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Watonga High School players Joe Jackson (8) and Joe Rinehart (44) in action vs. Cordell High School in 2019. Bob Henline Watonga Republican
As Watonga High School varsity football continues its annual Summer Pride strength and conditioning in the morning in preparation for the 2020 season, it was announced that Eagles players Joe Jackson and Joe Rinehart have been nominated for the VYPE Oklahoma Preseason Cimarron Valley All-Area Team at their respective positions.
Rinehart, who is one of the Eagles’ incoming seniors at fullback and is expected to be one of Watonga’s leaders this season, was nominated in the running back category.
İn addition to Rinehart, currently nominated in the running back category for the Cimarron Valley Hub are Korbin Cox of Jones High School, Elijah Scott of Luther High School, Kintoris Barber of Guthrie High School, and Caleb Dick of Kingfisher High School.
Jackson, who played running back on offense last season as a sophomore, will make the transition to quarterback this season after former Watonga standout Michael Reza graduated.
Under fourth-year head coach Zac Maynard, Jackson will be relied upon heavily to lead Watonga’s run-heavy offense this year as the Eagles look to head back to the playoffs.
Also nominated under the quarterback category for preseason Cimarron All-Hub selections are Bryson Jinkins of Okeene High School, Cade Stephenson of Kingfisher High School, Drew Scheer of Luther High School, Carson May of Jones High School, Josh Rains of Guthrie High School, and Ben Harman of Cashion High School.
Both Jackson and Rinehart are powerful runners who are not afraid of contact down the field and it will be very interesting to see how they flourish in Maynard’s offense this season.
Barring any further COVID-19 setbacks, Watonga is scheduled to open its 2020 campaign on Friday, Aug. 28 at home against the Thomas High School Terriers.
Be sure to check out future issues of the Watonga Republican for more updates on upcoming Eagles’ varsity athletics as well as the Watonga Public Schools website or official Facebook page.
Andrew Salmi can be reached via email at Sports@WatongaRepublican.com