District 2A-6 football preview: Vian favored despite youth

The District 2A-6 coaches voted Vian as the favorite to win the district, and if the Wolverines do it, they'll likely do it with as many as eight sophomores in the starting lineup.

By Scott Wright, Staff Writer, swright@opubco.com | Modified: August 3, 2010 at 7:18 pm | Published: August 3, 2010 Comment on this article

Multimedia

Photoview all photos

Article Gallery: District 2A-6 football preview: Vian favored despite youth

District 2A-6 coaches' poll

1. Vian (9-2)

2. Talihina (12-1)

3. Hartshorne (7-4)

4. Panama (5-5)

5. Heavener (2-8)

6. Wilburton (0-10)

7. Pocola (2-8)

Note: Last year's record in parentheses

Eagleroad still leading Talihina

With his accomplishments in the football and basketball playoffs the last few seasons, it seems like Jordan Eagleroad should have graduated by now.

But Eagleroad has one more season left with Talihina and is back to quarterback the Golden Tigers once again.

With nine returning starters on a defense that had nine shutouts, and a new spread offense to open the field for Eagleroad, Talihina hopes to surpass last year's 12-1 mark.

Eagleroad will be working with a senior running back in Kane Owens and five returning starters on the offensive line.

"We think we'll be better up front," coach Kelly Gravitt said. "Those five guys have been really important and with them up front, we think we'll be able to do some things."

Extra points

With a sophomore and freshman battling for the starting job at quarterback, Heavener thankfully has some big targets to throw to — in fact it might be the tallest receiving duo in the class with 6-foot-4 wideouts Zach Roll and Shawn Bradley. ... Pocola has only one senior this season and coach Rick Lang says he might start several sophomores on both sides of the ball, including quarterback Blake Johnson and three offensive/defensive linemen. "I've been here seven years and this is the youngest team I've ever put on the field," Lang said. ... Seniors Brad Knight and Taylor Davis will get plenty of touches at fullback in Wilburton's Wing-T offense under new coach Gavin Crocker, the former defensive coordinator at Berryhill.