Sat, Nov 22 2008
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Published September 03, 2008 11:40 pm - No talk of 0-10 as FGHS looks ahead, up By Kenton Brooks Phoenix Sports Writer Coach Jeff Taylor and his Fort Gibson High School football coaching staff have literally wiped the slate clean going into the 2008 season. No one mentions the winless season of 2007, not even a whisper. “We talk about what we’ve done to get to this point,” Taylor said. “We don’t put any negatives out there.” And Taylor hasn’t seen very many negatives from his players as they get ready for the 7:30 p.m. season opener on Friday at Sequoyah. He’s especially pleased with the leadership of his 12 seniors. “That’s a plus for us,” Taylor said. “A lot of times the practice goes into a lull and our seniors will step in and get the rest of the team fired up. We don’t have to do all the little dirty work. That’s a change for me from last year and even the year before.” With leadership, the Tigers are exhibiting an enthusiasm this season that Taylor hasn’t seen much of from previous teams. “They have more of a want-to than in the past,” he said. “It’s a new year. We have a couple of new coaches in and we’ve changed a few things in practice and the way we practice. We are demanding more out of them. I’ve seen the effort on offense and defense.” The offense will be led by Taylor Richey, a 6-foot, 180-pound senior getting the nod as starting quarterback this season. But Drew Arnold (6-1, 175, sophomore) isn’t that far behind. “In all of the practices, scrimmages and everything else, I think (Taylor) is the better of the two right now,” Taylor said. “Drew will probably come in and play some. Both will get some playing time, but we’ll start off with Taylor because of his experience.” Richey threw for 752 yards and two touchdowns as a junior. If an experienced quarterback wasn’t enough, the Tigers also are strong at the skill positions with Clay Baker (5-6, 150) at tailback, but Courtney Gaston (6-4, 210) along with Ben Barker (5-10, 160) and Jesse Short (5-10, 160) are expected to get some carries. Kyle Ashley (5-10, 215) and Jeremy Coltharp (5-10, 200) are lining up at fullback. Quinn Norman leads the defense at end. Barker, Coltharp and Hunter Goodwin are other players who will shape the Tigers’ defense. 
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