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Poteau Relies On Young Players To Step Up

3 Starters Return From 4A Semifinal Team
PoteauFootball

Head Coach: Forrest Mazey, 2nd season at Poteau
2015 Record: 12-1
Returning Offensive Starters: 2
Returning Defensive Starters: 1
Offense: Multiple Spread
Defense: Multiple 4-2-5
Key Players: SR Ben Klutts QB, JR Kale Barcheers RB/LB

POTEAU (KFSM)--One season after making a run to the Oklahoma class 4A semifinals, the Pirates have to reload. Just three starters return for Coach Forrest Mazey, and one is coming off an ACL tear.

The two offensive returners are dynamic playmakers in running back Kale Barcheers and quarterback Ben Klutts. Both players see plenty of younger guys stepping up, but understand the challenges this season.

"[Last season] we ran the ball well and we could throw it well so it kept the defense off balance. And then we had a great defense as well and we just put it together and it all worked out well," Klutts said.

Poteau's theme this year is 'row the boat'. To Mazey, that means working hard and eventually a destination or goal will be reached. Poteau, who as Mazey noted, usually makes a run to the state semifinals every three years, must rebuild in 2016.
"We lost so many kids. We lost at one point I believe we looked at film and 19 of the 22 kids were seniors on the field at one time against a team or two. So you know, some of these kids got meaningful time last year, but other than that we're completely fresh and new," Mazey said.
Poteau opens its schedule on September 2nd with a 7:30 game at Durant.

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