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August 31, 2010

Inola focusing on new team motto: Winning it all in 2010

Josh Haley Sports Correspondent

INOLA — Forget everything you have come to expect from Inola football in past seasons.

Longhorns coach Lynn Cutshaw has made his team's objective this season very clear.

"We want to win it all," said Cutshaw.

"If we don't say it, we won't believe it, and if we don't believe it, we won't achieve it."

The second year coach has already transformed the players' mind set in his short time at Inola.

"Since he (Cutshaw) has been here, our attitudes have completely changed," said senior Kyle Grimes.

"It has all started with the way we practice and that will ultimately affect our success on the field."

The Longhorns posted a 3-7 overall record last season while playing in the toughest district in all of 3A.

After district realignment, Inola's road does not look much easier than last year as Tahlequah-Sequoyah, Claremore-Sequoyah, Metro Christian and Verdigris are all expected to field solid teams.

It is the returning talent and experience that has the Longhorns excited for 2010.

Grimes will be the returning leader for Inola's 4-3 defense after tallying over 150 tackles during his junior campaign.

On offense is where Inola really has the potential to catch opposing teams off guard.

Senior running back Jacob Smith solidified himself as one of the premier backs in 3-A after rushing for over 1,000 yards a season ago.

Smith will not be forced to carry the run reliant offense alone however.

Senior Bryan Varnell has transferred from Claremore and will be expected to make an instant impact while splitting carries with Smith and starting at strong side linebacker.

"I've been impressed with his (Varnell) vocal leadership since the moment he arrived here," said Cutshaw.

The quarterback spot belongs to junior Michael Lambert after he split time under center with Grimes in 2009.

The offense will run primarily out of the I-formation with run to pass ratio ideality being 60-40.

The offensive line will be anchored by senior center Dakota Lewis and senior right tackle Kirtis Thacker.

Both of which have a plethora of experience and will be called on to contribute on defense as well.

Inola has not made a playoff appearance since 2004 when they finished fourth in their district.

Since then, they have posted a 12-38 overall record with only five of those victories coming in district play.

The Longhorns will kick off their season Sep. 2 at home against Chelsea with Cutshaw's motto echoing in their head.

"The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender." 

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