Senior running back, linebacker glad to return to action after bye week

Last week’s road game for the Sallisaw Black Diamonds at Eufaula seemed like it wasn’t going to ever get here for senior running back/linebacker Rowdy Ward since the contest was the first in two weeks for the team since it had a bye week the week prior.

“It felt amazing,” Ward said. “It felt like forever having the week off. Getting back out there felt good.”

It even felt better and sweeter that the Black Diamonds knocked off the host Ironheads.

“It was amazing,” Ward said. “I love winning. It (winning) is everything we love around here in Sallisaw.”

However, there was an emotional moment for Ward and his teammates when teammate Brodi Nickell suffered a severe injury that likely will keep No. 4 out for six to eight weeks. Ward said there was no other option than to win the game for No. 4.

“It was very heartbreaking,” Ward said. “We know he’s really tough, and he’ll pull through and be all right. We wanted to go back out there and get the win for him. We felt a little bit more emotional. We had to get the win for him. There was no other option than to get the win.”

The bottom line was the Black Diamonds got the road win over Eufaula to go to 3-0, and springboard the team into District 4A-4 play tonight as they travel to Muskogee to meet the Hilldale Hornets.

“We’re pretty focused,” Ward said. “We’re really anxious. It’s a little bit of a rivalry. I can’t wait to get out there and show them who’s boss.”

Ward has bittersweet feelings about this senior season, the last he will play for the Black Diamonds on the gridiron.

“I want to do the best that I can,” he said. “I want to take it slow but do really good because it is my last season. I want to cherish it as much as possible.”