These Bartlesville-area high school football players have shined in early practices

Several Bartlesville-area high school football players earned a spotlight during the opening week of practice.

Here's a list of some of them:

Ivan Griffin (soph.), Bartlesville

The Bruins already boast plenty of depth at receiver and defensive back but the young Griffin has been contending to play an important role in both spots. "I'm excited to see what he could do once pads come on," Bartlesville head coach Harry Wright said this week.

Nate Neal (jr.), Bartlesville

Neal has thrown the ball well throughout the summer and in practice, Wright said. He is the first quarterback to play in consecutive seasons for Bartlesville since Ben Winters (2018-19). Other than an interception issue, Neal led the Bruins last year to a 5-7 record — and to competitive losses against Sapulpa, Collinsville and Sand Springs. Neal also garnered quality varsity time, including at least one start, as a freshman in 2021.

Easton Malone (jr.), Barnsdall

Malone's role on both sides of the ball has increased exponentially with the season injury loss of returning quarterback Maverick Lanphear. The state wrestling qualifier last winter brings a lot of muscle to the running back and linebacker spots -- he recently deadlifted 515 pounds, benched 530 pounds and squatted 540 pounds. Barnsdall head coach Kylee Sweeney has moved him from the defensive line and into one of the vacant 'backer spots. "He's a stout kid," Sweeney said.

Lincoln Gott and Braden Byers, Barnsdall

Gott and Byers are working hard to fill the quarterback spot left open by the loss of Lanphear. "They both have thrown pretty well this week," Sweeney said Thursday. "As far as practice I think they're both pretty close in the competition. … We'll see who wants to separate whenever we put the pads on."

Zack Ketchum (sr.) and Noah Mitchell (soph.), Caney Valley

The Trojans also have to fill a major void at quarterback following the graduation of four-year starter Zak "Curly" Wallis. Both Ketchum and Mitchell competed hard this week to earn the No. 1 role. "Each of them has their individual strengths," said Caney Valley head coach Stephen Mitchell. "We'll make our decision based on what we feel will best benefit us." Noah is the more polished passer, especially on the long ball, and Ketchum "is a little more elusive," Mitchell said.

Karson Woodworth (jr.), Copan

Woodworth is picking up where he left off last year as a potent target for quarterback Kane Foreman.

Kael Siemers (sr.), Wesleyan Christian

Coming off a successful summer baseball season for the Bartlesville Doenges Ford Indians, Siemers opened practice with high expectations as a versatile receiving threat for quarterback Ty Cloud and also a defensive standout.

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Bartlesville-area HS football players shine in early practices