WILBURTON DIGGERS

Coach – JEFF MARSHALL

OFFENSE

The Diggers were one of the fortunate teams in the state that were able to complete their entire schedule in Covid-plagued 2020 and that’s just one of the many signs that would seem to point to a highly successful year if.. “Staying healthy is the key for us this year,” said coach Jeff Marshall. “We’ve got seven starters back on each side of the ball, but we need to develop some depth quickly to back them up.” Getting to play 10 games last year checks the experience column for this group. Another big plus is the return of quarterback Grayson Mathis, a VYPE TOP 100 pick this year, who passed for nearly 1000 yards and 14 touchdowns in four games last year before a thumb injury sidelined him. That goes along with the 1800 yards in total offense he put up in his sophomore year. “Grayson is an all-around leader who’s had three great seasons. He commands the offense and does an outstanding job,” said Marshall. “He should break the school passing record this year.”

Mathis will have a couple of returning receivers to haul in those passes in Aubrey Runkle )6-1, 165, Sr.) who snagged 37 balls for nearly 500 yards last year and Lane Spruell (6-2, 168, Sr.). In the trenches there’s more senior leadership in J.J. Justice (6-2, 225) and Donnivin Spencer (6-2, 185) and a diamond in the rough is running back Troy Clark (5-9, 180, So.) who averaged 5.5 yards per carry in his freshman season. “He’s got an outstanding future ahead of him and we’re excited to see him go this season,” said Marshall.

DEFENSE

For all of their strength on offense, the Diggers will need to find a way to improve on the 31 points a game average they gave up last season. But they’ve got a good nucleus of guys back that gained a lot of experience last year. Among them are Spencer and Justice at linebacker. J.J. had 80 tackles, three fumble recoveries and a forced fumble last year while Spencer recorded 87 tackles with five fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles. Runkle had seven oskies at free safety in 2020 and in the line Devon Amason (5-7, 155, Sr.) penetrated for 10 tackles for loss last season and Wyatt Williams (6-3, 205, Sr.) put up 50 tackles last year. Don’t be surprised to see Mathis and Clark show up in the defensive set as well. With a senior-heavy squad and a lot of talent on offense particularly, the Diggers seem poised to push for a top spot in the district this year IF, as Marshall mentioned, they can stay healthy and overcome an unkind schedule that has them playing their first five games on the road.

8-27 – at Pocola

9-10 – at Keys

9-17 – at Roland

9-24 – at Antlers

10-1 – at Idabel

10-8 – vs. Hugo

10-14 – vs. Eufaula

10-22 – vs. Hartshorne

10-29 – at Atoka

11-5 – vs. Valliant