Tulsa World: Quarterback an inspiration to his team

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Quarterback an inspiration to his team
Bixby coach says Lamb is an all-around leader.

Taylor Schuyler (left), Kevin Lamb and DeWitt Jennings III hope to help Bixby win a district title after their three-year title streak snapped last season. JAMES GIBBARD / Tulsa World

By BARRY LEWIS World Sports Writer
Published: 8/17/2009 2:25 AM
Last Modified: 8/17/2009 1:22 PM

BIXBY — Bixby senior quarterback Kevin Lamb spent much of the summer traveling to Nebraska, St. Louis, Dallas and Mexico as well as throughout Oklahoma.

Lamb wasn't going to football camps. Instead, he played for the Oklahoma City Ambassadors, a Christian ministry baseball team that conducted youth clinics, competed against elite teams and talked about their faith.

"That's the kind of kid he is, a leader on and off the field," Bixby football coach Pat McGrew said.

The formation of the Ambassadors, in their second season, was inspired by the life of Yukon baseball standout Justin Sullivan, who died in a 2002 auto accident. Sullivan's life also inspired the book, "A Life Worth Following."

"We wanted to spread the Word and save a lot of kids," Lamb said. "We played doubleheaders every Monday and Tuesday in Oklahoma City, and then we traveled Thursday through Sunday to tournaments. It was an awesome experience."

Lamb's long-term athletic future is in baseball. His brother, Michael Lamb, and father, Brian, each played for Oral Roberts.

Kevin, a catcher, is being recruited by ORU and Oklahoma. This year will be his last playing football.

He looks to return the district title back to Bixby after the Spartans' three-year streak was ended last season by state champion Booker T. Washington. The battle for the 5A-3 district title came down to the regular-season finale and that could occur again this season. District coaches have made BTW the favorite, followed by Bixby and Bishop Kelley.

Kevin Lamb helped lead the Spartans to the 5A state title game in 2007 and to the quarterfinals last year.

"Our motto this year is 'leave a legacy,' and that means a lot to me," he said.

Lamb completed 92-of-151 passes for 1,237 yards last year. He both rushed and passed for four touchdowns.

"He's always been a great leader by his actions, but this year I look at him and see so much leadership from him by being vocal," McGrew said.

Also returning for the Spartans is tailback DeWitt Jennings III, who is committed to the University of Tulsa. Jennings, a three-year starter who also is a strong safety, rushed for 853 yards and 12 TDs last season.

This year, however, will be the first time that he enters a season as the Spartans' primary running back.

Bixby's defense will be led by Jennings and lineman Taylor Schuyler, who had 88 tackles, including 20 for losses last year.

Schuyler is being recruited primarily by Air Force and Kansas State.

"The defense is going to be as good as ever," Schuyler said.

Bixby allowed more than 14 points only three times in 12 games last season.

"We feel the secondary is going to be strong and the down line we feel comfortable with, but we lost some key players at linebacker and we've got to get better there," McGrew said.

"Our team has the potential to be better than last year if everybody stays healthy."

Barry Lewis 581-8393
barry.lewis@tulsaworld.com By BARRY LEWIS World Sports Writer

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	Report Comment shaw411, Scottsdale, AZ (8/17/2009 7:38:54 AM) Great story!! Always great to hear stories such as this one about today's youth. Hope he has a successful year!
	Report Comment Rhymeister, Tokyo, JPN (8/18/2009 8:53:20 AM) Used to play baseball against his dad. Good luck and God bless, Kevin, but hope Booker T takes it again.

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