Poteau game has special meaning for senior lineman
A few years ago, Sallisaw Black Diamonds senior offensive lineman Dawson Lamb, along with older brother and Sallisaw graduate Braxton Lamb, coaching father Matt Lamb and teacher mother Charli Lamb, moved from Poteau to Sallisaw.
So, each year when the Black Diamonds and the Poteau Pirates meet on the gridiron, as they will at 7 tonight at Poteau’s Costner Stadium, it’s always a special night for the senior offensive lineman.
“I grew up there (in Poteau),” Lamb said. “A lot of my friends are down there. A lot of those I’ll play (tonight). It’s always been like a fun game to play, more so than all the other ones because you get to return back to your home and connect with those people again. On the field, you have to keep in mind they are your opponent. You shouldn’t go easy on them and try to beat them. There’s still a job to do.”
During the team’s six-game winning streak, the Black Diamonds are scoring at least four touchdowns a game. In fact, the Black Diamonds are averaging almost 41 points per game during the winning streak. Lamb said it comes down to two things, at least in his opinion, as to why the Sallisaw offense has been so potent.
“I think it’s effort,” he said. “It comes down to effort and trust. Our team gives 100 percent all the time, no matter what — even if we’re losing. We always come back. We always try to make comebacks. We always try to score. I think it’s our effort that stands out for us offensively.”
In fact, the senior offensive lineman believes the winning streak actually has calmed him down.
“It helps the nerves settle a lot, but I do think it’s something to strive for, considering it (winning the district title) is so close,” Lamb said. “It’s more achievable now. We just have to lock in and win them (remaining games). I’m having fun.” In each of the last two seasons, the Class 4A playoff parade for the Black Diamonds has ended with a state quarterfinal loss to the eventual state champion for that season — falling to Blanchard in 2023 and Elgin last season. It would mean a lot to Lamb if the Black Diamonds can at least get to the state semifinals this season.
“It would mean a lot,” he said. “It would mean setting a new standard before I graduate. It’s something that every other team going on could strive to recreate. It could push the model of football we play here. It’s been great the last two years. Pushing it beyond would be greater.”
Naturally, winning the Class 4A state title would be even more special.
“It wouldn’t be a bad thing at all,” Lamb said. “It would be awesome. It would just be surreal, I think. To my knowledge, I’d be the only one in my family to do that. It would be big to bring that, a state title, to this program. It would mean a lot.”
For right now, Lamb is just concentrating on his final season as a Black Diamond.
“I’m more concerned with the senior season,” he said. “I’m not big on playing at the next level, depending on any offers. You never know. It’s this (current senior season), and that’s all I’m focused on right now.”
