Media Day: Woodward Boomers

Woodward returns 14 starters, looking for playoff spot in 2010.

Thursday, July 28th 2011, 5:43 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Aug 21, 2010 7:37 PM CDT

Grant Belcher
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Woodward Boomers have one of the top returning cores in 4A this season and should easily be in the mix for a playoff spot.

Woodward returns eight offensive and seven defensive starters from last year’s 4-6 team, including several that were among the class’ statistical leaders in 2009.

Quarterback Casey Covalt is fifth among 4A returners in passing with 1,466 yards.

Receiver Drake Smithton reaped the benefits, picking up 512 yards last year, which is fourth among returning receivers in the class.

Woodward also returns two rushers in Garret Roach and David Dennison who combined for almost 1,000 yards last season.

But Woodward isn’t just about a powerful offense.

Linebacker Mason Semmel said in order for the offense to get on the field, he and his defensive squad have to pave the way.

“I think we’re trying to stop touchdowns and stop the ball and get our offense on there more,” Semmel said. “I feel confident in our offense that they will give us a little break on defense so that we won’t be on the field the whole time.”

Woodward coach Justin Jones said he thinks the Boomers will compete with the district’s best this year, despite their tough schedule.

“It’s always going to be a battle for those top four spots,” he said. “We feel like we belong in those top four. We’ve done a lot of good things and we’ve got a lot of people returning.”

Jones said there is an air of confidence heading into 2010 despite winning just seven games over the past two seasons.

With so many returning starters, the town is getting a case of football fever.

Jones said a lot more people in the community are involved and excited for the upcoming season.

“Out there in northwest Oklahoma, we don’t get a lot of publicity,” he said. “We are kind of in the middle of nowhere. It’s a chance for us to come in and compete and our community is behind that, because they understand it’s a chance for us to get on that statewide platform.”