The Great Debate 02-07

As my friends and family know, I am always up for a good old fashioned argument. Here’s one that I’m sure is taking place in all the coffee shops and local watering holes around Guthrie right now: “Who’s better? The ’07 Bluejays, or the ’02 Bluejays.” Well folks, the debate is over. I now give you the definitive opinion on the subject…mine.

Demarko Jones was truly the centerpiece of the ’02 squad. He was both a dynamic home run threat, and a workhorse who could carry the ball 50 times a game for you if needed. But Kye Staley is a man amongst boys. He’s bigger, stronger, and just as fast as Demarko, while also coming into his own as team leader with four years of varsity experience. Throw in the performance of the best backup in the state, Keeton Callins, and this one becomes clear.

Demarko was joined in the backfield on the ’02 squad by Colby Wagner and Russell Rush. Both were excellent blockers, but were more “three yards in a cloud of dust” guys then breakaway threats. In contrast, the ’07 team has Clayton Smith and Josh King who run just as hard, but can also take it to the house on any given snap.

Keenan Webb is one of the best athletes ever to don the royal blue. But Donte’ Foster, Kent McDonald, and Israel Esco are right up there with him.

Down the stretch in the ’02 season, whenever the ‘Jays needed a big first down, the ball always seemed to find its way into the hands of John Hudson. In ’07, James Day has yet to be thrown a pass (Hey Coach Mick. Draw one up for Jimmy).

’02 had two players who went on to play D-1 ball, and it seems like all of them played on some level in college. The ’07 guys greatly exceeded expectations, and have done very well so far this season, but this one is easy.

’02 had an abundance of big guys who were also great athletes. Detry Laws might be the best D-linemen in Bluejay history. ’07 is fast, but lack the size and depth we saw in ’02.

’02 was Doug Pierson, Jarrail Smith, and Sam Murrillo. ’07 is Justin Chappell, Michael Harmon, and Jack Dumas. This one is very close, but the ’07 squad, while giving up a little size, has a decided speed advantage.

This one is awfully close to being a push. But, ’02 played great assignment football down the stretch and held two D-1 wideouts(one of whom became a first round NFL draft pick) in check in the state title game.

Keenan Webb was an all-state kick returner and came up big in some big games (Carl Albert anyone). But King and Esco aren’t to shabby themselves, and Jay Hensly has a leg that can put points on the board, and really tilt the field in your favor.

As most of you know, I’m a numbers guy. And in this case, only one number matters; the number one. That’s where the 2002 Jays finished the season. So are the 2007 Jays better than the 2002 Jays? We shall see…

	2002	2007
Quarterback		X
Running Back		X
Wide Receiver		X
Tight Ends	X
Offensive Line	X
Defensive Line	X
Linebackers		X
Secondary	X
Special Teams		X
State Championship	X	X

The Great Debate: 2002 vs. 2007