SPEED, STRENGTH & UNITY: Claremore coach Hurt anticipates promising football season

May 30—As the upcoming high school football season approaches, Claremore coach Jarrett Hurt exudes enthusiasm and optimism for the team's prospects.

With a wealth of experience returning in the form of eight offensive and eight defensive starters, Hurt believes his team has the potential to excel.

"We're very excited about the season that's coming up," Hurt expressed. "We've got a lot of seniors with a lot of experience coming back ... We can be pretty good."

Hurt attributes his confidence to the Zebras' exceptional mix of skill players and linemen, complemented by outstanding leadership.

The past two weeks of spring ball have been marked by enthusiasm and a shared optimism about the upcoming season, and the Claremore football program looks forward to showcasing its progress and achievements when the fall season arrives.

The coach emphasized the team's balanced approach on both offense and defense, anticipating the ability to adapt to different defensive strategies.

"We feel like we're gonna be really balanced; we feel like we're gonna be able to run the ball, throw the ball and take advantage of what a particular defense gives us on a particular Friday night," Hurt said confidently.

He also highlighted the team's depth and versatility, emphasizing the multitude of offensive weapons at their disposal.

On defense, Hurt acknowledged the benefit of continuity, with many key players returning to the field this year after a season of implementing a new defensive scheme.

"After implementing a new defense last year, we're going to reap the benefits this year in Year 2 with this defense," he explained.

Drawing comparisons to the successful 2019 team that featured the likes of current Kansas receiver Quentin Skinner, Hurt emphasized the team's speed, strength and exceptional offseason preparation.

Several athletes even earned medals at the state track meet, underscoring their athleticism. With a record-breaking offseason in the weight room and a unified team chemistry, the Zebras appear poised for a strong season.

Reflecting on the team's camaraderie and unity, Hurt expressed confidence in their ability to avoid internal conflicts.

"We've got to stay together — we can't allow jealousy and envy and those kinds of things. We have one football," Hurt stated, stressing the importance of spreading the ball around to different playmakers and maintaining a positive team dynamic.

As the new season approaches, Hurt also acknowledged the contributions of younger players transitioning to the varsity level. He commended their ability to blend in seamlessly with the more experienced players, emphasizing the positive leadership demonstrated by the older teammates who help guide and mentor the younger athletes.

Hurt also highlighted the team's offensive weapons, listing key returners and their respective positions.

From offensive linemen Andrew Mason, Ben Jordan and Josh Bump to the talented quarterback Braxton Etheridge and fullback Jesse Cagle, Claremore possesses a formidable offensive lineup. The team's tailbacks Micah Teel and Xander Brito, along with fullback Tyson Grimett, provide additional depth in the backfield.

The receiving corps boasts Eli Rodgers, Gage Deckard, Brayden Alexander, Rex Clark and Hayden Lee, who are all equipped with exceptional speed and talent.

Hurt specifically lauded Deckard's accomplishments in track and field, highlighting his impressive speed and athleticism. Deckard took seven in the 100- and 200-meter races earlier this month.

"When you run 10.86 in the 100 meters and 21.97 in the 200, that's getting it," Hurt said.

With an influx of new players eager to contribute, the Zebras continue to attract a growing number of participants.

Hurt revealed, "We've had several kids that have said, 'Hey, we want to play football.' We had 87 kids that we ended the spring with, and that's an all-time high since I've been here. Of course, we want everybody to play who wants to play, so we've had some surprises come out this spring with some of those kids that we'd never seen play before.

"I think some of those kids might end up helping us on Friday night."

To further enhance the team's strength and conditioning, Claremore has invested significantly in its facilities.

The rubber gym has undergone a substantial transformation, with $2-3 million allocated to create a state-of-the-art training environment. Half of the facility will feature double-sided weight racks, accommodating 30 lifters at a time, while the other half will boast a 30x15-yard turf.

Additionally, the team has brought in a new strength and conditioning coach, Mark Dillon, who has an impressive background at esteemed universities such as the University of Oregon, the University of Arkansas, and Washington State University.

Dillon's expertise is expected to further elevate the team's performance.

"He's going to begin in June, so we're really excited about what that facility is going to do," Hurt said. "We're excited to have him, and it's gonna be phenomenal. It's gonna be a game changer."

As the Zebras prepare to embark on their upcoming high school football season, Hurt and his staff are eager to witness their team's growth and achievements on the field.

With a solid roster, a balanced approach and a supportive team dynamic, Claremore aims to make its mark in 2023, driven by a shared commitment to success and an unwavering dedication to the sport.

"We're really excited to see what we can produce in the fall," Hurt said.