DURANT LIONS 

Coach – TODD VARGAS 

OFFENSE 

Every coach wants their players to remain focused in the offseason and do the things you need to do to get better. Durant head coach Todd Vargas is confident his team has done just that. “We are very excited about this team and the future,” said Vargas. “It is a good blend of young players and upperclassmen. We have really grown mentally and physically this past year. The kids work ethic is off the charts right now. We are finally getting a true offseason and we really believe it’s going to be the difference for us this year.” Francisco Avila (6-0, 180, Sr.) is one of five returning starters for the Lions. Avila will start at fullback where he rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season. The offensive line contributes to that run game success with guys like Matt Manners (5-9, 240, Jr.) making holes and Tyler Wesely (5-11, 275, Jr.) moving bodies. Tucker Dry (5-10, 300, So.) is young but has a bright future on this unit. Dawson Bowman (5-9, 150, Sr.) is a speedy receiver and the favorite target of quarterback Jaylon Saxon (5-10, 160, So.). Saxon will also have slot receiver Braylen Lyday (5-10, 160, So.) to throw to as well. Look for the Lions to run a flex-bone triple option with lots of run and tempo controlling drives. 

DEFENSE 

Seven starters are back on the defensive side of the ball including defensive back Trevor Golden (5-10, 160, Sr.). Golden is joined in the secondary by Cody Chapman (5-9, 160, Sr.). The pair make up a solid foundation in the secondary. Brayan Martinez (6-4, 260, Sr.) starts on the defensive line with Kaydon Archer (6-2, 215, Jr.). A pair of linebackers is Aiden Dills (5-11, 170, Jr.) and Beck Vargas (5-11, 210, So.) are looking to set the tone with their physical play and aggressiveness. The 4-2-5 defense is likely the base for the Lions this season. “Our goal is to create as many turnovers by the offense as possible,” said coach Vargas. Look for unique blitz packages and lots of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. 

9-3 – vs. Madill 

9-10 – at Glenpool 

9-17 – vs. Ada 

9-24 – at Shawnee 

10-1 – vs. Bishop Kelley 

10-8 – at McAlester 

10-14 – at Edison 

10-22 – vs. Rogers 

10-29 – at East Central 

11-5 – vs. Coweta