East OKC area football notes: Choctaw’s Hunter Davis worth a look [The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City]

Aug. 27--Choctaw's Davis worth a look

Choctaw coach Bill Bays is still in the process of trying to turn the team around, but he has a great cornerstone to build on.

Senior Hunter Davis is one of the top recruits in the state and had a few offers before committing to Tulsa this summer.

Davis should dominate on the defensive line and will also see time at tight end. Davis won't be alone, as running back Aaron Fournier also returns for the Yellowjackets.

"We have a lot of good guys coming back," Davis said. "We feel we're going to surprise people."

Smith has Little Axe thinking positive

To say the last few months have been trying for Little Axe is an understatement. Whether it's been on the field or off, it certainly hasn't been dull.

Jason Wheeler was going to be in his first year as head coach but left in the summer to take a job in Texas.

Last year's coach, Tony Smith, who helped lead the team to its best year and first playoff appearance, stepped back into the trenches.

The program is also still trying to deal with the tornado that hit the area in May, but that hasn't broken their spirit.

"We're going to be out here every day and do what we always do," senior leader Robby Dryden said.

Nichols back for Bethel

After some recent success, including its first playoff appearance, last year was a step backward for Bethel football.

The program has made several changes. Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Famer Eddie Paul is taking over as head coach, while Kevin Nichols is going to be coaching the quarterbacks.

Nichols led the Wildcats to the playoffs in 2007.

"Eddie asked me, and it was too good of an opportunity to pass up," Nichols said.

CHA's Blair a force

Christian Heritage Academy was a game away from the playoffs in 2009, and the Crusaders haven't forgotten that. After an 0-3 start, CHA closed out at 5-5.

Anchoring John Merrell's team will be senior linebacker Josh Blair. As a junior, Blair had 113 tackles and three sacks.

"This will be his third year to start for us at linebacker," Merrell said. "And he's bigger and stronger than he's ever been. He's over 215 now. He just has tremendous desire to be a good football player and he's only gotten better and better every year."

Tuggle pacing Harrah

The improvement of Harrah football has been evident under coach Greg Willis. The Panthers have gradually worked their way up and were 5-5 last season in Class 5A.

Now that Harrah has dropped to 4A, expectations are even higher. One big reason is the return of running back Trey Tuggle.

Tuggle rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns last year.

Junior wide receiver Jake Queen should also play a much bigger role this season.

Tecumseh relying on Fowler

Nobody thought Tecumseh was going to win eight games last year, but Greg George's kids pulled out some close games and gained confidence throughout the year.

Quarterback Kyle Fowler grew up as well. The only thing Fowler could be accused of is trying too hard.

To go with his 10 passing touchdowns, he also had 15 interceptions. He was the team's top rusher as well, amassing more than 800 yards on the ground and adding 12 more touchdowns.

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