Edmond Memorial: Obi Emegano, Alie Decker lead sweep of Norman…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Ahhh, first taste of hoops. Kinda sweet to open the year out at Norman for a much-anticipated matchup between Norman and Edmond Memorial.
Always a good battle when the Tigers and Bulldogs go at it. Round 1 for this year (like last year) goes to Memorial.
Memorial 53, Norman 41 – Girls
- Big night for Memorial’s Brooklyn Bell. Norman had cut the margin to 40-35 midway through the fourth when Bell nailed back-to-back three-pointers. She has a real pretty shot. Coach Shane Coffey said she is one of the best shooters around…I don’t doubt him. Bell finished with 15 points.
- Alie Decker did what she is supposed to and what I’ve gotten so accustomed to seeing her do. She led the way with 19 points and cleaned up the glass for the Bulldogs.
- Great game from junior Alyssa Hand. She has to track Norman’s Kamra King all night and kept her in check for the most part. Hand also scored 11 points.
- Speaking of King, great to see her back. She scored a team-high 16 points and still showed that explosiveness and quickness that has been her trademark. Had a couple of real nice steals that led to transition buckets, but it was tough for Norman to penetrate the Memorial defense.
- Really liked what I saw from Kim Hayes for the Tigers. She poured in 10 points and looked really smooth out there
- Coffey was thrilled to get out of there with a win. Loved how his team played in the second half and showed the qualities of a championship team. Memorial isn’t there yet, but boy was Tuesday the right first step.
- Look for a video with Decker on NewsOK on Wednesday.
Memorial 78, Norman 44 – Boys
- This game was actually 36-31 a minute into the third quarter. Then, well, I don’t know, Bulldogs simply took over.
- Leading that charge was Obi Emegano. He scored 12 of his game-high 21 points in the second half. He was saddled with two fouls early in the second quarter and wasn’t much of a factor…
- …But that’s OK when you have Jordan Woodard. I’ve heard all summer about this sophomore, now I know why. We know about James Woodard, but Jordan might be better than his brother right now, which would be quite the feat.
- Norman was up 19-17 after the first quarter and played inspired ball in coach Jeff McCullough’s first game. Tigers should be OK.
In Focus: Class 3A semifinals…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
CLASS 3A
KINGFISHER YELLOWJACKETS
Record: 9-3
Ranking: Unranked
Coach: Jeff Myers, seventh season at Kingfisher
Previous state titles: 2003 (3A)
Road to 2010 semifinals: Beat Perkins-Tryon 55-21, beat Tuttle 14-8, beat Beggs 49-21
2009 record (playoffs): 12-3 (Beat Lexington 24-3, beat Bridge Creek 33-32, beat Sperry 35-14, beat Millwood 27-12, lost to Lincoln Christian 35-0)
Last week: After winning its first two playoff games on the road, the Yellowjackets hosted for the first time this postseason and quickly jumped up, as Landon Nault went 73 yards for a score on the game’s first snap. Nault finished with three touchdowns as Kingfisher blew past Beggs to send the Yellowjackets into the semifinals for the fifth consecutive season.
Player to watch: Derek Patterson, QB. The senior has more than 1,000 yards rushing and 1,500 yards passing. In the win over Beggs, he accounted for four touchdowns and more than 300 total yards.
Notable: Jeremy Smith and Logan Nault are the Yellowjackets leading receivers with more than 500 yards each. … Dustin Isom and Jake Blair are Kingfisher’s leading tacklers. … Patterson also handles the punting duties. … The Yellowjackets have scored 32 or more points in all of their wins this season but one, the second-round win at Tuttle. … Two of Kingfisher’s three losses came to fellow Class 3A semifinalists Bethany (27-12 on Oct. 15) and Heritage Hall (42-14 on Nov. 5).
Millwood: Davion Pierson commits to TCU…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Millwood writer Scott Wright will have more later today, but I just wanna get it out there that Millwood star defensive lineman Davion Pierson has committed to TCU on Tuesday, said Millwood offensive coordinator Kevin Cox.
Pierson, one of several Falcon stars receiving looks from Division I schools, has been a key component of the Millwood defense this season.
The Falcons (13-0) play Hennessey (10-3) in a Class 2A semifinal Saturday afternoon at Yukon’s Miller Pride Stadium.
In Focus: Class 2A semifinals…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
CLASS 2A
HENNESSEY EAGLES
Record: 10-3
Ranking: No. 10
Coach: Shannon Watford, fourth season at Hennessey
Previous state titles: None
Road to 2010 semifinals: Beat Christian Heritage 22-6, beat Lindsay 36-13, beat Commerce 49-17
2009 record (playoffs): 13-1 (Beat Luther 41-13, beat Carnegie 41-7, beat Talihina 26-14, lost to Tonkawa 24-22)
Last week: Commerce kept things tight for most of the first half but the Eagles took control in the second, outscoring Commerce 28-7 after the break to advance to the semifinals for the third consecutive season.
Player to watch: Levi Hill, RB. Hall has more than 1,500 rushing yards to go with 21 touchdowns.
Notable: Ivan Moreno is the Eagles’ second-leading rusher with nearly 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns. … Quarterback Trey Leu has thrown for more than 1,000 yards. … Orlando Pina is Hennessey’s leading receiver with more than 300 yards. He also leads the team in interceptions with nine. … Raul Orozco leads the Eagles in tackles. … Derrick Luetjen has 10 sacks. … Losses came to Watonga, 21-6, on Oct. 29, Kingfisher, 35-32, on Sept. 17 and Jones, 21-0, on Sept. 10. … Scored 40 or more points seven times.
In Focus: Class A semifinals…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
CLASS A
THOMAS TERRIERS
Record: 12-1
Ranking: No. 6
Coach: Bob Ward, fourth season
Previous state titles: 1947 (C), 1950 (C), 1951 (C), 1955 (C), 1956 (C), 1957 (C), 1961 (C), 1969 (C), 2002 (A)
Road to 2010 semifinals: Beat Minco 40-13, beat Mangum 47-21, beat Wynnewood 28-14
2009 record (playoffs): 4-6 (None)
Last week: The Terriers trailed 14-7 at halftime but scored three unanswered touchdowns in the second half to knock off Wynnewood on the road. A.J. Reyes hit Scott Watts for a 56-yard touchdown early in the half to tie it, then Tyler Arney’s seven-yard touchdown run put Thomas ahead for good.
Player to watch: A.J. Reyes, QB. Reyes has nearly 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground and has thrown for almost 1,700 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Notable: Tyler Arney leads Thomas with 1,323 yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground. He also has more than 450 yards and six touchdowns receiving. … Thomas is in the playoffs for the first time since 2005 and in the semifinals for the first time since their 2002 state championship team. … The Terriers appeared in the playoffs 11 consecutive seasons from 1995 to 2005. … Lone loss was to Okeene on Sept. 10, 27-21 in overtime. … Scored 27 or more points in every win this season and 34 or more in all but two. … Allowed more than 14 points just twice this season. … Thomas’ only previous meeting with Woodland (then Fairfax) came in the 1976 Class B state title game. Fairfax won that game 36-15 at Enid.
In Focus: Class B-C finals…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
CLASS B
CHEROKEE CHIEFS
Record: 13-0
Ranking: No. 2
Coach: Bryce Schanbacher, third season at Cherokee
Previous state titles: None
Road to 2010 finals: Beat Central Marlow 48-0, beat Caddo 38-32, beat Dewar 46-12
2009 record (playoffs): 5-5 (none)
Last week: Cherokee’s defense came up bug after falling behind 6-0 early. The Chiefs held Dewar to just 68 yards on the ground through the first three quarters. Chase Wallace ran for two touchdowns and Justin Schanbacher ran for two and threw for another to put Cherokee in the championship game for the first time.
Player to watch: Justin Schanbacher, QB. The senior has more than 1,100 yards and 179 touchdowns rushing. Last week, he ran for 129 yards.
Notable: The Chiefs are in the playoffs for the first time since 1999. This year’s seniors were freshmen on Cherokee’s 0-10 team in 2007. … The Chiefs had never made the semifinals before this season. … Senior Anthony Thresher has more than 15 sacks. … Scored 38 or more points in every game but one, a 26-6 win over Laverne on Sept. 10. … Cherokee rushed for 321 yards last week after running for 281 the week before. … Henry Washington returned a kick 85 yards for a touchdown against Caddo. … Senior Chase Wallace is Cherokee’s leading tackler.
In Focus: Class 4A-6A finals…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
CLASS 4A
DOUGLASS TROJANS
Record: 11-2
Ranking: No. 3
Coach: Willis Alexander fourth season at Douglass
Previous state titles: 1956 (2A), 1961 (B), 1976 (3A)
Road to 2010 finals: Beat Elk City 30-14, beat Oologah 41-3, beat Broken Bow 38-0
2009 record (playoffs): 10-4 (Beat Glenpool 14-0, beat Wagoner 14-0, beat Weatherford 22-6, lost to Star Spencer 34-21)
Last week: The Trojans blew out previously undefeated Broken Bow to advance to the state championship game for the second consecutive season. Douglass’ defense allowed just 92 total yards and forced five turnovers.
Player to watch: Aliston Cobb, RB. Cobb went past 2,200 yards with last week’s 235 yard, three-touchdown performance. He’s averaging around 10 yards per carry.
Notable: Dion’Tay Washington has more than 800 yards rushing. … Shon Bridges has thrown for more than 1,200 yards. … Bridges threw a 97-yard touchdown pass and ran for touchdowns of 74 and eight yards last week. … Jas’sen Stoner leads the Trojans in tackles with more than 120. … Stoner recovered two fumbles in last week’s win. … Donnell Ward had two interceptions against Broken Bow. … Marcus Caddell has 11 interceptions. … Scored 30 or more points in all but three games this season. … Losses came in their first two games, to McGuinness (9-7) and Millwood (36-31).
The top 11 games of Week 4 of Playoffs…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Since there are only 11 games this week, no point in narrowing the list to 10. A brief look at the 11 games of this week.
1. Class 4A championship — Douglass (11-2) vs. Wagoner (13-0), 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Boone Pickens Stadium (Scott Wright will be there)
Wagoner has been almost beyond dominant this year, but it won’t be a real success without that championship. Douglass reached the finals last year and is riding an 11-game winning streak. Will the Trojans, led by their physicality, be the team that derails a dream run for Wagoner? Douglass beat Wagoner last year.
2. Class 5A championship — Booker T. Washington (12-1) vs. Tulsa East Central (12-1), 1 p.m. Saturday, Boone Pickens Stadium
The Hornets pulled out a thriller in Week 3, but that was also the first game of the season for BTW quarterback Jordy Albert. I was extremely impressed with the team speed of the Hornets against Guthrie. From the offense to the defense, it was something to behold.
3. Class 6A championship — Tulsa Union (12-1) vs. Jenks (13-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday, Boone Pickens Stadium
A game you could have picked before the season started has ended up once again being the championship. Can Jenks dominate Union twice in one year? Hmm. Love to see how Jenks RB Alex Ross will fare against the Redskins and wondering what Kale Pearson and Union have up their sleeve?
4. Class 3A semifinals — Heritage Hall (13-0) vs. Bethany (10-3), 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Putnam City Stadium (I’ll be there)
That first game was the toughest contest the Chargers have been in. Now it’s time for round 2. Heritage Hall knows it’s playing without Barry J. Sanders. The Bronchos pulled off the win of the weekend over Cascia Hall. Alrighty, let’s do this again.
5. Class C championship — Shattuck (11-1) vs. Deer Creek-Lamont (12-0), 1 p.m. Saturday, Stillwater HS
The Indians look to regain the crown. It was the Eagles that interrupted Shattuck’s run last season. Coach Troy Bullard said revenge is not a factor. DC-Lamont has been incredible the entire season. There’s no way that ends this week, right?
6. Class 2A semifinals — Millwood (13-0) vs. Hennessey (10-3), 1 p.m. Saturday, Yukon HS (Ryan Aber will be there)
Ooh boy, do the Eagles have the defense to stop the Falcons? This will be a great test of the mental toughness for Millwood. Hennessey’s offense has really picked up, and the defense has been the staple of Shannon Watford during his time at Hennessey.
7. Class A semifinals — Woodland (12-0) vs. Thomas (12-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday, Enid HS
When the brackets were released, I didn’t envy the path Woodland was going to have to go through to get to the championship. It’s almost there. All that’s left to a championship date is a Thomas team, whose only loss was in OT to Okeene.
8. Class B championship — Cherokee (13-0) vs. Wetumka (11-2), 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Stillwater HS
A dream end to a dream season for Cherokee? Wetumka’s Derrick Moore came up big in that fourth quarter vs. Kiefer. But wow, did the Chiefs and Justin Schanbacher look fantastic in that beatdown of previously undefeated Dewar.
9. Class 3A semifinals — Kingfisher (9-3) vs. Metro Christian (10-3), 1 p.m. Saturday, Putnam City Stadium (I’ll be there)
We all had this game, right? Had a good laugh about that with Kingfisher coach Jeff Myers. Yellowjackets have turned it on at the right time and are living up to that tradition. Metro Christian’s passing attack is so efficient and something Kingfisher has not seen this season.
10. Class A semifinals — Morrison (10-3) vs. Stratford (11-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday, Moore Stadium (I’ll be there)
Hey hey, look who’s back? After a year absence, Morrison has returned to the top tier of clubs. Coach Cory Bales told me the tradition of the program was a heavy emphasis all last season. It’s paid off. Morrison was tested vs. Wayne in the second round and now gets another A-5 opponent. Who knew A-5 was this good?
11. Class 2A semifinals — Davis (11-1) vs. Colcord (11-2), 1 p.m. Saturday, Bixby HS
Incredible to think how far apart these two teams are (255 miles)? It feels like Davis is on a collision course with Millwood for the championship. But I felt Millwood and Lincoln Christian were that way last year, and the Falcons tripped up. Colcord showed big heart against Washington and is ready for this showdown.
District 3A-3 honors
There’s no doubting District 3A-3 was the toughest in the class — just check the semifinals for verification.
And when you look at the players of the year, you see just how impressive that group of teams was. So here they are, all the “… of the Year” honors for District 3A-3:
Coach of the Year: Andy Bogert, Heritage Hall
MVP: Derek Patterson, QB, Kingfisher
Offensive MVP: Blake Riojas, RB, Newcastle
Defensive MVP: Darren Daveport, DT, Bethany
Quarterback of the Year: Cooper Cloud, Heritage Hall
Running back of the Year: Devin Campbell, Bethany
Wide receiver of the Year: Tyrone Jones, Centennial
Offensive lineman of the Year: Gonzalo Delatorre, Kingfisher
Tight end of the Year: Spencer Davis, Centennial
Defensive lineman of the Year: Landon Chapple, Newcastle
Defensive end of the Year: Kody Stamm, John Marshall
Linebacker of the Year: Denzelle Johnson, John Marshall
Defensive back of the Year: Jeremy McDade, Newcastle
Returner of the Year: Jeremy Smith, Kingfisher
Punter of the Year: Kevin Shoebinger, Newcastle
Co-Kickers of the Year: Preston Waltman, Kingfisher, and Irving Roa, John Marshall
District 6A-2 awards…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
6A – 2 All-District Selections
Coach of the Year: Randy Breeze Lawton
Offensive Player of the Year: David Glidden Mustang
Defensive Player of the Year: Carter Grigg Lawton
Offensive Back of the Year: Deaquan Wojciechowski Lawton
Offensive Receiver of the Year: Tyrequek Zimmerman Lawton
Offensive Lineman of the Year: Jamelle Naff Del City
Defensive Lineman of the Year: Tyler Newton Westmoore
Linebacker of the Year: Cody Cates Westmoore
Defensive Back of the Year: Brent Bowles Lawton
Special Teams Player of the Year: Randy Johnson Del City
Greg Johnson RB Del City
Chazten Gonzales QB Del City
Bryce Freeman DB Del City
Drew Smith DB Del City
Quintrell Boykins LB Del City
Jamelle Naff OL Del City
Ismael Bueno OL Del City
Ryan Adams LB Edmond North
Kyle Aschenbreuer DE Edmond North
Evan Whitt DL Edmond North
Brayden Prough DL Edmond North
Travis Townsend QB Edmond North
Lex Rosson OL Edmond North
Hunter Crutsinger WR Edmond North
Don Quay Hammons WR Edmond North
Phillip White OL Edmond North
Tyrequek Zimmerman WR Lawton
Daquan Wojciechowski RB Lawton
Lee Pigrum DB Lawton
Brent Bowles DB Lawton
Carter Grigg LB Lawton
Kyle Fultz TE Lawton
Eugene DeLoach LB Lawton
Jabral Johnson LB Lawton
Michael Dempsey Center Lawton
Diondrick Tawkoyty DB Lawton
Adam Lambert Tackle/Punter Lawton
Cody Inger Kicker Lawton
David Glidden WR Mustang
Jon Luckey DB Mustang
Tyler Webster RB Mustang
Jacob Strassle WR Mustang
Michael Anderson WR Mustang
Cale Witter DB Mustang
Elliot Malanca OL Mustang
Zac McKay LB Mustang
Justus Elliott OL Mustang
Cole Kimmell DB Putnam City
Caleb Lee QB Putnam City
Cody Minor LB Putnam City
Josh Gershon LB Putnam City
Zach Moore TE Putnam City
Caleb McFarland Center Putnam City
Mike McClendon Tackle Putnam City
Allen Zimmerman DB Putnam City
Nate Robertson Santa Fe
Brady Bell Santa Fe
Patrick Hinton Santa Fe
Brandon Reece Santa Fe
Lee Glossett Santa Fe
Able Blaker Santa Fe
Tyler Newton DL Westmoore
Cody Feuerborn RB Westmoore
Cody Cates LB Westmoore
Bryan Norris LB Westmoore
Zack VanDyke DB Westmoore
Justin Smith OL Westmoore
Jake Woods DL Westmoore
Ricky Balogun DB Westmoore
Jordan Davis OL Westmoore
