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WATTS, Okla. — The Watts football team is coming off a strong 8-3 season in 2018, and fifth-year coach Matt Stil- well believes the Engineers can be in the mix again in 2019. "We can be a good team," Stilwell said. "We're picked to finish second in the district behind Regent Prep. There's expectations and respect from other coaches and teams." The Engineers finished third in Dis - trict B-8 last year behind Class B run- ner-up Regent Prep and Foyil. It was the best record Watts has had in several years, after going 2-8 in Stilwell's first season in 2015. In 2016 Watts went 7-4 and made the playoffs and then went 4-6 in 2017 before doubling that win total in 2018. The Engineers hope for similar suc - cess in 2019 and will be led by a group of experienced seniors on offense, which is expected to operate out of a split-back shotgun. Senior quarterback Aaron Mitchell is back after rushing for nearly 700 yards and passing for an - other 600 last year. "Aaron should have another big season rushing and passing the ball," Stilwell said. Senior running back Donovan Hammer rushed for 633 yards in 2018 and will be the Engineers' pri - mary back in 2019. "Donovan Hammer is going to be the work horse this year," Stilwell said. "We're going to feed him the ball. He's going to get it as much as he wants. He started running the ball a lot better last year at the end of the year. If he can continue that, he'll have a good year. He had a good summer in the weight room." Senior Jesse Guyll also had a pro- ductive year on offense and will be depended on to run and catch the ball from a tight end position. "Jesse can be one of the best to ever come through here," Stilwell said. "He's taken off more at middle lineback- er than he has in the backfield, but this could be his year to shine in the Watts (Okla.) Engineers 2019 schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 at Decatur 7 p.m. Sept. 6 at Welch 7 p.m. Sept. 13 Wilson-Henryetta 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at Cave Springs 7 p.m. Sept. 27 Porum 7 p.m. Oct. 4 Arkoma 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at Regent Prep* 7 p.m. Oct. 18 Foyil* 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at South Coffeyville* 7 p.m. Nov. 1 Oaks* 7 p.m. Nov. 8 at Summit Christian* 7 p.m. * District B-8 game 2019 Football Preview 14C n Wednesday, August 28, 2019 Herald-Leader-Westside Eagle Observer See Watts on Page 20C with the product we put on the field offensively," said Bohannon. "We'll be mostly spread and I'm sure Lion fans might see some familiarity from years past with a few wrinkles." To go along with the quarterback experience Bohannon believes he has a solid group of skill players. "Cy has a solid wide receiver corps led by returning starters Mason Dag- ley and Ian Drake," said Bohannon. "We've also been able to add Chace Austin which was big for us. The ground game has improved with our junior combo of Isaac Dann and Tren- ton Durham." After losing several multi-year start- ers to graduation along the offensive line, Bohannon and staff have looked to players to make position moves. "Lane Wilkins and Keegan Addison have selflessly transitioned to the offensive line to help with the needs," said Bohannon. "They are getting bet- ter every day." On the defensive side of the ball, where Bohannon will retain coordi- nating duties, the Lions must make improvements after allowing 40-plus points six times in 2018. "Defensively, we have to stay flexible and play fast," said Bohannon. "We try to simplify our scheme as much as possible to help with that, however, at the same time we allow some of our kids the autonomy to make changes to keep us in good situations." With lower numbers, Bohannon will be relying on a lot of guys to contrib - ute on both sides of the football. "(Lane) Wilkins is a guy that has been huge for us," said Bohannon. "I know I can put a lot on his plate and he always makes sure he gets us lined up and in the correct call." The head coach will lean heavily on returning starters at linebacker to set the tone for the defense. Trenton Durham, Ian Drake, and Isaac Dan make up the trio. "Our three returning starters at the linebacker spots (are guys) we will be able to rely on," said Bohannon. "We also have Dagley and Hilger returning at safety for us and they really solidify our secondary. Hayden Olson and Keegan Addison have also transi - tioned to the defensive line and had great off-seasons." For Gravette to get back into the playoffs, Bohannon knows his team has to catch a few breaks and avoid injuries. "We have to stay healthy," said Bo - hannon. "Our kids have really worked hard in the weight room over the last several months and I think that will be a key in making sure that happens. Of course, we can always use the ball bouncing in our favor as well." The Lions start their season with several tough non-conference games and Bohannon believes those contests will be good measuring sticks for his team and help them down the road. "Everyone knows we play in a tough conference and there are no 'off ' weeks," said Bohannon. "So, getting off to a good start with some challeng - ing opponents will help prepare us for what's to come." A lot of fans around the conference are wondering how the 4A-1 will end up in 2019. Bohannon does not be - lieve there are many secrets as to who the favorites should be. "I think those guys like Shiloh Chris- tian, Pea Ridge, and Prairie Grove, who are perennial contenders will again be at the front of the pack," said Bohannon. "Lincoln is a team that made some noise a year ago and re - turn some athletes as well." Gravette begins its 2019 campaign Aug. 30, on the road in Tulsa facing Cascia Hall. The Lions are off Week 1 and then host 5A Farmington Sept. 13. Conference play begins Sept. 27, when Lincoln travels to Gravette. Gravette Continued from Page 11C 42 • Kenny Tush Engineers eyeing another strong season By Graham Thomas Staff Writer n gthomas@nwadg.com 3 •Donovan Hammer 75 • Caleb Orullian 7 • Aaron Mitchell 45 • Jesse Guyll 24 • Avery Guyll 99 • Andy Lee 77 • Bryce Thompson Coach Matt Stilwell