Published: September 04, 2008 11:56 am            

Buffs open season at home Friday against the Lions

Friday night lights will once again shine bright over Hook Eales Stadium as the McAlester Buffaloes open their regular season with the Durant Lions Friday.

McAlester head football coach Bryan Pratt said his team has been working for what feels like forever getting ready for this first game.

“We figured it up the other day and it looks like we have worked about 159 off-season days trying to prepare for this day,” Pratt said.

Off-season preparation for the Buffs consisted of weight training, summer pride, team camps and seven on seven games.

“We have been waiting a while and our team and coaches are extremely excited to get going,” Pratt said. “This is a home opener which also adds to the excitement.”

The game will be a non-district game for the Buffs, but has become quite a rivalry over the years.

The Durant Lions match up well with the McAlester Buffaloes. Both teams lost several starters from last season’s teams. Both squads have young players starting at key positions.

“I anticipate a great game. Coach Cordell does a good job of getting his team ready to play. I am sure they will be prepared,” Pratt said.

The Buffs have several players that will start in Friday’s game that were not able to participate in last Friday’s scrimmage due to illness.

“We have everybody back with the exception of Chris Patterson, who will be released Friday morning. We look for Chris to play in the game as well as Jordan Lane and Caleb Carney,” coach Pratt said.

According to coach Pratt, MHS athletic department secretary Mary Martin said that last season’s game against Durant was one of the biggest gates in several years.

“We anticipate the same thing this year. It’s a big rivalry. We will have a lot of people there and I am sure they (Durant) will bring a lot of fans. It’s a great atmosphere for a first home game,” Pratt added.

“I hope our fans pack the house.”

The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. at Hook Eales Stadium.

Contact Glen Eller at geller@mcalesternews.com

        

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