There won’t be many ‘lounge’ weeks for Prague’s football squad during the 2008 campaign.
Coming off a 2007 state semifinalist appearance, Prague head coach Charles Atchison probably grimaces when scanning his 2008 schedule.
Gone from Prague’s non-district slate are Sperry, Meeker and Stroud. Added are Jones, Davis and Bethany. Jones is expected to be very capable, Bethany was a Class 2A semifinalist last year (before moving to 3A) and Davis possesses one of the most tradition-laden programs in the state.
Then there’s District 2A-5, which includes Prague, state quarterfinalists Chandler and Henryetta and playoff participants Eufaula and Morris.
“I think we will have the toughest 2A schedule in the state with the additions of the three non-district opponents,” Atchison said. “I know 2A-5 is the toughest district in the state. There’s no question about that.”
Before anyone starts shedding crocodile tears for Atchison and his coaching staff, consider Prague’s outlook. Seven starters return on both the offensive and defensive sides for a squad that went 10-4.
The Red Devils recorded playoff victories over Eufaula, Pawhuska and Hennessey before losing in the semifinals to Tulsa Cascia Hall. Cascia Hall went on to claim the state championship.
Prague will play second-fiddle to few teams in regards to its quarterback situation.
In senior Dakota Harris, Atchison has one of the top prep signal-callers in the state.
Harris, who rushed for 1,670 yards and passed for 2,311 last year as a junior, is receiving a lot of recruiting attention.
“Oklahoma State, Tulsa, Navy, Iowa State and Missouri Southern have talked to him,” Atchison said. “Tulsa seemed very interested.
“He’s going to go play college ball somewhere. It just depends on where it will be. He’s had a really good summer and has gone to a lot of camps. He has worked hard in the weight room.”
Atchison said another Red Devil, junior Denton Simek, is also going to be high on future recruiting lists.
“Denton is probably going to be one of the state’s top line prospects the next few years,” Atchison said. “He is 6-6 and weighs 265 pounds. He really has a chance to be big time.”
Simek will be seeing double duty for the Red Devils — at defensive tackle and offensive right tackle.
Atchison said his squad will participate in a three-week speed and development training camp beginning July 14. The first day of practice is Aug. 12.
Prague’s scrimmages will be Aug. 22 at Bristow and Aug. 29 against visiting Luther. The Red Devils will then embark on their arduous regular-season schedule.
“We just don’t have any off weeks on this schedule,” Atchison said.
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There won’t be many ‘lounge’ weeks for Prague’s football squad during the 2008 campaign.
Coming off a 2007 state semifinalist appearance, Prague head coach Charles Atchison probably grimaces when scanning his 2008 schedule.
Gone from Prague’s non-district slate are Sperry, Meeker and Stroud. Added are Jones, Davis and Bethany. Jones is expected to be very capable, Bethany was a Class 2A semifinalist last year (before moving to 3A) and Davis possesses one of the most tradition-laden programs in the state.
Then there’s District 2A-5, which includes Prague, state quarterfinalists Chandler and Henryetta and playoff participants Eufaula and Morris.
“I think we will have the toughest 2A schedule in the state with the additions of the three non-district opponents,” Atchison said. “I know 2A-5 is the toughest district in the state. There’s no question about that.”
Before anyone starts shedding crocodile tears for Atchison and his coaching staff, consider Prague’s outlook. Seven starters return on both the offensive and defensive sides for a squad that went 10-4.
The Red Devils recorded playoff victories over Eufaula, Pawhuska and Hennessey before losing in the semifinals to Tulsa Cascia Hall. Cascia Hall went on to claim the state championship.
Prague will play second-fiddle to few teams in regards to its quarterback situation.
In senior Dakota Harris, Atchison has one of the top prep signal-callers in the state.
Harris, who rushed for 1,670 yards and passed for 2,311 last year as a junior, is receiving a lot of recruiting attention.
“Oklahoma State, Tulsa, Navy, Iowa State and Missouri Southern have talked to him,” Atchison said. “Tulsa seemed very interested.
“He’s going to go play college ball somewhere. It just depends on where it will be. He’s had a really good summer and has gone to a lot of camps. He has worked hard in the weight room.”
Atchison said another Red Devil, junior Denton Simek, is also going to be high on future recruiting lists.
“Denton is probably going to be one of the state’s top line prospects the next few years,” Atchison said. “He is 6-6 and weighs 265 pounds. He really has a chance to be big time.”
Simek will be seeing double duty for the Red Devils — at defensive tackle and offensive right tackle.
Atchison said his squad will participate in a three-week speed and development training camp beginning July 14. The first day of practice is Aug. 12.
Prague’s scrimmages will be Aug. 22 at Bristow and Aug. 29 against visiting Luther. The Red Devils will then embark on their arduous regular-season schedule.
“We just don’t have any off weeks on this schedule,” Atchison said.
