RISING VOLTAGE: Dewey football players energized by spring workouts

One senses a fresh energy emanating from the Dewey High football realm.

That doesn't soften a brutal slate of district opponents -- the Doggers will have to rise to that challenge when it arrives.

But, positive vibes from Dewey's spring football practice bode well going into summer conditioning and seven-on-seven passing league.

"I felt like we got better across the board every day," Dewey head football coach Ryan Richardson said. "I felt like we got a little sharper on offense and got some experience back on defense. I was really encouraged with the development."

Dewey is coming off a 2-8 showing in 2022, and a cumulative 6-24 mark the past three years. Their bad luck during that stretch has been chronicled before.

This year's Dogger players and coaches are looking ahead instead of backward.

"Our competitiveness, and for the most part our demeanor, was very good," Richardson continued in his overview of spring workouts. "We've got a good group of young men. They are fun to be around and when they go out they handle business the right way. It makes our whole job as coaches even more fun."

One of Richardson's most important task is overseeing the development of first-year starting quarterback Ryder Muninger.

"Just like any kid he's got a lot of maturing to do," Richardson said. "He's got a lot of raw ability that he flashes at time. It's pretty exciting. He's just going to have some growing time. He's just a sophomore."

Compared to older brother Trent, who split time or started full-time the past three seasons at quarterback, Ryder "is more of a pocket passer," Richardson said. "He runs it well enough to be dangerous but he's really a talented thrower."

Muninger should have plenty of quality targets to connect with next year.

Although last year's ace receiver Colby Miller has graduated, Richardson looks forward to a utilizing a mix of talented catchers, led by sophomore Easton Davis, senior Bryce Sickler and Zaiden Masters.

"Zaiden played some really good cornerback for us last year," Richardson said. "He'll see more time on offense this season."

Having multiple menacing receivers "definitely creates more of an issue for the other side," Richardson said. "I don't think we have any one guy that's an absolute burner, but we've got three or four guys that are dangerous."

Helping to give passing plays a chance to succeed will be an offensive line led by senior Braden Garrison.

"I felt like our offensive line showed a little bit of maturity when it played well," in the spring, Richardson said. "At times, our defensive line flashed."

Garrison will be a two-way starter up front. He also is the defending state champion and Meet of Champions winner in the shot put.

Dewey will compete on Tuesdays through most the summer at the Pawhuska passing league.

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: RISING VOLTAGE: Dewey football players energized by spring workouts