Preseason Blitz: Metro Christian Patriots

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma – The Metro Christian Patriots are coming off their best season in school history and their first appearance in the state semifinals.

With a number of key players returning, expectations are even higher this year.

"After last season and the success in the postseason, this group is very confident, and excited about the year," coach Jared McCoy said.

Senior quarterback Andrew Hearon will lead Metro's high-flying offense.

He threw for 3,900 yards and a state-record 49 touchdowns last year in his first season as a starter.

He says the stats are fun, but he'd rather have wins.

"I don't know if the numbers will be as good as they were last year, but I think we have the chance to be just as good, maybe just spread it out a little more," Hearon said.

McCoy said Hearon is taking a really mature approach to the stats and success he saw last year.

"Obviously, it's hard to improve on really big numbers, so the thing he's trying to improve on is winning games, and being more efficient," McCoy said. "Fewer incompletions, fewer interceptions, fewer turnovers; those are the things that really make you a winning football team."

Metro Christian's biggest question mark heading into the season was the offensive line, but that seems to have sorted itself out before the year even starts.

"Playing [Class] 4A Glenpool in a scrimmage last week, we didn't have any sacks, and I barely got close to even being touched," Hearon said. "Hopefully that's a precursor for what's to come this season."

If the Patriots can stay healthy, they should be one of the teams to watch in Class 3A.

Metro Christian hosts Oklahoma Christian School to open the year on Sept. 2.