2009 Opponent Preview: Durant Lions

 

2009 Opponent Preview: Durant Lions

 

GuthrieSporsPage.com previews each of Guthrie's 2009 opponents.

 

Guthrie, Okla. -- As the BlueJays prepare for the upcoming football season, GuthrieSportsPage.com prepares you with everything you'll need to know about the opposition.
 
In the coming weeks, we will take an in-depth look at each of Guthrie's 2009 opponents with stat breakdowns, players to watch and keys to the game. Next up, Durant Lions on September 25th, at Paul Laird Stadium, in Durant.
 

The Lions made the 3-hour plus drive last year and now the Jays return the trip to open up district play. The Jays won their Homecoming 41-15 over the Lions last year. Both teams will have new starting quarterbacks and running backs to start district play.

Season Outlook

The Lions will have to play this season without a last name of White on the team. Last year, it was Max White and the year before was Bo White leading the way for the Lions. The brother duo will be hard to replace.

D.J. Hall (6-0, 180, Sr.) and Cole Andis (6-0, 190, Jr.) are battling it out for the QB job.

Durant, who has had back-to-back winning seasons, was a play-off team in a tough district and will need to sneak a win somewhere in the district that they are not expected too. Prior to the 2007 season, Durant did not have a winning season dating back to at least 1997.
 

Player to Watch

Jon Garza | WR | No. 6 | Sophomore
 
Other Key Players: Travis Smith
 

Key vs. Durant's Offense

The biggest question mark offensively is who will be the leader? The Lions averaged 328 yards of offense, but a majority of that came from White.

Durant coaches like their young sophomore Jon Garza, who played as a freshmen. Jays will have to contain the youngster from making big plays. The Lions will have to do it with a completely new offensive line, quarterback, and running back.
 

Key vs. Durant's Defense

The Lions were hit just as hard on defense to graduation. The Lions allowed over 325-yards of offense, but the biggest factor was allowing almost 3-touchdowns a game.

The Guthrie offense must shake the bus trip off and jump out early on a young defense that lost four of their front seven.
 

Game Implications

Durant needs a "surprise" win to help get into the play-off's and the Jays need a win to try and contend for the district title. The winning team will be happy to see this game behind them.