Game capsule: Lawton Ike at Norman
Lawton Eisenhower (3-6, 2-4 6A-2) at Norman (4-5,3-3 6A-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. tonight
Where: Harve Collins Field
Lawton Eisenhower
Why the Eagles can win: The Eagles are sky-high after a game-winning field goal with six seconds left last week kept their postseason hopes alive. QB Adrian McDonald is dangerous on the ground. If he cam hit a few timely passes, Ike could take this one.
Norman
Why the Tigers could win: It’s do-or-die. Win and the Tigers are in the playoffs for the first time since 2006. Lose and it’s all over. But beyond the ramifications of the outcome, Norman has more tools to put up points than Ike. If running back Donovan Roberts — the Tigers most productive offensive player — can’t come back from last week’s hip injury, it will hinder the Tigers greatly. But electric kick returner Jaime Myers has the skill to fill in nicely.
Key matchup: For Lawton Eisenhower, it’s this: Putnam City vs.Edmond Memorial.
What?
Although the Tigers-Eagles game has been billed as being for the fourth and final playoff spot in 6A-2, that’s only the case for Norman. Ike has to have some help even with a win.
If PC upsets Edmond Memorial, the Pirates and Ike will be tied at 3-4, with PC holding the head-to-head tiebreaker. Now, the head-to-head component could be taken out of the equation. If PC wins, Ike wins and Westmoore upsets Edmond North, there will be a four-way tie at 3-4 (Norman would also be 3-4). But even then, PC would get the playoff spot on district points.
For Norman, it’s this: The Tigers vs. M*A*S*H. Top producers on offense (running back Donovan Roberts) and defense (linebacker Greg Offenburger) will have to play through injuries. Without those two, it will be tough. So Norman can’t afford any other players going down,
The pick: Norman 27, Lawton Ike 22.
Norman is at home and has more at stake. Both teams want the playoff berth. But for Norman, it’s bigger than just this season. The Tigers see this as a statement that the program is re-emerging as a continual playoff contender.
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