Durant football senior stalwarts Braylen Lyday and Clay Couch recently signed to continue their careers at the collegiate level after serving as multiyear starters for the Lions in many different areas.
Lyday inked his letter to kick for Southeastern Oklahoma State while Couch will head to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in Miami.
It was the culmination of a strong high school career for each, helping Durant to its best gridiron finish since in eight years this past fall.
Lyday was named the District 5A-4 Kicker of the Year with Couch garnering second-team All-District honors on the defensive line.
“This was made possible through hard work, lots of effort and a lot of different things to get each of these young men to where they are,” said DHS head coach Todd Vargas. “Athletics is a means to an end and not an end to a means. It’s something that is now going to take them to things that will happen the rest of their lives. Through this they’re going to meet their wives, have a family and get a job someday.
“It’s just a great accomplishment for two well deserving young men.”
Lyday wore many different hats for the Lions in a multitude of roles during his career. As a senior, he rushed 23 times for 82 yards, averaging 3.6 yards per carry. He also caught 12 passes for 137 yards with one touchdown while notching 11.4 yards per grab. On defense, he tallied 23 tackles and intercepted three passes while being a regular in the secondary. He broke up three passes, recovered a fumble and one tackle for loss.
The senior showcased his leg as well with kickoffs and was successful on five of eight field goal attempts, including a career-best 48 yarder against Del City in the season finale.
“It feels really good to have this opportunity,” Lyday commented. “I’m very blessed, especially after working hard day in and day out like we did. I get to stay close to home and still be around my family while continuing to play.”
Couch, who also saw quite a bit of action on the Durant offensive line, became a mainstay on the defensive front while posting 38 tackles, including three for losses and another sack.
“It is a great feeling to be able to sign this paper and have a chance to go play college football,” Couch said. “I’ve very happy and just ready to go. It’s an amazing opportunity to get the chance to go play at the next level and I am really excited about it.”
