LHS linebacker doing his best to stop opponents

There is little doubt that this season has been tough on the Lawton High School football team as the lack of depth spiraled downhill with injuries and that in turn affected the focus and excitement of the Wolverines.

Outside linebacker Joseph Masson-Sanchez is one of those who is still on the field fighting to make plays against some tough 6AII teams

“We started the season and everyone was excited to get practices started,” he said. “But after we took the first couple of losses guys started to quit. Those who have stuck it out are hoping we can find our rhythm this week and get a win to get into the playoffs.”

That’s right, despite a 2-7 record, the Wolverines will advance to the playoffs if they can go to Oklahoma City Southeast Friday and earn a victory. Accomplishing that goal got even tougher after last week’s loss to Putnam City North where a key player quit during the game.

“It really upset a lot of us to see somebody quit during a game,” Masson-Sanchez said. “You have to be able to take coaching if you are a team player. And once you start something you need to stick it out. It’s just been tough with all the injuries but it is football. A lot of kids don’t want to get out here and get physical.”

For the LHS linebacker, football became a part of his life when his family came to Lawton-Fort Sill through the U.S. Army.

“I came here my freshman year from Kansas,” he said. “I hadn’t done any lifting until I got here and I’m still improving. My job involves staying with the man on the end of the line of scrimmage and read how he is blocking and then react to the ball.”

The Wolverines have played some good teams but Masson-Sanchez has no doubts about the best team he’s gone against.

“Deer Creek (Edmond) was the best team we’ve faced,” he said. “They were big and physical and had some good athletes.”

In those instances Masson-Sanchez says you have to use any skill you have available.

“My speed and my ability to go low against these backs is what has allowed me to make some plays,” he said. “I’m still learning and trying to help my team.”

Like all athletes, he is working hard in the classroom where he likes all his classes but especially biology.

“That is my favorite class this semester,” he said. “Right now we are studying plant growth and next semester we are supposed to get into other things.”

Masson-Sanchez hopes to go to college and is hopeful that some college will give him a chance to continue his football after his senior season in 2024.

His favorite meal is like most players, a thick ribeye cooked medium-rare with french fries and rolls from Texas Roadhouse. That would be the ideal celebration meal if LHS wins Friday and makes the playoffs.

“Capitol Hill is not like the teams we’ve been playing,” he said. “I feel like we have a good chance to go up there and win and go to the playoffs. While some guys might not want to get to the playoffs, most of us want to have that opportunity. The underclassmen are especially wanting to make the playoffs. We will try our best.”