The Woodward News

Sports

September 3, 2010

Boomers take on El Reno

Johnny McMahan Woodward News

Woodward, Okla. — EL RENO – “It’s just time to go out and play football and have fun,” said Boomer head coach Justin Jones.

After a full summer and fall of preparation and two scrimmages, the Boomers kick off the 2010 football season for real tonight against Class 5A El Reno.

Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.

A veteran Boomer team enters the season looking to take some big steps forward after a 4-6 campaign a year ago. Woodward comes into the game ranked as high as 9th in some class 5A polls.

They start against an El Reno team that is rebuilding after losing a big senior class. The Indians went 12-1 each of the past 2 years, but most of those players are gone. Still the Indians are a very capable opponent.

Their spread offense, though, is still around and coach Tom Cobble always has plenty of good athletes to put on the field.

“They’ve got a great running back in Devante Moore,” said Jones. “He’s a big kid, a physical runner and he could cause us some problems if we don’t come up and tackle him.

“Their skill kids are very athletic and dangerous even if they don’t have experience because of the things they can do with the ball in their hands.”

The Boomers counter with a defense anchored by middle linebacker Mason Semmel and interior lineman Jesse Huff. Both have received pre-season All-State recognition from various publications.

One area the Boomers will try to exploit is a young Indian offensive front.

“We need to let our experience take advantage of them and keep them guessing and not allow them to use their athleticism,” said Jones.

Offensively, the Boomers will throw the ball around with 3-year starter Casey Covalt at quarterback. Drake Smithton is the top target at receiver, but Semmel figures to be a factor at tight end.

Garrett Roach is a threat at runner and receiver and the Boomers have experience across the offensive line.

El Reno’s defense is a 4-3 and features lineman Brent Bozarth, 6-2, 250, who has impressed in the scrimmages.

“He does a great job of penetrating, especially early on,” said Jones. “Our offensive line has to account for him.

“They have 3 pretty athletic linebackers and their middle linebacker is very active and likes to blitz.”

Another area the Boomers hope to exploit is special teams where their experience could pay off.

*****

In area action tonight, the Sharon-Mutual Trojans host Seiling, Mooreland travels to Sayre, Waynoka is home to face Gracemont, Canton makes the trip west to play Forgan and Shattuck travels to Geary.

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