Warrior quarterback just glad to be playing once more

When the 2022 season ended, Webbers Falls then-junior quarterback Maddux Shelby was just a spectator as he suffered a torn quad muscle during the District B-5 opener against Dewar. To say it was an unbearable stretch of time to not get to play is an understatement.

“It was incredibly difficult, especially for me,” Shelby said. “God had a plan for me. We went through rehab hard. I prayed, and it helped me get my life on track with Him. I feel that’s meant a lot this year because I came through it. I give the glory to Him. I know He’s the reason I’m back out here playing.”

And playing the now senior QB did. Shelby rushed for 192 yards and four touchdowns and threw for 76 yards and another score as the Warriors won their zero week season opener 42-28 over the Keota Lions last Friday night at Smokey Cox Stadium. To say the Webbers Falls signal caller was enthusiastic that night also is an understatement.

“It was a great feeling, especially coming from last year,” he said. “They knocked us out of the playoffs — although I wasn’t there (on the field due to injury). It (the win over Keota) meant a lot after watching my team lose. To get them back meant a lot. For the team, I know it was a great win.”

Shelby is a happy camper to be able to be out on the gridiron once again.

“I’m ecstatic, but I know to play every game like it’s my last because it very well could be,” he said. “That injury put into perspective what could happen — and what might happen — so I need to give it everything I’ve got all the time.”

Unlike last year when the Warriors lost their season opener 53-6 on the road against Tulsa Regent Prep, the Warriors opened 2023 with the home victory over Keota. Now, the next goal can be achieved.

“A 1-0 start leads to a 2-0 start,” Shelby said. “We’ve got to put in a lot of work this week so we can get another win Friday.”

Webbers Falls coach Trent Holt said that he would put his top eight players on the field with anybody. While Shelby praised his coach on the compliment, the senior quarterback is quick to thank his teammates for making that possible.

“That’s a great representation (of us),” Shelby said. “I feel that’s a good thing, but not just the starters are putting in the work. Our whole team is out here putting in the work. These scout (team) guys are giving our starters quality reps throughout practice. Iron sharpens iron. I think we’re getting better. If we keep putting in the work, and we stay healthy, I think we can play (with anybody).”

Tonight, the Warriors will make about a 3.5-hour road trip to Bartlesville to meet the Wesleyan Christian Mustangs at 7 p.m. The Warriors won last year’s battle in an offensive shootout 78-55 at Smokey Cox Stadium. Shelby said the Warriors will need to get ready to corral an air-raid passing attack by the Mustangs.

“This team is almost a complete opposite of what Keota was,” the senior QB said. “When you think of Keota, you think of powerhouse. When you think of Wesleyan Christian, you think they’re going to sling the ball around. So, we’ve got to change our game plan up. We have to make sure we have all our guys locked in. I think if we get us all locked in, we’ll have a good season.”

• • • To Get There — Take Muskogee Turnpike west to Broken Arrow. Take Oklahoma State Highway 51 to U.S. 169. Take U.S. 169 north to Interstate 244. Take I-244 west to U.S. 75. Take U.S. 75 north to Bartlesville. Once in Bartlesville continue on U.S. 75, which becomes Washington Boulevard. Proceed north to Price Road. Turn left on Price Road to Silver Lake Road. Turn right to Wesley Drive. Turn right and proceed to Wesley Christian School.