Published: May 16, 2008 02:44 am            

Late win boosts Antlers confidence

The Deer Creek football team experienced several highs and lows during the 2007 season — a 2-0 start followed by losses in five of its next seven games — but it was the final game, a 50-20 blowout win over No. 7-ranked Mannford, that set the tone for the offseason.

“Winning game 10 against Mannford, they were a really good football team, but it really convinced our guys we can be a really good football team. And most of those guys are back, and that’s encouraging,” new head coach Grant Gower, who replaces Denton Fox after serving as the offensive coordinator last season.

The Antlers have 87 players out for spring football drills, including a very talented senior class that is getting some attention from college recruiters.

At the top of the list is Dax Dilbeck, who is entering his fourth year at quarterback, and tight end/defensive end Zach Trujillo.

“There’s Dax, Zach Trujillo, Jantz Haan, Adam Byrd, and a couple of our linebackers Casey Edgeman and Cade Draper. Dax is probably the highlight of most people coming in but the good thing is there’s Trujillo with his 6-6 frame, guys show up and they just lick their chops over that,” Gower said.

“Haan is about 6-4, 280, and he’s moving his feet really well. These kids are getting some interest, coaches have been coming in here quite a bit. Emporia State, who signed Austin Benda, their coaches were here yesterday.”

Deer Creek will be entering its first year of 5A competition this coming fall, where Gower said the biggest difference will be team speed, an area the Antlers have made great improvements in.

“We’ve got faster,” Gower said. “Coach Smith and Coach Laverty have done a great job with these guys in their workouts. Coach Laverty will be running a speed training program over the summer. There are two areas that are tougher in 5A than 4A. In our district last season, there haven’t been too many weeks that were easy, but its even tougher in 5A, and then the speed level of the game.”

After spring drills wrap up, the Antlers will have their padded camp at the end of May, followed Antler Pride, where the team will work out four days a week, which will run through the summer. They will also be participating in 7-on-7 passing league at Santa Fe, as well as the Oklahoma Showdown 7-on-7 in July.

Deer Creek will start the 2008 season with a scrimmage on August 22, at home versus Putnam City West, followed by a scrimmage at Tecumseh the following week.

        

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