VETERAN TIGERS SHINE

As the White team defeated the Red team 18-6 on Tuesday night, Fort Gibson’s Red and White Spring Game gave Tiger coach Greg Whiteley exactly what he wanted to see with competitiveness at several positions vacated by graduated seniors. “We saw some good things,” said Whiteley. “I liked the way our young guys on the offensive line played and all of our backs, they’re all equally as good at what they do.” With 12 seniors gone and only 17 returning players, some patch work is needed and Whiteley is looking at several positions, including offensive line, wide receiver and linebacker. “I’ve been around these young guys since the seventh grade, so I know what their capabilities are and I expect a lot out of them,” said Whiteley. But it was a senior-to-be that shined the most. Running back Sammy Sanchez caught two touchdown passes covering a total of 92 yards from Ladd in a 15-minute possession, giving the coaches a lot of repetitions to look at before switching sides. “I’ve been putting in work all off season,” said Sanchez. “I didn’t like the way last season ended so I’m trying to come back with a good season with self-confidence because you never know who’s working harder than you.” The first of his scores came on the first play from scrimmage, a 60-yard reception that to put the White team up 6-0. Sanchez’s second score came with 1:12 left on a 32-yarder to make it 12-0. He also ran for 21 yards, matching Carter Lawson on the ground for the White team lead. The White team’s final score came at the halftime buzzer when Ladd threw it up for Jaxon Walker from the 50-yard line and Walker did the rest on the catch Ladd threw for 146 yards in all. Another young Tiger registered a passing touchdown as well. Sophomore-to-be Jaden Snyder threw for a second half score. a 10-yarder to Chance Wafford with 6:58 left in the game as the Red team took the final 15 minutes for they’re reps. With Ladd being a senior, Snyder is set to be the future at the quarterback position and insurance for Ladd this season. “He’s been watching and learning,” said Whiteley. “He’s led his team the last three years and I thought he looked good tonight.” Snyder threw for just 55 yards but his command of the offense is what impressed Whiteley the most. “It took a little bit too get used to but after a few plays I got the feel of things,” said Snyder. “I felt good and football is football but getting used to the flow of the offense was all good.” Rusty Rudd led in rushing yardage for the Red team with 45 yards, edging out Sanchez for game lead. Wafford caught two for 21 yards with the score to lead Red in receptions and yardage.

VETERAN TIGERS SHINE

Photo Credit: Von Castor

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