VELMA-ALMA COMETS
Coach: RANDY NORTON
13-2
OFFENSE
The journey between 8-man and 11-man continues for the Velma-Alma Comets and head coach Randy Norton. “Coming off a great season, finishing as Class B state runner-up. Moving back to 11-man in class A-II. 11-man will be new for all of our players,” said Norton. With four starters returning on offense, the Comets will need to find guys to fill several holes on the offensive line. One player making his return is Slade Strickland (6-0, 180, Jr.) who will play multiple positions this season. Strickland may start at quarterback or running back. Last season he threw for 3,006 yards and 41 TDs with 1,614 yards rushing on 168 carries with 20 TDs. Mikey Griffith (6-1, 200, Sr.) is another athletic playmaker on offense. Griffith could split time with Strickland at QB and RB. The Comets want a physical run game and a quick pass game. Running backs Talon Quick (6-1, 200, Sr.) and Kole Pierce (5-10, 165, Jr.) bring plenty of power and speed to the RB position. The passing game will feature Conner Akers (5-9, 185, Jr.) and Jace Riley (6-0, 180, Sr.) at wide receiver.
DEFENSE
The Comet defense returns four starters including Brodric Spigner (6-1, 225, Sr.) at linebacker. Spigner is quick enough to play defensive end where his explosiveness off the ball causes problems for opposing quarterbacks. Joining Spigner at linebacker is Ryker Sanner (5-11, 185, Jr.), another quick backer who can run down ball carriers and drop into coverage. Griffith and Quick will see time at linebacker as well. Landon Richardson (6-0, 235, Sr.) will be the physical presence up front for the Comets defense. Richardson’s push up front will allow those linebackers to attack the line of scrimmage and stuff plays before they start. Strickland will play safety while Pierce, Akers, and Riley will play CB or S. The coaching staff includes Rusty Burton, Ben Justus, Jake McGuire, Creede Wright, and Kenney Spigner.
9-6 – at Cashion
9-13 – at Wewoka
9-20 – vs. Walters
9-27 – vs. Rush Springs
10-4 – at Ringling
10-10 – vs. Wayne
10-17 – at Konawa
10-25 – at Healdton
11-1 – vs. Wilson
11-8 – vs. Elmore City-Pernell
