Larry Larkin
Sports Correspondent
SEQUOYAH —
For an outsider looking in it appears the 2010 Sequoyah Eagle football team has several question marks staring it in the face.
Who on this squad will be able to step up and replace the graduated 15 seniors that were major keys in compiling a 13-2 record last year?
What is going to happen when somebody not named Richardson starts at quarterback?
When it is time to start Class 3-6 District competition, will the team be ready to claim a playoff berth?
Why does this year's schedule only include nine foes?
How, for the first time in the school's football history, will the Eagles perform against a much bigger out-of-state opponent?
Only the Where is certain. This year the Pope Athletic Complex is ready for the season's opening kick-off. This time there will be no four-week wait. The season opening game is at their still sparking new home.
“We lost some very talented players from last year,” says Eagle head coach Jody Iams, “but we believe our program is at the point where we can fill holes when they open up.”
Now in his 13th year as head coach of the Eagles, Iams knows some of the holes are deep. Gone is three-year starting quarterback Cody Richardson and twin running backs Michael Wangsgard and Dakota Green. Last season the pair accounted for 208 carries and 1,686 yards rushing.
Also missing are defensive standouts Gage Delozier and Dakota Green plus Taylor Inman who handled the place kicking duties four solid seasons.
Enough about last year; this year is the story now. Referring back to the opening words, let us review the noted question marks.
WHO can replace come forth and replace the 15 seniors that played last year?
“We have six returning starters; three on offense and three on defense,” Iams said, “Our senior class has 10 players and seven of them figure to start. If they can't do the job or start loafing, we'll get someone else in.
“The seniors are expected to be the team leaders and through the summer workouts they have stepped up in that department.”
To run Sequoyah's Wing-T offense a fresh supply of running backs are needed. Iams is counting on Zac Devore (5-11, 170, Sr.), Zac Langley (6-0, 170, Sr.), Jake Choate (5-10, 175, Sr.) and Brian Mills (5-9, 180, Sr.) to fill the role.
To play receiver for Iams and his staff, a player must not only be able to haul in passes, but to be a downfield blocker also. Jake Valdez (5-9, 160, Sr.) and Dakota Mills (5-9, 180, Sr.) should be solid in that important role.
The Eagle line promises to be led by huge tackle Heath Maxey (6-4, 275, Sr.)
Some of the Eagle underclassmen expected to play key roles on defense include Derek Inman (5-10, 170, Jr.) at corner, Eathan Cole (5-9, 180, Soph.) at nose guard, and Sammie Kelsey (6-2, 220, Jr.) at one of the tackle spots. Also look for the same from Skylar Kihega (6-0, 240, Jr.) at tackle on the opposite side, and Dillon Kimblern (6-0, 220, Jr.), Michael Radley (5-10, 205, Jr.), and Cole Thornton (5-9, 185, Jr.) splitting time at the end spots.
Derek Inman (5-10, 170, Jr.) figures to replace his brother as kicker.
Especially at the start of the year at least eight of the named players may need to start on both sides of the ball. They include Choate, Langley, and Mills at linebacker, Devore at corner, Kelsey at offensive guard, Kimblern and Radley at ends. In addition to the kicking duties, Inman is listed at both receiver and cornerback.
WHAT about quarterback?
“For the first time in seven years we will not have a Richardson under center,” Iams pointed out, referring to brothers Levi (2004-05-06) and Cody (2007-08-09).
“Trevor Bickford (6-2, 170, Jr.) is a good looking athlete and he is ready to take over the job. He started two games as a sophomore when Cody was hurt so he has some experience. We feel he can fill the role of field general and handle our Wing-T formation.”
The names and the faces may continue to change at Sequoyah but don't look for Iams to switch offensive tactics anytime soon. It has worked for his teams in the past, including a 2006 state championship, and he will stick with it until he feels something better comes along. He feels just as strong about the team's 4-4 defense.
WHEN will the team be ready for district action?
“Of course we will play the usual three non-conference teams first as always,” answered the coach, “None will be easy. We will go to Inola to start district. They now have a year under their new coach (Lynn Cutshaw, starting second season) and figure to be much improved.
“It doesn't get easier after that. Tahlequah Sequoyah comes to our place the next week. The polls have them as the pre-season favorites.”
Sequoyah must get ready fast. A 3-0 record is not necessary to open district play. At the same time an 0-3 mark does not ring a death bell.
WHY a nine-game schedule?
“We couldn't find enough teams to play us. It is that simple. As a result we will be idle Week 8. To tell the truth, I didn't look (for an opponent) real hard. This will give us an extra week to prepare for the final district run. If we are playing good we can use the extra time to improve even more. If we have some players battered up, it gives us time to heal the aches and pains,” explained Iams.
This year's slate of games will not offer many shortcuts. For the first time in the football history of the school the Eagles will play an out-of-state team.
Siloam Springs, a Class 5A Arkansas school, will invade the Pope Athletic Complex for the September 3, opener. Early talk indicates a standing room only crowd will be on hand.
The next three games will be on the road. Sperry comes in the second week followed by Class 4A No. 2-rated Berryhill, and then Inola for the district kickoff.
According to pre-season rankings, a key district early pairing will follow in Week 5 as the Eagles of Sequoyah stay home to host the favored Indians of Tahlequah Sequoyah. Look for another overflowing crowd.
HOW will Sequoyah match up with the larger Arkansas school the first week?
“We don't know much about them except they are supposed to be good,” Iams replied, “We plan to line up and play our usual game and try to score points.”
