LHS defender works hard to play football

There have long been people who aren’t sure if there should be an emphasis on extracurricular activities from athletics to band to even speech and drama.

To take part students have to keep their grades at a level consistent with the OSSAA and school rules.

For Lawton High School defensive tackle Tyzel Zachary the ability to play football is one major reason he is driven to get all his homework done and to study so he can remain on the Wolverines’ football roster.

“I really love all of my classes and I spend my spare time studying,” he said. “I know some guys have jobs but I just study to keep my grades up to play football.”

On the field the 5-10, 210-pound senior knows what the defense must do better with a home game Friday against Putnam City North.

“I love the defensive line and like playing but we have to become better tacklers,” he said. “We have the ability and quickness to get to the ball carrier but we don’t always get them down. We go too high at times and they just bounce off.”

When it comes to life after high school Zachary isn’t sure what career he might pursue but right now he’s focused on football and trying to make an impact to catch the eye of some college recruiter.

“I’d love to play in college but I know you have to make plays and come up with highlights, so the better our team the more it helps the players,” he said.

The driving force behind his life is grandmother Shirl Zachary who is raising him.

“My grandmother is great and her home cooking is just amazing,” he said. “I think my special meal is roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy and macaroni and cheese. But everything she makes for me is good.”

While not much is known about Friday’s foe Putnam City North, Zachary is hoping both the offense and defense will play hard.

“Our offense has what it takes to move the ball but right now they can’t hold back,” he said. “I think at times we were pressing but now we can relax and play our best.”

While Zachary is like most LHS fans, he’s worried about fewer players not just in football but all sports.

“I enjoy playing football and the coaches help me in every way they can,” he said. “A lot of kids just don’t want to do anything but I hope more will play in the future.”