2A-6- 2022

Overall not a strong district. Last year Eufaula was the only team that made noise in the post season. Expect the same this year.

The Lock
1. Eufaula- For years people have said they are going to be down. They still have a great team. They have a beast on the OL/DL returning. I imagine they win it this year fairly easy.

Clear 2&3
2. Idabel- They only lost 1 starter. They have some young studs. Their freshman RB is a beast, and they have a good 8th grader coming up at QB. Probably closer to Hugo than Eufaula. I’ve spoke to Coach Pratt a handful of times and he is a good football coach. The future appears bright, but I don’t think they’ll do anything in the playoffs, but should have a good record.

3. Hugo- They lost a few good ones, but still have a solid team. Wouldn’t be surprised if they ended up 2nd. Like idabel though, I think they have a good run at districts, but won’t have a playoff run. I think they definitely lose to Eufaula, but if they beat Idabel no one else in the district is beating them.

Middle of pack
4. Spiro- They lost their coach, but have a solid squad. Didn’t watch much of them, but they had some speed. They won’t beat the top 3 teams. I imagine they’ll be 4th, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this spot went to Antlers or possibly Valliant.

5. Antlers- Antlers dominated the district, but fell off towards the end of the season and had a non existent playoff run. They lost their two best players. They also lost a lot of role players. They have a great culture and head coach though. Don’t think they’ll beat Spiro, they may not beat Valliant. I’ll give them the nod at 5 due to stability. I wouldn’t be shocked though of they finished 4th though.

6. Valliant- Was last in the district last year but only lost 1 player. Have a big, talented group of 8th graders that will be freshman. Definitely will have more talent next year. Give the nod to Antlers because of stability and culture, but met a couple of Valliant coaches at a powerlifting meet, and I think they’re in good hands. Might be first time they’ve had stability in a few years. The would wouldn’t stop spinning if they finished 4th.

Bottom Two
7. Heavener- Lost their coach. Heavener has been bad for awhile. Unfortunately for them I don’t think that changes this year.

8. Willburton- I met their new HC. Seems like he knows his football, but Willburton went 1-9 last year with a SR led team. May not have 15 kids out for football this year. I think it’s a long year for them. I think Heavener is the clear 7 in this situation.

Yes Idabel has some outstanding young talent. Last year they were basically a JV team. Many freshman and sophomores starters last year. So even though those youngsters gained valuable experience last year, they'll still be fairly young. Now they'll have 5-7 Sr's this time around to help with leadership and who played last year. RB Ravian Larry will be a super sophomore and has caught the eyes of D 1 schools including OU. Kid is gifted with speed and power. Barring injury, he will be a well known national recruit when it's all said and done. Ran for over a thousand yards on varsity as a 14 year old despite missing the first 3 games last year. Another super sophomore will be Matrail Lopez. He's just a great athlete who comes from a talented family. As his sister's led Idabel basketball to the State Championship game recently. These 2 last year Larry and Lopez were the freshmen sensations. QB Waylon Phillips returns who had a solid year last year as a sophomore. Sr Radale Larry older brother of Ravian can't be forgotten. He may not have the recognition his little brother is getting, but he's still a good football player. He's got alot quickness and speed who reached the end zone 15 times last year. All the linemen return. So Idabel has a chance to be really good. They'll have plenty of talent and speed that's for sure. So we'll see how things play out. I agree though, Eufuala is Eufuala they should be the favorites.

nope kid just turned 15 2 months ago. And he missed the first 3 games because of an injury in the preseason.

Kyle Fowler, has been head coach at Salina twice, Vian, Muldrow, assistant at van buren, and a principal at a few stops too.

Fowler is from Spiro and was an assistant coach there in the 90's. Recently inducted into the Hall of Fame I believe.

Valliant is definitely the dark horse in this group.

I think there are three dark horses. Valliant has a big group coming up and lost nothing, may finally have stability as well. Spiro is on their third coach in three years. Have solid talent, but don’t think you can write them in at number 4 just yet. Antlers lost a ton. They have a great culture though and have had stability. I think all three of those teams can make the playoffs at 4 or just as easily be under 500

It may be nicer to say 3rd coach in 33 years, but that doesn't tell the whole story. It is hard for kids to deal with that much change, that often. We often forget that they are still kids, and can't deal with that type of stuff as well as adults.

I think this will be accurate. I think believe the Warriors could be pretty good. That said, this team will still be fairly young. Majority of the team and talent will be sophomore and juniors. Next year's team in 2023 should be really good. Valliant will be much improved, they were really young last year as well.