A look back at the Jays in week one

For the Guthrie BlueJay football team last Friday could not have been drawn out any better than the way it turned it out.

Not only did the team have a day off from school, in which coaches really prefer their student-athlete’s to be in school on game day to simply stay in the routine, had a nice spread at the Stables Cafe for lunch, and capped off the day with a fine performance against a good Duncan team with a 25-0 win.

Dutton to Brothers, again

Bryan Dutton and Kentrell Brothers picked up where they left off a season ago by hooking up with 54 and 50-yard touchdown receptions. A season ago, the two connected 12 times for scores.

Both were impressive. Brothers four catches, three touchdowns, and 172 yards. Dutton was 12-of-13 passing for 203 yards. The lone incompletion was intentional as he was unable to find a receiver and simply threw it out-of-bounds to avoid a loss on the play.

Offensive line in control

Entering the game, everyone was raving about the Demons offensive line (and deserving so), but the Jays front five stole the show.

Blake Belcher, Hayden Seifert, Cooper Davis, Malachi Galbraith, and Bryce Sullivan created holes all evening for running back Alphonso Wilcots, who gathered 103 yards rushing, and gave Dutton all the time he needed to survey the field and find open receivers.

The front five may be the most impressive looking group in the past 10 seasons with size, muscle, and speed. The next line of achievement for the group is consistency as the season moves on.

Running game returns for the Jays

Wilcots showed BlueJay fans what Edmond North fans got to see a few seasons ago. After an ankle injury that sidelined Wilcots his sophomore season, the senior a year ago was not confident in the ankle, but this season he appears 100% healthy.

Wilcots rushed around 1,000 yards while at Edmond North before moving to Guthrie last season. Wilcots runs a 4.3 and was the first leg of the state champion relay team last season, but his 190 pound frame allows him to take contact and take defenders with him.

Luke Davis came over from the defensive side and gave the offense a spark, and the Jays are awaiting Derrick Kelley to return full strength from an ankle injury.

New faces to the rescue on special teams

Guthrie has been spoiled the last six seasons with kickers Hank Hudson and J Hensely, but with 0ne game in the book the Jays got a boost from Kelley, Davis, and Esau Paez.

Davis by no means is a stranger to defense, but has taken over the punting duties and when called upon did a fine job. Kelley, who again is battling an ankle injury, was 2-for-2 on both his point after attempts and boomed a 26-yard field goal.

Paez, who was filling in for Kelley as the kicker, did not have a strong leg has he had in practice, but will allow depth in the kicking department.

Freshmen taking varsity snaps

Guthrie walked out three freshmen onto the dark green grass Friday night and all four will be counted on this season.

Kai Callins, Donavan Jordan, and Trevor Blassingame did their part in helping the Jays defense shut-out the Demon offense.

Callins showed his offensive talents with his first pass from scrimmage with a half back pass to a wide open Brothers for a 49-yard score. In addition to being 1-for-1 passing, Callins proved to be big from his defensive back spot.

J.T. McFadden, a sophomore, continues give the Jays depth on both sides of the ball, but his services are currently valuable at his corner position.

Scout team running back

Both the Guthrie offensive and defensive coaches gave a lot of credit to Omari Ajanku for his work in Wednesday practice. The senior gave the Jays defense a good look with his quickness at scout team running back.

Linebackers more than good

Junior linebacker’s Landry Chappell and John Clark controlled the center of the field. You can count on both being near the ball on most plays. Clark’s ability to play multiple positions and Chappell’s nose for the ball give the Jays the ability to give running games a fit.

Defensive line big and quick

The Jays defensive line coach, Eric Woodard, has had many weapons over the last few years and that remains the same this year.

Elaunta Sherrill made his BlueJay debut and most people recognized it as well. The junior may not have the height, but he has the size. While the roster lists him at 350 pounds, he may be closer south of four bills, but his work ethic at nose guard have pleased his coaches.

Cody Doyle has made strides over the summer and fall, at defensive tackle, and has earned the starting spot.

Everyone knows about Kentrell Brothers, but his younger Richard Brothers (sophomore) had an impressive debut as well by chasing down the Demons quarterback and picking up some sacks in the process.

Perhaps, a hidden secret to fans, but not coaches and players, is Felix Scott. Scott is quick and strong and is a vital part to the Guthrie front seven.

Looking ahead to Ponca City

The Wildcats are coming off a 2-8 2009 season and dropped their opener Friday to Sapulpa. However, Guthrie must be ready to play and continue to play well against the Wildcats, or the success of the Duncan game takes a step back.