ENID —

It’s game on tonight for the Plainsmen football team when they head to Tulsa to battle Bishop Kelley High School in the season opener for both teams.  The game promises to be a tough early-season test for the Plainsmen with the Comets ranked sixth in Class 5A and expected to contend for a district title.

“They’re a good football team,” said Enid head coach Tommy Parker. “They’re very disciplined and run a power-type offense with two backs and a tight end. They are going to pound the ball at you. It will be interesting to how we respond. In 6A we usually see a more spread offense, not a power offense.”

Parker acknowledges the Plainsmen’s defense still is developing but is encouraged by what he has seen.

“We had a couple of breakdowns in our scrimmage (against Broken Arrow), but it’s nothing that can’t be fixed,” noted Parker. Those breakdowns were mostly communication issues as Broken Arrow surprised nearly everyone with a no-huddle offense and the stepped-up pace of lining up caught the Plainsmen flat-footed on a couple of occasions, something that is not likely to be an issue against Bishop Kelley.

But another week of practice has Parker believing his team is ready for the season-opener.

“It’s been going really well, Parker said. “The team has come a long way in the last week and a half. The kids seem pretty excited and are ready to get it going. You practice so long and the scrimmages are nice as a measuring stick but it’s nice to get into a game and a weekly routine.”

The team knows defense is going to be key and the coaches are looking for a trio of juniors, Carlos Bustillos, Stephen Hinkle and linebacker Trevor Hammer to step up.

The defense also will benefit from the speed of senior Jonathan Burton who was moved this season from MIKE to SAM linebacker. In fact, Burton sometimes is too fast according to Parker.

“He (Burton) is looking good,” noted Parker. “Sometimes he gets in too big of a hurry and overruns stuff but he has great recognition out there.”

As Parker notes, “scoring points is fun but if you can’t stop somebody it makes for a very long night.”

If the defense comes together, it could be a short, fun-filled night for the Plainsmen.

Player notes



Anyone who follows Plainsmen football knows Burton best for his offensive prowess. The senior backfield performer is coming off of a season that saw him rush for over 1,200 yards, catching the eye of several Division One college football teams. Reports are Burton is looking strong and elusive  carrying the ball and should continue to be a top threat for the Plainsmen.

Quarterback Alex Pat-terson has been steady in practice, throwing the ball with authority and in directing the offense. Patterson also will have a new downfield target in recent transfer Mitchell Foote who continues to impress the coaches with his receiving skills while Keandre Glasgow and Raymond Nazaro also have had an impressive preseason.

There is some concern on the offensive line, however, as Brock Enmeier will not be available for the Bishop Kelley contest due to a knee strain. Enmeier, who stands an imposing six-foot five and weighs in at over 300 pounds, is expected to be able to return to the lineup in time for the home opener Sept. 10 against Midwest City. In his absence, expect the Plainsmen to rotate Zac Gulick and Logan Miller on the offensive line with Bustillos expected to get some snaps as well.

Linebacker Colby Scott remains sidelined with a leg injury suffered over the summer but is expected to be back with the team soon.