May 25, 2010

By Robert Przybylo
The Oklahoman

It is still weird to think about last year’s Santa Fe football season. The Wolves were a disappointing 3-7 but were a break or two away from a 6-4 campaign.

The talent was there last year as proven by how many of last year’s seniors went on to sign to play college at various levels.

But now? Well, it is a little challenging for second-year coach Bruce Gowen.

The strangest thing he told me Monday was Santa Fe only has 10 seniors practicing right now. I remember being a little miffed when Heritage Hall had seven seniors last year. But to only have 10 seniors at a 6A school is really putting you in a tough spot.

It is not just the Xs and Os and the execution of the game plans, it is who is going to step into that role and seize the leadership? None of them has ever been there before – big question mark.

From what I did see, junior Ty Hensley has put himself in good position to take over at QB. Gowen would not confirm anything in terms of positions, but Hensley and Patrick Hinton looked solid.

Each coach views the spring portion their own way, but I have to believe this is a crucial two-week period for the Wolves in trying to help establish their identity.

There are definitely going to be some growing pains, but this is the team that might end up all coming together over the summer.

All spots are pretty much there for the taking, it’s just going to be a waiting game to see what kid wants that role.

These two weeks certainly will not be a good indication of what the 2010 Wolves are going to be, but it will be interesting how they finish things up.