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  • The Catoosa Indians

    Catoosa Indians Team Photo 2010.jpg
August 31, 2010

Experienced offense, fresh-new defense will dictate Catoosa’s success in 2010

Glenn Hibdon Sports Correspondent

CATOOSA — With the season opener just around the corner, it didn’t require much thought for Catoosa football coach Aaron Meier to count his blessings.

 “Offensively we’re a year older and we didn’t lose anybody. That‘s definitely a strength,’’ said Meier. “We did good things last year running the football and we should be able to move it again. We’ll give it a try.’’

 Veteran performers at the skill positions make the Indians’ offense appear dangerous. Quarterback Kalen Reamer and running backs Cole Scheulen and Ty Rainey gives the single/split back formations potency. So does a massive line.

Seniors Michael Smith (6-3, 270) and Dylan Layton (6-2, 285), along with junior two-year starter Montanna Poorboy (6-3, 290), anchor the offensive front.

“We might run the ball a little more than other people tend to do,’’ said Meier. “I’m old school and we can run the option. We can also drop back and throw the ball. We will run the double veer and run the ball at you. We will try and stay balanced, but we will do things other people don’t and that gives us a chance to advance.’’

Defensively, Meier must replace five starters and the entire line. He starts the rebuild with Levi Browning at linebacker.

“We’ve got kids ready to roll in those positions. I think we’ll be fine,’’ said Meier. “We were very good defensively last year and I expect the same. We’ve got Houston Bates at linebacker with Dalton Porter (6-0, 275) and Dylan Layton on the line. Tyler Duvall is our mike linebacker and he’s a two-year starter. We’ve got some big kids and we’re blessed with that.’’

A year ago, the Indians shared the district title and lost at Broken Bow in the first round of the playoffs en route to a 7-4 season. This year the team is again expected to challenge for the 4A-3 championship.

“I don’t know if we should be the favorite because there are a lot of good teams in our district,’’ Meier said. “Wagoner has a good program and Oologah will be good. McLain, Mannford and Miami will also be good. This is a black and blue district. You can’t mess around on Friday night and it doesn’t matter what your record is.’’

Now in his second season at Catoosa, Meier is hoping to bring the program back to its glory days. The Indians finished 2-8 a year before Meier took charge.

“We have a great attitude and high expectations,’’ he said. “Our kids are very enthusiastic coming off last season. We’ve been in the weight room since the end of last season and we don’t have any discipline problems.” 

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