The Guthrie High School football team hit the practice field for their first official practice of the season on Monday morning. The Bluejays will look to carry on their momentum from a year ago as they prepare, once again, for the toughest district in Class 5A.
Coach Kelly Beeby, who begins his eighth season as the head coach and 18th year with the program, will look to capitalize on the junior and senior classes who gained valuable time in 2020, including two playoff games.
Despite playing just nine games a year ago, due to COVID-19, Guthrie (6-3) highlighted the season with a 42-39 first round, road win over Lawton MacArthur.
A spark in the playoff win came from then freshmen quarterback Hayden Calvert, who was one of two freshmen and eight sophomores to earn quality playing time. Now as a sophomore, Calvert will look to lead the Jays offense who averaged 36 points per game.
Junior running back Isiah Hammons returns after running for nearly 700 yards and 10 scores. Sophomore D’Lonte Glover will also add to the running game after being tossed into playing time as a freshmen.
Guthrie will lean on junior Tyrin Eaton at receiver for experience as the Jays will look to add depth throughout the year.
The offensive line was able to build up some depth in 2020 and brings back two starters in Sam Wilhelm and Blake Swartz. Also coming back will be Joe Matthews and Hayden Simpson.
Junior Carson Wilder takes pride in his duties at half back and tight end and will provide several options for the Jays running and passing game.
On defense, the Jays will look for leadership in the middle of their defense with senior linebackers Chase Doles and Spade Pool, who combined for over 200 tackles as juniors.
Guthrie will need to fill some holes in the middle of the defensive line, but line coach Eric Woodard always seems to fill and develop the position each season. Luckily, he will have the services of Chris Shupitis, who came on strong in 2020 to finish with 53 tackles.
Juniors Landen Hirzel and Jackson Walters were forced to learn on the job at the defensive end spots as sophomores and only got better as the season went on. Now, with experience on their side, the duo will continue to make the Jays defense go.
In the secondary, DeAndre Jones and Jaylen Chelf – both great athletes – give the Jays a nucleus to begin shutting down their opponent’s passing game. Due to injuries, junior Zac Henry played a role in the playoffs and will add depth.
2020 Schedule
As the norm, Guthrie will play a talented schedule with (at) Shawnee, Putnam City West and (at) Duncan in the non-district to begin the year. Many publications believe the Wolves and Demons will land playoff berths in 5A.
Meanwhile, District 5A-2 continues to remain the most talented field with the likes of Carl Albert and McGuinness. The Titans are going for their sixth straight 5A title after taking down the Irish in last year’s 5A title game. In fact, Carl Albert and McGuinness have played in four of the last five 5A state championship games.
Guthrie will play three district road games at Piedmont, Guymon and Western Heights and four home games with Carl Albert, Woodward, Lawton Ike and Western Heights.
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