The Northwestern connection
By Justin Harper, Staff Writer
jharper@oklahoman.com
As we head into the second week of the playoffs, the 1990 Northwestern Oklahoma State football team continues to impress.
Say what?
I’ll explain. While the 1990 Rangers’ squad was pretty salty, several folks involved with that team are guiding high school teams to greater success.
Lance Manning, coach of Norman North, and Rafe Watkins, coach of Guthrie, were teammates on the ’90 NWOSU team. Manning was a defensive lineman, Watkins a linebacker. Norman North (9-2) is one of the top five teams in Class 6A, while Guthrie is unbeaten (11-0) and ranked No. 1 in 5A.
Meanwhile, in 2A, Alva (10-1) is a strong title contender thanks to quarterback Mitchell Gale, linebacker Tyson Gale and running back/DB Derek Lohmann. The head coach of the Goldbugs and father of Mitchell and Tyson is Steve Gale, who was the offensive line coach at NWOSU in 1990. What’s more, the defensive coordinator on that club, who worked closely with Manning and Watkins, was Steve Lohmann — father of Derek Lohmann. Steve is now Alva’s defensive coordinator.
That’s a lot of ties and connections and success to come out of one small-college team.
Eating crow and other first round thoughts
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@Oklahoman.com
I’m an idiot who picked Purcell over Tuttle, but I’m the genius that picked Illinois over Ohio State. The Illini are “my boys.” That 2005 basketball team led by Deron Williams, Dee Brown and Luther Head is my favorite college team (of any sport) ever. Growing up in Chicago for 11 years will do it to you.
Now back to the topic at hand, district 3A-1 showed it was head of the class Friday. Its powers, Clinton and Kingfisher, both played like it. They were dominant. No hope for either Marlow or Sulphur to sneak up on ‘em.
Then of course, my lock was Purcell over Tuttle. Sterling Koons made sure I was eating crow over that one. After hearing the halftime score, I was proud to see the Dragons not fold. They made it close and showed a fighting heart.
In its two losses, Tuttle committed a lot of turnovers. On Friday, the shoe was on the other foot as it was Purcell who was turnover-happy.
And the biggest thing was probably Newcastle almost making it a clean sweep over 3A-2 with its near upset of Plainview.
While Newcastle gave the blemish, some districts did pull off the 4-0 slate.
The most notable would be 2A-5. Henryetta had its way with Spiro, 45-7. Morris struggled but got the job done against Stigler, 25-20. Then the surprises on the road as both Chandler and Prague went to Vian and Eufaula, respectively, give it district supremacy.
Also pulling off the four-some was B-1. Most everyone thought Pond Creek-Hunter and Laverne would win but big road wins by Garber (at Mt View-Gotebo) and Timberlake (at undefeated Fox).
And let’s not forget C-3 where Medford, Ringwood, Waynoka and Covington-Douglas all ran the table. Covington-Douglas went to Maud and gave the Tigers their first loss.
I’ve stuck my neck out there on Davenport, and John Greenfield’s boys did it again. The Bulldogs are the road warriors.
In 2A, a battle of “my boys” between Hennessey and Bethel had me smiling. I didn’t care who won, but after talking with Debbie Zelnicek, mother of Grant (the WR who I wrote last week’s Friday Night Lights about), my respect for Bethel coach Kevin Nichols has grown even more.
Nichols has been involved in some shady incidents…well, at least on the surface. To me, Nichols has always seemed like a passionate coach who loves his school and has never EVER intended to be disrespectful to the other team.
Anyway, Debbie told me after the game, Kevin went over there and shook her hand. It didn’t matter that Hennessey had just ended Bethel’s dream, Nichols knows there are more things important than just a football game.
With that said, back to the gridiron, it’s a “my boys” special. In one corner, “my boys” Hennessey. In the other, “Jason’s boys” Bridge Creek. Two magical, historic seasons, someone’s road ends Saturday night.
Plainview sneaks by Newcastle
By Jason Kersey
jkersey@oklahoman.com
A score that may have shocked some last night wasn’t an upset, but almost was.
Unbeaten Plainview, a team thought by many to have a legitimate shot at the 3A state championship, survived a scare at home from Newcastle, 40-34.
The surge by the Racer offense is something not many people expected. It’s no secret that Newcastle’s top strength was its run defense, but the Racers hung with the high-powered Plainview offense led my NCAA Division I recruit Justin Blackmon at wideout.
I picked Plainview to win the 3A title, and I stand by that pick, but Newcastle was beaten badly by Kingfisher, Clinton and Tuttle, three other serious state title contenders. Does that say anything about Plainview? Only time will tell.
Clinton loss? Fugetaboutit!
By Matt Patterson
Took in the Kingfisher-Marlow game (scrimmage) Friday night. If Kingfisher had any hangover from their 4 OT loss to Clinton there was no sign of it in their 48-7 drubbing of the Outlaws.
If Kingfisher advances far, it will be because of their defense which held Marlow to under 100 total yards. Jakob Gaither and Co. were dominating, picking off 5 passes and returning a fumble for a TD.
Mild surprise: I was surprised to see Edmond Memorial hang around with Norman North in the T-Wolves’ lackluster 24-14 win. Memorial had a solid year but if Norman North is to be considered the best team in the West, they need to pick it up a little. As of now, Putnam City is the superior team.
Buyer’s remorse: I picked Carl Albert to win 5A and I’m beginning to regret it. Guthrie steamrolled Ardmore in round one, putting up 61 on the Tigers. Guthrie may be the best high school football team in Oklahoma right now. Nobody is playing better in all three phases of the game, including Jenks and Union.
First round playoff picks
By Robert Przybylo, Jason Kersey and Zach West
It’s playoff time in Oklahoma. We’re back with our picks for some big first-round games. Here goes:
Owasso at Broken Arrow
Robert – Owasso; Jason – Owasso; Zach – Broken Arrow
Durant at Tulsa East Central
Robert – Tulsa East Central; Jason – Tulsa East Central; Zach – Tulsa East Central
Mannford at Weatherford
Robert – Weatherford; Jason – Weatherford; Zach – Weatherford
Tuttle at Purcell
Robert – Purcell (LOCK); Jason – Tuttle; Zach – Tuttle
Oklahoma Christian at Alva
Robert – Alva; Jason – OCS; Zach – OCS
Tonkawa at Pawnee
Robert – Pawnee; Jason - Tonkawa; Zach – Pawnee
Burns Flat-Dill City at Laverne
Robert – Laverne; Jason – Laverne; Zach – Burns Flat-Dill City
Grandfield at Sharon-Mutual
Robert – Sharon-Mutual; Jason – Sharon-Mutual; Zach – Grandfield
Putnam City North at Putnam City
Robert – Putnam City; Jason – Putnam City North (LOCK); Zach – Putnam City
McAlester at Tulsa Kelley
Robert – McAlester; Jason – McAlester; Zach – McAlester
Coweta at Shawnee
Robert – Shawnee; Jason – Shawnee; Zach – Shawnee
Noble at Duncan
Robert – Duncan; Jason – Duncan; Zach – Duncan (LOCK)
Anadarko at Star Spencer
Robert – Star Spencer; Jason – Star Spencer; Zach – Anadarko
Marlow at Kingfisher
Robert – Kingfisher; Jason – Kingfisher; Zach – Kingfisher
Chandler at Vian
Robert – Chandler; Jason – Chandler; Zach – Chandler
Will be back later with updated standings.
Upset of the week
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@oklahoman.com
It’s playoff time and which means it’s time to make some predictions.
While I don’t expect many upsets this week, I do expect Westmoore to go down to Lawton tonight and knock off the Wolverines.
Westmoore is physical and it seems they’ve gotten things back on the right track now that they’ve moved Craig Ralls back to his running back spot. Ralls is a very good runner and I think he’ll be the difference tonight. The Jags will wear down Lawton and make it a very fun bus ride back to Moore.
Final score: Westmoore 27, Lawton 24.
Kersey/Przybylo Point-Counterpoint Class 6A, MVPs, Coach of the Year
By Robert Przybylo and Jason Kersey
You may know us as The Stooges, but here we’re going to offer “our brilliant insight” on every class. Let’s not waste time.
Class 6A
Robert: To 6A we go, have you had a chance to see the Union-Jenks documentary on VS yet??
Jason: I haven’t, but I’ve heard glowing things about it (mainly from you).
Robert: That’s right. All it did was confirm my belief in Union. No kicker is better than Tress Way and RB Jeremy Smith is too young to be soooo good.
Jason: Yes, but you must not know the history of the Backyard Brawl. Typically, the winner of the regular season game loses in the playoffs. And considering how close the Week 2 game was, how can you be so sure that Union will win? They had to come back from a decent-sized deficit to even force overtime.
Robert: Because Kirk Fridrich has that Union arrogance working again. Union was still finding itself in week 2, still wanting to know if it was officially back. There’s no doubt in their heads now. Brandon Rogers wants to end with one more W over Mark Ginther
Jason: I don’t buy that Union was still “finding itself” in Week 2. The Redskins had just gone to your homestate and clobbered Canton McKinley, I think Union was just fine.
Robert: Fair enough, biggest threat to either one of them??
Jason: As if there is one. Just kidding. I picked Muskogee to beat both of these teams during the regular season. Now, I won’t be doing that again, but I still think the Roughers present the biggest challenge to the two powers. They are enormously talented. Also, don’t forget what happened the day before Muskogee’s loss to Union — their coach hit a kid on a bike. That might have caused them to lose a little focus. And I think there are some fine teams on the west side of the state, but no one is beating either of them. What do you think?
Robert: I’m riding with the Timberwolves of Norman North. Beau Blankenship is a BEAST. I know Muskogee got ‘em in Norman, but as I said in the comments, I think that loss taught them so much about their own potential. Plus, Norman North is your nemesis, you have to pick against them if the Wolves want a chance to win
Jason: Right. I picked against North a lot this year, and they proved me wrong every time. Then, when I picked them to beat Lawton, they lost. It was the same way as you and Shawnee.
Robert: Our boy Ryan Aber knows a lot about this high school stuff. When he says stuff like he’s not sure Midwest City is the best team on the west side of the state, that’s got me questioning the Bombers. I want to believe at 10-0 that they’re a real force. Am I nuts??
Jason: Tim Flanders is great. I only got to see him play once against Moore, but I was extremely impressed. I just think it’s hard to say that MWC isn’t the best time on the West when they are the only unbeaten one. And I’ll give the Muskogee game to North, that’s an east side team, but losing to Lawton has me questioning the Timberwolves.
Robert: I think that was a case of not being able to handle success. NNorth was coming off knocking off Putnam City North and may have been too spent from that one. These are kids, they can’t get up for every game, which is why the HS and college game has been so entertaining this year
Jason: Well if the inability to handle success causes you to lose, that makes you not successful and not as good as a team that does handle success well; even if North is more talented.
MVPs and Coach of the Year
Robert: We’re not done yet, we have some hardware to give out. MVP in Class C? We’ve agreed Tyler Helfenbein from Shattuck. In Class B, I like Shawn Walls from Morrison.
Jason: in B I think it’s Ricky Holba from Morrison (or maybe Ronnell Lewis at Dewar). Morrison likely dominates without Holba, but what is Dewar without Lewis?
Robert: Moving onto A. For me, no-brainer, Josh Zimmer of Washington.
Jason: Luther may not win, but Josh Birmingham has had an unbelievable season.
Robert: 2A has been all about Garrett Valdez from Heritage Hall. That doesn’t stop here.
Jason: J.P. Grasmick of Bethany…or Michael Aska from Bridge Creek.
Robert: Consensus here as Justin Blackmon from Plainview takes home the trophy. In 4A, I’m copping out and giving it to the Glenpool defense.
Jason: Kris Parham from McGuinness.
Robert: Defenses key in on Kye Staley, so Clayton Smith is my Bluejay of choice.
Jason: Don’t forget about Keaton Callins (Guthrie’s other QB), 14 TD, 1 INT.
Robert: Jeremy Smith of Union. Those eyes, that vision, something to behold.
Jason: Matt Patterson’s boy, Mark Ginther at Jenks.
Robert: Finally, Coach of the Year (over all classes). If the Eagles do what I predict, Hennessey’s Shannon Watford gets is easily.
Jason: I hate to stay in 2A, but Jerry Wallis of Bridge Creek gets the nod. Even if they lose in the first round, this season has been unreal for them. BC went winless back-to-back the two seasons before Wallis arrived.
Robert: Three and a half hours later, we are done. Agree, disagree? Let us know. And if you read every last word (all 4,400) of these posts, give yourself a pat on the back. Like to give a shout out to AOL Instant Messenger which made this whole point-counterpoint thing possible.
Kersey/Przybylo Point-Counterpoint Class 5A
By Robert Przybylo and Jason Kersey
Class 5A
Robert: And now we get to 5A, oh boy, if I’m nuts about Glenpool, explain yourself about Lawton Mac??
Jason: Lawton MacArthur is a contender every year. The kids are battle tested and know what it takes to win. Not to mention that the Highlanders are undefeated in a schedule that included Duncan (54-7), Western Heights and Lawton (35-9). And Lawton beat Norman North, who many assume to be the best team on this side of the state. Last season, Mac almost snuck up on Carl Albert in the state finals, losing 14-10. That proves they can compete with the Titans, and I think revenge might be on the Highlanders’ minds.
Robert: I think a healthy McAlester team can take the Highlanders. Myself and Justin Harper have been very high on QB Justin Klusak. He’s what you would call…clutch. And Herman Walters, when healthy, is just as dynamic as RB and returner. When McAlester is clicking, just look at the Durant game. A first-class shootout, but McAlester has too many bullets
Jason: I like your quip there, and I like McAlester and think they certainly have the talent to pull an upset, but in a Mac squared game, think experience. This is McAlester’s second trip to the playoffs in the last five years, and Lawton Mac is there every single year, and usually as a one-seed
Robert: I give L.Mac this: Colton Rainey is a superb kicker. He nailed the game-winner over Lawton Ike and just missed the cut on my Best Kickers list. So I pose this question, why should I doubt Carl Albert? Let’s say I can believe in the Highlanders, tell me why Gary Rose and Co. can’t get the job done?
Jason: In no way am I picking Lawton Mac because of some ineptness in Carl Albert. That team is stacked. My theory is: upsets happen, and this one almost did last year. Lawton Mac is a great team, and that’s why I picked them. There are virtually no flaws in the Titans’ game
Robert: On the other side, Guthrie seems to be the cool team to pick. Any potential potholes for Kye Staley and the boys??
Jason: Let me put it this way: You know how I feel about McGuinness. They are a shoo-in for the 4A championship in my opinion, and Guthrie physically man-handled them in a scrimmage this preseason that I covered. I was re-sold on the Bluejays when they beat Carl Albert a couple weeks ago without Kye having a game worth mentioning. They are big, physical, and fast.
Robert: No chance for Tulsa East Central?? Kenny Session doesn’t strike any fear at all?
Jason: Session is a great back, and I think East Central is a great team. But having seen Guthrie play and the things I mentioned above, I don’t think the Bluejays will lose. Also, Rafe Watkins is a great coach.
Robert: I brought him up earlier, does Tucker Brown pose any threat to Guthrie?? There’s a lot of revenge talk for the Wolves after the last two seasons. If not, gimme the team Guthrie will have the most difficulty with?
Jason: I think he does. Brown has single-handedly made Shawnee a threat to anyone they play. Other than the usual suspects (CA, LMac, TEC), Shawnee is the biggest threat to Guthrie’s state title run. But in the end, I don’t think the Wolves can hang with the Jays
Robert: I’m going to close out 5A by saying I’m happy for Bo White of Durant finally getting a chance in the playoffs. After all he’s been through, he deserves it
Jason: Bixby doesn’t get much love from anyone. Do you think they have a chance to make a run? They potentially face CA in round 2….
Robert: Definitely, the Spartans are the major roadblock for the Titans. Bixby was the only team to beat the Tucker Brown-Wolves. They’re so big and physical. Bixby won’t get style points, but since when has that mattered?
Jason: They certainly don’t. Just ask Ohio State in 2002. But I think CA is too much.
Kersey/Przybylo Point-Counterpoint Class 4A
By Robert Przybylo and Jason Kersey
Class 4A
Robert: Fair enough…to 4A we go, to the land of the defense. Am I nuts for looking for any excuse to not go with McGuinness?
Jason: I think you have absolutely lost your mind to not pick McGuinness to repeat in 4A. That team hasn’t even been seriously challenged this year, and you think they might lose to Glenpool?
Robert: Yes, I take Deer Creek’s Denton Fox’s opinion very seriously. He says don’t sleep on the boys from Glenpool, this person’s listening. Glenpool’s only loss: 3-0 to Bixby. I have one qualifying statement: as long as Glenpool and Broken Bow don’t bludgeon each other to death in the semis, Glenpool can do it.
Jason: You make a good point about Bixby, but we’re talking about a team that beat Weatherford, 35-14. And Weatherford is no pushover. Kris Parham for McGuinness averages almost 9 yards a carry. Also, the Irish defense gave up 40 points all year, and that was over just three games. That means they shut out 7 opponents. That’s just downright unheard of.
Robert: Without intending to be, I think McGuinness is a bully. So what do you do to a bully?? You stand up to it. You show you won’t back down to its presence. I think the first team to actually believe and not hope it can beat the Irish, just might be able to. And Glenpool/Broken Bow have the toughness. Broken Bow’s only loss: Tulsa East Central.
Jason: I like Broken Bow. I have them in the state championship against McGuinness after beating “your boys” Glenpool in the semis. And how you gonna call some good Catholic boys bullies?
Robert: That’s why I said unintentionally. You keep winning, it’s going to breed contempt from others. You have to look for an edge somewhere…anywhere. From your comments, does Wagoner give McGuinness a game in the semis? We know that’s not an issue with me as I have Darrell Hall’s Bobcats of Star Spencer making a mini-run to the final four.
Jason: I think so. Wagoner is a tough team, with its only loss being a five-point loss to Coweta. Other than that, they were really only played close by Grove, who is 9-1. Here are a couple names from Wagoner to remember: Everett Shaver and Gus Jones. Both average over 7 yards a carry and have combined for 1,850 yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground. Wagoner was also McGuinness’ closest game in the Irish’s run to the state championship last year, a 28-12 game in the semis.
Robert: You want some faulty logic?? If Wagoner gets by Star, I think it can hang with the Irish and maybe get ‘em. But I believe Wagoner will be looking ahead and Darwin Rideau and the rest of Star will take Wagoner. It’s just like March Madness in that sense, all about matchups.
Jason: I’m not going that far. But I’ve already said my piece about how dominant McGuinness is. Star over Wagoner is certainly possible, but for me, unlikely. Wagoner’s D gives up just 11 points a game.
Kersey/Przybylo Point-Counterpoint Class 3A
By Robert Przybylo and Jason Kersey
Class 3A
Robert: Moving onto 3A, for those that don’t know, give a brief summary of the greatness that is Justin Blackmon at Plainview.
Jason: Justin Blackmon is one of the best receivers, not only in Class 3A, but in the state. I would put him a close second only behind Jameel Owens at Muskogee, and that’s only because of Owens’ competition he faces. Blackmon has caught for 1,248 yards and 11 touchdowns this year, and is getting attention from the big boys at NCAA Division 1 schools. He holds offers from Missouri and Colorado, and is getting interest from Oklahoma and OSU. He is one of the biggest reasons why I have picked Plainview to take the 3A title.
Robert: Your passion for Corey Cole’s boys has persuaded me slowly but surely throughout the year. My only question, is Plainview physical enough for the 3A-1 boys (Kingfisher, Tuttle, Clinton)?
Jason: That’s a good question. But Plainview has proven throughout the year that it can run the ball when it has to. Quarterback Brandon Allen, in addition to his stellar passing stats, has rushed for 844 yards and 10 touchdowns this year, and running back Logan Russell has rushed for 722 yards and 14 scores. Plainview doesn’t have to throw to be successful, and they’ve proven it. Defense is the one thing that might hold the Indians back. They are below the three teams you mentioned in total yards allowed, and have given up more points than all three of them. But with an offense like that, who needs a perfect defense?
Robert: I’ve talked with both Clinton and Kingfisher, and they’ve said there’s no lingering effect, but do you think their 4-OT thriller last Friday makes either one of them vulnerable?? Clinton has Sulphur and Kingfisher has Marlow (not your cupcake first-rounders)??
Jason: That’s right. Despite Sulphur’s status as a four-seed, they are still a team with a lot of pride and talent. Robert Thomas at Sulphur is really tough; he rushed for 123 yards and a touchdown against Plainview. I don’t see there being much of a lingering effect, however, with those teams. They are both very seasoned when it comes to big games, especially playoff games, and I don’t think they’ll carry that game into the postseason.
Robert: Marlow was runner-up last year. I know Kyle Jech has been playing well as of late for the ‘Jackets, but even if gambling were legal, I think Marlow has a better shot at an upset and I wouldn’t be putting money down on Kingfisher. Marlow was one of the few teams that actually played Plainview close, so I keep that in mind as well. I don’t know what to make of Sulphur. Jim Dixon’s club beats Davis in a non-district rivalry but was rather average in district although that district was scary from 1-7. Including the best 2-8 team EVER in Pauls Valley.
Jason: Justify your Purcell pick over Tuttle and I’ll tell you why I think Tuttle wins.
Robert: I don’t think Tuttle has shown the consistency you need to display at this time of year. 28-0 (to Clinton) is still 28-0 no matter how many turnovers. After talking with Purcell QB Seth Barrett, they’re battle-tested. Like I’ve said before, three OT games (all wins) and certain players just bring a swagger to a team. Without Barrett: 0-2 with 3 points scored. With: 7-1 with 199 points.
Jason: Does Barrett make THAT much of a difference? I mean, I know he matters, but the rest of Purcell’s team got shut out, 24-0 by Blanchard. Let me repeat that for effect. Purcell, without Barrett, was beaten 24-0 by Blanchard, who is not in the playoffs and isn’t very good at all. I’m not dogging Barrett, but I don’t think he makes enough of a difference to beat a Tuttle team that has underachieved. Yes, Tuttle lost a couple games, but look at who they were to. Kingfisher and Clinton, both of whom are serious state title contenders. When Tuttle played Blanchard, do you know what the score was? Tuttle 63, Blanchard 7.
Robert: Certain people lift up an entire team. It’s not explainable, need I remind you about Tucker Brown and Shawnee who went 7-1 with him at QB this year? No matter how much coaches stress that teams are more than just one player, sometimes the team doesn’t believe in itself without its leader.
Jason: But Blanchard? I would understand if it was an average team like Newcastle or Elgin, but Blanchard?! And not only a loss, but a donut?
Robert: Early season, working out the kinks. I don’t think Michigan loses to App State if they played right now (but the Wolverines would lose to Oregon again). It’s that type of game (Blanchard) that reminds me of OU/TCU in ’05. Just cause you are Purcell, doesn’t mean squat. You have to earn it. And with Barrett, he makes sure nothing is taken for granted.
Jason: TCU went 11-1 that year, and Appy State is the defending national champion in its division.
