Mounds prepares for first season in Class A Published Aug. 29, 2014 Cutlines: The Mounds Golden Eagles have moved down to Class A but are in the same District as Kiefer and Morrison two of the strongest teams in the Class. Senior Dakota Valdez had a great junior season and is expected to be a major contributor again this season. For the last three years, the Mounds Golden Eagles have been coached by Gabe Ellis. For the last three years, the Golden Eagles have competed as one of the smallest schools in Class 2A, taking on giants like Meeker, Okemah and Stroud. Despite being the smallest, the Golden Eagles went 6-4 and were a win away from making the playoffs. This season, Mounds will get to play on a more equal playing field as Ellis will now take his system into its fourth year and play in Class A. Moving to Class A is exciting for us but we still have to prove we can compete, said Ellis. Mounds will be in a district that is loaded with heavy hitters, including Kiefer, Morrison and Hominy which are programs that consistently make the playoffs each year. We got our work cut out for us, thats for sure, but man are we excited about the challenge, said Ellis. Ellis lost 10 seniors off last years team and eight of those were starters. He returns nine starters this year, including quarterback Shane Milam, who will be the starting quarterback for the third season in a row. Behind Milam will be Dakota Valdez and Blake Long. Both have experience toting the rock for the Golden Eagles. Austin Baker and Blaze Lucas will be Milams go to guys when looking to stretch the field. Ellis says that he is happy with the linemen who will anchor both the defensive and offensive side of the ball. We have some speed and strength and should be pretty solid, said Ellis. Ellis says there are 48 boys out of 80 in the high school out playing football. The eighth grade team was 7-2 last year and are freshmen now. Its the fourth year of the system, the playing field has been equaled with the Golden Eagles moving to Class A and the town is excited about what may unfold. The preseason polls have Mounds ranked last in their tough District 6 grouping with the Kiefer Trojans, Morrison and Hominy ranked 1, 2, and 3. The other teams in the District are Yale and Drumright.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 14:39:30 +0000