Colton Howard was a newcomer to Sapulpa this year but quickly made his presence known as a quarterback for the Chieftain football team. The junior gunslinger has helped Sapulpa reach the postseason this year as they have an upcoming matchup with Grove in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs.

“This season has been great,” Howard said. “The guys really were accepting of me and we all made a great connection quickly. There are so many talented players on this team.”

Howard first started playing football back in elementary school and has always had a love for the game and would play any position he could. In middle school with the more organized competition he began taking the game seriously.

“When it turned to seventh grade school ball I made the decision to go for QB,” Howard said. “Today my favorite part is watching team film with coach Holt and breaking down opponents and their schemes.”

Over the years Howard has always turned to coaches and upperclassmen for advice.

“I had a previous quarterback, Gage Hamm, who was an upperclassman. He was a great mentor and taught me a lot,” Howard said. “I try to do the same for my underclass since it made such a big impact on me.”

As the season heads into November Howard has his sights set on continuing to work hard into the playoffs and competing at a high level. However, he is also focused on his school work.

“For this year, while maintaining my grades, I would love to get all my guys back and healthy and take us all the way,” Howard said. “We have had several injuries and I would like to see us ALL playing together. I think we would be unstoppable.”

While only a junior Howard has begun to think about life after high school. Howard plans to further his education and study business and he hopes to get the opportunity to continue his playing career at the next level. Both his parents played sports in college and he wants to carry on the tradition.  For now, however, his mind is on the playoffs.