Springs (A) 7 p.m.

Oct.16 Healdton (Home) 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 Dibble (Home) 7 p.m.

Oct. 30 Wayne(Away) 7 p.m.

Nov. 6 Elmore City(A) 7 p.m.

14. Mangum (11-2): The Tigers will be strong defensively with linebackers 11. Apache (4-6): The Warriors dealt Elijah Bernal and Quan Bailey returnwith numerous injuries throughout last ing, but Bailey will impact every game season, but with nine returning on each at running back. side of the ball, Apache could be in for a big year.

15. Hominy (7-4): The Bucks have made the playoffs 22 consecutive years, 12. Wayne (7-5): Coming off a break- and that streak shouldn’t come to an out sophomore season, quarterback end this year with their defense leading Ethan Mullins returns looking to take the way.

Wayne deep in the playoffs.

16. Wewoka (8-4): Senior quarterback 13. Texhoma (9-3): Coming off a nine- Kobey Stephens returns looking to lead win season, coach Skylar Watson’s team the Tigers this season. Wewoka could be is prepared for an even better 2020 cam- a team that makes a run come playoff paign with its defense leading the way. time.

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