Norman area notebook: Little Axe players determined

“We've been close,” senior running back/receiver Cory Matlock said. “I think we can do that this year.”

Little Axe has gone through multiple coaching changes and a tornado that tore through the team's football field during Matlock's time there.

“We've had a lot of ups and downs,” he said. “But all that's done is make us stronger. It's rough to have to go through things like that, but I think it's definitely given us another level of determination.”

BRIDGE CREEK RETURNS NO OFFENSIVE STARTERS

Bridge Creek went 8-3 last season, but coach Jerry Wallis has quite the task on his hands entering 2011.

He has to replace all 11 offensive starters, including quarterback Ryan Spangler and wide receiver Caden Locke.

Seniors Dalton Terrel and Chris Perraut are competing to replace Spangler.

Wallis said the Bobcats need senior Judge Leiter, who is a three-year starter at linebacker, to have a big year on offense at running back.

Wallis lists Leiter, senior linebacker/tight end Michael Lee, senior linebacker/running back Chris Golden, and linemen Jake Sarver and JP Vansyckle as key players for his team in 2011.

SCOTT EXCITED FOR SECOND SEASON

Second-year Lexington coach Waymon Scott said his team is much better prepared this season than it was in his first year there.

“The kids know what to expect and know what I expect now,” Scott said. “We're able to do more than we could at this time a year ago.”

And while Lexington's numbers aren't what Scott would like them to be, he's happy with the ones who are out.

“The attitude is a whole lot better this year,” he said. “Sometimes graduation is good for you. We graduated some really good athletes but we also graduates some attitudes.

“That's certainly not all of the seniors from last year, but this group is coming along better.”