Owasso Rams burn the midnight oil

By Kyle Dierking, for NEWS9.com

OWASSO, Okla. -- There's a method to one school's midnight madness. It's 12:01 a.m. and this is the first chance for players to take the field for high school football practice.

"It's just a different feeling than everything else," said Owasso offensive linemen Brandon Webb. "Normal practice, you really don't like those. But midnight practice, for some reason you're really excited for."

The Owasso Rams have been burning the midnight oil for three seasons. It's part team building with a pinch of planning. The midnight meeting allows them to have two practices on opening day.

"It's something that our kids anticipate," said Owasso coach Bill Patterson. "Doing it this way, you're pretty much assured of having a good, quality first practice."

Opposing defenses should anticipate a tough time in the trenches. Owasso's offensive line has two future Big 12 players up front.

"We think no one can stop us if they give us a shot," said Webb, who's verbally committed to Oklahoma State. "That's what we thrive off of."

"Two years ago, when we were sophomores, that was the question mark me, (Webb) and (Blain Gerhart) starting as sophomores," said senior offensive lineman Gavin Howard. "Now as seniors, we're definitely anchoring the line."

The Rams offensive line is regarded as one of the best in the state.

"We'll have to see how many rushing and passing yards we get," said Howard, who's verbally committed to the University of Kansas. "But, hopefully the best o-line and best team in the state."