Inola’s football program faces significant challenges this season after an impressive 9-3 campaign that included the school’s first playoff victory since 1994. The Longhorns must rebuild with a young roster following the graduation of 18 seniors and adapt to new head coach Jim Bob Ashley, who was promoted from offensive coordinator.
The team’s schedule presents immediate tests through non-district matchups against Sequoyah, defending Class 2A-II state champion Adair, and Catoosa. The Catoosa game carries particular significance as part of the traditional “Battle of the Ports” rivalry. Ashley expressed confidence in his program’s preparation, noting improvements at both Catoosa and Adair while emphasizing his team’s commitment to challenging competition rather than easier opponents.
The true examination arrives during the season’s final stretch, when Inola faces Heritage Hall, Verdigris, and Perkins-Tryon during critical district and playoff positioning games. Ashley described this closing sequence as a demanding “slug fest” comparable to legendary boxing trilogy matches, viewing it as an opportunity for his squad to measure itself against elite competition when stakes are highest. The coach believes this gauntlet will ultimately determine whether the Longhorns can sustain their program’s recent success.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
About the Author
