SAQ: Bixby vs. Guthrie
Bixby ended Guthrie’s season with a 27-20 win Friday night at Pioneer Stadium in Stillwater. The Spartans now move on to face Carl Albert in the 5A finals, a game Carl Albert should win easily. Here’s a look back at Friday night’s semi-final in Stillwater.
Guthrie
What went right: Bryan Dutton had a decent night throwing the ball with 189 yards in the air. Kentrell Brothers was the receiver on many of those completions and also had an impact on defense. Derrick Kelly had a nice night at tailback, scoring all of Guthrie’s touchdowns. Guthrie also did a credible job containing Bixby running back Dewitt Jennings who entered Friday nights’ game with 1200 yards rushing. He broke loose on a long TD run very late in the game, but on the whole, Guthrie did a good job on him. Jennings admitted so himself after the game.
What went wrong: It was hit or miss on pass defense for Guthrie. Sometimes its D would swarm Bixby QB Kevin Lamb, sacking him for huge losses. But all too often Lamb was able to get completions when he needed them, including a long 47 yard completion in the third quarter that gave the Spartans a point blank shot at the end zone and changed the course of the game. Lamb finished with more than 260 yards in the air which was the difference in the game.
Bixby
What went right: Lamb was superb in the win. Bixby’s defense also made plays when they had to, forcing two interceptions. The Spartans also stood firm when Guthrie had a chance to tie or win in the final 1:30. Its defense also rushed the passer fairly well. Overall a great effort from Bixby.
What went wrong: Bixby showed some softness inside against the run. They also gave up some long completions and committed way too many penalties. Outside of those things, the Spartans were all they needed to be to win.
Summing it up: Guthrie coach Rafe Watkins is to be commended for getting his team as far as he did. Watkins is among the best HS coaches in Oklahoma and it was clear back in August he had some significant questions about how his young quarterback and offefnsive line would perform over the course of the season. While he no doubt would still love to be playing, Watkins and the rest of his staff, who also did a remarkable job this year, should feel quite good about the way things are set up for next year. Dutton is just a freshman and Brothers has another year left, too.
Speaking of Dutton, his development is another reason Guthrie got as far as it did. He played well above the curve for freshmen and had he not progressed throughout the season at such a rapid pace, Guthrie probably wouldnt have been in the playoffs at all. He should continue to improve next season, making Guthrie one of the top 5 teams in the class next season.
SMQ: Carl Albert-El Reno
By Ryan Aber
raber@opubco.com
I know I said it today on NewsOk and last night in the game blog but last night at Putnam City Stadium was a case of total domination.
Carl Albert 44, El Reno 7
For the second time in three playoff games, Carl Albert blew away a pretty good opponent.
Like I said before the game, the team whose quarterback played best won:
Carl Albert’s J.T. Realmuto: 14 carries, 127 yards, 4 TDs rushing; 11-16-0-132 yards passing
El Reno’s Jakeil Everheart: 17 carries, 52 yards, 1 TD rushing; 12-21-3-80 yards passing
In a battle of two really good quarterbacks, Realmuot came out on top by any measure.
Of course, El Reno’s troubles ran far deeper than Everheart and Everheart’s struggles had far more to do with Carl Albert’s defensive play than any shortcomings for him.
From the game’s first play, a Markell Walker interception of Everheart, Carl Albert dominated. Walker’s interception was one of three on the night for the Titans.
Carl Albert’s standout defensive back Dwight Dobbins did not play against El Reno after suffering an ankle injury against Tulsa Kelley but his replacement, sophomore Alex Polston, did a more than adequate job filling in.
Polston picked off Everheart early in the second quarter, setting up an eventual 1-yard touchdown run by Realmuto. He also had a reception.
Another playing stepping up a bit unexpectedly was running back Kenton Whittington. Whittington has been largely forgotten on the offensive side for the Titans after starting the season with a big game against Tulsa Washington. Whittington moved primarily to defense at linebacker but after some other young players have filled spots over there, Whittington has bewen moved back to primarily offensive player. There’s no doubt that with things on the line, Realmuto and Tre Porter are going to be the ones getting the ball, but Whittington gives them a good third option. Lats night, Whittington finished with 115 yards — 100 in the first half.
Markell Walker also had a heck of a game, making several big defensive plays — including the interception which he ran back 31 yards to set up an eventual score — and catching 7 passes for 94 yards.
Capsule: Sallisaw vs. Star Spencer
By Ryan Aber and Bob Przybylo
raber@opubco.com; bprzybylo@opubco.com
Sallisaw (11-1) vs. Star Spencer (10-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Sapulpa High
Winner plays: Douglass-Weatherford winner in next week’s Class 4A state championship game.
Sallisaw (W, Stilwell; W, Seminole; W, Tahlequah; W, Broken Bow; W, Muldrow; W, Fort Gibson; W, Poteau; W, Hilldale; L, Wagoner; W, Tulsa Webster; W, Collinsville; W, McGuinness)
Why the Black Diamonds can win: Because Sallisaw’s defense is back at full strength and Matt Oberste and Trey Wiley are the best quarterback-receiver tandem in Class 4A and offenses like Sallisaw’s have given Star Spencer problems.
Sallisaw quote:
If we don’t win this one, then the win vs. McGuinness just doesn’t mean as much. We can’t be content that we’ve just made it here.” — senior Matt Oberste
Star Spencer (L, Millwood; W, Southeast; L, Douglass; W, McLoud; W, Tecumseh; W, Cushing; W, Seminole; W, Cleveland; W, Mannford; W, Glenpool; W, Elk City; W, Oologah)
Why the Bobcats can win: Because if Sallisaw has the best QB-WR tandem in 4A, Star Spencer has the best running combo in Darwin Reideau and Terence Olds. The Bobcats also feature massive linemen on both sides.
Star Spencer quote:
Even after that rough start, we talked about all of our goals being intact. Now, we have the chance to make those things happen. It’s not so much about worrying about what the team we’re playing is doing than about doing what we need to do.” – Star Spencer coach Darrell Hall
Stat leaders
RUSHING
Sallisaw
Matt Oberste: 168 carries, 1,035 yards, 12 TDs
Jeremy Davenport: 201 carries,s 919 yards, 17 TDs
Star Spencer
Darwin Rideau: 132 carries, 1,543 yards, 20 TDs
Terence Olds: 89 carries, 964 yards, 14 TDs
Franky Jamison: 97 carries, 789 yards, 8 TDs
PASSING
Sallisaw
Matt Oberste: 129-230, 1,914 yards, 17 TDs, 10 INTs
Star Spencer
Franky Jamison: 48-90, 995 yards, 10 TDs, 7 INTs
RECEIVING
Sallisaw
Trey Wiley: 73 catches, 890 yards, 6 TDs
Chase Hunt: 18 catches, 266 yards, 2 TDs
Andrew Miller: 23 catches, 239 yards, 3 TDs
Star Spencer
Stevo Henderson: 11 catches, 294 yards, 4 TDs
Asja Ferguson: 10 catches, 218 yards, 2 TDs
Darwin Rideau: 9 catches, 214 yards, 3 TDs
TACKLES
Sallisaw
Jake Fitzsimmons: 133
Dakota Petree: 80
Star Spencer
Antwone Wilson: 113
Jamonte Mitchell: 105
Kenneth Davis: 85
Joe Christian: 78
Bob’s Key matchup: Matt Oberste and Trey Wiley vs. Star defense. There is no question Oberste and Wiley are the ones that stir the drink for the Black Diamonds. And while Star’s defense has been incredible (at times), I’m wondering what the Bobcats will do against this aerial attack.
Ryan’s Key matchup: Terence Olds and Darwin Rideau vs. Sallisaw’s front seven. The Bobcats have been able to run effectively all season. But for the first time all year really, the Black Diamonds defense is back at full strength. They’ll be tested tonight.
Bob’s pick: Star Spencer 24, Sallisaw 15. Star has always had solid runners, but the addition of a serviceable passing game puts this team in a different category. Bobcats move to final.
Ryan’s pick: Star Spencer 28, Sallisaw 26. This is definitely a game that could go either way but in the end, I think the Bobcats get it done and set up an all-OKCPS final.
Capsule: Douglass vs. Weatherford, Playoff edition
By Ryan Aber and Robert Przybylo
raber@opubco.com; bprzybylo@opubco.com
Douglass (9-3) vs. Weatherford (12-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Miller Stadium, Yukon
Winner plays: Sallisaw-Star Spencer winner in next week’s Class 4A state championship game.
Douglass (W, Capitol Hill; L, Millwood; W, Star Spencer; W, Elk City; W, Southeast; W, Guymon; L, McGuinness; L, Weatherford; W, Woodward; W, Piedmont; W, Glenpool; W, Wagoner)
Why the Trojans can win: Because they’ve fixed the turnover problems that plagued them in losses to Millwood, McGuinness and Weatherford during the regular season. And the defense is just as good as ever.
Douglass quote:
We know they’re a good team, but we feel like we let one slip away the last time. Now’s our chance to make up for that.” — quarterback Antyoun Smith
Weatherford (W, Clinton; W, Heritage Hall; W, Chickasha; W, Woodward; W, McGuinness; W, Piedmont; W, Southeast; W, Douglass; W, Elk City; W, Guymon; W, Seminole; W, Broken Bow)
Why the Eagles can win: Because Jake Barrios is as good of a two-way player as I’ve seen all season. Sure, his offensive numbers are big but he also made a ton of big plays on defense in the earlier meeting. Oh yeah, and Weatherford has already won this game once this season—on the road.
Weatherford quote:
Unless they’ve changed since the last time we’ve played, we know it’s going to be a fight. They’re big and physical. It was down to the wire the first time, and there is no reason to think it won’t be that way again,” — coach Mickey Seifried.
Stat leaders
RUSHING
Douglass
Quinton Neal: 183 carries, 1,294 yards, 14 TDs
Kevin Forbes: 159 carries, 1,149 yards, 13 TDs
Antyoun Smith: 134 carries, 668 yards, 8 TDs
Aliston Cobb: 40 carries, 415 yards, 4 TDs
Weatherford
Jake Barrios: 126 carries, 957 yards, 13 TDs
Kale Sawatzky: 162 carries, 857 yards, 16 TDs
PASSING
Douglass
Antyoun Smith: 41-106, 708 yards, 7 TDs, 7 INTs
Weatherford
Jake Barrios: 117-199, 1,638 yards, 18 TDs, 9 INTs
RECEIVING
Douglass
Marcus Caddell: 11 catches, 224 yards, 2 TDs
Weatherford
Kyler Skinner: 23 catches, 509 yards, 6 TDs
Kale Sawatzky: 26 catches, 301 yards, 3 TDs
Kenny Johnson: 24 catches, 300 yards, 3 TDs
Ryan Wilson: 14 catches, 222 yards, 1 TD
TACKLES
Douglass
Aaron James: 119
Stanley Johnson: 116
Andre Thompson: 111
Corey Mitchell: 106
Erikk King: 94
Norris White: 91
Devante McKinney: 90
Quinton Neil: 78
Weatherford
Kale Sawatzky: 144
Garrett Howell: 126
Ryan Wilson: 104
Jake Barrios: 70
Kyler Skinner: 69
Bob’s Key matchup: Establishing the run game. I would be shocked if the winning team is the one that didn’t rush for the most yards. It’s the bread-and-butter for both programs. And it’s not that each team has one workhorse. The Eagles and the Trojans can throw out any number of runners, and all will be effective.
Ryan’ Key matchup: Douglass vs. the ball. Douglass’ problems in the first meeting had little to do with Weatherford. If the Trojans hold onto the ball, they win. They didn’t and they lost. Not taking anything away from Weatherford and I understand the Eagles did have something to do with those, but still.
Bob’s pick: Weatherford 16, Douglass 14. Just one of those games that you know will be a gritty battle all the way through. Not sure how the Eagles will get the 16, but the magical run continues.
Ryan’s pick: Douglass 14, Weatherford 7. 14-7 has been a familiar score for Douglass this season. This time, though, the Trojans flip it around and win a game by that score.
SMQ: Heritage vs. Pawhuska…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
One play decided the fate of this game. Heritage coach Andy Bogert knew it, I knew it, it was clear. When that touchdown pass to Barry Sanders was called back, the life was sucked out of the Chargers.
And Pawhuska was rejuvenated. Sparked by a defense that would not be worn down, the Huskies pulled off a minor upset in a 34-20 victory in a 2A quarterfinal Friday.
I say ‘minor’ because it’s the quarterfinals. Obviously, you belonged here if you made it that far, especially with two playoff wins on the road.
Pawhuska 34, Heritage 20 – Final
From the first series on, Bogert knew it was going to be a long night. On the third snap, it went over Sterling Shepard’s head for a big loss, and then the ensuing punt was blocked at the 1-yard line.
A recurring theme on this night as Pawhuska’s scoring drives went 1, 26, 25, 3 and 15 yards, and it wasn’t until late in the game when Pawhuska got over 100 total yards.
At first, I was saying how Heritage was making mistakes. But a couple of those hits on Shepard and the bone-crunching hit on Brent Gaddis would have made anyone drop the ball. So give tons of credit and kudos to the Pawhuska defense that bent and bent a lot but never broke.
You want the most unassuming three-touchdown night I’ve seen? That goes to Pawhuska’s Justin Garrison. I only had him for 36 total rushing yards, but he found a way to get the tough yards at the goal line. And he definitely found a way to make ‘em count in the fourth quarter when it was 20-20. Garrison scored both TDs in the fourth.
A disappointing end for Heritage, and the dream run of Pawhuska continues. Up next is a rematch with Lincoln Christian (who edged out Davis 24-21). LC whipped the Huskies before. I would not expect that to happen again.
Boneman’s Breakdown
- Without seeing the film, the pass interference call on Sanders was questionable at best. From my vantage point, it looked like Sanders had beaten his man that the Pawhuska defender grabbed Sanders’ arm, and Sanders shoved his arm away to bust free. If the play stood, Heritage would have been up 26 (or 27)-20 early in the fourth. But P.I. calls had me scratchin’ my head all night long. On both sides. Strange game with no real flow.
- Sometimes I wonder if Heritage just tried too hard throughout this season to not just rely on Sanders. He was impressive as usual. But the Chargers would go 3-5 plays straight without him touching the ball, and it didn’t compute in my book.
- Major kudos to the Pawhuska defense. Heritage seemed like it was going to wear that group down, but when it mattered most, the Huskies rose to the occasion. Five fumbles, an interception and a blocked punt. Not bad, not bad at all. Talking with senior Dax Perrier after the game, it’s all about seniors not wanting to play their final game yet.
- This is a learning experience for the Heritage sophomore group. Sterling Shepard lost three fumbles, Sanders one and Gaddis the other. Not saying they weren’t ready, but you can’t duplicate being a senior in what could possibly be your final game.
- Speaking of the seniors, the seniors played 56 games in their career. Bogert was astonished when he realized that. Two quarterfinal appearance, one state final appearance and of course, last year’s championship.
- For Heritage, after an 0-3 start, the Chargers found their footing. However, they just didn’t play consistent enough, and it caught up to them. They’ll definitely be back.
- And one more time, the Boneman Curse strikes. Tellin’ ya, it’s for real.
Game Blog: Carl Albert vs. El Reno
By Ryan Aber
raber@opubco.com
CARL ALBERT 44, EL RENO 7
Carl Albert#21#16#7#0# — #44
El Reno#0#0#0#7# — #7
Carl Albert—J.T. Realmuto 1 run (Austin Manger kick)
Carl Albert—Tre Porter 28 run (Manger kick)
Carl Albert—Porter 3 run (Manger kick)
Carl Albert—Realmuto 40 run (Manger kick)
Carl Albert—Realmuto 1 run (Manger kick)
Carl Albert—Safety, Holding in end zone
Carl Albert—Realmuto 6 run (Manger kick)
El Reno—Jakeil Everheart 6 run (Tom Goerges kick)
GAME IN FIGURESCarl Albert##El Reno|
23#First downs#7
48-310#Rushing a-yds#23-49
132#Passing yds#80
11-16-0#Passing C-A-I#12-21-3
3-1#Fumble no.-lost#2-0
7-60#Penalty no.-yds#4-30
11-2#Team records#12-1
Heritage vs. Pawhuska – Game Blog
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
INT by Pawhuska. 34-20 will be your final.
PAWHUSKA 34, HERITAGE 20 – 2:22 4TH
The Huskies defense comes up huge. Back-to-back sacks lead to turnover on downs and Justin Garrison scores his third touchdown of the game.
Pawhuska defense owns this one.
Heritage forced to punt. 5:39 left. Biggest drive of the game coming up.
Playoff Picks: Week 3
Just under the wire before kickoffs, here’s the way Scott, Bob and myself see this weekend’s playoff action shaping up:
Overall records:
Ryan: 94-26
Scott: 92-28
Bob: 91-29
Millwood offensive line a revolving door
By Ryan Aber
raber@opubco.com
Millwood’s offensive line has been an everchanging rotation of faces all season.
Tonight against Verdigris, the Falcons will start, according to coach Tony Henry’s estimation, the 10th combination of linemen in their 13 games.
But tonight’s figures to be the best since the season’s first couple of games. Trayvon Henry, the Falcons immensely talented linbebacker, returns as a starter at right tackle after easing into things last week in his first game back after a long suspension.
The line play figures to be a big key for Millwood against the Cardinals, as Millwood wants to get running back Emilio Gatewood plenty of carries and give Kevonte Richardson enough time to get the ball to playmaking wide receivers Brandon Swindall and Josh Turner.
Pregame thoughts: Carl Albert-El Reno
By Ryan Aber
raber@opubco.com
Here in the pressbox at Putnam City Stadium about an hour and a half before kickoff and a couple things I wanted to share before we get into the game blog (and, you can also follow the game on Twitter @ryaber):
1. Carl Albert’s Dwight Dobbins is questionable. Dobbins suffered an ankle injury last week in the Titans’ win over Tulsa Kelley. Carl Albert coach Gary Rose told me earlier this week, “If I had to say on Monday, I’d say there was an 80 percent chance that he wouldn’t play but he’s looking better and better. We’ve still got 60 hours to get him ready.” That was 59 hours ago.
2. Whichever QB has the better game, his team will win. El Reno’s QB Jakeil Everheart and Carl Albert’s J.T. Realmuto are two of the best around. Rose said Everheart is scary good and I’d have to say I agree after watching him play a few times the last two seasons. So is Realmuto. Both can run VERY effectively but beat you through the air as well. Realmuto has better options throwing but Everheart can make things happen too.
3. Both of these defenses are very good. Whichever team wins this game figures to be favored to win the Class 5A championship next week and their defenses are a big reason why. El Reno has a big, physical front seven and Carl Albert isn’t as big but gets the job done.
