AFTON EAGLES

Coach: COREY HENRY

Last 8 Years:

2021 – 1-9

2020 – 4-5

2019 – 4-6

2018 – 1-9

2017 – 14-0

2016 – 12-1

2015 – 5-6

2014 – 9-3

OFFENSE

At the start of last season Afton coach Corey Henry acknowledged the youth and inexperience of his team and the steep learning curve they would have, and their record reflected that. But now a year later those youngsters have gained a year of experience and things look a lot rosier for the Eagles. “We look to be greatly improved this season, “said Henry. “The experience gained last season will aide us in understanding the game better and being more competitive.” Though they are still relatively young with just one senior in the five returning starters, they have good experience in some of the skill positions such as quarterback where Tatum Ford (5-11, 170, Jr.) will be back for his second full season calling the signals. He’ll throw once again to one of the team leaders J.J. Miller (6-2,180, Jr.). “J.J. is a great kid and makes coaching enjoyable,” said Henry. “He’s worked hard over his career to get better each day. He attends several summer camps to improve himself and he’s a great role model to our younger players.” Also on the receiving end of passes will be Landon Ford (5-11, 170, Jr.). There’s also good experience in the trenches with the return of powerful big men Collin Keith (6-0, 235, Jr.) and Dusty Saylor (5-10, 255, Sr.). The Eagles will run a balanced attack out of the spread. “We look to utilize our height and understanding of finding weaknesses in a defense,” said Henry. 

DEFENSE

Running an aggressive 4-3 defense, Afton will employ the same five returners on defense with the Ford boys in the secondary, Miller at linebacker and Keith and Saylor on the defensive line. Although the Eagles will move from District A-5 to A-7 this year there won’t be too many changes with most of the same teams following them with the exception of Oklahoma Union and Pawhuska who will be replaced by Hulbert and Colcord. The Eagles will continue a scheduling experiment this year that started last year to fill an empty spot in the schedule in which they play arch-rival Fairland twice-once as a district game and once as a non-district game. Three of Afton’s first four games will be at home which should help build some confidence.

Schedule:

9-1 – vs. Fairland

9-9 – at Columbus, Ks.

9-16 – vs. Baxter Springs, Ks.

9-23 – vs. Ketchum

9-30 – at Wyandotte

10-7 – vs. Hulbert 

10-13 – at Quapaw

10-21 – vs. Commerce

10-28 – at Fairland

11-4 – at Colcord