Jenks’ Trimble to receive a national award
Jenks coach Allan Trimble’s legacy will be honored on a national level.
Trimble was named the recipient of the Power of Influence Award by the American Football Coaches Association and its foundation on Wednesday.
“Being selected by the AFCA as the 2017 Power of Influence Award winner is a humbling and life changing experience for me and my family, especially when I reflect on the number of great coaches and players who I’ve had the privilege to work alongside during my career,” Trimble said in a news release. “Looking back, I pray that lives were influenced in a positive way and this mentorship process continues to grow and reciprocate. Football is the greatest classroom a young man can participate in.”
The award was created to honor a high school football coach for their impact on their team and players, as well as the legacy they leave with the school and community.
Trimble is in his second season coaching while battling ALS. He has been with Jenks for more than 20 years, where he’s led the way to 13 state championships, four runner-up finishes and 16 district titles, including this season.
Trimble was nominated by the Oklahoma Coaches Association.
Clinton coach Reade Box future in doubt
Reade Box’s tenure at Clinton appears over after just one full year as head coach.
According to the Clinton Daily News, Box will not return next season with the storied Red Tornadoes. The news comes just days after Clinton missed the playoffs for the first time since 1989.
Clinton athletic director and retired football coach Mike Lee denied the report to The Oklahoman, instead deferring to Box. Attempts to reach Box have been unsuccessful.
Box, who led Hollis to the 2014 Class A title, took over a few weeks into last season when coach Phil Koons resigned. Clinton still made the playoffs.
But this season injuries derailed the talented squad. Clinton finished 3-7, including a 21-14 loss to Elgin last week that kept it out of the postseason.
Box talked with The Oklahoman earlier in the week about possibly missing the playoffs.
“The playoffs are important here,” Box said at the time. “A lot of people go and have ups and downs, but Clinton just hasn’t had a down in a while. We graduated a great group of seniors last year, and we knew things would be harder this year.”
Box’s departure continues a tumultuous run of coaches to follow Lee, who retired in 2015 after leading Clinton to nine titles in 25 years.
Koons was named Lee’s replacement, but also lasted one full season. He resigned last season with rumors flying about an incident with students. Box, in his first season, was promoted, but never really gained his footing.
Purcell looking for shot at redemption against Sulphur
John Higbee doesn’t have to tell his guys how much better they are now vs. the beginning of the season. They tell him all the time. “They are excited about their development and know the hard work they’ve put in all season,” Higbee said. “We just have to put it all together on Friday.”
Purcell will take on Sulphur in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs on Friday night, a rematch from Week 0 when Purcell lost to Sulphur game 32-6.
What’s changed in the weeks since? Higbee said his team has found their identity on defense, making life rough on opposing offenses and only allowing 12 points per game on average.
“We have really improved and been able to make lots of strides on that side of the ball,” Higbee said. “When our offense hasn’t always been rolling, our defense has carried us.”