Eagles striving to turn things around…
By Robert Przybylo
Bprzybylo@opubco.com
SeeWorth Academy is already behind the eight ball most times before it even steps onto the field. It’s not really because of the talent level. It’s more because of the lack of personnel.
Talking with head coach Robert Walker, it’s just a two-man job for the Eagles. That just isn’t easy.
Walker and Brian Sexton do just about everything for the school, but the two men can only do so much.
The Eagles have another chance to pick up their first win Thursday night against Centennial at Star Spencer High School where your friendly neighborhood Boneman will be in attendance.
Walker realizes the Eagles won’t be contending for a state title anytime soon, but he just wants to start building a solid foundation.
He said though last year’s team had struggles as well, it’s the lack of leadership that is really hurting this season.
That’s not to say there aren’t some good points. Walker raves when he’s talking about junior D’Juan Hughes, calling him a ball-hawk. He’s also high on RB Kendrick Vick.
SeeWorth has 25 kids out, but its losing kids left and right for various reasons. Walker said last week he lost five kids because of eligibility.
Could you imagine Carl Albert or Norman North all the sudden not being able to play with some of their top dogs?
Anyway, Walker said he’s seen signs of improvement, and he’s getting a couple of kids back this week. Should be a competitive scrap.
Boneman’s Week 4 musings…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
I’m sure we all know the drill by now. I rant and rave about what I thought was cool. Then you rightfully so correct me and find other things. It’s a nice system, so let me know what other gems I missed Friday.
- Extremely impressed with Cashion and more specifically, Cayden Cochran. I guess he didn’t let our player of the week thing go to his head. Another great game by the QB as Cashion rolled Luther. It’s not that I thought the move from Class B to A would be tough, but I never thought Lynn Shackelford’s boys would have such a seamless transition. Same could be said for the boys in Dewar and Morrison as well.
- Did we overrate Prague, or is 2A just that deep? Fantastic performance by Eufaula to go into Prague and walk out with a 22-13 win. Eufaula’s only blemish was to Checotah. BTW, Checotah put up 67 vs. Okmulgee last night. Wowzas. Will the eventual Eufaula and Chandler game mean as much as Heritage Hall and Kingfisher?
- How about that Washington defense? One of the early stories of this season was Lindsay QB Tim Hamilton. He didn’t surprise the Warriors who picked off six passes last night in a 31-17 win. Washington is definitely flying in under the radar in 2A this season.
- Had I had more time last night, I would have definitely done a lil something on Ardmore and Noble. The Tigers outscored Noble 21-7 in the fourth to come from behind for a 27-21 win. The stats don’t really tell much, but I’m guessing the Bears’ three turnovers were a huge part in swinging the momentum in that one.
- How good is this Shawnee defense? Its allowed 15 points in four games so far. Don’t quote me, but I think it’s 187-15 for the Wolves. Is the 5A-2 game of the year next week with Shawnee and Carl Albert? Just throwing it out there. Brayle Brown looks extremely comfortable at QB as a sophomore. That’s just allowing Brett Davis to roam free and do whatever he wants. Something a special might be a brewin’ in Shawnee.
- Classic case of just getting to district play for Owasso. The Rams put it on Enid, 41-14, to earn their first win of the year and giving Enid its first loss at the same time.
- Edmond North finally had that bust out game by Joe Aska to get its first win. I’ve been praising Joe for a while, so I’m happy to finally look semi-competent for once.
- I know Kye Staley provided a lot of flash, but how about this chemistry at Guthrie between Keaton Callins and Donte’ Foster? The duo is sensational right now. I’m a fan of the QB-WR thing instead of huge numbers by the RB. It’s something different, especially this year where there has been a lack of huge games for WRs (or that have been reported to us).
- Newkirk, playing with extreme heavy hearts, bested John Marshall, 31-20. It was a wild week for those boys, glad they could find some comfort with a win.
- Statement of the week: Booker T. (and not just cuz it was my LOCK). I don’t know how my Tulsa brethren saw the game, but here in the OKC, we saw it as a toss up. The Hornets emphatically gave Bishop Kelley its first loss, 35-15. 5A is loaded with some unreal talent at the top right now.
- Thursday, I was at McLoud and Star Spencer. I was impressed with the quality of play. I realize both coaches cannot be happy about their defense in a 39-35 Star win, but it was fun from the press box. While Jeremy Harris rightfully deserves some huge kudos for his game, I’m going with Cody Phipps at McLoud. As a sophomore, he was a rising star in the state. I thought for sure he would be an all-state RB his final two years. Injuries derailed him last year…horribly. It wasn’t the type where he couldn’t play, so his numbers and the team suffered. He was too tough for his own good. He’s back to being that workhorse again, and it’s a sight to see. Both teams appear to be locks to reach the postseason, but who knows? All I know is Thursday night was a helluva good game.
- Your turn. Give it to me. What did I miss? Player of the week? You know the drill.
The Stooges: Week 4
Well, well, well, Ray Ray has every reason to smile. What’s he more jazzed about, going 13-1 to climb into first place or having his beloved Cowboys spank Jason’s beloved Packers? All ‘n all, a pretty good week for the Verdigris nut. Jason dropped his first Lock of the year but is still in solid position being just a game out. Boneman doesn’t have much to hang his hat on, but he is happy to have his first Lock win. And Ryan, well, he is still not cool enough to be an original stooge.
Week 4
Putnam North at Norman North
Boneman: NNorth; Jason: NNorth; Ray: NNorth (LOCK); Ryan: NNorth
Sallisaw at Broken Bow
Boneman: BBow (ooh, should be a good one); Jason: BBow; Ray: Sallisaw; Ryan: BBow
McLoud at Star Spencer
Boneman: McLoud (I’ll be there LIVE); Jason: Star Spencer (LOCK); Ray: McLoud; Ryan: Star Spencer
Bishop Kelley at Booker T.
Boneman: Booker T. (LOCK); Jason: Bishop Kelley; Ray: Booker T.; Ryan: Booker T.
Mustang at Edmond Santa Fe
Boneman: ESF (Wolves howling, baby); Jason: Mustang; Ray: Mustang; Ryan: ESF
Tulsa McLain at Grove
Boneman: Grove; Jason: Grove; Ray: Grove; Ryan: Grove
Morrison at Hominy
Boneman: Hominy; Jason; Morrison; Ray: Hominy; Ryan: Morrison
Clinton at Anadarko
Boneman: Clinton; Jason: Clinton; Ray: Clinton; Ryan: Clinton
Edmond Memorial at Midwest City
Boneman: MWC; Jason: MWC; Ray: MWC; Ryan: MWC
Heritage Hall at Alva
Boneman: HHall; Jason: HHall; Ray: HHall; Ryan: HHall
Boneman Special: Del City at Southmoore
Boneman: DCity; Jason: DCity; Ray: DCity; Ryan: DCity
Last week: Boneman (9-5, 1-0); Jason (9-5, 0-1); Ray (13-1, 1-0); Ryan (11-3)
Overall: Ray (26-9, 2-1); Jason (25-10, 2-1); Ryan (23-12); Boneman (22-13, 1-2)
Boneman’s Week 3 musings…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Whew, take a breath and relax. Quick poll, what was your favorite game from last night? I’d like to lean toward McGuinness and Millwood with a Mike Shanahan-like gamble going for two with 33 seconds for the Irish to get the 25-24 win.
But Edmond Memorial winning with a touchdown pass on the final play of the game is not too shabby with a 25-23 victory vs.
However, I’m going to be bias. With my
I called Chandler QB Jack Gray like crazy last night, but he never got back to me. Fortunately, coach Neal Bacon did.
I have no issues admitting when I’m waaaayyy off. First thing I said to Bacon was “thanks a lot. You made us all look bad.”
And when Bacon was describing the game, I couldn’t believe it. Six lost fumbles. It’s hard enough to have six fumbles in a game, yet alone six lost ones.
Clinton Delans Griffin had that one big run, a 69-yard touchdown run. Bacon said he felt that woke the team up.
I wish I would have been there.
Ryan Aber billed it as just hard-hitting, old school game. It sure sounded like it. Congrats to the Lions, but you’d have to be a fool to count out
Other interesting tidbits from your “all-powerful, omniscient Friday night narrator.”
-
- Seriously, cloning would have been a great idea last night. I would have loved to have seen the Irish and Falcons. And would have loved even more to see that roughing the snapper penalty on the potential game-tying extra point. And how about them EM Bulldogs? I wouldn’t sleep on
- Um, where did Northwest come from? I took logic as a “math” class at OU. If A, then B. If B, then C. Therefore, If A, then C.
Not so fast my friends (TM Lee Corso). John Marshall defeated Northwest, 14-8. Centennial defeated John Marshall, 20-15. So Centennial beats NW like maybe 30-20? No, Northwest won 54-0 and received monster games from RB Jimmy Owens and QB B.J. Holloway.
- Edmond Santa Fe and Mustang made some nice non-district statements. Both went 3-0 and both handled their bidness, as the cool kids would say. More impressive, ESF’s 56-0 win over PCWest or Mustang’s 34-0 whipping of
- Congrats to HHall’s Barry Sanders Jr. The freshman had a 48-yard touchdown run in a 24-0 win against
-
- Thursday I was at a thriller. No, neither
Alright, your turn. What did I miss? What should I have written about? Player of the week nominees? Throw ‘em out there.
What does Rob Davis do?
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@Opubco.com
Maybe the better question is what doesn’t Rob Davis do? In talking with the Canton coach for this week’s Friday Night Lights installment, I was amazed at how much he’s already done at 29.
While the story introduces you to Davis, a good chunk of quirky info was left on the cutting room floor. Here are just some of the goodies.
- Davis was a little dude growing up. But Cashion coach D.L. Robertson said he knew he had found something special when the then 100-pounder took out a Pioneer fullback who was about twice Davis’ size. It was a legal hit, for the record.
- Davis also set a couple of powerlifting records for his size. He just used everything that was said against him to his advantage.
- He spoke a little about a 2005 football game against Christian Heritage Academy. The Tigers ended up losing that game pretty handily, but it was getting there that was the story.
On the way to CHA, the Canton bus caught fire. They ended up getting there just under an hour before game time. They ended up dressing in the parking lot and getting on the field.
- When he and his wife, Rachel, moved to St. Kitts, he volunteered as a teacher for about two days a week. He was already a pretty good storyteller, but it was here where the native people praised his ability. In St. Kitts, he was both an archeologist and a safari guide.
- While Hoobachoo is his first foray into the children’s world, Davis has a lot more cooking. One thing he definitely wants to explore is he has a trilogy about the end of the world.
- He said most of his stories come to him in dreams. He’ll wake up and write them down, so he won’t forget them. His imagination has always been wild, and he feels that is one of the most important things for a kid to have – to let your imagination run wild.
- Davis has a myspace page. You’d never know it by the name, “Kwanokasha.” It’s his name in Choctaw. He’s part Choctaw and didn’t know what his name was. It’s pronounced Way-no-ka-shay. His quote on the page is enough to get me going, “They call me the Afro Samurai.”
- He’s also a freemason. He is registered as one of the Knights of the Templar out of Woodward. That’s just more about his history love.
- Photographer Chris Landsberger and I made the trip to Canton on Tuesday. Davis was not kidding about his classroom being a museum. What was strange/cool about Davis was that his collection was not a limited one by any means.
He looked at stuff like toys in the ‘80s as ancient relics. There was even an Atari game system there.
But by far, for my money, it was the tombstone in the front of the classroom that was a head scratcher.
His kids found six tombstones. So they researched the history and gave five of them back to the families. The other one, the family said the school could keep. So there it is, a tombstone in the classroom.
I was digging the sports room, especially some rare Sports Illustrated covers featuring Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
He said he bought them at a garage sale. Never know where you’ll find some gems.
Another thing that piqued my interest was his love of Edgar Allan Poe. I’m a huge fan of Poe’s work, so I love talking Poe with others. I’m not sure if I have a favorite, but I love A Cask of Amontillado and Murders in the Rue Morgue.
Davis isn’t a football coach, it’s just what he happens to be doing right now, IMHO. He offers a lot more to the world than just football. It’s great to see the Canton kids doing well, and I hope they realize what they have with Davis. Even with an infant daughter, Paige, it seems Davis gets more sleep than the rest of us. He has so much energy.
Web links
For video of The Haka, click here.
For more info on Hoobachoo, click here.
For Davis’ myspace page, click here.
For the NewsOK video by Chris Landsberger and myself, click here.
The Stooges: Week 3…
Hey hey, welcome back. We’re one week away from districts, but there are plenty of interesting games this week. Last week, well, Jason is running away with an early lead, thanks in large part to his faith in Booker T. Ray Ray got on the board with his LOCK pick and is tied for second. Boneman, more like Bonehead. A 6-5 record (with a correct Union pick) and another LOCK loss has him cowering in shame. And welcome Ryan Aber as an honorary stooge (he’s not nearly cool enough to be an original). The Prep Insider was a meager 5-6 last week. Onto week 3…
Week 3
Clinton at Chandler
Bonehead: Clinton; Jason: Clinton; Ray: Clinton; Ryan: Clinton
Broken Arrow vs. Tulsa Washington
Bonehead: Booker T. (not gonna get me a third week); Jason: Booker T.; Ray: Broken Arrow; Ryan: Broken Arrow
Star Spencer vs. Douglass
Bonehead: Douglass; Jason: Douglass (LOCK); Ray: Star Spencer; Ryan: Star Spencer
McGuinness vs. Millwood
Bonehead: McGuinness (no way they’re 0-3, right?); Jason: McGuinness; Ray: McGuinness; Ryan: McGuinness
Davis at Heritage Hall
Bonehead: HHall (LOCK); Jason: HHall; Ray: HHall; Ryan: HHall
Muskogee vs. Tulsa Union
Bonehead: Union; Jason: Muskogee; Ray: Union (no one’s tougher than a rougher…except the Redskins); Ryan: Union
Southmoore at Midwest City
Bonehead: MWC; Jason: MWC; Ray: MWC; Ryan: MWC
Duncan at Carl Albert
Bonehead: CAlbert; Jason: CAlbert; Ray: CAlbert; Ryan: CAlbert
Westmoore vs. Norman North
Bonehead: NNorth; Jason: NNorth; Ray: NNorth; Ryan: NNorth
Edmond Memorial at Del City
Bonehead: EM; Jason: EM; Ray: EM; Ryan: EM
Boneman Special: Mustang vs. Putnam City
Bonehead: Mustang; Jason: Mustang; Ray: Mustang (LOCK); Ryan: Mustang
Jason Special: Tonkawa vs. Pawnee
Bonehead: Tonkawa; Jason: Tonkawa; Ray: Tonkawa; Ryan: Tonkawa
Jason Special: Thackerville vs. Grandfield
Bonehead: Grandfield (I will ride or die with John Brown, baby); Jason: Thackerville; Ray: Thackerville; Ryan: Grandfield
Ray Special: Oologah vs. Sequoyah-Claremore
Bonehead: Seq.-Clare.; Jason: Seq. Clare.; Ray: Oologah; Ryan: Seq.-Clare.
Last week: Bonehead (6-5, 0-1); Jason (8-3, 1-0); Ray (7-4, 1-0); Ryan (5-6)
Overall: Jason (16-5, 2-0); Ray (13-8, 1-1); Bonehead (13-8, 0-2); Ryan (12-9)
Boneman’s Week 2 musings…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@Oklahoman.com
I got wrapped up in my own little world last week and said it was “Bounce back week.” I was possessed that that’s what this week was. So I’m kinda happy with the way things turned out because for some teams, it really was a bounce back week.
- Tulsa Union will not die. Call it a hunch, but I just thought the Redskins may have not been motivated in Week 1 (don’t know why, but just felt it). Anyway, they were back in full force in the 24-17 OT win vs. Jenks. Side note: it’s the exact line of reasoning why I believe THE Ohio State is walking out of the Coliseum with a victory over USC. If I’m wrong, I’ll take the heat. But I believe in my Bucks.
Back to HS, while Union may have won the game, Jenks found itself a QB in Beau Marsaln. He looked beyond poise in leading a 14-point fourth quarter comeback to even force the OT.
Even when it didn’t look like it, the Backyard Bowl still brought the goods.
- Is there trouble for the Irish? Granted, both of McGuinness’ losses are against formidable teams from 5A, but 13 points through two games has to have anyone wearing the green a little worried.
- I’m in 100 percent agreement with Ray Ray about Booker T. deserving the No. 1 slot. Find out in Sunday’s Oklahoman if Ryan Aber concurs with our sentiments. Bigger statement: BTW thrashing TEast Central or Tuttle demolishing Kingfisher?
- A little off the radar, but it sounds like Prague and Davis played a great one with the Red Devils notching a 14-6 road win. It’s obvious Prague doesn’t have the offensive weapons from last year, but Dakota Harris can make just about anything happen.
- Who’s the better QB, Tim Hamilton of Lindsay or Wayland Moore of McLoud? Both have put up some serious numbers through the first two weeks.
- Kudos to Southmoore getting that first win and to Santa Fe South for breaking its 29-game losing streak. A week after seeing John Marshall’s streak go by the board, the Saints, with the help of some freshmen, downed Riverside, 25-0.
- How good is the Shawnee defense? Through two games against tough 5A opponents, it’s allowed 8 points and that was on the last play of the game last night vs. Deer Creek in a 35-8 win? The Wolves offense is always stout. Now adding a defense? Look out for Shawnee. (so yeah, give me stuff about picking the Antlers)
- Thursday night I was at Putnam West and Yukon. PCW’s lack of a punting game is going to hurt this season. They’re an unbelievably gritty team that is getting all it can from its personnel. But Yukon took advantage of the punt game with three blocked punts resulting in 16 points.
If I’m good luck for the Millers, fans should be happy to know I’ll be there Thursday for Yukon and Edmond North.
- And you know me being the sentimental one, congrats to Edmond Santa Fe for pulling out the win vs. Edmond Memorial. How they dealt with the loss of volleyballer Heather Harkness, I’ll never know. I’m sure it was a tough game for both sides to play. With the funeral today, I hope things start to look up for the Wolves. I don’t want to say closure, but hopefully for all involved, the worst is behind them.
Your turn. What did I miss? Who impressed you? Give us your thoughts.
Hornets should claim top spot
By Ray Martin
rmartin@oklahoman.com
I think it’s safe to say Tulsa Washington deserves to take the top spot in the Class 5A poll. The Hornets beat top ranked Tulsa East Central 46-20 tonight, one week after pounding Carl Albert 40-7.
That’s impressive. Much more impressive than anything No. 4 Bixby, No. 3 Lawton Mac or No. 2 Guthrie have done thus far (not their fault, they haven’t had the chance to knock off No. 1 and No. 2).
Pollsters: Give the Hornets the top spot. They deserve it.
The Stooges: Week 2…
It’s with a heavy heart that we return for the predictions. Our condolences go out to the entire Edmond Santa Fe family after the passing of volleyballer Heather Harkness.
In Week 1, Jason was given a lot of flack about his Norman pick. But uh, look at the scoreboard. With an 8-2 week AND picking Booker T. to beat Carl Albert, will Jason release some of that pent up rage and say told you so? The Boneman is hanging his hat on Ardmore while Ray is still depressed about Owasso (the Rams are still his boys). On with week 2…
Week 2
Jenks at Tulsa Union
Boneman: Union (it’s bounce back week, baby); Jason: Jenks; Ray: Jenks
Tuttle at Kingfisher
Boneman: Kingfisher; Jason: Tuttle (LOCK); Ray: Tuttle
Booker T. vs. Tulsa East Central
Boneman: East Central; Jason: Booker T.; Ray: East Central
Norman North at Muskogee
Boneman: NNorth; Jason: Muskogee (no one’s tougher than a Rougher); Ray: NNorth
Millwood at Douglass
Boneman: Millwood; Jason: Millwood; Ray: Millwood
Heritage Hall at Weatherford
Boneman: Heritage Hall; Jason: HHall; Ray: HHall
Edmond Santa Fe vs. Edmond Memorial
Boneman: ESF; Jason: ESF; Ray: ESF
Putnam North vs. Putnam City
Boneman: PCN; Jason: PCN; Ray: PCN (LOCK)
Bishop Kelley at McGuinness
Boneman: McGuinness (LOCK); Jason: Bishop Kelley; Ray: McGuinness
Prague at Davis
Boneman: Prague (tough one, tough); Jason: Prague; Ray: Prague
Boneman’s Special: Deer Creek at Shawnee
Boneman: Deer Creek; Jason: Shawnee; Ray: Shawnee
Last week: Boneman (7-3, 0-1); Jason (8-2, 1-0); Ray (6-4, 0-1)
Overall: Jason (8-2, 1-0); Boneman (7-3, 0-1); Ray (6-4, 0-1)
Day of Mourning…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@Oklahoman.com
Taken from my original Bout Blog post.
For Bout Blog fans, Heather Harkness is neither a boxer nor an MMA fighter. No, she was an Edmond Santa Fe volleyballer.
She died Tuesday morning during the course of an appendectomy. This one hits me a little bit harder. She had her whole life in front of her.
I didn’t know Heather, don’t know what she looked like, what she liked, etc., but I remember my high school days.
My senior year in Springboro, Ohio, I had a classmate die from a car accident. It shook the entire school. It didn’t matter that I didn’t know Karol Stegemoller that well until senior year, it was one of the few times where there were no cliques. We were all just getting through something together.
And I remember the very next day was the start of the state basketball playoffs where we were supposed to advance pretty far. We got trounced in the first round, but I don’t think anyone cared.
I still have a bunch of mementos from that week, remembering Karol. I’ve moved a lot since 2002, but they’re always going to be with me. There was a Memorial Auction for Karol in June back home, good to know she’s not forgotten.
I don’t know how the ESF volleyball team will continue this season. I don’t think I could. My personal opinion is that all Edmond athletic events should be postponed this weekend, including Friday’s Edlam football game with Edmond Memorial and Edmond Santa Fe.
I don’t know, I just think the kids should be allowed to grieve. Everyone has their own way of doing so, and I don’t think you should force the kids to go out there and hit each other.
I felt this way last year after Rush Springs’ freshman Justin Barney died right before the Rush Springs/Washington game last season. It’s just not easy to turn that switch back on.
Life goes on and eventually everyone will start to feel like themselves again but don’t rush it. School has to be hard enough to not see your classmate there. Give ‘em a rest and let them do whatever is necessary to cope.
It’s not to say that some of the bigger sports don’t have that community feel, but the top volleyball players and coaches all know each other. Not just from newspaper articles and jersey numbers and shaking hands after a match.
The girls are a tight bunch whether it be on the school team or the club team. But they really get to know each other, really build those relationships.
I’ve been reading tonight on various message boards where people are trading their favorite Heather stories. From places all over the state, not just Edmond. Sounds like we all missed out on someone special.
I’m keeping her friends and family in my prayers as I’m sure all of you are. I hope they can find the strength to get through this difficult time.
