Looking ahead to 2010 Guthrie Football

Its never to early to look ahead to the 2010 Guthrie football season, the Monday after the 2009 season, and the Jays will be in the mix for another deep run in the playoffs.

Offensively, Guthrie returns a solid nucleus something that was not the case for the 2009 season with seven starters. Bryan Dutton, Kentrell Brothers, both running backs Derrick Kelly and Alphonso Wilcox, and three offensive linemen that have playoff experience, but return four with experience.

The Dutton/Brothers show will be entertaining to watch with a year together that saw 1,122 yards and 12 scores between them.

Devonte McCully comes back to the wide receiver spot, but the Jays will have to find some receivers. Richard Brothers, sophomore to be and younger brother of Kentrell, you assume may fit into that role. John Clark and Luke Davis have proven they can play multiple spots and receiver being one of them.

Special teams will be aided by Davis in the kick and punt return game. Guthrie will have to find a kicker and punter with the graduation of Zach Olsen and Hank Hudson. Snapper, Hayden Seifert returns for his junior campaign.

Moving to the defensive side of the ball, Guthrie will have to find 145 tackles that Jaden Chappell leaves behind along with Brady Blanchard, but Landry Chappell returns to the middle of the defense and Clark's production will be increased.

The front four will have to be replace up the middle, but the book ends return with Felix Scott and Kentrell.

The Jays will have to find two new corner backs, but return Luke Davis and Marcus Ware to the secondary, who will bring experience with both each playing in three playoff games.

The secondary will be challenged in the non district portion of the schedule with Enid and Ponca City's ability to throw the ball. The defensive line will be challenged by Duncan's run game in week one, but the schedule sits up nicely to find out where the Jays stand heading into district play.

Ada, Noble, Carl Albert, El Reno, Western Heights, Southeast, and Deer Creek join Guthrie in the new 5A-1. Guthrie will be challenged by Carl Albert for the district title. Deer Creek, Ada, and Noble will fight for two other playoff slots.