Poteau head coach Greg Werner feels he arguably has the top kicker in the state in senior
and four-year starter Ethan McBee.
McBee, who wants to help the Pirates win a district championship and state championship,
“I want to be the very best kicker my team needs me to be,” said McBee, who has converted
on 13 of his 20 career field goal attempts through this year’s season opener against Bishop
Kelley.
“We believe he might be the best in the state,” Werner said. “His leg has continued to get
stronger and stronger and he is a true weapon for our team. Not only is he our kicker but
he is also a leader on the team.”
McBee has a career long field goal and school record of 47 yards, has been successful on
155 of 159 PATs and has 35 touchbacks.
Focusing on his mindset has been McBee’s biggest improvement going into this season.
“Mindset is everything and I am especially trying to enjoy every single minute of football I
have left this year with my coaches and teammates,” he said.
“I think some of my strengths are being a good teammate and my work ethic. The biggest
improvement is my kickoff ability compared from freshman year to now.”
McBee, who most cherishes a triple overtime win over Clinton in the second round of the
playoffs last year, says his parents are his biggest influence.
‘They support me no matter what and help me to use my gifts and talents that God has
given me,” he said.
Following high school, McBee wants to continue his kicking career on the college level.
Aside from football, he’s the Student Council President and also plays on the Pirates’ golf
and academic teams. He’s a three-time state qualifier for the academic team.