Darkhorse QB in 2A
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@Oklahoman.com
Bethel may feel like it’s been snake bitten. Despite three winning seasons in coach Kevin Nichols’ six-year reign (with two 7-3 clips), the Wildcats have still yet to reach the playoffs.
And even though Bethel is losing its offensive star, running back Josh Dutton, the Wildcats believe this year will be the year.
One reason for such optimism would be the budding star that is QB Jace Johnson. Now a senior, Johnson tied the school record with four touchdown passes in a win against Wellston last year – only to break the record the next week with five in a victory over Meeker.
“Jace’s strength is the way he takes care of the ball and doesn’t commit stupid mistakes,” Nichols said. “He’s an extremely accurate passer.”
Johnson only threw five interceptions in contrast to his 17 touchdowns.
Bethel finished 2006 at 7-3 but fell short of a berth based on tie-breaker points. The Wildcats needed an eight-point margin of victory in their final game but only defeated Heritage Hall, 14-13.
While there may be other signal callers in 2A getting the recognition, Johnson just might be able to sneak through the cracks and more importantly – give Bethel its first taste of playoff football.
“Jace worked extremely hard during the summer,” Nichols said. “He wants to be the guy that leads us to the playoffs for the first time.”
When Bethel met Bridge Creek last year, it was a two-man show with Dutton going head-to-head with all-everything Michael Aska for Bridge Creek. Dutton’s ground-and-pound performance gave the Wildcats a 35-28 victory.
This year’s battle should be just intense as Aska is back and Johnson is ready to take the reins for Bethel.
While there are some games won as soon as the schedule is released, umm, this is not one of them.
Questionable: Easily, the most ambiguous term for a player’s condition. But going into Friday night, it’s more than appropriate for a handful of players on the Holdenville football team.
Coming off a 2-8 campaign in 2006, the Wolverines are returning 12 starters, including seven on the defensive side of the ball. But how many will actually suit up is still to be determined.
One person who is going to be out there is Eric George. The sophomore running back has been dealing with a slight groin pull and a slight concussion, but Holdenville coach Wayne Jaggars said George is ready to go.
The status is not so certain for senior linebacker Daniel Alexander. He’s not suffering from an on-the-field injury, but a massive spider bite on his foot has left him questionable.
And the news is not so good for linebacker Daniel Venable. The junior has battling stitches this week after an accident. Jaggars said Venable has not practiced all week.
There’s been no doubt to the status of QB Tanner Robinson. After accumulating more than 1,300 total yards and seven touchdowns last year, Jaggars said Robinson has looked more relaxed and comfortable so far.
Holdenville hosts Eufaula Friday night.
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