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Claremore Football Feature – Presented by Flawless Smile Dentistry
- Updated: August 27, 2019
Claremore Zebras
Coach: JARRETT HURT
Schedule:
9-6 – at Bartlesville
9-13 – vs. Sapulpa
9-20 – vs. Edison
9-27 – at Collinsville
10-4 – vs. East Central
10-11 – at Rogers
10-18 – at Memorial
10-25 – vs. Skiatook
11-1 – vs. Pryor
11-8 – at Tahlequah
Quick Hits:
Claremore has won a playoff game in each of the past two seasons. The last time the Zebras accomplished that feat was the 2002-2003 season. Claremore’s last semifinals appearance was in 1987.
Running back Jace Hightower logged back-to-back 200+yard rushing performances in wins over Skiatook and Pryor. Hightower carried the football 42 times against Skiatook alone.
Linebacker Mason Hayes recorded over 15 tackles in three different games for Claremore. His best performance of the season came against Edison in the season finale. The Zebras held the high-powered Eagles to only seven points.
Last 6 Years:
2018 – 7-5
2017 – 7-5
2016 – 6-5
2015 – 2-8
2014 – 2-8
2013 – 7-4
OFFENSE
Head coach Jarrett Hurt enters his third season at the helm of the Zebra football program. Hurt led Claremore to a 7-5 record last season and a trip to the quarterfinals of the Class 5A playoffs before falling to the eventual champions. This season the Zebras return some high-caliber talent on both sides of the ball. Jace Hightower (5-9, 180, Sr.) returns at running back, where he rushed for 1,138 yards on 187 carries and scored 10 touchdowns. Hightower, a VYPE Top 100 selectee, has an offer from Air Force and more could come in as the season gets underway. Dylan Kedzior (6-2, 210, Sr.) finished the 2018 season with 506 yards on 36 receptions and five touchdowns. Kedzior joins Hightower on the VYPE Top 100 list as does Quentin Skinner (6-4, 175, Sr.) at wide receiver. Skinner caught 29 balls for 334 yards and five score. Charlie Murdock (6-3, 205, Sr.) has the tough job of getting these guys the football. Murdock was solid last season throwing for 1,456 yards and 15 TDs. Expect Murdock to lead this talented bunch to another playoff berth.
DEFENSE
Hurt believes the back seven on defense will be the team’s strength when the season starts, but look for younger guys to mature and step up as the season moves forward. Mason Hayes (6-1, 195, Sr.) tallied 126 tackles, two sacks and one fumble recovery from his linebacker spot last season. He also scored a defensive touchdown. Conner Aaron (5-10, 185, Sr.) will start at outside linebacker, where he recorded 77 tackles and had two fumble recoveries last season. Thomas Mason (6-2, 200, Sr.) gets the job at defensive end. Mason must get to the quarterback and increase his sack total of four from a season ago. Mason did tally 79 tackles with two fumble recoveries and added a defensive touchdown to his credit. Hightower is another linebacker the Zebras have in the quiver. Skinner will also play defense, moving to one of the corner spots. Last season Skinner snagged two interceptions and 33 tackles while Hightower accounted for 65 tackles and two sacks.