Rylee Scavo didn’t come up through the school system ranks at Sallisaw like most players, but he hasn’t let that keep him from making a name for himself as a Black Diamond. His football career started in the first grade at K-8 Brushy Mountain school before he came to Sallisaw.

“The change of going from eight-man to 11-man football was big at first, but once I played a few games it was all right,” said the Black Diamond senior.

Becoming an integral part of the team has meant a lot of hard work over the last four years but Rylee has done what it takes according to his coach Randon Lowe.

“Over the years he’s worked himself into a really good player because he has the will to be better,” said Lowe. “He has come in every day this summer and he really attacks workouts and the weight room.”

Over the years, Scavo has played a number of positions on offense including quarterback which he played at Brushy Mountain and his freshman year at Sallisaw before moving to wide receiver while on defense his home has been at linebacker. But unlike a lot of two-way players, Rylee says he enjoys playing offense better than defense “because I like catching touchdowns.”. Last season he grabbed 40 passes for 675 yards and six touchdowns while on defense he recorded 77 tackles with four fumble recoveries. Moving into his senior season as a four-year starter, Scavo will take on the additional task of being a team leader which Lowe says will work out fine.

“He’s really a natural-born leader. He’s kind of the team clown but in a good way and that makes the kids gravitate towards him even more,” said Lowe.

“I do like to joke around a lot,” admitted Rylee, “but as a leader I don’t talk a lot because I think a good leader is someone who leads by example.”

One of those that he sets the example for is his little brother who also plays and a father that is his role model and who is always pushing the boys to do better according to Rylee. As far as the upcoming 2021 season is concerned, Scavo is cautiously optimistic.

“I know we had a lot of people in big spots that graduated but I think we’ll be all right.”