2015 Football Preview

Transcription

Football Preview
2015
Altus Bulldogs
Duke Tigers, Mangum Tigers
Hollis Tigers, Tipton Tigers
Photos, Schedules and More
2015 Football
Season Preview
I’ve seen the teams. I’ve
heard their expectations.
We’ve seen the hashtags
claiming the latest motivational line, and we may have
even seen
some brother
of a friend
who claims he
was childhood
buddies with
Joe Montana,
Brad Gilbert
and that he
has the scoop
on how this season will
unfold for this year’s trophy
hunters. However, unless he
or she has broken their way
into my brain and stolen
my notes, they have no idea
what 2015 has in store for
the Altus Bulldogs, Hollis
Tigers, Mangum Tigers,
Tipton Tigers or the Duke
Tigers.
Luckily, for all of us, I
have kept my files from getting into enemy hands.
I have some evidence that
I would like to present that
may shake up some of the
power balance in classes 5A,
2A and class C.
I feel confident that I can
make some bold claims here,
even though, at the time
these season previews were
submitted, no team had even
scrimmaged another opponent.
Although I would like to
have more pre-season to
compile, more info in order
to cast judgment on these
teams’ projected records by
year’s end and whether extra
games in the playoffs await
them, I’ve seen enough for
now to give you my SEASON PREVIEWS for 2015.
Good Luck Area Football Teams!
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2015 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
2 Thursday, August 27, 2015
Altus Times
2015 Altus Bulldogs - THE HYPE
Jayden Benway rolls out and looks downfield for another
completion.
Tito Jones (22) shows his open field speed as he heads to the end zone.
Bulldogs at the
point of no return
Brad Gilbert
bgilbert@civitasmedia.com
THE HYPE - There
is swelling noise coming
from the Southwest corner of the state - a buzz
if you will. It’s the noise
of wheels against the
surface as they roll down
a beaten path towards
their destination. It’s the
sound of the Altus Bulldogs’ bandwagon. There
are a few seats left, and
they are filling up fast.
On the heels of their
breakout 2014 campaign, with a record of
8-3, under the new and
much improved direction of head coach, Jeremy Reed, the Bulldogs
enter the 2015 season
hungry for more success. Starving might be
a more accurate term
for it.
Henry Holub and Brad Gilbert | Altus Times
Senior kicker, Gabe “The Weapon” Barton (38), connects on
another made field goal attempt during practice.
The Altus High School football locker room underwent a facelift on the inside this summer. It looks
great. Most of the credit and sore backs belong to (CLASSIFIED). I won’t name them because they
aren’t looking for any credit, and because many more people had a hand in helping on this project.
However, if you look on the Bulldogs’ side of the field, you can spot these guys wearing team colors
and generally making all of the onfield decisions.
In the ten years at
Altus before coach Reed
came to town, the Bulldogs managed only two
winning seasons. A pair
of 6-5 seasons, the last
one being in 2008, were
the bright spots in the
program’s recent history.
A change was necessary.
A complete paradigm
shift is more like it.
When a team is struggling to find success, it’s
easy to blame a coach,
rid him of the program,
and hire someone new.
It’s much more difficult
to take a step back and
get a good, long look
inwardly, and notice the
root of the problem.
The problem was
attitude. Altus had a
bad attitude. Those
days are gone. Coach
Reed brought much
more than a new offense
and new coaches with
new terminologies. He
brought a new life into a
community. It’s palpable.
The conversations have
changed from wanting
to know “why is this our
reality” to now wanting
to know if this is real.
The pace of the whole
town has picked up
almost as quickly as
the misdirections of
the flexbone system the
Bulldogs now employ.
Quarterback, Jayden
Benway, took to the flexbone system in his first
year - like a kid who had
worked on it in his front
yard since his grade
school days, just hoping
it would come to town
some day. He ran it like
he was a coach’s son.
Now, for his second
year in the system, he
has an added luxury in
the backfield. His best
friend moved back to
town from Florida in
hopes of creating some
senior year memories
worthy of reminiscing
about for many years
to come. Taven Birdow,
Altus’ record holder
for yards in a season
(1,796) as a sophomore,
spent his junior season
in the backfield at IMG
Academy in Florida
helping them finish the
season ranked 17th in
the nation. He brings his
near 9 yards per carry
with him, together with
a work ethic all young
athletes would do well to
emulate, and a character
we all hope to instill in
our children. Sounds
exactly like the returning Bulldogs from 2014.
Therefore, Taven’s transition back to Bulldogs’
blue has been seamless.
The 2015 Bulldogs
have a group of seniors
use to winning. They
were undefeated as
freshmen. These Bulldogs are skilled and
prepared for the 2015
season. They have a
plan, a purpose, and
an intent to win. The
flexbone is real and very
hard to defend since it is
almost impossible for an
opponent’s scout team
to simulate it in practice.
The flexbone is exciting and will give opponents worrisome fits for
sure. But it’s coach Todd
Vargas’ Bulldog defense
that you need to look
out for, because they are
coming, and they are
bringing their aggressive
intent with them.
Brace yourselves
Bulldog fans. The 2015
season looks to be fun,
and should be easier for
the Bulldogs. Playing
football is fun, and hitting, blocking, passing,
catching and running is
easy.
Changing our attitude
was the hard part.
Reach Brad Gilbert @482-1221
ext. 2076 or bgilbert@civitasmedia.com
Good Luck to
all area athletes!
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Thursday, August 27, 2015 3
2015 Altus Bulldogs - THE HOPE & THE HICCUP
Brad Gilbert
THE HOPE -The
expectations for this
season started before
last season even ended.
Controlling those expectations may prove a more
difficult task than turning the program around
from no one expecting
anything, to a point
where everyone expects
everything. I know I am
not the only one that
loves the current state
of the Bulldogs’ football
program. I like things the
way they are right now. I
don’t want to go back to
the pre-Reed days. There
is no turning back now.
Let’s move this train on
down these 5A tracks.
There is gold at the end
of the line. There is no
reason to feel it doesn’t
belong to us.
Sometimes as fans,
we get caught up in the
end result, and base all
perceptions of the program on whether or not
a trophy comes home.
As I learned my first day
on the job as an assistant
coach at Frederick in
2012, a successful football
season is not measured
by the way it ends. It
can’t be. It just isn’t fair
to anyone, especially the
kids.
In the first meeting I
had with the rest of the
coaching staff in 2012 as
a coach at Frederick, I
learned a quick lesson on
managing expectations.
I had watched the Bombers on film from the year
before and saw an offense
having an easy time scoring, and a stout defense
with size and speed. I
wanted to impress my
head coach and the others on the staff by letting
them know I had a clear
understanding of what I
was coming into. I didn’t
want them to think I was
oblivious to what this
team was.
That was a team that
was returning 20 of 22
starters from the year
before. We had players
who were bigger, better
and faster than the ones
that were graduating.
Therefore I felt all elements were in place to
make a run at the trophy.
With confidence I said,
“So, if I’m seeing this
right, … We are trying to
win a title here?” I just
wanted them to know
that I was aware of the
hard work that had been
put in on this by everyone in the program, and
that I was aware of the
stakes. The room was an
awkward shuffle for a few
seconds and Coach Hugh
Farmer said, “No, we are
trying to get better every
Henry Holub / Altus Times
The Bulldogs take the field.
Quarterback, Jayden Benway (14) looks like he is on a mission.
This tells you exactly what is holding this team together.
day. That’s really all we
can control, and to focus
on our one-game schedule. To see it as an all or
nothing season just isn’t
fair to anyone. If seasons
are measured by only
championships, then only
one team has a good season. That isn’t right.”
I said, “One-game
schedule?” Farmer said,
“Yep, the next game is the
only game on our schedule.”
It’s hard to make a
prediction for this team.
It’s not because I’m not
confident in my view of
things. It’s because the
coach in me doesn’t want
me to get ahead of myself
and look beyond the
Vernon game. However,
my job is to help to sell
newspapers. It’s much
easier to sell newspapers
if the sports brings good
local color. If I’m telling
you that I see weaknesses
and expect some losses, I
am not only a liar, I am a
bad employee. Therefore,
since the radio stations
haven’t come calling me
wanting me to provide
some Bulldog hype, I
have this paper space to
do so.
In that light, here
comes some more hype - I
think Altus has a legitimate shot to win every
game on their schedule
- A LEGITIMATE SHOT.
The coaches on the staff,
top to bottom, know their
roles, and they are very
good at what they do.
The head coach instills an
air of confidence within
his staff and his team.
There is no silly showboating. There is no thug
mentality. Only positivity
surrounds the program.
The quarterback is
experienced and highly
skilled. Now, add in that
Benway’s passes look like
a completions every time
they are released. Last
year, it didn’t look like
that. His passing wasn’t
bad by any means. It just
looked like a kid who had
to pass because of a game
situation, but didn’t really
want to. Now Benway
looks like a veteran shotgun arm in the pro-set,
instead of an option run
only threat. When the
number ones had possession for the first time at
the Weatherford scrim-
mage, Benway threw 5
times in the first 7 plays.
The offensive minds
should have a field day
with this. Altus very well
may have the best back in
the state. They may also
have the best backfield
in the state. Benway,
Birdow, French, Harris
and Jones make up this
backfield. I dare you to
find any better collection
of backs than that.
The wide-outs are
somewhat untested
because we ran almost
all the time. But they
do know how to block
and Benway’s accuracy
will make it easy to grab
receptions. The line,
believe it or not, is
already better now than
the line that finished the
year last season. McCrae
Stephens is an excellent
addition. He and Jackson
Herring are huge and
mobile. Do I even need to
hype this defense? I don’t
see why, they do just fine
without any hype from
me. Then aain why not?
Benway is an absolute
force at safety. He had
seven interceptions a year
ago. Hunter Cleveland
and Austin Baldwin lived
in the opponents’ backfield all night/all season
long. Ybarra, Torres, Feller, Ridenour, and Abuan
are studs as well.
Coach Vargas has
proven himself to be not
a only an adept game
planner, but his ability to make half-time
adjustments is supreme.
That Ardmore display
launched coach Vargas
into the “Halftime Adjustments Hall of Fame” if
you want my opinion.
Ardmore speedster, Orin
Walker, burned the Bulldogs twice in the first
half and his total yards
for one half was 183. This
was obviously a focus of
halftime and the second
half proved Vargas is
not locked down to one
style. Orin Walker never
found the end zone again
and added a negative
3 yards to his first half
total of 183. Now, add
in Taven Birdow to the
mix. I still claim Taven
is best back be the best
running back in the state
of Oklahoma. He now
goes in at linebacker,
and is not only trying to
win, he is trying to get
to the next level, and
feels showing an ability
to be multi-dimensional
can help land him the big
school offers he deserves.
Taven may be a better
linebacker than running
back. Time will tell us. If
I leave the special teams
out, you might think the
Bulldogs have a weakSee HOPE | 6
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COACHSPEAK - Q&A with coach Reed
Brad Gilbert
Altus Bulldog Football 2015
bgilbert@civitas.media.com
Aug. 28, scrimmage, Frederick and Elgin
Sept. 4, Kickoﬀ 2015 - at Vernon, Texas - 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 11, Homecoming - hosting Anadarko - 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 18, at Elk City - 7 p.m.
Sept. 25, hosting El Reno - 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 2, at Lawton Mac - 7 p.m.
Oct. 9, hosting Del City (Pink Out) - 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 15, at Chickasha - 7 p.m.
Oct. 23, at Ardmore - 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 30, hosting Duncan (Pep Squeakers) - 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 6, hosting NW Classen (Senior Night) - 7:30 p.m.
my interview with coach
Vargas last year on the
practice field when I asked
him why he came out of
coaching retirement to
follow coach Reed to the
S. W. corner of this state
to coach in Altus. After a
lengthy pause and fighting
back tears that eventually won the battle, coach
Vargas said, “Because my
Henry Holub and Brad Gilbert | Altus Times wife and I trust coach
Coach Reed shares some of the Ardmore postgame limelight with some players, cheerleaders and Reed with our son, Jake.”
some young Altus fans in what made for a great moment.
I ended the interview
right there because there
Don’t even ask to turn it
were no other words he
down either.
could say that would mean
Here is an interview
more than that short little
I had before the Weathsentence. As a parent,
erford scrimmage with
that sentence crosses over
coach Reed, and here is
so many areas of raising
my official thank you to
a child and wow does
coach Reed and his famit speak volumes about
ily, coach Vargas and his
coach Reed’s character.
family, and the rest of you
My interview with
dedicated souls saddled
coach Reedwith the task of coaching
ME: Not much down
our boys up.
time on our schedule
I, for one, sincerely
Coach. It looks like the
appreciate not only the
Bulldogs have to bring
incredible, immediate
their best every week.
results
of
Altus
athletics
How do you feel about the
schedule this season?
These are cheerleaders leading the postgame crowd in the singing since you have arrived
here, but also and more
REED: No doubt we
of the Altus High School Alma Mater.
so than the wins we
play in the toughest dishigher paying gigs instead Remarkable considering
appreciate the manner in
trict of any class in Oklaof coming back.
they had eight losing sea- which you have produced homa. There are arguably
Well, he didn’t go
sons in the last 10 years,
those wins. It’s obvious
four teams in the top 10,
somewhere else and pull
and turn that around to
and clear to all observers, possibly top 5. Knowing
the rug out from under
really make some noise in and more importantly to
that alone, should keep
us. Not only did he not
5A. So, if you heard any of all the players, that you
our team’s focus. Anything
leave, no one inside the
that noise last year, brace genuinely care for the kids can happen on any given
football program left. Not yourself. The volume this and take them into your
week. We will be tested
one coach bounced out.
season is at a steady 11!
heart. I will never forget
each week, beginning with
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Vernon, and must bring
our best mental and physical game all week, every
week. There are no off
weeks.
ME: Jayden Benway
was spectacular last season. He always seemed to
have a way of pulling our
feet out of the fire when
we were looking done for.
That pass to Tyler Phillips
down to the 1 late in the
game against Ardmore
will live in the reminiscent
minds of Bulldog fans
forever. It propelled the
Bulldogs to score, and
set up even more drama
with the defensive denial
of Ardmore on four plays
inside the 1 ft. line. The
moments that followed
that, as the home fans
stormed the field to pour
our adulation all over
the team, is what always
comes to my mind when
I hear someone claim
there isn’t anything fun
to do here. Coach, when I
watch Jayden at practice
this year though, I get the
sense that the game has
really slowed down for
him. He looks comfortable
with what you are trying
to do offensively. My question is, when did his passing take such a noticeable
leap forward? He is really
throwing the ball with
accurate zip.
GO ALTUS
BULLDOGS!
WIN!
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COACHSPEAK - I
really enjoy talking with
coach Reed and all of
the Bulldogs on the staff.
Some of the guys are still
a little bit shy with me,
or maybe they are just
that way with everyone
they encounter. This year
though, they need to talk
to me as much as they
can. The goal for me is
to brag about the players.
They should want to brag
about their players too.
It makes my job easier.
It gives me something to
write about, and this is
a season we should have
plenty to write about. Last
year after my first interview with coach Reed, I
went home and my wife,
Tara, (Hi Tara), knowing
where I had been, asked
me about the new coach.
My response was, “We
can’t keep him.” I meant
it too. Coach Reed just
had a presence about him
that I wasn’t ready for
from a coach here. He
was too polished to be
here for long. He said all
the right things, and with
a tone and cadence that
reminded me of coaches
at the collegiate level. He
has always maintained
his affinity with the Altus
community, and was
intent on “building an
empire here.” Those are
my words, not his. If you
know him, or talk to him
at all, you know he would
never say that. As the
season went on last year,
and the Bulldogs kept winning, I couldn’t help but
feel a little reserved about
it. I thought that with all
this success on such a
turnaround of this magnitude, no way he wouldn’t
move on to bigger, better
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Altus Times
Brad Gilbert/ Altus Times
Scorching hot afternoons spent pushing sleds around reminds me exactly why football players dance around when they score. It’s because they have worked hard for that celebration.
Duke makes a BIG change
Brad Gilbert
Duke has made some
big BIG changes to their
football program. I mean
humongous changes.
Changes that should
excite any Duke football
fan. Coach Matt Warner
is now the new head
coach. He is assisted by
Micah Harman and Steve
Farmer.
As I came across
various people within the
Duke community (to be
referred to as the Dukes
for this article), football
kept unexpectedly coming
up in conversations. This
was a new development
from any other time in my
life. Although the Dukes
are proud to offer football
as an athletic activity
for their students, there
just haven’t been very
many reasons to rally the
town to get behind the
program. Those days are
gone.
Like I said, there are
some BIG changes at
Duke. Let’s just get this
out of the way now.
Tatum Crouch is playing
football this year. If you
have seen Tatum on the
basketball floor, you have
seen exactly what I saw
a year ago. Tatum has
amazing feet in the post
position. He has very
good hands, and agility
for a post man. And he
can jump. I also saw a
frustrated, fiery competitor when watching Duke
basketball last year. As
Tipton denied him the
ball down low, I couldn’t
help but think if they had
some football gear on,
Tatum could clear himself
some space. My intention
Brad Gilbert/ Altus Times
Duke players are put through their paces at the start of practice.
here wasn’t to sell Tatum
Crouch to you. However,
Tatum’s best sport just
might be football. Standing at a mammoth 6’8”
and carrying 265 lbs.
Tatum is most likely the
biggest lineman in the
state. He just might be
the biggest in the nation.
Talking 8-man footballs
or not, I challenge you
to find another kid that
size that has the athleticism of Crouch. If you do
find one, along with the
name of the kid, please
include all the Division 1
scholarship offers he has,
or where he has already
signed. Tatum’s hands
make him a serious receiv-
ing threat as well. Since
he can jump, too, Duke
has an unstoppable red
zone set.
Quarterback, Orin
McGee Jr. 6’1 `170 QB/
DB- is quick and athletic
as well. I played ball with
his daddy, so, I know
what kind of will to win
Orin has inside of him.
Jaylan Hamersley Sr. 5’10
165- is also a very good
athlete.
The anchors on the line
on both sides of the ball
are the boys Martinez;
Jacob Martinez Sr. 5’10
210 G/DE and Isaac Martinez Sr. 5’10 240 G/DE.
Nolan Drennan Sr. 5’8
170 will play both fullback
and linebacker, and Paul
Hennessey Sr. 6’0 190 at
linebacker and tight end
will need to be key forces
on defense. Look for these
two to make some plays
on defense.
I will let coach Warner
introduce himself:
Duke head football
coach Matt Warner - “I
graduated from Konawa
H.S. in 2006. Graduated
from East Central University in Ada with a Math
Education Degree. I have
a wife, Julie, who teaches
5th grade at Duke. This
is year one as a head
coach, and year five overall. I coached at Konawa
for two years as RB/LB
coach my first year, and
Co-Defensive Coordinator my second year, as
well as RB/DB coach. My
previous two years has
been at Maud where I was
the defensive coordinator
both years, and OL/DL
coach my first year and
RB/DB my second year.”
Coach Warner, like
many football coaches,
often uses quotes to help
inspire his team. One of
the quotes he uses stood
out to me that reflect
the Duke footballs woes
recently, “Get a little better each day, take it piece
by piece and chunk by
chunk, because a little
each day adds up to be a
lot later.”
I really believe Duke is
the most intriguing story
this season. With only 13
wins in 10 years, Duke
has a chance to add up
the victories at an unprecedented rate.
Come on Duke fans.
You travel in multitudes
for a basketball game.
It’s time to support the
football team too, with
the Milners and Mr. Rice
lurking in the junior high
ranks. This season could
be the start of something
really BIG for the Dukes.
Like I said, HUMONGOUS.
Reach Brad Gilbert at 482-1221 ext.
2076
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Brad Gilbert/Altus Times
This is the first event in the triple option. The quarterback’s decision to put it in the fullback’s belly or keep it himself.
Hollis is hiding something
Tigers’ winning
secret -EXPOSED
Brad Ryan Gilbert
I understand that some
people may get upset that I am
sharing some team secrets that
may help Hollis’ opponents
when they face the Crimson
and White Tigers this season.
However, I thought I would
risk it and try to see if I could
level some playing fields in class
2A by telling all those taking
on Hollis in 2015. So, SSHHHHH…. don’t tell them I told
you.
Here goes… HOLLIS WILL
RUN THE TRIPLE OPTION
THIS YEAR. Now I’ve done it.
No team should have trouble
stopping them from scoring
anymore. Wait, what’s that?
You say you already knew that?
Well, never mind then. I don’t
have anything else that can help
you. I though I was doing you a
big favor.
Hold on here. If you know
what’s coming, then why can’t
you stop it? Ahhhh…. Now that
This is not part of the triple option. I just like this picture.
The quick thinking, self sacrificing, magical disappearing act of the triple
option. “But coach, I almost had him.” “Good hit… But you tackled the wrong
guy.” It’s perhaps the most artistic moment in sports that I have seen since
Nolan Ryan retired, the art of the pitch.
is the 65-year-old question. If
an option team has the right
personnel in place, and any
experience running it, stopping it for four quarters is near
impossible. There will be times
when you have success against
the Wishbone attack. However,
those times are just illusions.
You are being set up for that
scoring run that just went right
through your gloating defense
because you had no idea who
Hope
crossbar with ease. Gabe
has deep, high onside
kicks down to an art.
From page 3
Like I said, I think the
Bulldogs have a chance
ness. Not so, Gabe Barton to defeat every opponent
may be the best kicker in
they face on their schedthe state. He thinks it’s
ule. I just can’t say the
between himself and a
words you are wanting me
kid from Piedmont. This
to say. Too many things
isn’t a Piedmont paper.
can happen. However,
So, you heard it here first. that doesn’t mean that
Gabe Barton is the best
you can’t say it. It’s our
kicker in the state. Go by
time at the front of the
practice sometime and be line people. So, enjoy it.
entertained by Gabe’s 60+ Soak it up. There is probyards of kicking field goals ably some room on the
accurately and clearing the bandwagon left, but if you
had the ball.
Hollis certainly has the right
personnel in place again this
year for the Tigers to make a
very deep run in the playoffs.
They have another one of
Soop’s boys in the backfield,
and their fullback looks like he
has been training for Mr. Olympia competitions.
They have the experience
running the option game as
well. Their senior quarterback
aren’t on board yet, I can’t
imagine why not.
SUPPORT THE 12TH
MAN CLUB. They take
care of everything that
the staff shouldn’t have
to. Sandwiches provided
to the team during that
extended rain delay at Del
City came from 12th Man
Club. It seriously looked
like the difference maker
between the two teams in
the second half. The heaters on sideline at Guthrie
came from 12th Man
Club. The list goes on and
on. Pre-game tailgating is
has a state championship ring
already. As an added bonus, the
Hollis masterminds have hired
a new offensive line coach,
Justin “call me Matt” Humble.
I was on the staff with coach
Humble in 2012 at Frederick.
Although that offense required
the O-line go backwards every
snap to protect our gunslinger,
that offense went forward faster,
and more often, than any other
in the state’s history. I encourage you to go to YouTube and
watch the Frederick Bombers
2012 highlights. You will get to
see the line on both sides of the
ball completely dismantle their
theirs as well. Catch my
drift? SUPPORT THE
12TH MAN CLUB.
GO AHEAD BULLDOGS !! GO ON - GET
THAT WHICH YOU
HAVE WORKED FOR.
THE HICCUP - The
only thing that concerns
me is this year’s schedule
doesn’t set up well for
the Bulldogs. Open on
the road at rival Vernon.
Then, the week two
opponent, Anadarko, was
a three-time defending
state champion in class 4A
when the Bulldogs went to
Tripp
Automotive & Towing, LLC
Brad & Lori Tripp
opponent. Get some popcorn
though. I don’t know of any
other high school team that has
a 2-hour highlight film.
Head Coach Reade Box hired
an assistant who actually wants
to win just as much as he does,
or maybe they just hate to lose
that much.
Hollis again finds itself at the
front of the line in class 2A. To
all those willing to oppose them
this year, if you already knew
what offense was coming at you,
and you were hoping to read
this to get a secret on how to
stop them, I guess I have nothing for you. Best of luck to you.
Anadarko for their week
two match-up last year.
Once the dust settled, the
Bulldogs brought back a
42-7 loss. It was set up
last year to make another
deep run into the playoffs.
However, injuries by key
personnel ended that run.
This is a very dangerous
opponent for a home
opener. Especially since
it’s homecoming. Elk City,
Chickasha, Ardmore and
defending state champion,
Lawton Mac, are all on the
road. Duncan, Del City,
and Anadarko are home
games inside “The Rock.”
The Bulldog fans do
everything in their power
to make the boys feel at
home when they are away
from “The Rock.” However, it doesn’t change
the fact that road games
in football are a logistical
nightmare for most teams.
Transportation for a large
group of players, coaches
and managers and trainers to and from the site is
only the surface getting
scratched. All the pads
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Altus Times
The 2014 State Champion Tipton Tigers celebrate after the huge win in last year’s finals. If you can’t read the numbers on the scoreboard behind them, it says Tipton 58 and “The toughest, most qualified
opponent that Class C could find to oppose them” 12.
Tipton gets new ﬁeld and new Rushing attack
Brad Gilbert
He will get some help from
Conley Gilbert at the tight end
and defensive end positions.
Tipton made true on my
“We will be quite a bit bigprediction from a year ago.
ger up front than we were last
The Tigers claimed the 2014
year,” said head coach Travis
state championship of Class C.
White, “We will probably look
This really came at no surprise.
to pound the ball and try to
However, I do get credit with
wear people down throughout
putting it on paper before the
the game.” This is the opposeason started.
site of the attack the Tipton
There really wasn’t much
offense had a year ago. Tipton
doubt about it. As guarded as
was loaded with speed, speed,
football coaches are about prospeed at almost every position.
viding bulletin board motivaThe rest of the positions were
tional material for opponents,
filled with really fast players.
scheme secrets and injury
The new quarterback to lead
reports, Tipton head coach
the Tigers is as new as you can
Travis White, in his first year
get in high school. Shon-Claude
at the helm of the Tipton proBoothe, a freshman, takes over
gram, was up front with me in
under center. “Boothe is very
agreeing that the Tiger’s would Tired of rising temperatures and maintenance costs, Tipton re-surfaced their field. Out with the old bermuda grass, and skilled athletically,” said coach
the hours upon hours of mowing it and trying to keep it watered in drought conditions. Now in with a beautiful artificial
45 every opponent on their
White. “He is talented, smart
surface. Just one of the perks of winning multiple state championships.
schedule. They also 45’ed their
and just needs some game
that goes undefeated and wins finishing 6th and Tipton even
opponent in the finals 58-12.
ship game. I saw that 46-point
experience.”
had Royce Bernal qualify for
Yep, you read that correctly.
spread that Tipton won by and big and claims the title, that
No matter how the team
state in track. They had power looks for 2015, they will look
Tipton’s opponent, the team I
I couldn’t help but think, “How team won’t compare to last
lifting state qualifiers, and even a little better anytime they are
refuse to acknowledge in print, did that team ever score 12 on year’s. I hate that. But, that’s
more FFA achievements just as at home. They have installed a
how good the 2014 Tigers
the most qualified team that
Tipton?”
dominant.
were.
worked to win the games on
I understand Tipton wants
new artificial surface at Tipton.
The class of 2014 will live on It is absolutely gorgeous, and
Those seniors had been to
their schedule, and battled up
me to tell them “all is well” and
in Tipton lore for eternity, but
four straight state championthrough the playoffs, the one
that this year’s team is just as
no one has to mow it, and not
those days are gone.
ship
games
and
won
it
all
three
team that gets to forever call
good. However, before we even
a drop of water is necessary
The 2015 season has new
times. Their trophy case looks
itself the 2014 state runner-up, begin to approach that discusto keep it green. Every time
(generally an amazing achieve- sion, let me offer a lil’ recap of mighty impressive. Tipton also faces everywhere. Still coach
a player lands on it, they will
Travis White claims that they
found itself in the basketball
ment) got 45’ed by Tipton.
that senior class of 2014 as a
know what to expect.
And the game was cut short.
reminder to the up and comers state tournament twice, reach- expect to win.
I encourage everyone to
Terence Rushing will be in
I know… I know what you are
of the legacy they are having to ing the finals in 2013 and a
check the field out at Tipton.
the backfield and will get a
probably thinking. The answer live up to. I’m sorry that this is surprising first round exit
The only thing better looking
large bulk of the carries. Rush- than Tipton’s field is the shinis, yes. Tipton WAS most
their reality. A team should not of the state playoffs in 2014.
ing (perhaps the best name
Then came the spring season.
definitely that good. For all the have to live up to any other.
ing precious metals in their
ever for a running back) will
The Tipton baseball team lost
people that followed the Tipton
No team should have to live
trophy case.
also be a formidable linebacker.
in the championship game to
juggernaut as it floated through up to last year’s Tipton squad.
Reach Brad Gilbert@482-1221 ext.2076or
Corey Jones at 6’4 295 is the
the season, one question
If at anytime in the future, Tip- finish runner up. The Tipton
center, and will anchor the line. bgilbert@civitasmedia.com
golf team qualified for state
lingered from that championton has a class come through
Hope
more than some white athletic tape and some Bandaids. Multiple tables for
ankles being taped, or for
From page 6
massaging a mean muscle
have to be accounted for,
strain. The amount of tape
as well as several sets of
and pre-wrap that a footextra gear because…. you ball team goes through in
never know. If something one week is mind blowing.
breaks and you don’t have Now times that amount
another to use, you are
by 15 weeks or more, and
away from home, so you
its clear that the logistics
better have it with you.
of a football team to travel
Helmets alone make a
to play a game is like no
huge luggage for the trip. other sport.
The training gear is a little
For example, in base-
ball, if you aren’t a catcher
and you wore your uniform to the bus, as long
as you had your mit, you
were good to finish a
double-header and get
back home. The hydration of a team the size of
Altus is more than a little
water jug. Please respect
the kids on the sidelines
holding the water. They
are a valued member of
the team if they hear a
timeout and are sprinting out to the players
GO BULLDOGS!
Open 24 Hours!
60601517
1113 N. Main St.
Altus, OK
482-8787
for a water break. You
waterboys and watergirls
remember the towel you
are carrying is as important to the player as the
water. They are sweating
like Patrick Ewing did in
a clutch moment trying to
make a free throw late in
the game. To make a deep
run into playoffs means
14-17 weeks straight not
including pre-season. It’s
a long grind and work,
work, work and somewhere these coaches have
to teach and grade papers
and do lesson plans.
These young Bulldog
athletes somehow have
to find the time to be a
student athlete. It isn’t all
fight songs and standing
ovations.
SPEAKING OF WATER:
THE BULLDOGS
WOULD LIKE
SOMEONE TO STEP
UP AND DONATE
BOTTLED WATER FOR
ROAD GAMES. MAKE
IT SO. My hope is that
before week one, the team
is overwhelmed by so
much bottled water that
they have to turn it away.
They won’t, because there
are several road games
and seriously, the players
have to stay hydrated or
they cramp. Don’t let a
Bulldog’s leg cramp be on
your head. Donate some
water and have peace of
mind.
Reach Brad Gilbert@482-1221 ext.
2076
Supporting
all area
Football Players
401 E. Tamarack Rd.
Altus, OK
60603750
Altus Times
Mangum have experienced team and coach
Brad Gilbert
um did manage to score some
points, even in games they lost
big. The spread offense will do
Longtime baseball coach and that. Wendt will keep the spread
assistant football coach, Mike
attack, and hopes his son Kade
Wendt, takes over the head
will deliver some strikes to
coaching duties at Mangum this what looks to be a very strong
season. Wendt replaces Forrest wide receiver group. Xavy
Mazey who leaves the program Pineda, Bryce Peeler and Ausafter only a year, and takes a
tin Warner lead the wide-outs
coaching job at Poteau.
. Look for them to head some
The 2014 season went as
direction in a mad dash to find
I expected it would. Well, at
some space in the opponents’
least it did after Kade Wendt
defenses. They saw a bunch
was moved to quarterback.
of action last season, and have
Although the win-loss record is looked great so far this year.
all anyone ever looks at, Mang- The Tigers also return their ball
Coachspeak
From page 4
REED: Jayden worked
very hard in early Spring
and all Summer. He
worked to correct a few
of his mechanics issues.
He is also much stronger in the weight room
than he was a year ago.
Seven on Seven helped
us, but most of the work
was done before we ever
started that.
ME: I kept hearing loud
booms during all the practices I have been to. At
first, I thought it was the
music playing at the field,
or a passing car stereo, or
even some left over fireworks exploding nearby.
As I investigated a bit, I
found the weapon causing
the booms. Of course, I
am kidding. Well, maybe
a little bit. Gabe Barton
is hammering his practice
attempts from 60 yards
or more. You ever catch a
look over and watch him
kick during practice?
REED: Gabe is a true
weapon in both kickoffs
and field goals. He’s a
true specialist that works
daily to improve his craft.
He has a written kicking
workout daily that he is
given to cover everything
we will need from him.
We’re glad we have Gabe.
ME: Coach, it looks
like several Bulldogs are
emerging into starring
roles. For my last question, I want to know
what your impressions
of young Taven Birdow
are? I know what I see,
and I know what others
have told me they see.
Can I get you to take your
coach hat off for a second
and put your fan cap on?
Or even your scouting
report goggles on? Or
whatever they wear, and
give me your impression
about #33?
REED: The first
description that comes
to mind is that Taven is a
great kid. He is very humble, and he came in and
blended the transition
back home very smoothly.
He certainly did not bring
any ego with him back
from Florida. His talent
is undeniable. He possesses the combination all
football coaches are wanting. He has great power,
strength, and speed. I
feel like I’ve known Taven
forever, but I have never
seen him in live action
against an opponent. I’m
carrier, Colby Hamlett.
Mangum will be in the 50
scheme defensively. Dawson
Henry will be the rock at the
middle linebacker position. He
was a key factor a year ago, as
well as Christian Ochoa, and
Alex Villa helping us on the
line. The Tigers are looking
forward to the return of Joe
Holt. Holt, a starting guard last
year, has a broken hand and is
expected to return to practice
soon.
Mangum brings experienced
personnel to the stadium, and
this will be their second year in
the spread offense. The spread
is amazing at the high school
level, if and only if the quarterback is accurate. I know coach
Wendt to be a talented baseball
mind. But more so, Wendt is
a life-long study of the finer
aspects of sport skills and athletic abilities. Between his years
of experience coaching baseball arms, and his son, Kade’s
time at shortstop, they should
be able to get some catchable
throws to their experienced
wide receivers.
I’m not sure exactly what
Mangum is expecting from this
Coach Reed keeps a close eye on his quarterback, Jayden Benway
as he connects again on a nice out route.
Coach Reed just has a look of a coach that isn’t agreeing with the
information this referee is giving.
looking forward to seeing him compete. We are
fortunate to have many
great players. Although
we know many of these
players’ names, and will
see them in headlines, it’s
the unknown role players
at the core of this team
that will make us success-
ful this year. This holds
true for any great team.
There are always players
that emerge that help you
win games each week that
the common fan never
notices.
ME: Expectations are
exponentially growing as
the season approaches.
Reach Brad Gilbert@482-1221 ext. 2076
or bgilbert@civitasmedia.com
How do you keep these
young men from looking
too far into the season
toward the “what ifs” that
tempt the mind, impair
judgments, and distract
from the now? How do
you keep a team focused
in the moment?
REED: Our approach
to practice has a great
influence on keeping
kids in the moment. We
don’t accept anything
but the best effort daily,
no matter our record or
opponent. We are dealing
with 14 to 18-year-old
young men. So, outside
resources can persuade
their minds at times to
get relaxed and complacent. I think this group
understands the magnitude of what this season
can hold, and are hungry
to work daily toward that
goal. We love our team
and its capabilities, but
we understand, we have
a long way to go to be
ready for the schedule
we will be facing. The X
factor that has the biggest influence on a team
is cohesion. This team is
very close, and genuinely
enjoys being with each
other. That is a by-product of the coaching staff.
The leadership qualities
these coaches have has
shown the boys what it
looks like to have a Brotherhood. They see the
closeness, laughter, and
friendships within their
coaches, which bleeds
over to our locker room.
Me: They look hungry.
Starving is a look I see
from some of the boys. I
know the fan base here in
Altus is famished. Keep
feeding us coach.
Reed: As the season
progressed last year,
our crowd kept growing and played a major
role in our games. The
players and the coaches
feed off the energy and
emotion that our crowd
provides. Hopefully, we
can continue to feed
each other. The support
our community gives for
our football team and all
our athletics is amazing.
Many places claim to
be athletic towns. Altus
can definitely back it up.
THERE IS NO BETTER
PLACE TO COACH OR
PLAY THAN ALTUS,
OKLAHOMA!!
(I added the all-caps.
Coach Reed would’ve
wanted it that way)
G O B U L L D O G S !!
Reach Brad Gilbert@482-1221 ext.
2076 or bgilbert@civitasmedia.com
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football season. Maybe they are
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However, from the outside
looking in, other coaches in
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If this pans out, Mike Wendt
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2015 Football Preview

Transcription

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