Pigskin Preview: Oakdale – it’s a Numbers Game
By Terry Futrell
July 18, 2018
As one of the smallest public high schools in the State, Oakdale is discovering the ups and downs of player participation. Freshman and sophomore classes are smaller than usual – there are only about 25 boys in the freshman and sophomore classes combined. With barely enough players to take the field, Coach J.R. Voyles and his staff are faced with a formidable challenge in convincing enough additional boys to join the team to make it viable.
Oakdale graduated 10 seniors from the 2017 Eagles team. These included most of Oakdale’s largest and most experienced linemen, as well as quarterback Nate Arrowood. In addition, several veterans have elected not to play this season and concentrate on other sports. But even with these losses, the returning Eagles include several good athletes. Though not huge, they look physically strong and would surely make their presence felt by many opponents.
But as it now stands, most of the Eagles will have to play on both sides of the ball throughout each and every game with no rest, leaving no margin for injury or illness. Fatigue is almost certain to be a factor in determining the outcome against other Morgan County teams that each field significantly more players. Strength and conditioning of the Eagles players has never been more critical. The level of commitment of the players to the school’s strength and conditioning program will quickly be revealed. Additionally, there is the challenge of every player learning the skills required to effectively play both offense and defense.
School opens in less than two weeks, and Oakdale principal Heath Snow and Coach Voyles will be faced with deciding whether Oakdale can even field a football team for the 2018 season. Even if Oakdale cannot field a team, the jamboree scheduled for the school on August 10 with six committed schools will be held as scheduled. In the meantime, Coach Voyles is working hard trying to add additional players to his squad. Let’s hope he is successful!