PC-PC West preview capsule
Putnam City at Putnam City West
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: Putnam City Stadium
Why PC could win: The Pirates have more talent at key positions, like quarterback and defensive line, which will ultimately turn the game in their favor. Caleb Lee continues to get more comfortable, so that he can more freely use all of his skills. And the added threat of a run game, boosted by the return of Cody Minor, should produce some points for the Pirates. Defensively, the Pirates are still one of the better ones in 6A.
Why PC West could win: They’re due for a big game, and PC is a team that the Patriots can match up with in size and speed. Johnny Smith showed what he can do, rushing for 124 yards against a bigger defense in Edmond North. And the Pats’ defense didn’t turn in a terrible showing last week either, so with the added enthusiasm of a rivalry game, things could be coming together for PC West tonight.
Key matchup: Smith vs. PC linebackers. Linebacker is one of the more talented areas for Putnam City, so if they’re able to corral Smith and the PC West run game, it will be good news for Pirate fans. The Pats must have the run game going to keep the offense on the field and to open up chances to strike in the passing game.
The pick: PC 31, PC West 21.
Santa Fe vs. Norman North Capsule…
By Robert Przybylo and Justin Harper
BPrzybylo@opubco.com; JHarper@opubco.com
Edmond Santa Fe (1-7, 0-5) vs. Norman North (4-3, 2-3)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Harve Collins Field, Norman
Santa Fe (L, North; L, Memorial; W, PCWest; L, Mustang; L, Del City; L, Southmoore; L, PCNorth; L, Lawton)
Why the Wolves can win: Both of these teams are struggling right now, and if Norman North is hanging its head at all, Bruce Gowen’s boys are going to walk out with a win. The defense is right up there with the rest of 6A-1. A break or two for the Wolves, and the losing streak is done.
Norman North
Why the Timberwolves can win: Edmond Santa Fe’s offense is run first, run second, run if possible third, pass fourth. And why not? The Wolves have a star in Brian Mills. But the teams that have hurt Norman North have done so mainly through the air. The T-Wolves stuff the run.
Boneman’s key matchup: Santa Fe running game vs. North defense. If there’s been one constant this season, it’s been the Santa Fe running game, led by Brian Mills. Another solid outing is crucial.
Justin’s key matchup: Norman North linebackers Nick Canavan and Jon Johnson vs. Brian Mills. Canavan will be the first linebacker Mills has seen this season who will be his athletic equal and Johnson is a gap plugger, who lives for contact. But Mills is fast and shifty. Two against one is pretty good odds, though.
Boneman’s pick: Santa Fe 21, Norman North 17. I said last week Santa Fe was going to win out. Just think this team is too good to have suffered the setbacks its gone through and not see some positives happen.
Justin’s pick: Norman North 36, Edmond Santa Fe 18. Norman North averages 33.2 points per game and Santa Fe allows an average of 22.1. That’s a great combo for the T-Wolves.
PC North at Lawton preview capsule
PC North (6-2. 3-2) at Lawton (6-2, 3-2)
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: Cameron Stadium, Lawton
Why PC North could win: The Panthers have shown they can bounce back from a bad loss with a good win. And last week’s throttling at the hands of Mustang certainly should have lit some fires out on Sam Bradford Dr. PC North will correct the mistakes that let Mustang get up big early, which will give them a chance to better utilize their talent at running back, receiver and in the secondary.
Why Lawton could win: Lawton’s defense will put some pressure on QB Jace James and the Wolverines have the speed in the secondary to hang with PC North’s talented receivers. Offensively, the run-pass threat is strong with QB Cody Miller and RB Charles Smith.
Key matchup: Smith vs. PC North front seven. The Panthers got in a hole last week because they couldn’t stop the run. Smith is a different kind of back than Daniel Farrow, but he’s still capable of breaking off 150 if you give him room. Lawton has enough size up front to try a little power run game if they want, and if they find success, it could be a long night for the Panthers.
The pick: Lawton 28, PC North 24. Last time I picked against Lawton, I got burned when they beat Mustang. Last time I picked PC North, I got burned when they lost to Mustang. I’m not playing with fire on this one.
Yukon at Owasso preview capsule
Yukon (4-4, 3-2) at Owasso (5-3, 4-1)
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: Owasso High School
Why Yukon could win: The Millers’ defense gives them a chance every week. The offense has slowly been getting it back together and could be due for a big week. But defense will be the key. If the defense can create some turnovers or give the offense good field position, look for Yukon to be in this one all the way.
Why Owasso could win: With Joe Lindsey back, the Rams have been a much more reliable offense. He’s only a junior, but he’s a talented leader who can do a lot of things. Owasso has a lot of talent on defense as well. Had Lindsey been healthy all year, they would have been the clear favorite for the No. 2 spot in the district behind Union.
Key matchup: Lindsey vs. Yukon secondary/linebackers. Lindsey will throw and run, so keeping him contained will be the biggest key of all for Yukon. The Millers will need good coverage when he throws, and quick pursuit when he runs.
Playoff picture: A win tonight has Yukon in good standing for a home playoff berth entering Week 10 at Choctaw. A loss doesn’t kill their playoff chances, but it makes next week’s game a lot bigger. Owasso seals up a playoff spot with a win.
The pick: Owasso 21, Yukon 17. I think the Millers are good enough to play with the Rams, but ultimately, the Rams are on a different level right now.
Star Spencer at Mannford Capsule
By Ryan Aber
raber@opubco.com
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Mannford
Star Spencer (L, Millwood; W, Southeast; L, Douglass; W, McLoud; W, Tecumseh; W, Cushing; W, Seminole; W, Cleveland)
Why the Bobcats can win: It’s not a matter of can. It’s a matter of will. Star Spencer isn’t going to have a letdown this week against a winless Mannford team.
Mannford (L, Collinsville; L, Fort Gibson; L, Bristow; L, Cleveland; L, Seminole; L, Glenpool; L, Tecumseh; L, McLoud)
Why the Pirates can win: Short answer is, short of the Bobcats not showing up, they can’t. I hate to be that certain but it’s been a rough year for Mannford. They’ve only scored more than seven points twice, and Start Spencer’s defense is at good as it gets in 4A.
Key matchup: Star Spencer’s mentality vs. its physicality. While I don’t think Mannford can win, the one chance they have is if the Bobcats don’t even think about Mannford. Star Spencer has a huge game on the horizon next week when Glenpool hosts the Bobcats. For at least a few hours tonight, Star Spencer needs to be thinking about the Pirates rather than the Warriors.
Ryan’s pick: Star Spencer 48, Mannford 0. The Bobcats keep rolling right along, turning in their fifth shutout of the season.
Douglass at Woodward Capsule
By Ryan Aber
raber@opubco.com
When:7:30 p.m. Friday
Where:Boomer Stadium, Woodward:
Douglass (W, Capitol Hill; L, Millwood; W, Star Spencer; W, Elk City; W, Southeast; W, Guymon; L, McGuinness; L, Weatherford)
Why the Trojans can win: Because they finally are done with a tough two-game stretch that included back-to-back losses to two of the top five teams in 4A. The Del City defense has been outstanding all season and their running backs figure to break out.
Woodward (L, El Reno; L, Canadian, Texas; W, Deer Creek; L, Weatherford; W, Piedmont; L, McGuinness; W, Guymon, L, El City)
Why the Boomers can win: Because they finally find some level of consistency, and if the Trojans come out flat after heartbreaking losses the last two weeks.
Key matchup: Woodward quarterback Casey Covalt vs. Douglass secondary. If the Boomers are to win, Covalt has to have a lot to do with it. He’s one of the top passers in 4A. Douglass, though, has one of the top defenses in the class.
Ryan’s pick: Douglass 35, Woodward 7. The Trojans are just too much for the Boomers and need this win to lock in a playoff berth. A bounce-back win for Douglass.
Centennial at Millwood Capsule
By Ryan Aber
raber@opubco.com
When: 7:30 p.m. tonight
Where: Leodies Robinson Field, Millwood
Centennial (W, Empire, L, John Marshall; W, Northwest; L, Bethel; W, SeeWorth; L, Meeker; L, Jones; L, Little Axe)
Why the Bison can win: It’ll be tough. But this was a team with high expectations going into the season. They haven’t lived up to it so far but there is talent here capable of breaking through if the Falcons overlook them.
Millwood (W, Star Spencer; W, Douglass; L, McGuinness; W, Little Axe; L, Jones; W, Lexington; W, SeeWorth; W, Bethel)
Why the Falcons can win: Because they’re the better team, plain and simple.
Key matchup: Emilio Gatewood vs. Centennial’s front. Millwood was vulnerable at times early in the season when Gatewood was injured. He’s healthy now and the Falcons offense has been much more dangerous of late because of it. When Gatewood’s putting up big numbers, Millwood is hard to stop.
Ryan’s pick: Millwood 42, Centennial 7. No surprises here. Gatewood, Kevonte Richardson, Josh Turner and the rest of Millwood’s offense keeps rolling along as the Falcons eye the No. 2 spot in the district.
Durant at Carl Albert Capsule
By Ryan Aber
raber@opubco.com
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Titans Stadium, Midwest City
Durant (L, McAlester; L, Ada; W, Hugo; L, Guthrie; W, Noble; L, Shawnee; W, Capitol Hill; W, Ardmore)
Why the Lions can win: Because they’ve got one of the state’s best players in Daryn Alves, who primarily plays quarterback. Alves has more than 1,200 rushing yards this season.
Carl Albert (L, Tulsa Washington, W, Choctaw; W, Duncan; W, Capitol Hill; L, Shawnee; W, Noble; W, Guthrie; W, Ardmore)
Why the Titans can win: Because they’ve got at least two of the state’s best players in QB J.T. Realmuto and do-everything Tre Porter. The Titans also have had excellent defensive play since the loss to Shawnee three weeks ago.
Quote:
Our defense has continually gotten better. We had three sophomores starting at the first of the year and it’s going to take them time to come around. We were outmatched at times early in the year but those guys have really played well lately – Carl Albert coach Gary Rose
Key matchup: Alves vs. Carl Albert’s front. The Titans have to contain Alves to win this game. Alves has to break loose for Durant to win. Something’s got to give.
Ryan’s pick: Carl Albert 28, Durant 14. Depth wins out over star power as the Titans all but seal up second place in 5A-1.
Norman at Midwest City capsule
By Ryan Aber and Justin Harper
raber@opubco.com; jharper@opubco.com
Norman (4-4, 3-2) at Midwest City (6-2, 5-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Rose Field, Midwest City
Norman (L, Norman North; L, Del City; W, Moore; W, Putnam West; L, Edmond North; L, Edmond Memorial; W, Putnam City; W, Westmoore)
Why the Tigers can win: The Tigers best hope of winning lies with Midwest City overlooking Norman. The Tigers have steadily improved this season and need a win to secure a playoff spot.
Midwest City (L, Del City; W, Moore; L, Southmoore; W, Edmond Memorial; W, Westmoore; W, Lawton Eisenhower; W, Edmond North; W, Putnam City)
Why the Bombers can win: Because that’s all they’ve done since district play began. They’ve received the maximum 15 differential points in each win and while Norman is improved, it still has a long way to go to be in the Bombers’ class.
Quote:
I don’t think it’s hard for us to get up for them. You put a video of them in and there’s Nos. 1, 4, 2, 28 and all of those guys making plays. It gets the kids’ attention real quick. – Midwest City coach Steve Huff.
Ryan’s key matchup: Norman QB Chad Anderson vs. Midwest City’s defense. Anderson had a fine showing last week, throwing for 145 yards and running for a pair of touchdowns. But Westmoore’s defense isn’t Midwest City. If Norman is to be successful, Anderson needs to give the Tigers a threat both in the air and on the ground.
Justin’s key matchup: Norman’s do-it-all threat Jaime Myers vs. MWC kick coverage. Myers has been a game-breaker in the return game all season and had three long punt returns last week that either ended in a touchdown or set up a short one. Myers will take a backseat to no one on the field in terms of athleticism. If the Bombers don’t target him, he will make them pay.
Ryan’s pick: Midwest City 56, Norman 14. I’d like to say this’ll be a close game but after the beatings the Bombers have put on Edmond North and Putnam City the last couple of weeks, I don’t see it happening. I think Norman makes the playoffs but they’ll have to wait until next week to make that happen.
Justin’s pick: Midwest City 30, Norman 21. Before losing to Southmoore at home earlier this season, the Bombers had only lost one time since the 2006 season on Rose Field. But guess who beat them in that one? Norman.
Del City at Mustang Capsule
By Ryan Aber and Scott Wright
raber@opubco.com; swright@opubco.com
Del City (7-1, 4-1) at Mustang (6-2, 4-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Bronco Stadium, Mustang
Del City (W, Midwest City; W, Norman; W, Edmond Memorial; L, Southmoore; W, Edmond Santa Fe; W, Lawton; W, Norman North; W, Moore)
Why the Eagles can win: Because they are the whole package. They’ve got two receivers that are as good as anybody around and a defense that’s among the toughest in the state. They’ve also developed in the running game, making them a much more balanced team.
Mustang (W, Yukon; L, Edmond North; W, Putnam City; W, Edmond Santa Fe; L, Lawton; W, Norman North; W, Moore; W, Putnam North)
Why the Broncos can win: Mustang is confident it can beat anybody. They’ve got arguably the best offensive lineman and one of the best offensive lines as a whole. They’ve got an offense that has playmakers in both the running and passing game. Their defensive front has been able to cause problems for opposing quarterbacks. Basically, this is a team with very few weaknesses and they’re out to show they can play with anyone.
Quote:
They’ve got a really good defensive line, but we think we’ve got a good offensive line, too. It should be a good challenge. – Mustang left tackle Bronson Irwin
Ryan’s key matchup: Bronson Irwin vs. Del City’s front. With Mustang playing a young quarterback, the Broncos are going to need to protect him well. Do that and it allows Mustang to pass the ball just enough to keep the Eagles guessing. But if Del City is able to get a strong push, it could be a long night for Mustang. Del City has been creating havoc without blitzing much. But, they haven’t faced a lineman like Irwin yet.
Scott’s key matchup: Daniel Farrow vs. Del City defensive front. No one has been able to stop Daniel Farrow since he got on the field in Lawton five weeks ago. But Del City is a different challenge. If Mustang can run the ball and keep pressure off quarterback Brandon Taylor, it probably wins. If not, the weight will fall on the sophomore QB, and it’s yet to be seen if he can carry this team to victory in such a big game.
Ryan’s pick: Del City 21, Mustang 20. This game is going to be super close and very competitive but in the end I think the Eagles edge out Mustang to take another step toward finishing No. 2 in the district.
Scott’s pick: Mustang 38, Del City 35. I have just one thing to say about this game: Get your popcorn ready.
