Giving out The Stooge…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@Oklahoman.com
Well, this is only one stooge’s opinion. My other two boys, Zach and Jason, had finals this week, so maybe we can excuse them. Plus, Jason got to see his “ultimate boy” Brett Favre at St. Louis break Dan Marino’s record for passing yards. Without further ado, my thoughts about the 2007 football season and the first (last)-ever Stooge Awards. I tried to pick some interesting choices instead of the usual.
MVP: Kye Staley, Guthrie
Robert’s take: You know, I tried so hard to not give it to the obvious person, but even I have my limits. Every game, Staley was the focal point for the opposing defense, but he never disappointed. Here’s to you, Kye, and good luck at Oklahoma State.
Other notables: Mark Ginther, Jenks; Justin Blackmon, Plainview; Jameel Owens, Muskogee.
Offensive MVP: Justin Klusak, McAlester
Robert’s take: He never had a bad game. The Buffaloes went through a rough patch when RB Herman Walters was banged up and Klusak just kept coming. Whether it was throwing or running, he came up huge and led the Buffs to the quarterfinals. I know other teams went farther, but Klusak got all he could from his ability – there’s something to be said about that.
Other notables (besides the previous notables): David Oku, Carl Albert; Beau Blankenship, Norman North; Josh Birmingham, Luther; Garrett Valdez, Heritage Hall; Dakota Harris, Prague.
Defensive MVP: Brayden Lockhart, Clinton
Robert’s take: Ooh, this was a close one. I love Bixby’s Beau Bentley, and there’s no doubt he deserves a mention. I’m going with Brayden because he just doesn’t look like he should be an imposing figure, but he is. And winning the 3A title didn’t hurt, either.
Other notables: Duh, Beau Bentley, Bixby; Zach Paty, Edmond North; Daytawion Lowe, Carl Albert; Jakob Gaither, Kingfisher; Joe Stoner, Carl Albert.
Coach of the Year: Shannon Watford, Hennessey
Robert’s take: The lasting image isn’t great with the loss to Prague, but it was the Eagles’ best season in 52 years – not bad. In his first year at Hennessey, the Eagles beat eventual-A champion Okeene, won at Alva and were victorious in two playoff games. Not to mention the turmoil the team had to endure throughout the year.
Other notables: Kenny Speer III, Henryetta; Kenny Young, McGuinness; Rafe Watkins, Guthrie; Jeremy Dombek, Edmond North.
Game of the Year: Clinton 21, Kingfisher 16 – 3A Final
Robert’s take: No, did not have the honor of being there but watched it on KSBI. Kingfisher’s Kyle Jech deserved the MVP in the game. In those conditions, the way he played was phenomenal. Anyone who didn’t know who Clinton’s Torrance McBrayer was before the catch, certainly does now. That one-handed grab is the stuff of legends. And um, not bad from a sophomore QB Ryan Stringer.
Other notables: Union-Jenks I, Clinton-Kingfisher I, Heritage Hall-Henryetta, Edmond Memorial-Midwest City.
Surprise of the Year: Emergence of Western Heights
Robert’s take: Even though this was my first official year covering the entire state instead of the Shawnee area, I knew about the woeful Jets. Um, not so much anymore. Jo Jo Durham was a lightning rod for the team, helping ‘em to an 8-3 record. It’s too bad their first-round date was at Carl Albert.
Other notables: Edmond North making the playoffs, Muskogee’s crazy late TD against Norman North in the playoffs, Justin Blackmon giving Jameel Owens a run for his money as best WR.
“My boy” of the Year: Bo White, Durant
Robert’s take: Hearing White’s story from coach Byron Cordell had me pumped about Bo the entire season. Bo misses huge chunks of the last two seasons and turns in a phenomenal senior campaign. Him and his brother, Max, were a fun duo to keep tabs on during the year.
Other notables: Seminole’s Antonio Depp, Heritage Hall’s Garrett Valdez, Henryetta coach Kenny Speer III.
Wish I was there: McAlester vs. Durant
Robert’s take: A fun shootout for all involved unless you love defense. Big plays galore, huge kick returns, just exciting stuff before McAlester finally pulls it out, 49-35 (if I remember right).
Other notables: Carl Albert vs. Bixby (Spartans upset champs), Lawton Mac vs. Lawton Ike (Colton Rainey’s game-winner for Highlanders), Bethany vs. Alva (Bethany’s last-second FG to win in second round), Union-Jenks I (Union’s incredible comeback).
Agree, disagree?? Let me know. I’m sure I forgot some biggies (not on purpose).
That closes out a phenomenal football season. Time to move on with basketball and my personal fave, wrestling.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
a203e8acfed6…
a203e8acfed68a60b507…