Spring Football Update 2012
BY KELLY HINES World Sports Writer
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
6/06/12 at 4:30 AM
CLAREMORE ZEBRAS
Claremore looking to fill out lineup depth
Claremore will again be blessed with some talented players in 2012, but a lack of depth continues to be a concern.
"That really affects the outcome," coach Rob Gilbreath said. "We're not an East Central or a Booker T. Washington where we have a ton of skill kids.
"We've kind of got to play with the hand we're dealt. Sometimes when you lose a senior starter a sophomore starter has to jump in there."
The Zebras return seven starters on offense and six on defense, including Jordan Cunningham, their leading rusher and leading tackler from last season.
"He's faster and stronger than he was last year," Gilbreath said. "We're looking for good things to come from him."
Defensive end Grady Caton, who will be a senior, was the team's second-leading tackler and has packed on 20 pounds in the offseason.
Matt Whatley is back at quarterback for his junior season after a season and a half as starter.
"He should be playing like a senior this year because of the experience he got as a freshman," his coach said.
SKIATOOK BULLDOGS
Bulldogs competing for starting spots
Heading into the fall, Skiatook will have question marks at several positions.
"It will probably be some young kids, but that's kind of up in the air," fifth-year coach Vance Miller said. "We've got a lot of competition going on."
The Bulldogs return six offensive starters, led by a veteran offensive line that includes three-year starters Rocky Lee and Trey Vargas and 6-foot-3, 220-pound senior Kasey Jones.
A quarterback battle is ongoing. Fullback Isaac Hisaw is the most experienced skill-position player and the only returning starter on defense.
After finishing 4-5 last year, Skiatook will look to advance to the postseason for the second time in three seasons after not making the cut for seven straight years.
"That's our goal, to make the playoffs," Miller said.
