WATTS, Okla. -- The Watts (Okla.) Engineers struggled through another football season in 2015, going 1-8 overall for their fifth consecutive losing season.
Since going 6-4 in the 2010 season, the Engineers have gone 7-41 over the last five seasons, a mark that includes some forfeit wins and forfeit losses due to lack of participation.
But with 25 players on hand, seven returning starters on both sides of the ball and a move to a new district, second-year Watts coach Matt Stilwell thinks the Engineers could turn the corner in 2016.
"We return nearly everybody," said Stilwell. "We'll have seven seniors and with those sophomores and juniors, every one of those guys got playing time last year. They got thrown into the fire last year, but I think it'll pay off for them this year."
Watts loses the District B-3 running back of the year from 2015 in Nilsson Magana to graduation. The fact that Magana's earning that award was an impressive feat according to Stilwell, because the district included Class B state champion Davenport.
Other than that, most everyone is back for 2016 including a couple of transfers from Siloam Springs and Kansas, Okla.
On offense, Stilwell will take over the offensive coordinator duties and the Engineers will move to a two-tight end, split-back gun set.
"Basically, it allows us to be more multiple (on offense)," Stilwell said. "We looked good running it during spring ball with those two new kids who transferred in."
A pair of seniors are battling for the starting quarterback job in Clayton Mitchell (6-foot-2, 170 pounds) and Cory Couch (5-10, 140).
Mitchell was thrown into the fire last season, while Couch has come on strong over the spring and summer.
"There should be a good quarterback competition there," Stilwell said.
Both players can contribute in other positions if they're not playing quarterback, with Mitchell manning a running back spot and Couch at wide receiver.
The Engineers' two transfers will both contribute at running back. Junior Danny Fernandez (6-2, 220) joined the team last winter after moving from Siloam Springs, while junior Blayn Harlin (5-10, 155) came from Kansas.
Fernandez is a power runner that is strong inside the tackles, while Blayn excels on the edge.
"They're a thunder and lightning duo that can give us different looks back there," Stilwell said.
At tight end, senior Joe Phifer (5-8, 140) appears to be fully recovered from injuries that have slowed him the last few years.
Senior Dillon Johnson (5-10, 180) is a consistent player at tight end, while juniors Adarain Adams (6-1, 175) and Anthony Kirk (5-9, 165) are both moving to tight end from the offensive line.
Senior Kyle Ault (5-10, 140) battled injuries last season but will contribute at tight end this year.
The Engineers' biggest struggles in 2015 came on the offensive line, Stilwell said. It's important the Engineers turn that around in 2016, he said.
"That's the key to the whole season," he said. "If we can't block, we can't win. That'll determine how good we are."
Sophomore center Blake Willis (5-8, 200) is inexperienced but makes up for it with effort.
"He's worked hard this summer and gotten stronger," Stilwell said.
Sophomore Brett Wright (5-8, 200) saw some playing time last year and will play at guard.
Another sophomore, Josh Farmer (6-0, 175) is expected to man the other guard spot.
"The younger kids are starting to buy in," Stilwell said. "That's a good sign."
Senior Clifton Williams (5-8, 170) and junior A.J. Tucker (5-8, 160) are starters on the defensive line but can provide depth on the offensive line.
Sophomores Zach Quick (6-1, 220) and Braxton Stanley (5-9, 175) also could see playing time on the offensive line.
"Quick is one of the biggest kids," Stilwell said. "If he can learn what he's supposed to be doing, he can help us."
Junior Brandon Poindexter (5-9, 180) also helps out on the offensive line, Stilwell said.
The Engineers will play a 4-3-1 defensive look with Williams and Tucker anchoring the defensive line.
Williams is in great shape, his coach said, while Tucker can "go all day."
"They're both very disruptive," Stilwell said. "It usually takes two players to block one of them. They are two scrappy kids that are quick. I'm really excited to see what they can do."
Helping out on the defensive line will be sophomore Jason Estep (5-8, 140), who is undersized but very scrappy, according to his coach.
Senior Brett Frazier (5-10, 175) and junior William Fewell (5-10, 185) man the defensive end positions. They are both good technique players who go hard every play, their coach said.
Fernandez will also contribute on the defensive line.
Zack Johnson (6-2, 170), a basketball player, was a late addition to the team and could help out at defensive end and tight end on offense.
Mitchell will man the middle linebacker position after playing there as a junior.
"He has a solid year as a junior," Stilwell said. "He was the team's defensive player of the year. He fits that middle linebacker spot well. He has a nose for the football."
Sophomore Dakota Brown (5-10, 170) could play some at middle linebacker. He battled injuries as a freshman and needs to stay healthy, his coach said.
The Engineers will play two outside linebackers or "bandits." Harlin and Phifer are the front runners for that position.
Couch will start at safety while athlete Brendon Garriot (6-1, 150) will play there as well. Garriot qualified for the state track meet in the 110-meter hurdles last spring.
The Engineers only have two freshman -- Jesse Guyll (5-10, 145) and Aaron Mitchell (5-8, 130). Guyll will play some running back and middle linebacker.
"He's a real good athlete," Stilwell said. "If he'll put in the work, by the time he graduates he'll be one of the better athletes to have come through here."
Mitchell, Clayton Mitchell's younger brother, will be the third-string quarterback and is an all-around good athlete, Stilwell said.
The Engineers are moving to District B-8 this season after spending the last several years in the rugged B-3. Watts was picked to finish last out of the six teams in the conference, which include Arkoma, Cave Springs, Porum, Keota and Gans. Keota, the 2015 state runner-up, was picked to win the league.
"We were picked sixth," Stilwell said. "Hopefully our kids have a chip on their shoulder and feel like they've got something to prove."
Watts opens the season at Welch on Sept. 2. They'll play at long-time rival Oaks on Sept. 16. Oaks has moved to District B-7.
Sports on 08/24/2016