Eufaula Ironheads – Football Preview – Presented by Local Energy Bar

LARRY NEWTON, JR.

2-8

OFFENSE

The Ironheads move to Class 3A forced Eufaula down a road filled with construction in 2024. And now, following graduations losses, head coach Larry Newton, Jr. must rebuild the offensive front that has been so big and strong in prior seasons including Simeon Hill (6-0, 325, Sr.). “We’ll start the season in transition developing a new group up front but I’m confident we still have a good core of returners that are eager to step up,” said Newton, who begins his 14th season at his alma mater as head coach.  “We still have a proven group of skill players that make the most of every opportunity.” VYPE Top 100 nominee Peter Lee (6-0, 190, Sr.) begins his third season at running back after rushing for 1510 yards last year and has strong and quick playmaker has scored 37 times during the past two campaigns. “We want to establish a run game to utilize the clock to our advantage and Peter is the kind of ball carrier you can keep giving the ball to down and get yards needed to move the chains,” Newton said making note that Lee averaged 20 carries per game in 2024.   The Eufaula coaches continue to evaluate the efforts of Koltyn Lane (5-11, 175, Jr.) as well as Clayton Plunkett (6-4, 185, Sr.) and Fischer McAllister (6’2, 180, Fr.) in order to determine who will be the Ironheads quarterback this year.  Whoever gets the nod will have a pair of big targets including sure handed tight ends capable of making receptions in a crowd including Logan Plant (6-5, 215, Jr.) and Blayden Neill (6-4, 215, Sr.), who will also see time at fullback. The Ironhead will look for Simeon Hill (6-0 320 Sr.), Trevor Dodd (6-3 240  Jr.)

Brandon Bratton (6-0 230 Sr..) and A.J. Taylor (6-4 255 Jr.) to set the table on the offensive front.

DEFENSE

The Ironheads defense will have a redesigned look in their 4-2-5 alignment but retooled to create of discipline and aggressiveness as Mike Idleman takes charge as defensive coordinator and welcomes the talents of eight returning starters.  VYPE Top 100 nominee Luke Hodgins (6-2, 215, Sr.) who totaled 95 tackles last year including eight tackles for minus yardage, enters his third campaign at linebacker joined by Doltyn Lane (5-10, 175, So.) who impressed Ironhead coaches and fans while making 55 tackles during his freshman campaign in 2024 with Peter Lee going both ways at linebacker. Simeon Hill, who made 35 stops last season, returns at nose guard while Blayden Neill, who recorded 78 tackles include six stops for loss returns at defensive end joined by Trevor Dodd or A.J. Taylor. Ty Sparks (5-10, 175, Sr.) brings a physical style to the lineup at safety with Clayton Plunkett, Michael Smith (6-2, 180 Sr.) and Zayvion Price (5-9 150 Jr.) adding speed and aggressive play in the Ironheads secondary. “We’ll have several players seeing action on both sides of the football as we develop our roster this season,” said Newton. The schedule remains the same 10 opponents including what again will be one of the toughest districts in Oklahoma regardless of class. “Without question, we’re in for a real battle to reach the postseason,” said Newton. “Top to bottom, this will be the toughest district in Class 3A.” Eufaula will open the 2025 schedule playing three of their first four games on the road.

9-5 – at Vian

9-12 – vs. Sequoyah Tahlequah

9-19 – at Sallisaw

9-26 – at Muldrow

10-3 – vs. Locust Grove

10-10 – at Holland Hall

10-16 – vs. Stigler

10-24 – at Idabel

10-31 – vs. Lincoln Christian

11-7 – vs. Checotah