Media Day: El Reno Indians

The Indians are experiencing a lot of turnover, losing more than two-thirds of their starters from a year ago.

Thursday, July 28th 2011, 5:42 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Aug 21, 2010 12:4 PM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer
OKLAHOMA CITY -- The El Reno Indians have made back-to-back appearances in the state semifinals, but lost 17 starters from 2009, but know that the guys replacing the experience have learned from their predecessors.

“Any time you replace the guys that have great experience it takes time to put guys in those slots,” said third-year head coach Tom Cobble, who is 22-4 in two years at El Reno. “They saw what those seniors did and the commitment that those guys had.”

A part of the transition for the Indians is moving senior Ridge Gargas from wide receiver to quarterback, a move that is aided by his experience in the offense.

“It helps me a lot that I knew the routes. It helps that if you know the routes as well as [the receivers] do,” said Gargas. “You know when to throw it and where to throw it.”

Another advantage Gargas has for the transition is his mate in the backfield, running back Devante Moore.

“I’m just going to play hard. I know I’m capable of doing well,” said Moore. "I know Coach Cobble and everyone has faith in me to do well.”

But Cobble set the standard high from the moment he took the reins at El Reno.

“Coach [Cobble] walked in and said ‘If you’re not here to win a championship, get out,’” said defensive back Dylan Abern. “I earned a lot of respect for him then.”