Weatherford primed to make a state football run

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  • Senior Cam Patee looks to have a breakout season playing wide receiver and defensive back. Josh Burton/WDN
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It was not very long ago the 2020 high school football season was in question and yet, in 2 days, Weatherford begins its season.

Some schools began their season last week in Week 0 and Weatherford had two scrimmages, one against Altus and the other against Blanchard.

“It was really good to get out and play in some scrimmages,” coach Reagan Roof said. “Our kids have worked really hard this summer and it was good to see them compete against other teams. They were anxious to get out and play since we did not get to hardly do anything this spring. I was excited to see them compete as a coach.”

Expectations are high for Weatherford this season, coming off winning its district and getting to the Class 4A State Championship Game last season. Weatherford lost its quarterback from last season, Jaxon Ratterree.

Replacing Ratterree will be senior quarterback Gunnar Gaunt. Right behind Gaunt is Jacob Tucker and Roof said it helps when you have two solid quarterbacks.

“Gunnar knows the offense really well and is a good leader,” Roof said. “Jacob is competing well and is still learning. It is a good problem to have two guys I feel comfortable with who can execute the offense.”

Last season, Weatherford nearly won the state championship, but lost to Poteau 9-7. They beat Cushing, Sallisaw and Tuttle in its playoff run. They are expected by many to make a run again this season by many, but Roof said there still is work to be done before making another run at a state championship.

“A few things we need to get better at is doing the little things with more detail and getting into better shape,” Roof said. “The scrimmage against Blanchard was a little sloppy and sort of a wake-up call for us. We made some good plays and some bad plays and we have to work on the little things and be more disciplined. Getting kicked around like we did against Blanchard showed us we have some more work to do and will help us in the long run. Blanchard is a good team and it showed us we better get up and be ready to whoever is in front of us.”

Weatherford has 17 senior football players this year and they all have different roles in helping Weatherford be the best football team they possibly can be. The Eagles open up the season, 7 p.m. Friday at Kingfisher.

“I want to see us play hard and execute Friday,” Roof said. “Kingfisher is a good football team with great coaches and athletes. It will be tough and a good test to see where we are at.”