Westside Football Preview

2021

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2021 Football Preview 20C n Wednesday, August 25, 2021 Herald-Leader/Westside Eagle Observer WATTS, Okla. — For the second straight season, the Watts (Okla.) football program has had a coach- ing change just before the start of the season. Veteran coach Tommy Yeager was named head coach after Doug Ward resigned to take a teaching posi- tion in the Siloam Springs School District. Yeager, who was originally going to be an assistant coach, is in his fifth year at Watts. He's from West- ville, where he graduated in 1990 and has previously coached and taught at Spavinaw and Westville. Ward had two stints as head coach at Watts, including taking over as head coach when Matt Stilwell resigned in August 2020. "I think the transition's been pretty smooth," Ye a g e r s a i d . "Coach Ward came and talked to them and made it clear to them that it was just an opportunity that was best for his family. I think that helped with him coming and talking to the boys. The decision he made didn't have anything to do with them. He's been a good role model here. He's a Watts guy, went to school here and taught here for a long time. I think we all hated to see him leave, but we all under - stand." Yeager said J.J. Johnson, who's helped coach in the Watts district for several seasons, will run the Engineers' offense and Yeager will call the defense. Offensively, the Engineers will run some wing and double wing formations along with being in the I-formation. Defensively, Watts plans on play - ing a 4-2 defense. "We're not very big," Yeager said. "We've got a little bit of speed." The Engineers (4-3 in 2020) have 15 players on the roster, including four seniors, two juniors, one soph- omore and eight freshmen, several of whom will play key roles. Senior Christian Sullateskee was one of Watts' top playmakers last year at tight end and wide receiver. He'll also play safety or a corner position on defense, Yeager said. "We're glad he's back," Yeager said of Sullateskee. "If you can get him in open space he can make some stuff happen." Senior Caden Willis plays some flanker on offense and cornerback on defense. "He's got good speed, so we can put him in motion and do some things," Yeager said. "He's probably the fastest guy on our team." By Graham Thomas Staff Writer n gthomas@nwadg.com Young Engineers under new leadership again Graham Thomas/Westside Football Preview The Watts (Okla.) Engineers are scheduled to open the season Sept. 3 at home against Welch. Head Coach Tommy Yeager See ENGINEERS on Page 21C

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