After an 0-10 season a year ago, the Glenpool Warriors were facing a tough offseason, but leadership in the program was prepared and welcomed the challenge.

Coach Payton Werner was entering his second season with Glenpool and he knew getting them to buy into the culture he was building was a top priority in the offseason and through those early, hot practices in August.

“Our kids have bought in to the culture we’re trying to build in a big way. We’re not perfect but it’s been a joy to see the kids reap the benefits of consistent hard work especially when no one’s watching. The leadership amongst our players is also really impressive for it being only our second year together. They don’t care who gets the credit they just want to find a way to win,” coach Werner said.

With everyone on the same page, the Warriors are off to a 3-0 start having picked up wins against Nathan Hale (23-20), Skiatook (27-18) and Oologah (22-10). With the first three games under their belt, the Warriors face a tough district schedule that includes road games at Del City and Bishop Kelley, but they do face McAlester, East Central, Sapulpa and Coweta on their home field.

Before they jump into district play, the Warriors will utilize their bye week to make adjustments and gameplan for the Buffaloes.

“We need to take advantage of the time off during the bye week and find something to get better at each day. We also need to keep the focus on the man in the mirror and not get distracted by any assumptions that we’ve somehow already arrived at where we’re trying to get to,” coach Werner said.

The Warriors are embracing the challenge and seem ready to take on the remainder of their schedule. If indications are correct, this team should continue improve and be a contender for a playoff spot this season.