By Blake Colston
Sports Writer
There was a renewed excitement around Yukon’s football program as the Millers opened fall camp Monday morning.
The hiring in the offseason of head coach Brent Barnes has infused new energy into the program. Soon, Yukon will have a chance to earn program-building victories over 6A-1 powers like Mustang, Tulsa Union and Owasso.
“Hopefully, there’s belief and excitement around what we’re going to be capable of doing,” said Barnes, who served as an assistant coach at YHS from 2006-2007. “Obviously, it’s going to be a process, and it starts with everybody buying in and being a part of it.”
First, the Millers will sharpen their skills against a familiar foe: themselves. YHS on Monday morning held the first of 20 practices scheduled this month.
The Millers return some key pieces in 2023. Running backs Logan Day and Destry Lujan are back, and quarterback Holden Kee is healthy again following an injury-riddled 2022 campaign. Kee and junior Carter Creach will be the focal points of Barnes’ spread passing attack, a system that has produced results at his previous stops.
Barnes led Scottsdale Chaparral to the Arizona 6A football championship during the COVID-19 2020 season and back to the final the following season. Before moving west, he guided Norman North to the Class 6A-1 championship game in 2016.
It remains to be seen if Yukon can achieve the same success. After qualifying for the playoffs in 2021, the Millers finished 1-9 last season.
The team will catch a break from Mother Nature early in camp, at least for a few days.
High temperatures were forecast to drop below 90 degrees for the first two practices of camp before spiking to 95 or above for the following seven days.
SEASON TICKETS ON SALE
Season tickets are on sale for the 2023 season, which includes home games vs. Westmoore, Stillwater, Tulsa Union, Edmond North and Norman.
The cost is $60 payable by cash or check. For more information, contact Keri Meyer via phone at 405-354-0413 or by email at keri.meyer@yukonps.com
