Eufaula shines in Two-A

(OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Kerry Roberts says that when he went to interview for the job of football coach at Eufaula High School, he didn't even know where Eufaula was. <br><br>``I literally had to call

Tuesday, November 28th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Kerry Roberts says that when he went to interview for the job of football coach at Eufaula High School, he didn't even know where Eufaula was.

``I literally had to call and get directions,'' he said.

Roberts is glad he found his way. In his second year, the Ironheads are 12-1 and have reached the Class 2A semifinals.

Eufaula has been to the semifinals just twice, in 1969 and 1975. But back then it took only two victories to get that far in the playoffs; this year's team has had to win three playoff games to move within one game of the championship.

``This is the farthest they've been,'' Robert said. ``The kids, they're kind of proud to bow their chests out to say they're the best team, to this point, to put on an Ironhead helmet.''

Eufaula also can boast one of the best players in Eufaula history, senior tailback Avery Shine. He has run for 2,100 yards to move within 20 of 6,000 for his career, and he has scored 35 touchdowns this season.

``He'll be the first one to tell you our offensive line has done a pretty good job this year, but then there's times he'll get a lot of stuff on his own,'' Roberts said. ``I promise you it's not coached.''

Shine, who has committed to play at Oklahoma next year, is a force at free safety as well. He had 20 tackles in the second round against Perry and broke up a pass in the end zone in the closing minutes of a 20-17 victory.

``Quite honestly, against Perry he saved us,'' Roberts said. ``I'm not sure the best team won that night. We stole one. But when you get this far, you've got to have some luck. We tell our kids you make your own luck.''

And he is quick to tell others that this year's team is not just Avery Shine and a bunch of tagalongs.

The defense has been outstanding. The Ironheads have posted five shutouts and are allowing fewer than 8 points per game.

When the starting quarterback got hurt in the fifth game, Sheldon Houston moved over from receiver and has kept the job ever since. The Ironheads have thrown for about 1,400 yards this season.

Shine's cousin, sophomore Javon Shine, has emerged as a receiver. Another sophomore, Caleb Cook, starts in the secondary. Both could play running back if needed.

``If something were to happen to Avery _ and I'm knocking on wood right now as I say it _ we're not going to have the type of kid who makes something out of nothing,'' Roberts said. ``But we have kids that are much better than average high school running backs waiting in the wings.''

The last time Eufaula reached the semifinals, the quarterback was J.C. Watts, who has since moved on to become a U.S. Congressman. Watts has made it to three of the past four games and has talked to the team once.

Roberts said he wasn't expecting Watts this week, but he would love to give him a chance to watch the Ironheads in the championship game. To do that, they must beat Oklahoma City Millwood in the semifinals Saturday night.

Roberts watched Millwood win its quarterfinal game Friday, then went down on the field to see the Falcons up close.

``Gosh dang, they're big, athletic, fast. They have every ingredient to make a state championship team,'' he said. ``I think we do, too.

``We're going to have to play well to win, but Millwood is going to have to play well to beat us, too.''