August 30, 2019 Issue, Page 17 of 22

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Friday, August 30, 2019 The Elk City News, Elk City, Oklahoma Page 7, Section B Oiler defense will rely on athleticism Drake Carnes will be counted on to be a By Don Munsch, Editor kids, but not like we were Carnes and Kaden Tahse- as being a work in progress special weapon in the Every football season re- last year. That just gives us quah. The free safety will be before the team’s scrim- Merritt offense this quires coaches to figure out a better chance to stop the Hagen Justus, Zack Carr will season. Staff photo by how to build a roster and run.” be weakside safety and as far mages against Fairview and name starting units based on The Oilers will base out of as the third safety, Richard- Minco. “We're going to be Don Munsch players’ strengths. the 4-2-5 scheme. son — at the time of the inter- a mix of some experience & The Merritt Oilers are like Along the defensive front, view — said he was not sure every other team in that re- Brock Floyd will play end, who that player would be, as and really inexperience,” he gard, Colt Quisenberry will play he was still trying to find that said, giving a general out- “We've got have athletic tackle, Nathan Willis will third player. The two corners look about the team, which kids that get to the ball,” will play tackle and Trev- will be Tyson Rose and Coy head coach Barret Richard- er Fowler will play end. Carnes. he said would be competi- son said. “We have some big Linebackers will be Drake He described the defense tive. Anthony Arizpe Cody Vaught #34 Cudd Odis Crane 723 S. Merritt Rd. == 1600 S. Merritt Rd. Player to watch: Drake Carnes 580-225-6922 580-225-5010 Carnes to use : Matt Cook #28 speed for Oilers By Don Munsch, Editor A&C Pools & Spa Simon’s Catch Merritt running back, full- Carnes, a junior, said if his blockers do their jobs, 909 N. Main 1-40 exit 34 back and linebacker Drake Carnes possesses a skill that he can be successful. He’s learned a lot about how the a MERRITT 580-225-6634 580-225-8400 can make him valuable on both sides of the ball: speed. play the position, including Merritt head coach Bar- from the player who had this ret Richardson likes the dy- position last year. namic that Carnes can bring River Britton ¢ Manny Castro to the offense. “T’m pretty good at read- ing blocks,” Carnes said, “He’s somebody that can #20 #55 stretch the field and make noting one area where he people be on their heels and flourishes. be ready for him — they’re And of course, speed al- Endurance United Country going to be looking for him,” ways is a commodity of de- 105 Regional Dr. 521 W. 3rd St. Richardson said. “That just helps helps everybody else fense, as linebackers can use around him — the other backs their speed to chase running i t 580-225-2690 580-225-3699 that are in different sets. backs and quarterbacks and It helps the passing game, for pass coverage purposes. it helps the run game, the Carnes hopes to play foot- Good Luck Oilers! quarterback. They can’t just ball in college, and wants to key on one guy. If they try to key in him, then that allows attend Oklahoma State Uni- other guys to have some suc- versity. He also participates cess.” in track as a sprinter. In football, you win as a group, you lose ds a group; you divide the Gianluigi Buffon Winning isn't everything. Remember to enjoy the season and have fun! Go Big Elks and Oilers! ‘) Haines Wrecker Service Licensed and Insured 7 & Equipment, LLC | 580-225-5010 ~ 580-225-419 2623 West Broadway ¢ Elk City 1600 S. Merritt Rd, Elk City: www.haineswrecker.com