Running backs will shape postseason
Earlier this week, Hulbert star running back Jacob Bruce put a television interview on hold until later that day.
The state’s likely future all-time rushing leader wasn’t interested in the attention just yet. He wanted to be in the woods hunting.
Bruce is a small-school star in northeastern Oklahoma near Tahlequah quietly approaching a record he told his new coach last season he would attain. With it in sight, Bruce is ready for more.
“I try to keep myself busy, whether it’s hanging out with some friends or going hunting or fishing, just keeping my mind off that state record,” Bruce said. “It’s a big thing and I’d like to reach it, but I don’t want to get too focused into that when it’s a team sport.”
As the playoffs open across the state Friday, running back is the power position at every level.
From Broken Arrow’s Noah Cortes to Tulsa Edison’s Sevion Morrison to McGuinness’ Dominic Richardson to Sulphur’s Trey Kiser, running backs all over have had monster seasons. Their performance the next four or five weeks will shape the postseason.
It’s no different for Hulbert and Bruce.
The 5-foor-10, 170pound speedster enters Friday’s Class A firstround opener with Allen just 295 yards short of breaking former Luther standout Larry Dupree’s career mark of 8,443 yards he set 20 years ago.
Bruce is also 169 yards shy of 3,000 this season.
And it’s hard to not expect him to reach both marks this week.
Edison’s Morrison exceeding expectations
Tulsa Edison coach Tony Daniels believed junior Sevion Morrison had the potential for greatness, but even the past five games may have exceeded expectations.
“Four hundred and 19 yards, 382, 429 yards,” Daniels said about Morrison’s recent rushing totals. “That’s ridiculous. That’s insane. I wouldn’t have fathomed."
Morrison has caught the attention of the state, rushing for 1,745 yards and 26 touchdowns in the last five games to give Edison a home matchup with No. 10 Claremore to open the Class 5A playoffs. He’s up to 2,639 yards and 34 TDs.
That led to offers from Missouri, Nebraska and Nevada. It’s a dream season for Morrison.
Other RBs to watch
Here is a look at other top running backs and where to watch them this week:
Noah Cortes, Broken Arrow: The school’s all-time leading rusher has 1,440 yards and 27 TDs. The Tigers host Moore.
Miles Davis, Lawton: The speedster has 1,911 yards and 20 TDs. Lawton travels to Bixby.
Trey Kiser, Sulphur: Sulphur’s catalyst has averaged more than 200 yards a game. Sulphur hosts Perkins-Tryon.
Marcus Major Jr., Millwood: An Oklahoma commit, Major is the most feared runner in the state. The Falcons host Dickson.
Dadrion Taylor, Carl Albert: Returned from a knee injury and has 647 yards and 11 TDs in six games. The Titans host El Reno.
Dominic Richardson, McGuinness: Now up to 1,118 yards and 17 TDs. McGuinness hosts Altus.
Qwontrel Walker, Stillwater: The speedster has been huge for an undefeated team. Pioneers host Muskogee.