Rougher Football 2008

B2b2b...no it's not a text message on the cell phone but after back-to-back-to-back seasons of advancing to the class 6A state semifinals, some football fans may think the Muskogee Roughers time has passed for claiming the big gold ball. True, the 2008 Roughers have key positions to fill after graduation losses again sent a squad of seniors to the next level. The cupboard has been filled again as the high school season unfolds. And, perhaps that's why Muskogee head coach Matt Hennesy, who enters his third season with a 19-7 record, smiles quietly. "A lot of people think we're going to be down...you got to remember we STILL believe there's nobody tougher than a Rougher." The '08 roster at Muskogee returns talented athletes even though many aren't as well publicized at recent graduates like Jameel Owens and Stacy McGee. The Roughers return a total of 12 starters with six on each side of the ball. Perhaps the most noteable experience is on defense where the "Legion of Doom" will look for leadership from senior Erik Howell at linebacker. A 2-year starter, Howell (6-2, 240) led Class 6A tackle charts (176) a season ago. A repeat performance from Howell will require a solid defensive front line where the Roughers have size and speed once again. A pair of seniors, Robert Thomas (6-2, 311) at noseguard, whose name is on many Division I recruiting lists, and Matt Messer (6-1, 240) give opposing offensive coordinators cause for concern. Thomas, a two-year starter, proved his strength and agility with a 511-pound bench press while running a 4.9 during the spring and will again demand double team attention. Add the talents of juniors Ryan Lester (6-1, 240) and Quincy Mondaine (6-3, 220) and the Roughers will be stout on the defensive front. Muskogee's defensive secondary has lockdown ability with speedsters Vernon Scott and Brenton Bogar on the corner plus a pair of hard-hitting safeties, Nico Cubit (6-0 180) at strong safety and Jordan Brown (5-11 195) at free safety will have opposing receivers cautiously awaiting the collision. Offensively, Muskogee always has speed in the backfield and 2008 will return a pair of running backs that can take it to the house. Vernon Scott, who missed most of last season with a knee injury is healthy and ready to run. Brenton Bogar gives the Muskogee offense a double barrel shotgun attack as both possess sub 4.4 speed. Sophomore quarterback Archie Bradley (6-4 180) has all the tools to become the field general of the multiple gun offense. Bradley will have a covey of receivers to throw to, each one with big play abilities even though their names aren't household words in the Rougher nation...yet. Seniors Angelo Shipp and Cole Chapman along with juniors David Brice and Mitch Stevenson can be game breakers. While previous seasons have spotlighted playmakers such a Rell Lewis, Trae Cook and Jameel Owens, the 2008 Rougher offensive spotlight will be up front where the Roughers F-5, Forgotten Five, will be remembered by opponents each week in 2008 . Jeremy Burton (6-4 285, Jr), whose older brother Derek plays at OSU, is quietly making his own footprint for the Roughers as a three-year starter. Miles Flusche and Kyle Baker return at center and guard, and the addition of Trevor Renfrow has Muskogee coaches very optimistic. The talented front line will give the Roughers the talents to be a balanced offense always capable of big plays that can decide the outcome of the game. Speaking of games, no one can argue with the Roughers strength of schedule in 2008. The first three games will again match Muskogee against a trio of class 6A's top-5 ranked opponents. Owasso, Norman North and Union will certainly let the Roughers know where they stand entering 6A District 3 play where two other top 10 teams, Broken Arrow and Jenks lie ahead. Not to be looking ahead but Halloween night will be a real trick or treat for high school football fans when the Roughers host defending state champion Jenks at Indian Bowl. After three consecutive state semifinal appearances, the message this year's Roughers look to deliver is Sn8...State in '08. Can you hear me now?