Ringling Blue Devils Aim to Continue Supremacy

Originally Published: Sep 2, 2009 2:27 PM CDT

Corey DeMoss
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

RINGLING, Oklahoma – The Ringling Blue Devils cruised through their regular season competition last year, but their domination came to a screeching halt in the second round of the playoffs with a 26-21 loss to Oklahoma Christian. With 11 starters returning this year, the Blue Devils have their eyes on another district title.

The Blue Devils were equally dominant on both sides of the ball last season, winning all 10 regular season games with an average score of 47-4. They scored more than 40 points eight times, and recorded six shutouts.

Ringling will need to replace its quarterback, and the job has been given to senior Dustin Martin. Martin’s job will be made considerably easier by the return of senior receiver Skylar Bartlett, who led the team in receptions and receiving yards in each of the last two seasons.

Bartlett will be complimented on the other side of the field by junior Jonathon Tucker, who will start at both receiver and cornerback.

The defense also returns senior linebacker Dakota Mitchell, who led the team in tackles last season. The defensive line will be solidified by senior nose guard Holden Lambert and junior defensive end Tyler Shores, who was the team’s fourth-leading tackler as a freshman last year.

The Blue Devils’ attempt at repeating a district championship will begin Sept. 4 when they take on Community Christian, a team they beat 45-8 last season.