WAYNOKA — Waynoka will be relying on youth to try to end a string of back-to-back losing seasons (3-7 in 2005 and 2006).
The Railroaders return 10 players with starting experience, only three of whom are seniors — quarterback John Nickelson, Shawn Selvey, a 170-pound offensive lineman and defensive end and Eric Ross, a 140-pound back.
“A lot of young players got valuable playing time for us last year,’’ said Waynoka coach Scott Kysar.
Kysar said the Railroaders have a promising group of freshmen.
The three wins included a victory over South Coffeyville, which reached the second round of the playoffs.
Tradition is on the side of the Railroaders, too. The last time Waynoka had back-to-back losing seasons was in 1973-74.
Nickelson gives the Railroaders a strong passer and runner at quarterback.
He rushed for 411 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. He threw for 527 yards and four touchdowns. The Rails averaged 24.7 points per game.
Nickelson is the team’s leading returning tackler with 113 stops.
Sophomore Arther Ibarra had a strong freshman season at running back, rushing for 651 yards and seven touchdowns. He averaged 4.97 yards per carry.
