Summit Christian begins first 11-man football season in District A-8
BY JOHN D. FERGUSON World Correspondent
Monday, August 27, 2012
8/27/12 at 5:13 AM
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High school football season kicks off Friday
District A-8 Glance
Original Print Headline: Summit transitions to 11-man
B.J. Law is a glass-half-full kind of football player. He sees the positive side of most things, especially Summit Christian's move into 11-man competition.
Law is also a realist. He knows this most likely will be his last season of organized competitive football. He'd like to play college ball somewhere, but knows it is a dream.
However, Law will never be totally away from the sport. He plans to coach football after college and make it his career.
Summit has made the slow move from a small Christian school independent to an Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association 8-man club. The move to 11-man football is the continuation of a growing trend.
"We're excited about it," said Law, a 5-foot-8, 140-pound senior. "We have high hopes and think we can make it to the playoffs."
On a given day, coach Ron Davis has 21 players on the Eagles' roster. That number means many will have to do double-duty on offense and defense.
Davis knows the 11-man game and came out of retirement to coach at Summit, located in Broken Arrow.
"I'm excited to be back in 11-man," Davis said. "With 21 on the roster, we will start two freshmen who did not play in the eighth grade. We've got some pretty good skill people, but we are asking a lot of our offensive line."
The line will need to earn its stripes quickly. Davis has found it is not easy to have intra-squad scrimmages with only 21 players. The team has been trying to get better.
"The kids and attitude have been good," Davis added.
Summit enters the District A-8 division with a good group of teams. Foyil was the unanimous choice in preseason balloting and Summit was tabbed sixth.
What Summit lacks in numbers the Eagles hope to make up for with speed.
"We run the no-huddle offense," said Law, who plays running back and cornerback. "You have to be in condition (to defend the no huddle)."
What's been the biggest surprise for Law?
"Seeing the talent we didn't have last year," Law quickly said.
Law looks ahead to life after playing football.
"I am looking forward to being a football coach and ... pursue that as my career," Law said.
