It may not feel like it, but fall is right around the corner.
With the changing season comes changing sports, and local teams are gearing up for fall athletics. Lots of sports bring droves of fans and loads of enthusiasm, but there’s just something about that crisp nostalgia that accompanies—you guessed it—high school football. We sat down with Choctaw’s and Harrah’s head football coaches to discuss what they’re expecting and what teams they can’t wait to challenge.
Harrah
After losing several strong seniors, coach Phil Webb told us this season will be about getting the large junior class accustomed to leading.
“It’s going to be an exciting year,” said Webb. “We’ve got lots of new faces, but expectations are still the same. We’ve set a strong foundation.”
That foundation will come in handy competing in the tough 4A2 District. Challenging teams like Tuttle, Blanchard and Bethany will provide the Panthers with worthy opponents throughout the season. When it comes to rivalries, Coach Webb noted playing McLoud, as always, will likely bring a big crowd with the victor claiming bragging rights for the rest of the year. The game is the opener and will occur at McLoud on Aug. 26. Coach Webb also pointed out that this year would be a great year for players taking on new roles and he was excited to see what happens with the successful squad.
Choctaw
Choctaw athletics are coming off two big years of achievement. After winning a total of nine Academic and State Championships last year and eight the year before that, expectations are high—football expectations are no different.
Coach Todd Dilbeck discussed his focus for the 2016 season.
“It’s an exciting time for Choctaw,” he said. “I’m very excited about this year […] our kids have worked really hard this summer and have bought into what we’ve been trying to do.”
Though defense will be big for the Yellowjackets, Dilbeck pointed out that his team would focus all aspects of the game. Players like David Manley, running back Tyrel Bell, defender Jaryn Curry and kicker Liam Jones will give Choctaw the jumpstart they need to barrel into their season. In their tough 6A2 District, teams like Lawton, Deer Creek and Putnam City West will provide great competition.
As far as rivalries go, Dilbeck noted Midwest City was always an exciting game.