Published: September 03, 2008 11:05 pm            

Game time

Memorial opens season tonight against SaberCats

The Edmond Memorial football team won’t be fooled when they take the field in their season opener at Southmoore. The SaberCats may be the new kids on the block, but they’re anything but an inexperienced group.

“The thing is to not let them fool you with the opening of a new school, they have very seasoned staff and some very good talent,” Walker said. “They have a lot of good kids, they did well this summer and it’s not just some new school.”

The SaberCats experience starts at the top with head coach Chris Jensen. The former University of Oklahoma walk-on and Westmoore defensive coordinator brings a great deal of coaching experience to the new school, and has surrounded himself with a very knowledgeable staff.

The ‘Dogs were one of the top defensive teams last year, and are hoping to replicate that this fall. Things have gone smoothly for the unit this summer, and Walker believes they will be ready for a potent Southmoore offense.

The focal point of the SaberCat offense will be quarterback Kendal Thompson, the son of former OU great Charles Thompson. The sophomore has great speed and maturity for a young player.

The ‘Dogs will also have to worry about a gifted receiving corps that will often line up with four or five receivers. Deshawn Phillips, Derek Serowski and Julian Wilson, a state qualifier in the 200-meter dash last year, give Thompson some reliable targets downfield.

While the ‘Dogs defense has shined this offseason, their offense has been a work in progress. One of their most crucial areas will be the offensive line, which lost all five starters from a year ago, but has showed promise this summer.

“Defensively we’ve always done pretty well, the biggest thing I’ve seen in the scrimmages is we’re getting better offensively,” Walker said “Defense is easier to put together, but our offense is doing well, Blake Umberham is doing great and has shown decision making.”

Walker said he expects to see a very aggressive Southmoore defense that will run out of a base 3-3 stack scheme. The unit will be led by defensive lineman Cody Bivens, linebacker Tanner Hickey and Phillips in the secondary.

“They fly around and hit you in the mouth, and they’re going to be very well coached,” Walker said.

Memorial and Southmoore will get underway at 7:30 p.m. at Moore High School.

        

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