Adds Venters: “The past couple of years, our biggest downfall is that we talk about each other too negative. It was the kind of thing that would spread around and really, even we’d end up part of it.

“Brenton and I said to each other that we were going to set a new trend. We were going to lift each other up. We’re not going to tell others to get off the field. We’re not so deep that we can afford to lose anyone. We’re going to be encouragers.”

Bogar’s backfield potential was already noticeable, just not seen as often due to the injury factors. Harris saw on film the potential for Venters.

“He runs hard, he’s got some pretty soft hands, it’s great that we can insert a kid like him because they both start on defense,” Harris said. “He’s had a really good spring, he’s intelligent and he really wants to please you.

“Having them both there give us two different styles.”

Thunder and Lightning were nicknames attributed to former New York Giants running backs Ron Dayne, a power-style running back and Kiki Barber, seen as more of a speed back.

Bogar will return in the secondary at cornerback. He had 55 tackles, broke up 12 passes and had two interceptions. Venters moves to the middle from the outside at linebacker. He had 121 tackles, 12 for losses and three sacks.

“It’s no secret what Bogar brings to us in terms of speed,” MHS defensive coordinator David Heath said. “He’s got lockdown ability on coverage which gives us the opportunity to do a lot in terms of blitzing.

“I hate to put pressure on Eddie but I think he’ll be one of the best linebackers to come out of here when it’s all said and done. He’s always been the type of kid who has had something to prove. Everyone has pretty much doubted him throughout his career that he might not be the guy. I wouldn’t have put him in that position if I thought that way.

“He’s matured into a leader. He’s a captain. They’re both example-setters and vocal.”

Venters shrugs at the kind words.

“I mean, they’ve been saying good stuff but they won’t go too far with it,” he said. “They try to keep us humble, and they should because that’s the coaches’ jobs.

“To me, the way we know whether we’ve done a good job is by the way we’re moving the ball.”

During Saturday’s Green Country Team Camp at Indian Bowl, in three 40-minute game-simulated scrimmages, the Roughers totaled 102 points — an average of 34 per game highlighted by a 49-point output against Sequoyah. Bogar had five touchdowns.

Sequoyah may not be Jenks, but they’re the same color and June is a pretty good start for August.