Mount St. Mary still has a shot for a playoff berth
Mount St. Mary, under first-year coach Chris Stiles, still has a slight chance to make the Class 2A playoffs. PHOTO BY JOHN CLANTON, THE OKLAHOMAN
Mount St. Mary lost 54-21 Friday to Comanche, but is clinging to a slim chance of making the playoffs out of District 2A-3.
If St. Mary can beat winless Walters on Friday and Hobart beats Washington, it throws the district into a three-way tie and goes to district points.
First-year coach Chris Stiles is working to build a winning culture at St. Mary, which hasn’t experienced a winning football season in 26 years.
And Stiles isn’t going to let his team quit this week, not with a chance for the school’s first playoff berth in years at stake.
“Ask the St. Louis Cardinals,” Stiles said of the World Series champions who were 10.5 games out of the playoff hunt with 31 left to play.
“Just keeping playing. We’ve gotta keep our heads up and keep pressing on and see what happens on Friday.”
The Rockets would be in pretty good shape if they win and Hobart is able to beat Washington. St. Mary lost to Washington by five points and heat Hobart by 14.
Fan poll: Week 9 OKC-Area Football Player of the Week
NOTE: This week’s Player of the Week feature story and poll results will appear in Wednesday’s edition of The Oklahoman, rather than Tuesday’s paper. However, voting in the poll will still end at 5 p.m. on Monday.
Football fans, it’s time to let us know who you thought was the Player of the Week in Week 9 of the high school football season around the Oklahoma City area.
Pick one of the five selections from the poll below, or write in your own candidate in the comments section, where you can tell us why your choice deserves Player of the Week honors.
The results of the poll will appear in Tuesday’s Oklahoman, and some of the best reader comments might get in as well. Voting ends at 5 p.m. Monday.
So cast your vote, discuss and debate the best performance from Week 9:
Tre Kelley, WR, Edmond Santa Fe
The big, fast wideout came through with big play after big play as the Wolves clinched the city championship and a district title. Kelley had 185 yards and a TD on five catches, including 82- and 67-yard grabs to set up TDs.
Austin Richards, RB, Westmoore
Several Westmoore players starred in the 55-42 win over Mustang, but Richards’ 221 rushing yards kept the offense balanced, and his 92-yard TD run sparked the Jaguars’ comeback from 21 down in the second quarter.
Quinn Shanbour, QB, Heritage Hall
It’s hard to pick just one player for the Chargers, but Shanbour was on top of his game in Friday’s 55-10 win over Bethany. He completed 12 of 15 passes for 293 yards and six TDs, with only two pass attempts coming after halftime.
Dior Smiley, RB/WR, Douglass
He only had three receptions and four rushing attempts, but he made all of them meaningful, accounting for 142 total yards and three TDs — also a couple other crucial third-down catches — as Douglass knocked off Glenpool 33-30 to put the Trojans in position to seal up another district title.
Josh Way, RB/LB, Wayne
Going against a Wynnewood defense that had allowed 40 total points through eight games, Way rushed for 155 yards and four touchdowns, then returned an interception for a score as Wayne clinched the district title with a 47-42 win.
Edmond Santa Fe wins district title, proves me wrong again
Edmond Santa Fe's Tre Kelley runs after a catch during his team's 31-21 win over Edmond North on Friday. PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN
EDMOND — Admitting that I was wrong after an Edlam game that Edmond Santa Fe won. This seems familiar.
The craziest part is that, unknowingly, I predicted Santa Fe to lose both games by the same score (21-17).
In any case, the Wolves beat Edmond North 31-21 on Friday at Wantland Stadium to clinch the District 6A-2 championship, just one year after a 1-9 season.
The game really seemed to swing in Santa Fe’s favor after a few critical errors in the second and third quarters.
With the game tied at 3 late in the first half, Edmond North blocked a Santa Fe punt and had the ball on the Wolves’ 26-yard line. But after three plays, North faced a fourth-and-one on Santa Fe’s 17.
Huskies’ quarterback Jesse Mathews tried to sneak for the first down, but didn’t get it.
On the Wolves’ first play after taking over possession, quarterback Justice Hansen found Tre Kelley for an 82-yard gain. On the next play, Phillip Sumpter ran in a two-yard score to send the Wolves into halftime with a 10-3 lead.
Huskies’ kicker Ken Bingham hit a 31-yard field goal in the third quarter, leading me to believe that, given the opportunity, he would have made the 34-yard attempt.
I can’t say I understand the decision to go for it with the chance to have a halftime lead, especially after all the momentum you’ve gained with the blocked punt.
Edmond Santa Fe coach Lance Manning, though, said he would have done the same thing that his Edmond North counterpart did.
“I feel like, if we’re playing as well defensively as they were at the time, and we’re as big and physical, I can be a little more of a riverboat gambler,” Manning said. “That’s the same thing I would have done to be honest with you.”
The Wolves were able to extend their lead to 24-3 in the third quarter after three Edmond North fumbles. The Huskies were never able to get it back within 10 points.
Regardless, Edmond Santa Fe was clearly the better team and now has the chance for two home playoff games.
The Huskies, meanwhile, are now out of the home-playoff-game conversation. They should easily handle U.S. Grant in the regular-season finale, and will probably end up in third place in the district behind Santa Fe and Lawton.
Edmond North is still a dangerous team, and will still be a favorite in their first-round game, which looks like it will be at Yukon.
But this was a team that had a legitimate claim to Class 6A’s No. 1 ranking just two weeks ago.
The Wolves only loss is to No. 1 Midwest City, and that 27-6 setback was in Week 3. It would be interesting to see those two teams play again, because I felt that week like Santa Fe left a lot of points on the board.
Santa Fe, which ends the regular season at Putnam City, is looking towards a likely first-round tilt with Lawton Eisenhower.
Picks: Week 9
Ryan picked up another game on Jason and Scott last week on the strenght of his pick of Lawton over Edmond North and Sallisaw over Hilldale. Only Scott missed his lock last week, missing on Wagoner-Catoosa.
Last week:
Ryan: 7-3, 1-0
Jason: 6-4, 1-0
Scott: 6-4, 0-1
Overall:
Ryan: 59-22, 7-1
Jason: 55-26, 6-2
Scott: 52-29, 6-2
Ryan:
Jenks 28, Broken Arrow 24
Edmond North 17, Edmond Santa Fe 14
Lawton 28, Putnam City 9
Norman 28, Muskogee 15
Tulsa Central 26, Coweta 17
Carl Albert 35, Deer Creek 26
Douglass 27, Glenpool 24
Anadarko 33, Tuttle 14
Heritage Hall 38, Bethany 14
Wynnewood 20, Wayne 14
Lock of the Week: Carl Albert over Deer Creek. The Titans offense has steadily improved throughout the season and they have both the secondary speed to hold the Antlers’ receivers down and the front seven to get pressure on Deer Creek’s quarterback.
Jason:
Broken Arrow 27, Jenks 24
Edmond North 21, Edmond Santa Fe 17
Lawton 31, Putnam City 7
Norman 26, Muskogee 17
Tulsa Central 24, Coweta 14
Carl Albert 41, Deer Creek 14
Douglass 17, Glenpool 14
Anadarko 31, Tuttle 14
Heritage Hall 35, Bethany 14
Wayne 13, Wynnewood 10
Lock of the Week: Anadarko over Tuttle. The Tigers are always a tough, well-coached team under Phil Koons. I expect that Sheldon Wilson won’t be able to run wild like he has all year against Tuttle. But the Warriors, at home, will be too tough,
Scott:
Jenks 30, Broken Arrow 28
Edmond Santa Fe 21, Edmond North 20
Lawton 28, Putnam City 21
Norman 34, Muskogee 28
Tulsa Central 28, Coweta 24
Carl Albert 42, Deer Creek 24
Douglass 28, Glenpool 21
Anadarko 34, Tuttle 28
Heritage Hall 38, Bethany 28
Wayne 27, Wynnewood 22
Lock of the Week: Norman over Muskogee. Norman is beyond motivated to finish this season strong after finding themselves facing potentially being left out of the playoffs. I’d look for a big day from Donovan Roberts, as well as the passing attack to give the Tigers momentum heading into the Week 10 battle with Jenks.
Oklahoma City-area football stadium rankings: No. 2, Millwood
If you’re looking for old-school feel, and powerhouse football, you’re going to love No. 2 on our Oklahoma City-area football stadium rankings.
Millwood’s L.W. Good Stadium and Leodies Robinson Field is full of tradition, from the hills surrounding the field, to the winning football being played on it.
The Falcons have won four state championships in the last 11 years and five in all, while playing dominant football on the home field. With the field surrounded on three sides by steep grass hills, the stadium has a feel like no other.
The field at L.W. Good Stadium was named after legendary coach Leodies Robinson.
The setup allows it to accommodate more fans than the bleachers will actually hold, and the concrete ramp in the southeast corner provides one of the most unique entrances for the home team coming onto the field.
How to get there from downtown OKC: Take I-40 eastbound to I-235 North. Follow I-235 to I-44West and exit on Martin Luther King Blvd. Take MLK north and the stadium will be on the right.
Millwood’s remaining home schedule: The Falcons host Northeast on Friday and Lexington in Week 10.
Putnam City to hold memorial service for Anthony Germany Tuesday night
A memorial service for Anthony Germany will be held at Putnam City High School at 6-8 p.m. Tuesday.
Germany died last week at age 25 after suffering a pulmonary embolism.
The service will take place gym, located on the school campus at 5300 NW 50th St. Germany was a football and basketball player at Putnam City, graduating in 2004. He was a key member on the 2003 Pirate football team that reached the state semifinals.
A memorial service will also be held at Peoples Church at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, located at 800 E. Britton Rd.
A service was held in the Tulsa area on Monday. Germany was a four-year starter for Tulsa University from 2004-07.
Three members of Tulsa’s 2007 football team have died in the last eight months, including former Oklahoma Christian School standout Wilson Holloway, who died from Hodgkin’s lymphoma in February. Former TU linebacker George Clinkscale died last month after suffering injuries in an unsanctioned boxing match.
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK
Q&A with St. Louis Rams LB, former Bethany star Chris Chamberlain
St. Louis Rams linebacker Chris Chamberlain, left, chases DeMarco Murray on his 91-yard touchdown run during the Rams' 34-7 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. AP PHOTO
ARLINGTON, Texas — Chris Chamberlain led Bethany to the Class 2A state championship as a senior quarterback in 2003, went on to play linebacker at Tulsa and is now starting for the 0-6 St. Louis Rams.
He is in his fourth NFL season and started his second game at outside linebacker in Sunday’s 34-7 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, recording four tackles.
After the game, he talked about his performance, finally getting to start and Bethany’s upcoming game against Heritage Hall.
How did you feel about today’s game?
“Obviously we are disappointed in the result of the game. I was excited to come in and play close to home in front of friends and family. Personally I didn’t play my best game and a lot of my teammates would say the same thing.”
How does it feel to finally be starting in the NFL?
“It’s my fourth year in the league and I’ve been working hard. I’m finally getting an opportunity to play more on defense. I didn’t play my best game, but I’ll keep working hard and learning from my mistakes.”
What’s it going to take for the Rams to get this thing turned around?
“Just small mistakes here and there. Like on that long touchdown run (DeMarco Murray’s 91-yard, first-quarter TD run), we had one guy out of the gap and you see what happens. At halftime it’s a 10-point game.
“It’s just always the little things. It’s the detail, the communication. Missing tackles was a big thing in this game; we tackled terribly. That’s what happens when you do that against these kinds of players. We’re not far off; we’ve just gotta put a complete game together.”
Are you going to watch Bethany’s game against Heritage Hall on ESPNU on Friday?
“I’m excited to be able to watch them. I know Heritage Hall is a great team; they’re pretty stacked. It’s gonna take a great effort, but I know they’re gonna give everything they’ve got. It’s a big-time rivalry and two really good teams. I’m excited to watch them and root them on.”
Rankings breakdown: Class 6A
BY RYAN ABER
raber@opubco.com
Going to do it a little different this week, breaking out at least Class 6A into a separate blog. Tell me why I’m right. Tell me why I’m wrong.
1. Midwest City (3)#8-0
If you don’t look at my rankings every week, this might be a little surprising. But it’s consistent with what I’ve done all along: re-evaluating things each week and not be afraid of looking back at the totality of the season with what we know now. I’ll explain Broken Arrow (and Jenks’) fall shortly but it’s as much about what Midwest City has done as about what those teams haven’t. The Bombers have absolutely put it to teams recently. Their “slip” game was a 26-point win against Moore. Their 21-point win over Edmond Santa Fe looks more impressive each week. Thy’ve held seven opponents to seven or fewer points. James Flanders continues to perform in their running game. They make plays on special teams. I’m not saying I’m picking them to win a state championship yet–I’ve made my feelings about that know with respect to Jenks and Union–but right now, they’re the top team.
2. Broken Arrow (1)#7-1
When I saw Broken Arrow put it to Southmoore two weeks ago, I felt pretty comfortable with the Tigers as my top team. But Broken Arrow struggled on the road against a Norman team that Southmoore throttled, needing a late field-goal block to come away with the win. I still really like Broken Arrow, and am leaning toward picking them against Jenks this week, but that’s the second game they’ve barely pulled out against an opponent they should’ve beaten soundly.
3. Jenks (2)#7-1
The Trojans haven’t been pushed much other than their 41-19 loss to Tulsa Union, but their main test is this week when they play at Broken Arrow. Losing Alex Ross really hurts Jenks. Although they’ve put up big offensive numbers in recent weeks, they haven’t played a defense that’s very good since that Union game in Week 2.
4. Edmond Santa Fe (4)#7-1
The Wolves might not be the top team in the state but they might be playing better than anyone right now. Lance Manning has turned around Santa Fe in a hurry. A win this week over Edmond North and Santa Fe goes from 1-9 to district champs in one year.
5. Tulsa Union (6)#7-1
Ask me to pick the state champion right now and I probably go with Union. I still have them here because they do have to prove that their offense has rebounded form the injuries that resulted in Owasso’s comeback. The Redskins probably jump back up steadily the next few weeks but right now, they’re No. 5.
6. Lawton (7)#6-2
Losing Ivan Thomas is a near-backbreaker for them but the Wolverines didn’t seem to hurt without him against a previously unbeaten Edmond North team.
7. Edmond North (4)#7-1
The Huskies have the size up front to compete with anyone. But speed on the edges on either side is going to be a thorn in North’s side. The problem: Santa Fe is another speedy team and could give North problems this week in a game that will go a long way toward deciding who wins that district.
8. Stillwater (8)#7-1
Their offense deserves to be higher than No. 8. The defense, though, probably wouldn’t be in the top 10. The Pioneers have given up 27 or more points five times already and they still have Union on the schedule in a game that will, one way or another, determine the district champion.
9. Owasso (9)#5-3
The Rams have the signature win in 6A this season, beating Union. But they followed that with a home loss to Stillwater. Like the Pioneers, offense isn’t a question. But the Rams have to be able to slow good teams down to make a run and they haven’t been able to do that much.
10. Westmoore (NR)#6-2
The Jaguars pushed Edmond North in Week 7 before the Huskies pulled away in the second half, then beat a one-loss Putnam City team this week to take the Pirates’ spot in the rankings. Their defense has been solid all year and their offense, especially the passing component, continues to come along, lifting Westmoore into the top 10.
Just outside: Norman (6-2)
Blanchard’s Brock Lamle cleared to return Monday
Blanchard's Brock Lamle is brought down by Anadarko's Wes Satoe during their game on Thursday. PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN
Blanchard quarterback Brock Lamle was taken off the field in a stretcher during Thursday’s 45-8 loss to Anadarko, but is cleared to return to practice on Monday, he said.
“Whenever I got to the hospital, they said I had some strained muscles in my neck and back,” Lamle said. “I also had some spasms down my arms and legs.”
Lamle suffered the injuries when he was hit by Anadarko defenders on a pass play. He was down on the field for several minutes before being taken to the hospital by ambulance.
“I wasn’t too scared until I got in the ambulance,” Lamle said. “That’s when I thought something could be really seriously wrong. At first, laying on the field, I thought everything would be alright. I was just praying that everything would be alright.”
The Lions have lost two straight games, but are still in good position to make the playoffs out of District 3A-1. Blanchard ends with games against Marlow and at Bridge Creek.
Scott’s Thoughts: My vote for the state’s No. 1 team
I get asked on a regular basis through emails, Twitter, and last week, while filling my car up with gas at 7-11, who is the No. 1 team in Class 6A.
I don’t have a good answer. I can offer plenty, but none of them are incredibly convincing. So last week, I started looking for another way to determine who is No. 1. I went back to my preseason feelings, then looked at everybody’s wins, and everybody’s losses since then.
I fully admit there is very little logic to my argument, and the formula makes even less sense. But to me, it’s the only way to make sense of a crazy season among the state’s best teams.
So here’s how I came to my pick for No. 1:
My preseason choice as the best team was Jenks.
But then, Jenks lost to Tulsa Union.
And Union lost to Owasso.
Owasso lost to Stillwater.
Stillwater had previously lost to Tulsa East Central, which lost to Pryor.
Pryor had lost to Hilldale, which previously lost to Wagoner.
And on Thursday night, Wagoner lost to Catoosa, unbeaten and very impressive on both sides of the ball.
So they get my vote for No. 1. At least for this week. From now on, I’m viewing this like the heavyweight boxing title — or pro wrestling, whichever you prefer (it’s just about as wacky as a WWE story line). Catoosa has the belt this week, and could lose it at any time.
Do I think Class 4A Catoosa is the most talented team in the state? No. Do I think Catoosa would have a chance to beat 6A squads like Jenks, Union, Midwest City, Broken Arrow or Edmond Santa Fe? Probably not.
But I’ve run out of ways to make my mind compute the bizarre season we’re currently experiencing at the top of Class 6A. During my 10 years in sports media, I can’t think of a time before now when I would have said either Jenks or Union didn’t deserve to be No. 1. In my mind, they’re still the favorites for the 6A title, but the “Who’s No. 1?” argument is a different story right now.
So I’m sticking with Catoosa. Until someone takes the belt away from them. Or until the football season returns to some form of normalcy — but I kind of hope that doesn’t happen. Crazy is more fun.
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK
