COLCORD, Okla. -- The Colcord (Okla.) football coaches have had their eye on this group of Hornets for a while now.
Colcord, which went 7-4 a year ago, is buzzing about its prospects heading into the 2014 season, the collection of players on the roster is the reason why.
"We've known for a while this would be a good group," said third-year head coach Terrill Denny. "Since they were young, they've always been hard workers. Even when they were little guys, they were a fun group."
The little guys are now bigger, faster and stronger. The Hornets feel like they were a few plays away last season from being a nine- to 10-win team. Disappointing losses to Sallisaw Central (24-19) in the nondistrict season and District 8-2A losses at Salina (16-12) and against league champion Commerce (35-28) at home kept the Hornets from that mark.
"We were a game away from being district champions," Denny said. "We lose to Commerce by a touchdown in a game where we fumbled away one in the end zone. ... It didn't happen."
The Hornets are hoping for better fortunes this time around.
The Hornets will be multiple on offense, with the ability to go from a spread look on one play to a power running formation like the Wishbone the next.
Colcord returns senior quarterback Caleb Shawver (5-10, 185) after a very productive 2013 season. Shawver completed 130 of 230 passes for 2,165 yards, a single season school-record 26 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions. Shawver also rushed for 230 yards and scored four touchdowns.
"He played outstanding for a first-year starter," Denny said.
Shawver had an excellent offseason, according to his coach.
"He's so much quicker," Denny said. "We challenged him to reshape himself physically. He's about 185 pounds and he's chiseled.
Shawver should have plenty of targets to throw the ball to.
Junior tight end Caleb Crites (6-2, 205) was the Hornets' leading receiver a year ago with 27 receptions for 436 yards and six touchdowns.
Junior wideout Cash Hayes (5-8, 160) caught 25 passes for 368 yards and five touchdowns. Hayes can be a deep threat anytime the ball is in his hands, Deny said.
Senior Seth Chamberlain (5-10, 155) also had a productive season a year ago, catching 18 passes for 357 yards and four touchdowns. Chamberlain has "great hands and can go up and get the ball," according to his coach.
Junior wideout Lane Osburn (6-0, 190) and junior Jesse Copeland (6-0, 160) should also help the receiving corps.
"We want to be able to throw the ball efficiently," Denny said.
The Hornets should be in good shape with their running game as well.
Senior Brandon Harper (6-0, 190) is in his fourth year playing varsity football. He rushed for 750 yards a year ago and nine touchdowns. Harper was also the state runner-up in the 100 meter-dash and a state champion power lifter.
"He is a physical specimen," Denny said of Harper. "He's been clocked at 4.4 in the 40-yard dash at UCO camp."
Sophomore J.J. Potter (5-11, 165) has gotten bigger and stronger in the offseason after running for 202 yards as a freshman last year. He'll also see some time at running back along with his older brother, senior Tyler Potter (6-3, 245).
On the offensive line, the Hornets return a three-year starter at right guard in senior Keifer Mendham (5-10, 205).
Senior Will Farris (6-0, 180) moved to right guard mid-season a year ago after starting the year at wide receiver and catching 10 passes for 246 yards.
The Hornets have moved senior A.J. Haskins (5-11, 210) to center, while junior Chance Brown (5-11, 210) will be the left tackle.
The Hornets have a battle going at right tackle between junior Franklin Huff (6-0, 200) and senior Lucas Hawkinson (6-2, 200).
Mandan Shawver (5-10, 155) is listed as a receiver but can help on the offensive line if needed, said Denny, who will be personally coaching the offensive line.
Denny will also be calling the defense after Bud Simmons -- long time Colcord head coach and defensive coordinator/offensive line coach the last two years -- was hired as Colcord's new school superintendent.
"We hate to lose him as a coach, but we love having him in charge of our school district," Denny said of Simmons. "We've had 17 consecutive winning seasons at Colcord. Hopefully this year makes 18. That's a testament to Bud Simmons, Coach (Scott) Hamby, Coach (Henry) Janes and the kids."
Defensively, the Hornets will operate out of a 50 defense (5-man front).
"We want to hang our hat on defense," Denny said. "Our philosophy is to run to the football. We're trying to get as much speed don the field as we can, and we're going to run to the football and try and create turnovers."
Haskins will start at nose guard, with Tyler Potter on the strong side end and Crites on the weakside end.
Harper will start at Rhino -- or the strong side linebacker position -- along with Copeland.
"We're trying to put as much speed on the edge as possible," Denny said.
Senior Kelby Jones (5-10, 165) will play the Willie -- or weakside -- linebacker position.
Mendham plays Sam -- or another strong side -- linebacker spot.
Caleb Shawver will play the Mike -- middle -- linebacker.
Mandan Shawver provides depth at the inside linebacker spots, while Copeland can play both outside linebacker spots.
Hayes, J.J. Potter and Osburn will all rotate at cornerback.
Chamberlain, Farris, Osburn and Copeland could all see time at safety.
Hayes will handle the extra points, while J.J. Potter will kick off. Caleb Shawver will punt for the Hornets.
The Hornets open their season Sept. 5 at Afton, Okla., the first of four nonconference games this season.
The Hornets will play longtime rival Westville, Okla., on Sept. 12 and travel to former conference foe Commerce on Sept. 19.
The final nondistrict game will be against the Tahlequah (Okla.) Junior Varsity team, as Denny said Colcord had difficulties filling that final nonconference date. District 8-2A play begins Oct. 3 against Chouteau. The Hornets will have district home games against Kansas, Okla., Oct. 24 and Haskell, Okla., Nov. 7. Road games will be at perennial power Adair, Okla., on Oct. 10; at Hulbert, Okla., on Oct. 16 and at Salina, Okla., on Oct. 31.
Sports on 08/27/2014