Football teams across the state will begin their 2013 football campaigns with preseason practices this week. In a recent change, the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association moved the first day practices are allowed from Tuesday to Monday. Full-contact workouts can begin on Friday. Here’s a look at some keys for area teams this season.
Grove Ridgerunners
With 17 starters returning for 2013, the Ridgerunners will be looking to put last year’s 1-9 campaign behind them. Grove will be experienced at the skill positions, with senior quarterback Jake Spychalski leading the way. Also returning are tight end/linebacker Ty Phillips and wide receiver/defensive back Matt Jeffries.
The Ridgerunners were hit hardest by graduation up front, where several key starters, including Rocky Jeffries and Anthony Krause, will be missed.
Grove will also be looking for a new running back after the graduation of Benny Steffenson, who led the Ridgerunners in rushing each of the last two seasons.
Grove will open the preseason on Aug. 23 in a three-way scrimmage at Sallisaw that will also involve Stigler. The Ridgerunners will then travel to Vinita on Aug. 29 for another three-way scrimmage with the host Hornets and Salina.
Grove opens the season on Sept. 6 at home against Miami.
