John Marshall vs. Heritage Capsule…
By Robert Przybylo and Ryan Aber
BPrzybylo@opubco.com; RAber@opubco.com
John Marshall (6-2, 3-2) vs. Heritage Hall (5-3, 5-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Pop Murray Memorial Field
John Marshall (W, Northwest; W, Centennial; W, Crooked Oak; L, Newkirk; W, Fairview; W, St. Mary; L, Kingfisher; W, Alva)
Why the Bears can win: Defense. The Bears defense has been outstanding this season, never giving up more than 21 points. They’ve continually gotten better on that side of the ball and the offense has some dangerous weapons as well.
Quote:
This is a big ballgame for us. You aways want measuring sticks of where your team is and this is one for us. We’re going against one of the best teams in the state. – John Marshall coach Bruce Troxell
Heritage (L, Casady; L, Weatherford; L, Davis; W, Alva; W, Kingfisher; W, Perry; W, Fairview; W, Newkirk)
Why the Chargers can win: Because all the pieces are coming together. The defense has been solid all season, and now Heritage is adding a passing game to go with the vaunted running game.
Quote:
We just had to start executing. We’ve been growing up and maturing, and we’re really coming together as a team.” – sophomore Barry Sanders
Boneman’s key matchup: Heritage defense vs. Brendon Jordan. John Marshall’s do-everything threat has been huge in some of the Bears wins. I don’t want to say he’s doing it all by himself, but his stock has gone up big time during this season.
Ryan’s key matchup: I’ll go the other way and say Sanders vs. John Marshall’s defense. Whichever of those guys (Sanders and Jordan) has a better game wins. John Marshall has to tackle solidly and swarm Sanders to have a chance at pulling off this upset.
Ryan’s pick: Heritage 35, John Marshall 7. There’s no question the Bears are much improved. But at this point in the season, they aren’t going to jump out and surprise anybody either. If this meeting was earlier in the season, I would’ve given the Bears more of a chance but I think Heritage Hall comes out focused in this game and wins comfortably.
Boneman’s pick: Heritage 24, John Marshall 9. Chargers clinch the district after an 0-3 start. Look for Tanner France to make something happen. Interested to see what Quintaz Struble does in his first game.
Edlam: Kaden Guerra video…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
As I’m sure you all know by now that Friday Night Lights teaser was all about Edmond North senior Kaden Guerra.
Guerra is in Chicago today and is fighting the good fight against paralysis. With his positive attitude and the support of family, friends and basically the whole Edmond community, he’s truckin’ along.
Before he left for Chicago, I had a chance to speak with Kaden and his father, Joe, for nearly two hours Sunday afternoon. And while all of us were admittedly keeping tabs on the Vikings and Steelers, it was a real emotional interview.
Unfortunately, weren’t able to take some high-quality photos, so the photos in today’s story are from when Kaden was at the North-Santa Fe game.
Here’s a short interview I took with Kaden with an update on his progress and giving a message to both the North and Memorial teams heading into Edlam.
For the story, go here. For the video, see below. I want to thank the whole Guerra family for their assistance and look for a big photo gallery and more info on Guerra’s battle in a blog Saturday afternoon/night.
The Stooges: Week 9…
Fellow sports stooge Chris Evans of Guthrie was a perfect 15-0 last week. Evans runs a fantastic Guthrie sports site at guthriesportspage.com. With your NewsOK stooges, Ryan continues to prove he knows what he’s talking about with a 13-2 record and is back in second place overall. Several big games across the state, so on with the show.
Week 9
Altus vs. Deer Creek
Ryan: DCreek; Boneman: DCreek; Scott: Altus; Justin: DCreek
Anadarko vs. Tuttle (Matt will be there)
Ryan: Tuttle; Boneman: Tuttle; Scott: Tuttle; Justin: Tuttle (Lock)
Casady vs. Holland Hall
Ryan: Casady; Boneman: Casady (LOCK); Scott: Casady; Justin: Casady
Choctaw vs. Stillwater
Ryan: Stillwater; Boneman: Stillwater; Scott: Stillwater; Justin: Stillwater
Destiny Christian vs. Corn Bible
Ryan: CBible; Boneman: CBible; Scott: CBible; Justin: Corn Bible
Durant vs. Carl Albert
Ryan: CAlbert; Boneman: CAlbert; Scott: CAlbert; Justin: CAlbert
Ed North vs. Ed Memorial (Boneman will be there)
Ryan: Memorial; Boneman: North (by a smidge); Scott: Memorial; Justin: Edmond North
Edmond Santa Fe vs. Norman North (Justin will be there)
Ryan: Santa Fe; Boneman: Santa Fe; Scott: Santa Fe (LOCK); Justin: Norman North
Putnam North vs. Lawton
Ryan: Lawton; Boneman: Lawton; Scott: Lawton; Justin: Lawton
McAlester vs. Tulsa East Central
Ryan: McAlester (LOCK); Boneman: McAlester; Scott: TEC; Justin: TEC
Wagoner vs. Sallisaw
Ryan: Sallisaw; Boneman: Sallisaw; Scott: Sallisaw; Justin: Sallisaw
Cascia Hall vs. Sequoyah-Claremore
Ryan: Cascia; Boneman: Cascia; Scott: Cascia; Justin: Cascia
Plainview vs. Sulphur
Ryan: Plainview; Boneman: Plainview; Scott: Plainview; Justin: Plainview
Canton vs. Garber
Ryan: Garber; Boneman: Canton; Scott: Garber; Justin: Garber
Del City vs. Mustang (Ryan will be there)
Ryan: DCity; Boneman: Mustang; Scott: Mustang; Justin: Mustang
Last week: Ryan (13-2, 1-0); Boneman (11-4, 1-0); Scott (11-4, 0-1); Justin (12-3, 1-0); Matt (12-3)
Overall: Ryan (89-27, 5-3); Justin (81-35, 4-4); Scott (77-39, 6-2); Boneman (76-40, 5-3); Matt (72-44)
Edlam: North vs. Memorial Capsule…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
North (7-1, 4-1) vs. Memorial (5-3, 4-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: UCO’s Wantland Stadium (I’ll be there)
North (W, Santa Fe; W, Mustang; W, Yukon; W, Lawton Eisenhower; W, Norman; W, Putnam City; L, Midwest City; W, PCWest)
Why the Huskies can win: The reasons are about the same for both teams. Seniors who want to make one last impression and to do it in Edlam would be the best way ever. Xavier Smith has been quiet. Think he’ll make a game-changing play.
Quote:
This is about as big as it gets. We thought two weeks ago against Midwest City was a big one, but this is something different. And we want to show we can do it in a big game.” – senior defensive lineman Colton Byford
Memorial (L, Southmoore; W, Santa Fe; L, Del City; L, Midwest City; W, PCWest; W, Norman; W, Westmoore; W, Lawton Eisenhower)
Why the Bulldogs can win: Because they’ve been the best Edmond team in the last month. This team has made some serious strides. The return of D’Juan Brooks just adds more depth to the offense. Oh, and it just so happens to be senior night, too.
Quote:
Us seniors have never had a chance to win the city championship. That would be something we could always remember. We have to get the job done.” – senior Nelson Medeiros
Key matchup: After dissecting this all week, I am convinced this game is going to be won or lost on the legs of Joe Aska Jr. Jared Benway will get some touches, but this is Aska’s stage to have a memorable showing.
The pick: North 22, Memorial 20. I’ve alienated half the readers with this one pick. Think North has another gear that it can go to. There is still potential there while I feel Memorial is playing just about as well as it is going to (which is dang good, for the record). Should be a classic. And you know I don’t have trouble admitting I’m wrong, so I’ll be the first to eat crow late Friday-early Saturday. Follow me on Twitter @BPrzybylo for all the updates.
Casady vs. Holland Hall Capsule…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Casady (7-2, 3-2) vs. Holland Hall (4-4, 3-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Holland Hall
Casady (W, FWAll Saints; W, Heritage Hall; W, Crooked Oak; W, Houston Kinkaid; W, Tulsa NOAH; W, Dallas Greenhill; W, Dallas St. Marks; L, Houston St. Johns; L, Houston Episcopal)
Why the Cyclones can win: Because like I’ve said, their two-game losing streak is nothing to be ashamed of. But it definitely has the team pumped up, not that it needed any extra motivation going against their conference rival and a chance to play for the championship.
Quote:
You can just throw out the records when it comes to this rivalry. We’ve had many classic games with them before. This should be another good one.” – coach Koby Scoville
Holland Hall
Why HH can win: Two reasons. Holland is coming off a huge win against Houston St. Johns, so the confidence is high. The other thing is the home-field advantage. Holland is only 1-3 on the road, but it’s home sweet home with this one where Holland is 3-1.
Key matchup: Casady defense vs. Holland offense: The Cyclones defense has a lot of pride. They’ve allowed 52 points in the last two games after giving up 61 in the first seven. Look for a monster game from the defense.
The pick: Casady 19, Holland Hall 15. Think the difference is going to be turnovers. Casady will cause one late in the game and earn a huge win to get another crack at Episcopal. A favor to ask Holland, Casady fans. If you’re on Twitter, @BPrzybylo would love constant updates on this battle all night.
Altus vs. Deer Creek Capsule…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Altus (3-5, 2-3) vs. Deer Creek (4-4, 3-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Deer Creek HS
Altus
Why the Bulldogs can win: Because you talk about a team that has had its share of hard-luck losses, that definitely describes Altus. Altus needs to play with a sense of desperation as a loss here all but eliminates any chance at making the playoffs.
Deer Creek (W, Piedmont; L, Shawnee; L, Woodward; W, NWClassen; W, Western Heights; L, Duncan; L, El Reno; W, Chickasha)
Why the Antlers can win: Because DC must play with almost that same type of desperation. This is senior night and a chance to leave the best impression possible. I’ve said it before, but 4-2 compared to 3-3 in district is huge.
Quote:
They’re a play or two away from being one of the top teams in the class. We know it’s going to be a battle, expect nothing less.” – coach Grant Gower
Key matchup: Alex Christensen’s health. He’s been a workhorse, that’s for sure. How much is left in that tank? He’s been asked to carry more than his fair share of the load because of injuries. Can he hold up?
The pick: Deer Creek 22, Altus 10. When you’ve lost so many close ones like Altus, you either get down on yourself or pump yourself up. Antlers take early lead and let the doubt creep in.
Southeast vs. Bishop McGuinness Capsule…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Southeast (2-6, 0-5) vs. Bishop McGuinness (6-2, 4-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Pribil Stadium
Southeast
Why the Spartans can win: It’s going to be a tough task for Michael Branch’s kids. Southeast has averaged 20 points per game but success in district play hasn’t come easy this season.
McGuinness (W, Guthrie; L, Bishop Kelley; W, Millwood; W, Piedmont; L, Weatherford; W, Woodward, W, Douglass; W, Guymon)
Why the Irish can win: Because this team is rolling right now, both offensively and defensively. McGuinness should be too physical in every way possible for Southeast.
Key matchup: Irish mindset. It’s easy to overlook a game like this with Elk City to close out the season. McGuinness still has to execute just like any other game. Expect the Irish to impose their will early and often.
The pick: McGuinness 42, Southeast 7. The speed and size will be too much. I’m looking for Kyle Ahmad to have a big one for Kenny Young’s squad.
Carl Albert prepares for Alves
The focus this week in Carl Albert’s defensive preparation for Friday’s game with Durant (which figures to go a long way toward deciding second place in the district) is Lions quarterback Daryn Alves.
Alves, a move-in from Texas, has been spectacular at times for Durant.
“I think he’s probably the best player we’ve seen all season with the exception of (Tulsa Washington quarterback Eric) Bennett,” Carl Albert coach Gary Rose said.
So how do the Titans go about defending the versatile Alves?
“You play real good assignment football,” Rose said. “You can’t let him get too far upfield and you can’t lose contain. We’ve got to force him to throw it. He’s not as good of a thrower as he is a runner. Our defensive guys do a great job of scheming and planning what we do every week.”
The Titans have been facing a bit of the flu bug this week with several players missing time from practice.
Game capsule: Lawton Ike at Westmoore
Lawton Eisenhower (2-6, 1-4 6A-2) at Westmoore (3-5, 2-3 6A-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. tonight
Where: Moore Stadium
Westmoore
Why the Jaguars can win: Westmoore is in do-or-die mode where the playoffs are concerned. There’s no room to slip up. A loss eliminates them from playoff contention. So the Jags will come to play.
Lawton Ike
Why the Eagles could win: Ike would have to win out and get a lot of help from other teams to make the playoffs. Plus, the Eagles played well in a seven-point loss to Edmond Memorial.
Key matchup: Westmoore’s run-stoppers vs. Ike’s running game. The Eagles stick to the ground, so stoping the run is a must. But the Jags have stout linebackers and defensive backs and Brian Self clogs the middle from his noseguard spot.
The pick: Westmoore 24, Lawton Ike 21. The Jaguars have more to play for, but they’ll need a strong effort. Ike has scored more points and given up fewer on the season. But I like Westmoore to meet the challenge.
Capsule: Anadarko at Tuttle
Anadarko (6-2, 3-2) at Tuttle (8-0, 5-0)
When : 7:3o p.m. Friday
Where: Tuttle Stadium
Tuttle
The Tigers are battling some injuries at several spots but should be okay in this one depth wise. Look for the Tigers to fine tune their offense and defense in preparation for the playoffs and stay healthy. Losing a front line starter or two would be a troubling development for a team that has a lot to lose (and gain) in the coming weeks as the Class 3A playoff battle begins.
Anadarko
Andarko has also had to battle some injuries with several starters out over the last month. Still, the Warriors managed to stop their two-game losing streak with a rout of Santa Fe South last week. If they can stay in this game early and keep it close anything can happen but it’s still Tuttle’s to lose.
The pick: Tuttle 31, Andarko 14
