By Payton Moody
Blake Doles, a senior football player at Guthrie High School, is a dedicated athlete whose journey in football began in his hometown. “I was born and raised in Guthrie, and football in this town is a big deal. In the third grade, my parents wanted me to play football, so they signed me up. After that, I fell in love with the sport,” Blake said. This love for football has been a constant in his life, inspired initially by his older brother, who played before him. “My brother played football for three years before I started, and I wanted to be like him and play, too. That is who inspired me to play football. My biggest influence is the only man I do anything for, Jesus Christ.”
The team’s chemistry this season is something Blake values deeply. “Our team has great chemistry every year. We all go through ‘mutual suffering’ all through the summer, and that builds our chemistry in all sorts of ways,” he explained. This camaraderie is essential for Blake, who sees his role on the team as multifaceted. “My specific role on this team is to play my best at any position I’m playing. I played a lot of H-back last year, and my role is only going to expand by playing multiple positions. I prepare with hard work.”
Blake’s goals for the 2024 season are clear and ambitious. “My goal for this season is to have our team consistently play to the best of their ability. No matter what happens, we all keep our heads up and play 110%.”
One of the most challenging moments in Blake’s career was his freshman year when his brother, a senior, played his last game. “It was so hard to see my brother after the game when his football career was over. I overcame this by playing my next three years of varsity football; I will play for him.”
A memorable highlight from this season was a spectacular play against Ponca City. “My most memorable play of this season was Week 0 against Ponca City. I was running a go-route, my QB threw me the ball and I one-hand caught it.”
Looking ahead, Blake hopes to continue his football career in college or pursue a career in the trades. “In five years, I could see myself at a college playing football. If I don’t go in that direction, then I could see myself working.” He appreciates the support from the Guthrie community, which enhances the team’s performance. “The community in Guthrie is just different. Everyone comes to the home games at the rock, even if they don’t know anyone that’s playing.”
