PLUCKY SEVEN: Barnsdall High returns 7 starters on each side of ball for 8-man football
A year ago, Kylee Sweeney eyed a wealth of potential for his transitioning Barnsdall High School football team.
But, potential is like a furrow of grayish-black clouds extending the entire breadth of the sky — until the first raindrop falls the drought rules.
Going into this year’s spring practice, Sweeney eyes a wealth of proven talent.
His neophyte greenhorn freshmen from last August are now battle-hardened, pressure-molded grid gladiators.
In short, the Panthers — who play eight-man football — should be back in prowl for a winning season and playoff success.
Not that the Panthers lacked for positive results last year.
Despite only one senior starter last season and several freshmen in key roles — including quarterback, tailback and receiver, as well as defensive tasks — Barnsdall bolted to a 5-1 record to start the 2021 season.
But, then inexperience, injuries and other factors took their toll — Barnsdall lost its last four games to finish 5-5.
The scenario is much different this spring.
Sweeney returns seven starters on both sides of the ball, including all his skill performers.
Among the prime contributors back in uniform are sophomore-to-be tailback Easton Malone, who accumulated 1,400 yards and 20 touchdowns; sophomore-to-be quarterback Maverick Lanphear, who rang up 2,200 totals and accounted for 18 touchdowns.
Lanphear also racked up 90 tackles at safety or middle linebacker.
Malone made seven sacks from his defensive end position and double-digit tackles for loss.
John Pease, Mason Clark and Cooper Hill also endured seasoning last year.
Also back are a horde of receivers, including Braden Byers, Cooper Sofian, James Johnson and Ronald Weber.
Byers is the leading returning target.
Jack Howell is experienced at linebacker.
A welcome re-addition is Nate Harper (6-1, 185), who is back from injury and will probably be in the linebacker mix, Sweeney said.
Johnson, Sofian and Weber are some of the several players penciled in for the defensive back unit.
Clark could hunker down at a defensive end spot.
Sweeney also is grateful for the addition of Dillon Osburn (6-foot-3, 250) as a transfer from Morrison.
“He’s deadlifted 455, squatted 435 and benched 275,” Sweeney said. “We’re excited to see how he looks at spring football.”
Sweeney expects much competition for some of the positions.
Barnsdall is planning to attend a team camp at Foyil.
This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Focus on Barnsdall High football spring practice
