Pirates making tweaks during bye week

Poteau’s football team gained a big boost from winning its season opener 24-6 on Friday against Bishop Kelley in Tulsa.

“Getting a good win against a good team like that on the road definitely gave us a boost. I think it gave us a lot of confidence,” senior lineman Will Restine said.

That was Poteau’s second straight season-opening win.

Senior wide receiver/ defensive back Wesley Garrett acknowledged that there is a weird feeling that comes with a bye week after such a big season-opening win.

“We’re all ready to play right now. We’ve got a week to heal up and get everyone ready for Metro [Christian],” he said.

Garrett said the team’s focus is on working itself into gear for the Sept. 9 home opener against Metro Christian.

In practice this week, Garrett said the team is working on getting better at little things and staying focused.

Restine said he has taken on a bigger leadership role since almost all of the offensive linemen are younger.

“There’s a little more pressure on me, but I ask them stuff as much as they ask me stuff. It’s all just trusting coaches to tell us to do what we’re supposed to do,” he said, adding that he’s “just trying to give them confidence in their roles and trust in what the coaches are saying.”

Restine said he wants to be a leader for the team and set good examples.

Garrett also said he wants to set the example for younger players.

Garrett said his mentality as a wide receiver in blocking situations is to block to the end of the play.

“I’m just staying hooked up and on the block until the whistle blows and never letting them get by,” he said.

Players are fine-tuning their diets with the season underway. Restine said he is staying away from fried foods and drinking a large among of water. Garrett said he is drinking a great amount of water and eating food to help him bulk up.