Div. IV, Sec. I football show time is finally here

By Oree Foster
Special to the Times

FORT DEFIANCE, Aug. 21, 2014

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(Times photo – Paul Natonabah)

Window Rock Scouts head coach Greg Barker goes over a play with this team during practice on Tuesday in Fort Defiance, Ariz.




It's that time of the year, “Friday Night Lights” is back.

Four area schools begin their regular season this Friday. Schools who do not begin their season this week will begin their regular season on Aug. 29.

Window Rock

The Window Rock Scouts begin their regular season at St. Johns this Friday at 7 p.m. St. Johns is considered one of the best teams in the state in Division V.

"St. Johns has a storied program and they are coached by one of the best in the state, Mike Morgan," said Window Rock second-year head coach Greg Barker. "Every year St. Johns is a state contender. St. Johns' players are big, strong and talented. We will have our hands full."

The Window Rock-St. Johns game was originally scheduled to be played in Fort Defiance. The game was moved to St. Johns while the Scouts' field is being re-sodded. Also, Window Rock's home game against Holbrook on Sept. 19 was moved to Holbrook.

Window Rock's first home game is scheduled for Sept. 26 when the Scouts host the Valley Pirates.

The Scouts return 11 players from last year's 6-4 team. Despite a winning record, the Scouts failed to make the state playoffs.

After a year of head coaching under his belt, Barker says a Division IV state tournament berth is possible.

"Our section is tough," he said. "Every game, you better bring your ‘A’ game and play your best. We have to be focused. Winslow, Monument Valley and Page are always strong. Chinle and Ganado are much improved."

Pacing the Scouts is All-Division and All-Section senior tailback Delano Tony Walker. Walker was an offensive threat every time he touched the ball last year. Walker is expected to play defensive cornerback.

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