Matt Tillson
The Duncan Banner
MARLOW —
New Marlow Outlaw head coach Jeremy Gage said that he will be looking for his 17 seniors to be providing leadership and experience this football season.
“We have been really proud of our seniors and all they have been doing,” Gage said. “They have been working hard and playing with a chip on their shoulder this year.”
Part of the reason the Outlaws may have a chip on their shoulders is that they finished 3-7 last season and are ranked at the bottom of Class 3A heading into the 2010 campaign.
“We are ranked dead last in 3A this year and we are looked at as the underdog,” Gage said. “I think that is a great motivator for our kids because we play better as the underdog team.
“Our main goal is to make the playoffs. That is what we are working on and that is what we want to achieve.”
Moving to the role of head coach brings its own challenges, but Gage remains optimistic.
“We have a great group of kids this year,” Gage said. “They are a talented bunch and very athletic. I think it will be a very good year for Marlow football.”
The Outlaws will be looking to fill some holes left by seven starters from last season’s graduating class. Gage said that the holes were not as difficult to fill as originally thought given the size and dedication from the senior class this year.
“We have a bunch of seniors this year that knew that they had to step up and fill the roles that we needed them to fill,” Gage said. “That speaks a lot for each of these kid’s character and the type of season that they want to have.”
A few of those seniors that Gage is looking forward to watching play are Holden Davis, Ethan Elroy, Tanner Southerland, Ethan Fullerton, Cody Brown, Kody Harvey, Dakota White, and John McLearen.
Marlow has been working hard in practice and during their scrimmages, and Gage said he is looking forward to opening up the season on Sept. 3 at home against Lone Grove.
“It will be a good game and we are ready to get the season started,” Gage said. “They beat us by a touchdown last year so we would like to get that back and beat them.”
— Matt Tillson is a reporter for the Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354 Ext. 143 or via e-mail at matt.tillson@duncanbanner.com.
