Comets know target is on their back

— In a matter of one season, the Kansas (Okla.) Comets have gone from the hunter to the hunted in District 8-2A.

After sneaking up on competition a year ago and churning out a surprising 7-4 season, including its first victory over archrival Colcord in eight seasons, the Comets will not have the same luxury in 2012.

Fifth-year coach Eddie Barnwell doesn’t mind having the target on his team’s back though.

“To be honest it feels good,” Barnwell said. “I think that we are right there with about three other ones, but we should be picked pretty high because we’ve got so many kids back from a good team that made the playoffs. We have high expecatitions. Our kidsexpect to do well too.”

Kansas also advanced to the postseason for the first time since 2004. The Comets wound up losing toClass 3A power Lincoln Christian 41-6. However, it was the way that Kansas got to seven wins that really turned some heads.

The Comets plowed through adversity after adversity and just kept on winning. When sophomore starting quarterback Austin Hunt went down with a neck injury that ended his football career, freshman Logan Blaine stepped in and the Comets didn’t miss a beat. When senior starting running back Cody Bright, who was well on his way to a 1,000-yard rushing season tore his ACL, the Comets kept on winning.

Including Blaine, the Comets had several sophomores and freshman step up all over the field, including this year’s sophomoresTyler Potter, Rowdy Chesser and Justus Hogshooter.

“Kids that people in Kansas had never heard of before,” Barnwell said. “The thing that excites us is those kids are still young. We’re predominately a sophomore-junior team this year. We still have a good mix of seniors, but our sophomore class is large.”

Blaine (5-8, 175) is a dual threat at quarterback for Kansas after completing 43 of 90 passes for 719 yards and five touchdowns and eight interceptions. Blaine also rushed for 375 yards on 81 carries and nine touchdowns.

“Logan Blaine started seven games for us at quarterback,” Barnwell said.

“He’s a little rock.

He’s a good leader. He’s a good football player.

He’s dangerous running the football. He’s dangerous throwing the football. The most important thing is our kids believe in him, and our kids trust him.”

Backing up Blaine at quarterback is freshman Jared Hogshooter (5-9, 160). Senior wideout Dylan Collyge (5-11, 150) is the team’s third quarterback.

Junior Casey Armbrister (6-1, 170) is at the top of the Comets’ depth chart in the backfield.

Armbrister rushed for 346 yards on 81 carries last year with the bulk of his carries coming after Bright went down in theColcord game.

He scored five touchdowns.

“I think he’s the best football player in our district,” Barnwell said of Armbrister, who is athree-year starter at linebacker on defense. “We bought brand new jerseys last year, and he destroyed both of his just by playing. They’re gone. I plan on buying another set for him next year.”

Sophomore Tyler King (5-9, 155) is the backup tailback, while sophomore Takota Dobbs (5-10, 170) was a handful on the scout team offense last season.

“Dobbs practiced with us every day,” Barnwell said. “We couldn’t tackle him.”

Perhaps the Comets’ best athletes are at wide receiver.

Senior Johnny Lewis (6-2, 170) is a big target for Blaine, and he led the team with 21 catches for 392 yards last year. Senior Austin Catcher (6-1, 170) caught nine passes for 148 yards, while Collyge caught eight passes for 153 yards. Chesser (6-1, 160) caught five passes for 111 yards. Add junior Blake Hix (6-0, 160) to the mix and the Comets feel good about their receiving corps.

Armbrister was the Comets’ second-leading receiver with 11 catches for 168 yards. The Comets have moved

sophomore Tyler Potter from the backfield to tight end. Potter (6-3, 209)rushed for 139 yards on 35 carries last year.

The offensive line is anchored by senior returning starters Jesse Dozier (5-7, 175) at center and C.J. Parsons (6-0, 203) at offensive guard. Justus Hogshooter (5-11, 190) will start on the line as will senior Devin Duncan (6-0, 169) and junior Derek Evans (6-0, 205).

“(The offenisve line) wouldprobably be our biggest concern right now with experience and depth,” Barnwell said. “We think they’re going to get it done.”

Hogshooterand Parsons are interchangeable on all three defensive line positions for the Comets.

“Justus Hogshooter has had a great summer,” Barnwell said.

“He just works so hard. He’s an offensive and defensive lineman that runs like a skill kid. He’s very athletic.”

Sophomores Potter and Shayne Warren (6-2, 160) are gettingthe first looks at defensive end.

Potter is making the move from linebacker.

Parsons had 95 total tackles last year with six sacks, while Potter had 33 total tackles.

Armbrister anchors the Comets linebackers after leading the team with 123 total tackles and four sacks last season.

King and sophomore Levi Hyso (5-8, 160) will man the other linebacker spots.

Chesser, Lewis, Collyge, Hix, Catcher and Dobbs should all play in the secondary. Catcher had 55 total tackles and an interception last year. Lewis led the team with seven interceptions to go with 45 tackles. Collyge had 37 total tackles an interception, while Hix had 25 tackles.

“We’re just trying to get the best football players on the field,” Barnwell said.

Freshman Tracy Pruitt (5-9, 165) has looked good as well in preseason practices, Barnwellsaid.

Potter will handle the kicking duties.

It was a difficult summer for the Barnwell family. Barnwell’s 26-year-old son, Caleb, was killed in a car accident June 20.

Barnwell said the Comet nation has rallied behind him and his family during this difficulttime. He said this year’s football season will be a part of the healing process.

“(Football) helps me to be busy, and I know this one of those things that Caleb enjoyed,” Barnwell said. “It’s good to get back and get on a routine and doing something I love and get my mind off it. It’s somethingthat’s always going to be there, and I know that.

“I’m really proud of the way our coaches and players have handled it. While I was gone for two and a half weeks during that time, things just rocked right on.

It’s going to be a special season, and we’re really looking forward to it.”

Sports, Pages 42 on 08/29/2012