CV FOOTBALL SPRINGING FORTH: Trojans look to foundation of returnees to set the pace
Caney Valley High football coach Stephen Mitchell doesn’t deny the heavy drain of talent via the graduation route.
But, he also believes the Trojan program might have progressed to where the concept of next man up will help the Trojans maintain a competitive edge.
Not that Caney Valley doesn’t return some formidable weapons — starting with designated fourth year starting quarterback to be Zak Wallis.
“So far, everything is rolling pretty good,” Mitchell said about the first week of spring football workouts. “I told our players it’s just like baking a cake. You put the ingredients in, put the pieces together. … Right now we’re putting the ingredients together so that we can make a great cake. We’re trying to get the kids in the (right) positions.”
Mitchell eyes a major hole with the departure of 1,000-yard rusher Ethan Nichols.
“We’re looking to fill that role,” Mitchell said. “We’re looking for a tight end/wide receiver role like Daniel (Barham). We definitely got some spots in at free safety and in linebacker roles. Those little pieces. … I see that we’re to the point that the next guy that wasn’t maybe as good can now step up and fill that role.”
The Trojans are trying to assemble a solid linebacker corps, starting with Wallis on the outside. Layne Arthurs in the middle, Bruce Bowers at one of the outside spots with Hayden Walker, Luke Bowers and Jaydin Allen also in the mix for possible starters or main rotation players.
“We might have some freshmen fill that role,” Mitchell added.
Caney Valley zapped to a 6-4 record last season — only the program’s third winning record since the early 1990’s. Ironically, last year’s Trojans fell just shy of qualifying for the playoffs.
With six-or-more wins this season, Caney Valley would record back-to-back winning campaigns for the first time.
“I’m just looking forward to the season,” Mitchell said. “I’m so looking forward to getting back on the field.”
This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Focus on Caney Valley High spring football practice
