Jon Potts
Sports Correspondent
OOLOGAH —
The Oologah Mustangs believe in playing smashmouth football, while also mixing in one of Eastern Oklahoma’s top aerial attacks.
With Josh Collier back at tailback, and quarterback Alec Brunson directing the passing attack, the Mustangs are looking to improve upon last year’s 8-4 record that saw Oologah reach the Class 4A state playoffs.
The VYPE football magazine predicts that Oologah will finish second in District 3-4A and is picked eighth in the state in the preseason poll.
OFFENSE
Oologah has a couple of outstanding skill players returning in the backfield in the forms of Alec Brunson (6-2, 195 SR) and Josh Collier (5-11, 180 SR).
Brunson was a solid quarterback as a junior, passing for almost 1,500 yards with eight touchdown tosses. Collier ran for over 1,600 yards and scored 23 touchdowns from his tailback spot.
Head coach Brandon Craig expects even better things from Brunson this year. Collier is being counted on to be more of a vocal leader in addition to his on field production according to Craig.
Brunson and Collier will have the benefit of an experienced and huge offensive line at their disposal. Brian Rawlinson (6-6, 285 SR), a verbal commit to North Texas, will be the left tackle. Rawlinson likes to "get in there and get after it," according to Craig.
Jake Taylor (6-8, 280 SR) and Lee Davis will start at right tackle and guard, respectively. Sage Hamby and Kaleb Blackwell will likely be the other two starters up front.
Cody Brunk (5-10, 165 SR) will be a top target at the wide receiver position. Craig believes Brunk will develop into a playmaker.
DEFENSE
The linebackers figure to be a very strong point for the Mustangs this year. John VanSingel (6-0, 213 SR) and Dakota Hudgens (6-2, 215 SR) return on the heels of 156 and 136 tackle seasons, respectively.
Defensive end Garrett Martin (6-2, 215 SR) looks to be a standout up front. Taylor should also be get some time along the line. He had 55 tackles a year ago.
Brunk and Collier should both be very solid at the cornerback positions. Justin Jarred (5-10, 175) will be another source of strength in the secondary at free safety.
OUTLOOK
Oologah finshed 2009 with a record of 8-4. The Mustangs were strong down the stretch as they finished with four straight wins to earn a home playoff game in the first round.
Oologah defeated Poteau 35-7 in that contest but then fell 44-29 at eventual class 4A state champion Star Spencer in the quarterfinals.
