By Blake Colston
Sports Editor
SHAWNEE – Offensive lineman John Whetter heard the call and smiled.
On the most important play of the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State game, Whetter was in his comfort zone.
The West lined up in the flexbone – the same offense Whetter had played in for the past three seasons at Piedmont – and ran behind his block for the game-winning score to top the East squad 15-14 inside Oklahoma Baptist University’s Crain Family Stadium.
Pauls Valley quarterback Justin Humphrey leaped into the end zone with less than two minutes to play using the crease Whetter created near right guard. The timely score ensured that Whetter ended his football career as a winner.
“That was my favorite play of the game,” he said. “(Justin) came flying over the top of me. It was really cool. I was so blessed to have this experience.”
The West led 8-7 at halftime. The East rallied in the second half, but Humphrey’s touchdown run proved to be the difference as Whetter collected a handful of pancake blocks over four quarters while Piedmont offensive line coaches Austin Feuerborn and Dirick Hatfield watched from the stands.
“It was cool getting to walk out on the field and get introduced alongside them,” he said. “I’m so glad they were there to experience the game with me.”
Whetter and his offensive line mates – there were only six of them – played virtually the entire game in 95-plus-degree heat indexes but saved enough energy for one final push.
A three-year starter at PHS, Whetter expected to be able to stay strong for four quarters.
“I’ve been roofing houses and working out a lot,” he said, “so, I’m still in pretty good shape.”
The game was the culmination of a fun experience in Shawnee, Whetter said. He caught up with old friends he’d faced during high school, and the night before the game, Whetter and several of his teammates played sand volleyball late into the night.
The game marked the end of Whetter’s football career, something that he realized as he walked off the field in Shawnee.
“It definitely crossed my mind. It was sad to think about, but it was a great way to finish it off,” he said.
The 6-foot-3, 290-pounder had the option to play college football. Whetter had scholarship offers from Harding, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M and Carleton College, but he decided to attend Oklahoma State University. Whetter needed shoulder surgery to extend his football career, something he didn’t want to go through.
“It was hard for me to decide, but I really don’t like having surgery,” he said.
Whetter will study civil engineering and compete with OSU’s bass fishing team alongside PHS teammate Zac Thompson. The duo will move to Stillwater Aug. 17 and have their first fishing tournament in Alabama this September, Whetter said.
“I definitely want to try to go somewhere with fishing,” he said.
