Southmoore coach Jeremy Stark felt fortunate Monday morning in the team's first practice.

With the departure of several key players in the offseason — including Brey Walker and Casey Thompson — the SaberCats announced some positive news with the hiring of offensive guru Ty Prestidge as the new quarterbacks coach.

“That was a huge get for us,” Stark said. “We almost planned on going into the year without a quarterbacks coach. It's a big boost.

“We've got two young kids that are very talented, but raw. We were kind of in a bind, so to get somebody of that quality that late is awesome.”

Prestidge had served as Choctaw's offensive coordinator since 2013.

He's tasked with helping reshape Southmoore's young group of quarterbacks. Thompson, a Texas commitment, moved to Newcastle. His backup, Perry Olsen, had already moved to Yukon.

That leaves junior Donovan Gaines and sophomore Jaedyn Scott.

Stark also said he recently hired former Oklahoma strength coach Corey Callens as his defensive line coach. Former NFL running back Leon Johnson is also coaching receivers.

Norman North retooling defense

Norman North's offense was prolific during last season's state runner-up finish, but so was the defense.

But things might be different this season.

The Timberwolves return just two defensive starters. As they opened practice at 12:01 a.m. Monday, defense remained the focus.

Junior Cole Mashburn returns on the defensive line along with defensive back Christian Flenory. There's hope that Southmoore move-in Doug Collins will be eligible to play. He is currently appealing for a hardship waiver from the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association.

Mashburn, though, said he loves what the defense brings and feels the new starters got plenty of experience in the past with North's run of five straight games with 40 or more points in the first half.

“We had some younger guys get experience,” Mashburn said. “That was good.”

Young baseball stars make commitments

A trio of young in-state baseball stars have made their early college decisions, and two are staying close to home.

Junior Kale Davis recently announced his commitment to Oklahoma State. Owasso star junior Connor Beichler also announced his commitment to Oklahoma.

Meanwhile, Norman sophomore star shortstop Cade Horton committed to Ole Miss following a breakout spring. Horton batted .409 with a homer, 15 doubles, two triples and 16 stolen bases in his first varsity season.

Davis is a right-handed pitcher. He pitched last season for Mustang, which won the Class 6A state championship.

Beichler is a talented shortstop who led Owasso in nearly every offensive category. He batted .409 with 45 hits, 10 doubles and 13 stolen bases.