EUFAULA IRONHEADS
LARRY NEWTON, JR.
7-4
OFFENSE
The Ironheads road to the playoffs will encounter a detour, as Eufaula will make the jump to Class 3A in 2024 and after redistricting the schedule will test the mettle of this year’s Ironhead lineup that returns plenty of experience and playmaking abilities including nine starters to their spread formation attack. Ledger Folsom (5-10, 170, Jr.) proved his skills last season as a dual threat quarterback by completing 54 passes for 848 yards in addition to rushing for 825 yards to score 21 touchdowns. Peter Lee (6-0, 180, Jr.) who ran for 764 yards in 2024 and seven scores returns as running back while Kade Rich (6-1, 200, Sr.) who grabbed 26 receptions in 2023 joins forces with Maddox Bridges (6-0, 160, Sr.) and Dresden Chiles (5-10, 160, Sr.) as primary targets in the passing game along with the anticipated immediate impact of Logan Plant (6-5, 215, So.) whose wing span and large hands is a sure handed receiver. There’s plenty of size and strength in the offensive line where two-time Top 100 nominee Carson Luna (6-2, 265, Sr.), a three-year starter who competes with a “nasty” mindset along with Conner McAllister (6-3, 270, Sr.), Braeden Blevins (6-2, 275, Sr.) Daysaun “Day-Day” Shine (6-0, 260, Sr.) and Simeon Hill (6-1, 300, Jr.) to anchor and win the battles on the line of scrimmage. “Our version of the spread offense will continue to focus on running the football and let our playmakers display their talents,” said Larry Newton, Jr. who begins his 13th season at his alma mater as head coach.
DEFENSE
The Ironheads 3-4 defense will have a familiar look of discipline and aggressiveness as Wade Couch returns as the defensive coordinator surrounded by the experience of nine starters to the lineup. Tabbed as the hardest worker on the field, Bryan Lynn (5-10, 175, Sr.) leads the attacking quartet of linebackers after recording 138 tackles plus three fumble recoveries last year supported by Aaron Spoehr (6-0, 180, Sr.) who charted 104 stops as well as three fumble recoveries a year ago and Luke Hodgins (6-0, 200, Jr.) while the aggressive nature of Luna will help to secure the 3-man front. The Ironheads will rely on the quickness and high energy of Chiles to solidify the secondary unit where he made 35 tackles while grabbing three pass interceptions last season along with Bridges, who scored two defensive touchdowns while making 35 tackles in 2023. “Without question, we’re in for a real battle to reach the postseason,” said Newton noting the realignment of teams into the Ironheads district schedule. “Top to bottom, this will be the toughest district in Class 3A in 2024 and at least one really good football team will be left home to watch the playoffs.”
9-6 – vs. Vian
9-13 – at Sequoyah Tahlequah
9-20 – vs. Sallisaw
9-27 – vs. Muldrow
10-4 – at Locust Grove
10-11 – vs. Holland Hall
10-17 – at Stigler
10-25 – vs. Idabel
11-1 – at Lincoln Christian
11-8 – at Checotah
