Senior offensive lineman says Black Diamonds ready for tonight’s district showdown at Broken Bow
Last year, the Broken Bow Savages came to town and left 56-14 victors. Sallisaw senior offensive lineman Jose Diaz said the Black Diamonds are ready for tonight’s district rematch at Broken Bow.
“I saw there is a little bit (of revenge) just because you can’t totally forget the past, but this year we’re just really focusing on being a new team, Diaz said. “We haven’t forgotten about last year, but we have to focus on this year’s team. I think this time, we’re prepared for them. I think we can beat Broken Bow as long as the defense steps up and the offense keeps scoring points.”
The Black Diamonds just completed a three-game homestand to begin the home portion of their schedule, and won all three games.
“We could have been a lot better had we beaten Pryor the first game, but going from that loss with three wins, I think it’s great,” Diaz said. “Now, it’s off to Broken Bow.”
Speaking about the offense, during the three-game winning streak that has seen the Black Diamonds win them all, Diaz believes the recent offensive success can be credited to trust.
“It’s the trust we have in each other, and the trust we have in our (starting) quarterback (Kase Adams) and our running backs (such as starters Jackson Harris and Kenyan Hill),” he said. “The trust we’ve been building in practice, and the trust we’ve been building all around, helps us as an offense.”
Diaz believes the Black Diamonds can go farther in the Class 4A playoffs than they have gone in each the last two years — which has seen the postseason parade end in the state quarterfinals.
“I think we can get further because our team has been so focused on this (having success this season),” the senior offensive lineman said. “We’ve put a lot of effort into each practice. We’ve given it everything we have. We have a lot of leaders stepping up. This year’s team has really been connected with each other. It’s just like one big family now.”
To end his senior year as a state champion would be no finer way to go out.
“I really can’t even imagine it,” Diaz said. “It would be surreal. If were to get there and win the state championship, I would be grateful and thankful for the team I have for getting there. I really wouldn’t know what words to say. It would be a surreal experience.”
In fact, Diaz cannot believe his senior season has already made it to the halfway point (of the regular season).
“I’m surprised it’s already here,” he said. “It’s gone by really fast. I started as a freshman. The coaches said enjoy it because it goes by fast. I didn’t think that was true. Now, we’re in Week 5. I’m just kind of dumbfounded at just how fast it (the season) has gone by. I’m having fun, but it’s going too fast. I’m not ready for the fun to end.”
Right now, Diaz isn’t worried about future football, but if it comes he will definitely take advantage of the opportunity.
“I haven’t really thought about it, but I wouldn’t turn it (an offer) down,” he said.
