Two-Minute Drill: Sapulpa Chieftains
BY MIKE BROWN World Sports Writer
Friday, May 25, 2012
5/25/12 at 5:47 AM
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Sapulpa football steadily improving
2011 record: 5-5
Coach: Mike Gottsch (third season, 9-11)
Fast facts
»» Head coach Mike Gottsch described senior Darien Inks as a gifted athlete who is "very hungry" to have a big final season after being plagued by hamstring injuries last year.
Inks is a likely starter at cornerback and should help in a receiving corps that must be rebuilt. Departed seniors Trevor Hall and Levi Pickering combined for more than 1,300 receiving yards and 19 TDs last season.
"People just haven't seen a lot of him, but he's a very fine athlete with good speed and exceptional hands," Gottsch said.
Inks also is capable of spelling Devin Swift at tailback and returning kickoffs and punts.
"He's very fast. It'd be a good footrace between Inks and Swift," Gottsch said.
»» More help at receiver could come after the quarterback battle between Sammy Gottsch, the coach's son, and Ben Johnson shakes out.
Gottsch played receiver last year, and the 6-foot-4 Johnson is one of the team's best athletes. Whichever doesn't win the quarterback job probably will contribute at receiver.
Mike Gottsch said he also has talented newcomers ready to step up, but wasn't ready to single out any in particular.
»» The Chieftains have played rival Sand Springs 83 times since 1922, but will meet new district rivals Westmoore and Putnam City for the first time.
Last year's win over Sand Springs was the Chieftains' second straight. Sapulpa leads the Highway 97 rivalry 43-34-6.
2012 schedule
(subject to change)
Aug. 31: Ponca City..........7:30 p.m.
Sept. 7: at Nathan Hale..........7:30 p.m.
Sept 14: Sand Springs..........7:30 p.m.
Sept. 21: Putnam City (homecoming)..........7:30 p.m.
Sept. 28: at Jenks ..........7:30 p.m.
Oct. 5: Bixby..........7:30 p.m.
Oct. 12: at Muskogee..........7:30 p.m.
Oct. 19: at Westmoore..........7:30 p.m.
Oct. 26: Broken Arrow..........7:30 p.m.
Nov. 2: at Edison..........7:30 p.m.
