2010 Opponent Preview: Deer Creek Antlers

GuthrieSporsPage.com previews each of Guthrie's 2010 opponents.

	Game Buildup
All week four games are important with the start of district play. No team wants to start off 0-1 especially Guthrie, who must then go to Ada the following week. Guthrie has proven to be dominant in the last two games in this series, that Guthrie currently leads 3-2, but Deer Creek will be an improved team from last year's 4-6 squad with senior leadership.

Season Outlook

The Antlers missed out on the 2009 playoffs and are ready to go back in 2010. Projected by many to finish either third or fourth in the district, Deer Creek brings a solid nucleus at quarterback and running back. Deer Creek will be young at certain positions including the offensive line, but do return top tacklers at the linebacker position in Isiah Byrd and Michael Coleman. Deer Creek, who has upgraded their facility, begins play with Piedmont, Shawnee, and Tecumseh before entering the Rock on September 24th.

	Players to Watch
Alex Christensen (6-3, 235, Sr.) QB Colten Sander (6-1, 185, Sr.) RB Isiah Byrd (6-0, 210, Sr.) LB

	Key's vs Deer Creek's Offense
In the past, Guthrie has down a tremendous job of shutting down the DC offense, including two shut-outs in their last two games, by absolutely shutting down the run. DC will look to run with Sander and Christensen so the Guthrie front seven will need to repeat what they have done in the past in this series. If the Jays cant stop the run it will force the Antlers to try and throw the ball.

Key's vs Deer Creek's Defense

DC's Byrd and Coleman are a good 1-2 punch at the linebacker spot so look for the Jays to spread out the defense and take advantage of some 1-on-1 possibilities down field and mix in some underneath stuff that just may open up the running game, that the Jays are hoping to see some improvement from a season ago. An intriguing possible match-up to watch (for the next two season's) will be Guthrie's Blake Belcher going up against Deer Creek's Nolan Boyd. The Jays left tackle will be a big prospect this season and especially next season while Boyd is a state champion wrestler and is also a junior.

Game Implications

Big game right out of the gate for both teams to start district play in a rival that continues to grow and grow. Guthrie has won the last two contests by a combine score of 93-0, but don't expect the Jays to over look these Antlers. The Antlers have proven they can win in the Rock as they did in 2004. If the Jays want to win the district then a win may be mandatory, and if the Antlers want to improve their playoff seed then this may be a win to perhaps get them there. This game has seen surprises, points, and shockers that are still felt to this day. Get your tickets early for this match-up.