Newcastle Looks to Return to Playoff Form

The Racers have missed the playoffs the past two seasons, but have returning talent enough to break the drought.

Thursday, July 28th 2011, 5:41 pm

By: News On 6

Newcastle Looks to Return to Playoff Form

Originally Published: Aug 18, 2010 7:59 PM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

NEWCASTLE, Oklahoma -- It’s been a rough two years for the Newcastle.

After four consecutive playoff appearances, the Racers have missed the playoffs and are coming off a 4-6 season in 2009, but that doesn’t damper their hopes.

“Our expectations here at Newcastle always is to go out and win, that’s why we take the field,” said head coach Keith Bolles. “That’s what our kids believe, that’s what I believe.”

We fully expect [to be in the playoffs], said head coach Bolles. “Here that is the expectation. We want to go out and win.”

The Racers will have to rely on the ground game in order to get back to the playoffs in a tough District 3A-3.

Returning to the backfield is senior Blake Riojas who amassed 850 yards and six touchdowns in 2009. Joining him in the backfield to give Newcastle a three-headed monster out of the backfield are Cameron Samples and C.J. Stalworth.

“[Riojas] is one that you’ve got to watch out for,” said Bolles. “He’s a little shifty back in the middle.”

Clearing the way for the backs will be an experienced offensive line featuring three seniors across the front five, including the mountain-of-a-man Lucas Bradley, who comes in at 6-foot-6 and 304-pounds.

“We’ve got some linemen that are coming back and they work hard for [Riojas],” said Bolles. “It’s a team effort, but [Riojas] gives them the credit.”