By Payton Moody
As the Oklahoma high school football season is beyond the halfway mark, I had the chance to sit down with Broken Bow’s Offensive Coordinator Luke Ring. Here’s what Coach Ring had to say about the Savages so far this season.
VYPE: With the team’s current record at 2-5, what adjustments have you made to the offensive strategy to improve the team’s performance in the second half of the season?
Luke Ring: We’ve had some very close games that came down to just one or two plays at the end of the game that didn’t go our way. With that in mind, as a staff we have worked to trim each game plan to what we feel best suits our players. We have a lot of young guys who are still learning the system and how to play with each other, but they have done a nice job of adapting.
VYPE: Can you share some insights into the strengths and weaknesses of your offensive unit this season and how you’ve been working to capitalize on those strengths?
Ring: We have some very talented players, so our focus is to find the best ways of getting the ball in their hands in advantageous situations.
VYPE: In terms of player development, which offensive players have shown the most improvement since the start of the season, and how has this impacted the team’s performance?
Ring: Several young players have stepped up this season on offense, especially our quarterback, Anthony Clay, and center, Josh McDaniel, who are both sophomores. Quinlan Bailey and Adin Coley have also made a huge impact at running back to compliment a skilled set of receivers, highlighted by JaKyran Whitfield and Tyrin Tinajero.
VYPE: Broken Bow has faced some tough opponents this season. How do you prepare the offense to face strong defenses, and what adjustments do you make during games to adapt to the competition?
Ring: Every opponent on our schedule poses a unique challenge. As coaches, it’s very important to make sure we are doing things to put our players in the best position to be successful against whatever scheme we may be facing on any given week. This is the same message during games, focusing on what we do best and what is most effective against our opponent.
VYPE: Could you tell us about any specific plays or strategies you’ve implemented that have been particularly effective for the team this season?
Ring: We knew coming into the season that we needed to improve in running the football, and I feel as though the guys have stepped up in a huge way in the run game.
VYPE: What are the goals for the remainder of the season, and how do you plan to achieve them from an offensive perspective?
Ring: Our goal is to always get better every day to improve on the field each Friday night. From an offensive perspective that means continuing to play more cleanly and efficiently, not putting ourselves into a disadvantaged down and distance.
VYPE: Building team morale and cohesion is important. How do you work with the offensive players to ensure they are motivated and focused as the season progresses?
Ring: I think the best way to best way to keep your players locked in is to show up every day with a great attitude and outlook; showing them what commitment and focus on the process looks like.
VYPE: Can you share any memorable moments or games from this season that highlight the offensive unit’s achievements and progress?
Ring: There have a been a few moments of great offensive football this season. But in the second half last Friday night against Hilldale, we put together a very polished half of football and I think that was a huge deal for us.
VYPE: As the season nears its end, are there any changes or strategies you’re considering to make sure the team finishes strong and leaves a positive mark on this year’s season?
Ring: The strategy going forward this season is to continue to improve on what we do best as a unit, while also working on getting the most out of each day and opportunity.
Photo credit: Broken Bow Activity Shots
