EUFAULA IRONHEADS

Coach: LARRY NEWTON JR.

Last 7 Years:
2020 – 10-3

2019 – 10-2

2018 – 10-3

2017 – 6-5

2016 – 8-4

2015 – 3-8

2014 – 9-3

OFFENSE

After a faltering 0-2 start, the Ironheads ran the table all the way to the Class 2A quarterfinals last year and, though there are some holes to fill, scoring points should be a strength for Eufaula with two of perhaps the best skilled players in the class returning. Start off with wide receiver Khelil Deere (5-11, 175, Sr.), a VYPE Top 100 pick who had 53 catches for 1,110 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. “Khelil has some really good ball skills which is getting him some DI looks (including an offer from Tulsa),” said head coach Larry Newton Jr. “One DI coach said he might be the best football skilled player in the state this year. He’s got great hands and speed and exceptional character. He comes in every day and gives me a hug and asks how my day is going.” And Deere will again have quarterback Luke Adcock (6-4, 210, Jr.) throwing him the pigskin. The rangy Adcock last season threw for 2168 yards and 22 TDs with a nifty 64 percent completion percentage. Not only is he athletically gifted but also a quick learner says Newton. “He moved in last summer but because of Covid there were no workouts so he didn’t even learn our offense until the season started and had a phenomenal sophomore year.” There are three stalwarts returning to the O-line for the Ironheads in Eden Gray (6-0, 225, Sr.) at center, Ty Dodd (6-4, 305, Sr.) at guard and Johnny Burton (6-3, 245, Sr.) at tackle. The big hole to fill on offense will be replacing Noah Alexander at running back and that task will apparently fall to Ontario Ellen (6-0, 190, Jr.) who Newton has high hopes for.

DEFENSE

This will be the side of the ball that will be need the most help according to Newton.

“We’ve got some big holes to fill here. We graduated both inside linebackers that led the state in tackles last year and one was a four-year starter.” But the Ironheads do have eight starters back on defense so the cupboard is far from bare. Ellen and Burton will be an imposing pair on the defensive line while Adcock and Kaden Bumgarner (5-11, 170, Jr.) will team up at two of the linebacker spots. Deere and Tyler Lee (6-1, 180, Sr.) will be in charge of locking down would-be receivers in the secondary. Last year the Ironheads gave up an average of just 16 points a game after the first two losses and despite the graduation holes, Newton feels the defense is capable of holding its own. “We are an attacking style defense that will continue to have a three-and-out mentality.”

Schedule:

9-3 – vs. Vian

9-17 – vs. Checotah

9-24 – at Hartshorne

10-1 – at Hugo

10-8 – vs. Atoka

10-14 – at Wilburton

10-22 – vs. Idabel

10-29 – at Valliant

11-5 – vs. Antlers