Ace Long was phenomenal as a freshman for the Woodward football team.

Long rushed for a freshman school record 988 yards with 10 touchdowns, and added 106 receiving yards and 134 passing yards with a pair of TDs. He was also an academic letterman, won the Golden W Award, was the Woodward Freshman Boy of the Year and was a member of the Superintendent’s Honor Roll.

Now stronger as a sophomore, Long wants to be one to help the Boomers get their football program heading into a different direction after a 1-9 season in 2022. Woodward, who opens its season Friday against Guthrie, is being guided by first-year head coach Ken Gordon.

“I want us to have a winning record and turn the Woodward football program around,” said Long, who rushed for a career-high 206 yards and had four touchdowns in the Boomers’ 44-34 win over Cashion last season. “I feel like I have got a lot stronger and will be able to take hits and stay on track a lot better.”

Long, who can line up as a receiver in the slot and also sees time on defense as a linebacker, has three key influences.

“My biggest influences when it comes to football are really just my coaches, Chad Cheap Chris Long (dad) and Jerry Harmon (grandpa) as they were always there to push me,” he said.

After high school, Long plans to attend college if he can get any athletic or academic scholarships.

“If the offer presents itself, I would love to continue playing football at the collegiate level,” he said.