Comments on: Who should be No. 1 in Class 6A?

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 19:44:41 +0000

I haven’t been looking for anything, though can’t speak for the other people talking here. Although depending on the Union-Stillwater result, the bracket could set up some pretty wild early round matchups.

I think the problem for Stillwater, for me, is their defense. They’ve given up 185 points, more than 50 fewer than Union and more than 20 more than Sand Springs even.

The Midwest City criticism has some validity. That’s been one of their big issues in the past is not being able to throw the ball when they needed to. I think Joel Davis has done a pretty good job at QB for them, though, and they do have a bit of WR depth they haven’t had in the past. Is that enough? I’m not sure.

Jenks’ defensive line is certainly very impressive. After watching Broken Arrow manhandle Southmoore a couple weeks ago, I was feeling pretty good abotu having the Tigers No. 1 but Steve Spavital talked afterward about their lack of size and if that’s going to hurt them this year, that would be the game where it would.

By: Toy Caldwell

Toy Caldwell — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 19:35:30 +0000

Something else. I’ve seen the Stillwater team at Owasso. If you guys want to talk about a DARKHORSE in 6A, I’d think they are worth mentioning. With those receivers they’ve got, they could be scary on a givin night. Where I think Midwest City and some of the other favorites you have up there are too one dimensional to really have a shot at going all the way. You guys ranked Stillwater a distant 8th in all of this. Look for Union to go down there and have their hands full in that last regular season finally for the district title. Also the Broken Arrow game this friday against Jenks could be interesting. Jenk’s massive defensive line has some new looks and will be the difference in that one I feel. If Jenks were to lose somehow, it would throw the playoff brackets in the tailspin you guys have been looking for up there. But I still think the END results will be the same…

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 19:28:56 +0000

My name’s Aber. If you had read what I said either here or on the other post, you wouldn’t need to ask those questions. I fully expect Jenks and Union to be right there in the end. I’ve been saying for years that I won’t pick against Jenks and Union (as a group) in the playoffs until they’re both eliminated. They’ve proven over a period of 15 years that their programs are head and shoulders abover the other 30 in 6A. There are a ton of factors that go into that.

It might be boring to have Jenks and Union playing for the title every year but that’s been the realty of things, for the most part. Until they get knocked off and somebody (whether it be a West-side team or a Broken Arrow or Owasso) else wins a title, there will always be the talk over whether another team has the chance to make that happen.

By: Toy Caldwell

Toy Caldwell — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 19:20:19 +0000

KD11 and Abner, While your rankings and debate offer interesting speculation, in the end it’s all just lip service. Do you guys really think that Midwest City is the best football team in the state of Oklahoma??? Lets come down to reality guys, Union and Jenks are LOADED!! Jenks always has a completely rebuilt team from week 2 to week 10. They get Ross back for week 12,LOOK OUT! And it’s just not all about Ross. As usual they’ve got some new studs and looks. Union, they’ll be healthy by week 10. Look back over the last 15 years and zoom in on what’s going to happen Again, in 6A. I’ll agree, it’s all fun to talk about, but you if you were down here looking at these 2 schools week in and out for years, you really start to realize how hard it’s going to be to dislodge EITHER of them. Ranking teams ahead of them just makes them mad and more determined and Union has enough of that already. I agree boys it’s BORING but it’s reality…

By: KDTII

KDTII — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 17:37:30 +0000

Sounds good Ryan.

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 17:26:52 +0000

KDTII,
I think you’ll be happy after seeing my top 5. I’ll post it a bit later with my rationale.

By: KDTII

KDTII — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 17:11:18 +0000

OK, Aber, I am anxiously awaiting your rankings this week after seeing Broken Arrow struggle with Norman. Here is my top 5:

1. Midwest City (only team without a loss after Edmond North goes down)
2. Jenks (only loss is to Union)
3. Broken Arrow (good but not great)
4. Edmond Santa Fe (only loss is to MWC)
5. Union (loss to Owasso looking like a fluke)

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 21:14:16 +0000

KDTII, I can certainly understand that. It was just about reevaluating the totality of the season when Union went down. And when I did that, Broken Arrow’s season was the most impressive. I felt even better about the pick after watching the Tigers play Southmoore last week. That said, it wouldn’t surprise me for Jenks, Midwest City, Union or Edmond North to beat the Tigers down the road. Broken Arrow is No. 1 but it’s not a strong No. 1 right now with the rest of those teams right there. I’ll continue to evaluate it week by week.

Gamma, I won’t say tight ends are never vertical threats but in general, they aren’t and I don’t think Gallagher is. He’s a nice underneath option and a matchup problem for most teams but when I think of vertical threats, I think of guys who are threats to score from anywhere on the field. It’s just a terminology difference more than anything I guess.

By: KDTII

KDTII — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 21:06:45 +0000

Aber I respect your position, I just don’t see how you jumped Broken Arrow from 4th to 1st after a victory over a so-so opponent, over Midwest City and Jenks, who both won as well.

By: WESTSIDE CONNECTION

WESTSIDE CONNECTION — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 20:00:38 +0000

@ GAMMA. THE CONVERSATION WAS IF YOU HAD ANOTHER VERTICLE THREAT OTHER THAN HATCHER. TE’S ARE NOT VERTICLE THREATS TO SPEED. HE MAY BE ABLE TO EXTEND SOME DRIVES UNDERNEATH HOWEVER. VEATCH AT BA IS BETER, AND MORE VALUABLE.
I GUESS WE CAN PUT OWASSO AS A TOP TEAM TO BED WITH THE LOSS TO STILLWATER. 4-3 ISNT IMPRESSIVE ENOUGH TO TALK ABOUT ANYMORE. LIKE I SAID. HATCHER IS A GREAT PLAYER, THAT IS ALL.

By: Gamma2188

Gamma2188 — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:40:11 +0000

Ryan- Gallagher won’t be streaking for any 40-50 yd plays, but he is big and strong enough that he is a nightmare for defensive coordinators. He caught an 18-yd TD against Union last week. No, he’s not a deep ball threat but I would say he’s a huge vertical threat. I would venture to say he is more valuable to Owasso than any other TE in the state is to his respective team. Like I said earlier, a big, strong TE with good hands is so rare in high school football these days, they are a nightmare to match up against.

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:18:23 +0000

CD, I don’t think Union leaves its starters in any longer than it normally would or anything like that. I just think they’ll come out very focused tonight.

By: CD

CD — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:00:42 +0000

To the extent their subs can score points, Union will score a bundle, but only to the extent Coach Fridrich can hold it down. I’d be surprised if the Union staff and leadership feel they need to take it out on Ponca – they are pretty confident and know where they sit. Now if they had that chance versus Jenks or BA (or now Owasso), it might be a different story (re this years Backyard Bowl . I would imagine they’ll take the approach tonight like Santa Fe did last night and get their wounded some rest.
Westside, there’s no doubt about the Bomber’s talent, and that remains unchanged year after year. What seems to have gotten MWC for the past few years when the playoffs come around (as evidenced in the first half of the Moore game) is a lack of team discipline when the game got tough, and from what appears to be some pretty mediocre coaching that had a hard time adjusting. We’ll see if that changes. Remember, last year MWC was hyped only to fall apart before they ever got to the east teams, and if I remember right an average Stillwater team should have held on the year before. We’ll see. Lots of games and variable like injuries and weather that can have an impact as well. At least it isn’t BCS!

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:21:15 +0000

Gamma,
True on your last point.

I don’t think of Gallagher as a huge vertical threat although he is a very good TE that gives them a good short to midrange option with the ability to occasionally go deep when they get him in a mismatch situation. I could be wrong on him, since I haven’t seen him play but in one scrimmage before the season, but that’s the impression I got. Very valuable to have, though, for sure.

By: Gamma2188

Gamma2188 — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:02:37 +0000

Ryan- Union could do to Ponca what OSU did to Turner Gill last week.

By: Gamma2188

Gamma2188 — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Westside- Your TE argument is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. Jason Witten, Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Gonzalez dominate secondaries every week in the League. TE is one of the most undervalued positions at the high school level, and when you have a kid with D1 size and the ability to catch, it is an invaluable asset to a team. The Tulsa World has Gallagher as a top player to watch this week.

Deet- I think you need to take a step back and get your facts straight before you post again. Midwest City IS on the West side. West side teams absolutely DO NOT have an intimidation factor over the East side… I’m not sure where you got that logic.

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:48:37 +0000

Appreciate it, Westside. I love Midwest City’s defense and think they’re going to give everybody fits this season, including the big boys from the East. After watching Broken Arrow play last night, I’d love to watch that matchup between MWC’s defense and BA’s offense.

There are arguments to be made for any of these teams right now, which is why I brought it up in the post instead of just putting it in the paper Sunday and moving on. It’s a legitimate discussion that’s worth having and I love the feedback all around.

That said, I’ll be going to a 5A game tonight, Carl Albert at Guthrie, but looking forward to a few 6A games that will shape the rankings for next week:

Stillwater at Owasso: Two great WR/QB combos featured here but I think the Rams avoid a letdown and come out with the win.

Edmond North at Westmoore: It’s been a tough few days for Edmond North but this is a crucial battle for them against a pretty good team, especially defensively. I picked Edmond North to win this one by a couple touchdowns.

Midwest City at Choctaw: Moore played Midwest City close for awhile last week before the Bombers turned it on. I don’t look for Choctaw to hang close very long in this one.

Jenks at Sapulpa: Sapulpa’s offense has the ability to put a lot of points on the board. I still look for Jenks to win without Ross but I’ll be interested to see how the Trojans’ defense reacts against the best offense they’ve seen since playing Owasso.

Tulsa Union at Ponca City: I expect the Redskins to take out some frustrations in this one. I don’t look for it to be close at all.

By: Deet

Deet — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:32:41 +0000

You all still seem to forget that the Bombers did go up against Union in their scrimmage early in the season. Union did not score, nor were they ever close to. MWC was on the 5 yard line when time ran out. The did not score either but certainly shows they can hang with the westside teams. The biggest thing the westside teams have over the east side teams is the “intimidation factor!” Having won the gold ball in dominant numbers the past few years can do that. If the Bombers can cut down their penalty yardage, and it has been ALOT, they WILL surprise all the doubters in the playoffs. They have had several key players injured this season, and has still managed to win every game. They certainly have the depth, and will make a strong stand in postseason. Eliminate the stupid penalties, and the Bombers will make it to the championship game.

By: WESTSIDE CONNECTION

WESTSIDE CONNECTION — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:21:22 +0000

@ CD. THE POINT IS NOT WHAT UNION LOST OFFENSIVELY TO INJURY. 38 WITH 4TH TEAM TAILBACK SHOWS HOW TERRIBLE OWASSO’S DEFENSE IS. 41 IS WHAT SHOWS UNION IS BAD IN THE SECONDARY IF THE PRESSURE DOESNT GET THERE FOR THE FRONT 7. MOORE HAD 19 YARDS AT HALF VERSUS MWC LAST WEEK AT HALF, AND MWC WON BY 4 TD’S. WOULDNT CALL THAT SQEAKIN BY. LOST IN THE MWC SCORES ARE THAT THE DEFENSE(WHICH ABER WHO HAS SEEN THEM WILL TELL YOU AND HAS SEEN THEM ALOT) IS WHAT MAKES MWC A POSSIBLE TITLE CONTENDER. THE ONE D HAS GIVEN UP ONE TD IN THE LAST 5 WEEKS AND THAT WAS TO SANTA FE. SPECIAL TEAMS BLOCKS PUNTS FOR TD’S AT A VERY HIGH RATE AND THE KICK RETURN GAME IS THE MOST DANGEROUS IN OKLAHOMA. SOO , UNION AND JENKS ARE THE KING OF THE HILL UNTIL SOMEONE KNOCKS THEM OFF, BUT DONT DISCOUNT SOMEONE WITH DEFENSE , SPECIAL TEAMS AND THE TOP RUSHER IN 6A WITH 1132 YARDS IN JAMES FLANDERS. THAT RECIPE WORKED PRETTY WELL FOR THE RAVENS AND BEARS!!!

@GAMMA, TE’S ARE ONLY MATCH UP PROBLEMS FOR PEOPLE WHO DONT HAVE OLB’S THAT RUN 4.5 40′s. GLORIFIED TACKLE VERSUS SPEED!

@KDTII, GLAD YOU LOVE YOUR BOMBERS BRO, BUT LAY OFF ABER. THAT DUDE IS GREAT TO MWC FOOTBALL. LOOK AT THE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE HE PROVIDES THEM. IN THE PAST COUPLE YEARS I HAVE SEEN COUNTLESS ARTICLES ON BOMBER PLAYERS, SPECIAL TEAMS AND DEFENSIVE UNITS, COLLEGE RECRUITING INTEREST IN MWC’S PLAYERS, ECT, ECT. MIKE LEACH NEVER PLAYED FOOTBALL EITHER FOR THE RECORD. U DONT NEED ATHLETIC GENETICS TO UNDERSTAND AND BE A FOOTBALL GURU. I PLAYED IN COLLEGE SO I HAVE NO BBIAS EITHER WAY. WHILE I DONT AGREE WITH BA BEING NUMBER ONE I CAN SEE THE ARGUMENT. 6A IS FUN AGAIN THIS YEAR BECAUSE THERE FINALLY IS A DISCUSSION OVER WHO IS BEST AND NOT JUST OF WHO IS BETTER OUT OF JENKS OR UNION LIKE MOST YEARS. THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO FOR MWC AND HS FOOTBALL ABER!

By: CD

CD — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:45:22 +0000

The way MWC will beat Union is the way Owasso did: one – hope that Union’s studs are not on the field (their first string tailback had over 140 yards midway in the 2nd when he got hurt, not to mention 2nd and 3rd string tailbacks, starting QB who is solid, starting top receiver, starting top linebacker, all in a one quarter period). With them they were well on their way to 60 plus points, without them they couldn’t keep up the pace. You should win with 38, but Owasso shows that its an offensive show these days, and besides, Jenks put 48 on them in the finals last year and Union overcame that level, and they most likely would have last Friday as well. Two – hope your offense plays their best game of the year. Three – don’t commit turnovers, and hope they do. Union lost two fumbles inside the Ram’s 5, both after drives led by their subs. Punch one of them in, or one Owasso turnover and its over. Four – hope Union makes drive continuing penalties on defense. Happened twice in the Rams final drive to keep it alive. Five – hope Union is overconfident. And THAT is what should scare the rest of 6A. With that loss, Union has their back against the wall and sober to the fact that a win isn’t guaranteed. When their starters come back (and they should, all those injuries while nagging weren’t season ending), they will be on a mission and hungry. And then there’s Jenks. Just because they’ve gone under the radar doesn’t mean they aren’t tough and ready to get the gold ball back, and that is STILL a program. That BA and Owasso are better this year doesn’t mean Union and Jenks are weaker, but that someone like MWC has an even bigger gauntlet to run, and they will have to play perfectly and hope for help from the football gods like Owasso got. As they say, “any given Friday night.” But come November, to put together a string of them against Union AND Jenks, not to mention Owasso and BA too, this year is just beyond comprehending. MWC had all they could handle for a lot of the game against an average Moore team, play like that in November and you’ll be Christmas shopping early (and BA sent a message last night with their thumping of Southmoore). The only hope really is someone from the other bracket from the Westside getting through without having to face Jenks or Union until the finals (and that’s if Jenks wins out over BA, and then you’d have to get through BA on that side as well) and the gods line up for that game. Not much of a positive proposition again on this side of the state.

By: Gamma2188

Gamma2188 — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:44:48 +0000

Westside- You clearly haven’t seen Owasso play this season. Hatcher isn’t the only vertical threat… Gallagher is a 6’5″, 235 pound TE that is literally a HUGE downfield target. Yes, Owasso has given up 40+ points twice this season, but they were to a BA team that put up 60+ and nearly 800 yds on Permian HS (TX) and Jenks, both games on the road for the Rams in two of the toughest environments in high school football.

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:49:42 +0000

You haven’t been looking very hard because my name is on the rankings every week. It’s not about penalizing anyone but about paying attention to the totality of things to come up with the rankings. I didn’t punish Midwest City at all. They stayed in the same place they were in before. They have worked hard but the rankings aren’t about working hard. They should’ve beaten everyone they played soundly. The Bombers opponents so far are a combined 12-24. I really like the Bombers and think they’ve got a chance but acting like it’s ridiculous that they’re ranked No. 3 is the most absurd thing that’s been brought up on this post.

I’ve seen Midwest City play this season. I saw Broken Arrow play tonight. I’ve also watched Edmond Santa Fe, Lawton, Norman and Southmoore play this season. I saw Owasso in a preseason scrimmage. My football-playing experience has nothing to do with it. I watch these teams, talk to people about these teams and read about these teams. I also was at Midwest City’s practice today. I feel comfortable with the rankings right now. Midwest City will be rewarded for their performance. They’ll host in the first two rounds of the playoffs and, in all likelihood, get Union to come to Rose Field in the second round. That’s the reward. Union and Jenks have had a stranglehold on 6A since 1996. They’ve got to be knocked off in the playoffs before I’ll believe someone else will win the gold ball. It has a chance to happen this season, though, and the Bombers have as good a chance as anybody.

By: KDTII

KDTII — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 01:01:15 +0000

So you penalize Midwest City for having a weak schedule? WOW! That is the silliest thing I’ve seen so far on here. I always wondered who did the rankings, and now I know, someone who doesn’t have much experience playing football. You don’t penalize the kids for the schedule they play, what a bunch of crap. The Bombers have worked hard this year, and have beaten everyone that they have played soundly. They should be rewarded. I vote for someone else to do the rankings, someone who has played football.

By: Paul

Paul — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 19:50:03 +0000

Of course it will all play out as the season goes on but Jenks is in the 1 spot IMHO. Their only loss was to Union with a completely banged up team and they still were in a spot to have a chance at that game until the pick 6. They torched Owasso, and very badly beat(42-6) a Muskogee team that BA needed overtime to beat the week before. Jenks will be healthy in the playoffs and that only makes them much more dangerous.

Good luck to all and let’s see how it all plays out!

By: WESTSIDE CONNECTION

WESTSIDE CONNECTION — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:12:55 +0000

@ GAMMA , UNION FROM MY OBSERVATIONS IS MUUUCH LESS TALENTED IN THE SKILL POSITIONS OFFENSIVELY WITH A “FILL GAP QB” AND A YOUNG RB WO IS INJURY PRONE. NO REAL PLAYMAKERS AT WR EITHER. OFFENSIVE LINE IS VERY WELL COACHED AND DISCIPLINED, NOT AS BIG AS MOST YEARS HOWEVER. DEFENSE IS THE STRONG POINT OF THIS UNION TEAM, BUT IS VERY CAPABLE OF GIVING UP BIG PLAYS IN THE PASSING GAME TO TEAMS WITH SPEED WHO CAN KEEP THE DEFENSIVE LINE AND BLITZ PACKAGE OUT OF THEIR BACKFIELD IN THE 3-3 STACK PACKAGE.
OWASSO HAS A BIG QB IN KEY WHO HAS ABILITY TO PLAY AT THE NEXT LEVEL BUT IS FAR FROM POLISHED. HATCHER IS THE BEST WR IN OKLAHOMA IN MY OPINION. IT HELPS THEY ARE USING HIM MORE VERTICALLY AS OF LATE BUT THEY ARE VERY PREDICTABLE IN THEIR BUBBLE AND SCREEN GAME AS TO THE WR THEY TARGET. THE HATCHER KID RUNS MOST THE THE VERTICLES. THIS MAKES IT VERY EASY YO ROLL DOUBLE COVERAGE OVER THE HATCHER KID BECAUSE THERE ARE NO OTHER VERTICLE THREATS. OFFENSIVE LINE IS AVERAGE WHICH IS WHY THEY DO THE QUICK PASSING GAME.
THE 3-3 STACK D THEY RUN IS VERY VANILLA WITH ONLY A SMALL PACKAGE OF EDGE BLITZES BEYOND THAT BASE PACKAGE. THE DB’S ARE SUSPECT TO TEAMS WITH SPEED LIKE JENKS , UNION, MWC. AND SANTA FE. ALL IN ALL THEY BETTER SCORE 50 AGAINST ANYONE GOOD BECAUSE THEY CANT STOP U.S. GRANT AT THE MOMENT. HOWS THAT WORK FOR YOU GAMMA? IF YOU HAVE WATCHED THEM AND KNOW ANY FOOTBALL AT ALL YOU WILL KNOW IM RIGHT ON. GUESS WE’LL SEE IF YOUR A SPOUT OFF FAN ,OR STUDENT OF THE GAME BY YOUR RESPONSE.

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 23:31:29 +0000

Mike, I’ll talk to our web people and see what we can do. I know we’ve had them there in the past. Thanks for pointing that out.

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 21:20:03 +0000

Ryan, would love to have a link on the HS page to the district standings. I do like to see the rankings, but they are just interesting talk compared to real indicator for the playoffs.

By: Gamma2188

Gamma2188 — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:02:51 +0000

I’d love you to tell me what Union and Owasso games you have been to this season and give us your thoughts on each team.

By: Gamma2188

Gamma2188 — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:02:51 +0000

I’d love you to tell me what Union and Owasso games you have been to this season and give us your thoughts on each team.

By: "WESTSIDE-CONNECTION"

"WESTSIDE-CONNECTION" — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:47:27 +0000

@ GAMMA…. FIRST OF ALL ITS FUNNY U MENTION GRAMMATICAL ERRORS BEFORE STARTING A SENTENCE WITH “AND”. SECONDLY I MIGHT JUST HIT SPELL CHECK FOR U NEXT TIME SO YOU CAN FOLLOW THE CONVERSATION “DOOGIE HOWSER”. YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHO MWC EVEN PLAYS IF YOU THINK PCN WAS THE BOMBERS BIGGEST WIN. EDMOND SANTA FE BY 3 TD’S WAS. OF WHOM WHICH IS RANKED AHEAD OF YOUR RAMS AND UNION IN THE CURRENT OKLAHOMAN POLL SO I THINK THAT WOULD COUNT AS A QUALITY WIN. SOOO, I THINK THE REASON FOR MY DISGUST IS YOUR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE. I HAVE SEEN OWASSO AND UNION IN PERSON MYSELF. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE AN ACCURATE DEBATE OVER FOOTBALL THEN GET OUT OF YOUR CYBER-DOME AND GO TO AN ACTUAL GAME OUTSIDE OF TULSA. UNTIL THEN I WILL DECLINE TO RESPOND TO YOUR CONSISTENTLY INACCURATE POST OVER ENROLLMENT, GRAMMAR AND BIG WINS! NOW ANYTIME YOU WOULD LIKE TO ENLIGHTEN ME ON THE HISTORY OF THE FLUTE I WILL CONSIDER YOUR OPINION GOLDEN SINCE YOUR BAND IS TOPS IN THE LAND! HOPE THE CAPS DONT HURT YOUR CYBER FEELINGS! RELAX WHEN YOUR BEING JOKED WITH. THIS HAS BEEN A GREAT DISCUSSION FROM EVERYONE WHO HAS POSTED.

By: just a spectator

just a spectator — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:25:03 +0000

In my humble opinion, regarding east side dominance, you have to look at school size as part of the equation. You can talk all day about the youth programs as being a substantial part of success, but what percentage of those kids actually play at the high school level? Not to mention you have kids in the youth programs that play running back and quaterback that end up playing OL or DL in high school. So it’s a constant learning process and not the system. The westside youth programs are just as passionate, believe me. It comes down to depth. You look at Edmond North, MWC, Stillwater, Santa Fe, if there is a loss due to injury or whatever to any position they are in trouble. When you can reload because of depth that’s the difference. You combine the three Edmond schools you have instant depth and you have a gold ball contender every year. Just because BA has not won a state championship over there does not mean they have not been competitive. If they could get some of those skilled position players to come to BA instead of Jenks or Union, wink wink, They would be just as dominant.

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:20:51 +0000

Maurice, you were absolutely right about Ross. It definitely changes things as far as Jenks is concerned. I still think they’ve got a chance to make a run without Ross but that is a huge loss for them.

By: Maurice

Maurice — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:16:47 +0000

Check out blog post on tulsaworld.com concerning Alex Ross

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:25:32 +0000

I don’t think anyone would argue that Edmond Memorial’s first three district games have been significantly easier than its three non-district games to start the season. But the Bulldogs fought through and have won three close games and are on the cusp of a playoff berth. Their road gets tougher this week but if they can find a way to pull off a win over Lawton Eisenhower (this week), Norman North (Oct. 28) or Yukon (Nov. 4), Edmond Memorial is in the playoffs in all likelihood. I don’t look for them to win all of those games or probably even 2 of 3, but the playoffs are well within their grasp and that’s a notable accomplishment for a team that was outscored 120-20 in non-district play.

By: onlooker

onlooker — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:36:14 +0000

Seems there is a lot of discussion about strength of schedule for teams such as MWC and Ed North. I totally agree strength of schedule makes a big difference, but in the Oklahoman today they have an article that features Edmond Memorial’s turnaround from their 0-3 start to now be 3-0 in district play. It’s really no surprise and I really don’t think they’ve had a turnaround, they are just playing easier teams. Look at who they started with (Santa Fe, Stillwater, Ed North) All were lopsided losses, now in district they have close wins over PC North, Choctaw, and Moore. All three of those teams are not very good, so why feature them as turning their team around? Its simply a matter of their schedule becoming easier.

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:26:23 +0000

Here are the last nine meetings between the schools:
2010: Owasso 21-18
2009: Stillwater 7-3
2008: Owasso 34-20
2007: Owasso 17-9
2006: Owasso (playoffs): 24-23 3 OT
2006: Owasso (regular season):16-13
2005: Owasso 33-13
2004: Stillwater 21-19
2003: Owasso 20-14

By: Gamma2188

Gamma2188 — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:17:24 +0000

Keep in mind that Owasso/Stillwater is ALWAYS a close game, going back to the first round of the playoffs 2006 when Owasso beat the Pioneers on a blocked kick in triple overtime. That was a great game to be at.

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:45:22 +0000

Sam, If Stillwater beat Owasso and lost to Tulsa Union, it could come down to district points. Teams can gain or lose up to 15 per game based on margin of victory, with all overtime games counting as +1 or -1.

I just finished up my picks and went with Owasso in a close, high-scoring game. I think they’re a bit more of the complete package but Stillwater is a much better team than it was a year ago.

By: Sam Gardner

Sam Gardner — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:41:47 +0000

Relating to the Stillwater/Owasso game. This could be very interesting. I’m not sure how it would work if there is a three way tie in the district (assuming Stillwater pulls off an upset against Owasso and Union beats Stillwater in its last game of the season). Do they then use a points for/against calculation for a tie-breaker?

I think Owasso is the better team. Not to take anything from Stillwater but their district wins have been one point against Sand Springs, a come from behind on Bixby, and a blow out of Ponca City. I know, a win is a win….

However, I do like the match ups. If my memory serves me right that Jessee Vester kid from Stillwater (who I think i leading the state in receiving yards) also plays corner back on defense, so I imagine they’ll put him on Keon Hatcher. Union had a hard time containing him, but I think that Vester kid will be able to cover him more effectively.

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:47:01 +0000

Andy, you’re welcome. It’s definitely an interesting proposition since it’s been awhile since anyone but those two have met in the finals. Tulsa Union at Midwest City has the potential to be a fantastic second-round matchup.

By: Andy

Andy — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:38:31 +0000

Ryan – thanks for pointing out your article on the playoff implications. Hadn’t seen it.

By: Andrew Theiss

Andrew Theiss — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 05:23:23 +0000

Everybody needs to quit hating. This is high school football. Good luck to everyone, especially The Bombers. An article earlier this week said Midwest City has the hardest road ahead with possibly Union in the quarters and Jenks in the semis. I think it is very balanced this year and 6A. Coaches are preparing and players are producing, working hard to one common goal…The 6A State Championship. Just be excited that it is a wild one so far, and not a fifteen year cliche.

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 02:58:04 +0000

Understand what you’re saying, Gamma, but Midwest City’s marquee win came over Edmond Santa Fe, who is safely in the rankings now. Putnam North isn’t ranked. Midwest City isn’t likely to be seriously challenged until they get to the postseason.

By: Gamma2188

Gamma2188 — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 01:17:57 +0000

Can someone please justify WITH LOGICAL REASONING why you think Midwest City should be No. 1 in 6A? I don’t care about undefeated records, because a one loss team (Jenks) who’s only loss came to the No. 1 team in the state at the time has a MUCH BETTER case for being No. 1 than an undefeated team (MWC) who’s marquee win thus far is against PC North, who is barely cracking the top ten.

By: CD

CD — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 23:43:41 +0000

You’re right Ryan, it is that commitment throughout the system and community. I used to marvel seeing a sea of maroon jerseys on Friday out on the elementary playground in Jenks, and geez, floats by the mile at the homecoming parade each year with somewhere from 6 – 8 floats representing each team for each grade from 3rd through 7th . The downside is I remember a Tulsa World article a few years ago about a young Jenks family in the youth league with dad who helped coach, son who played, little sis who cheered, and mom who helped with all the ancillary activities like fundraising. The thing that opened my eyes and saddened me a little was the little boy’s dream when he “grew up” was to play for the Trojans. Not be an astronaut, pro player, firefighter, etc. Now I know that changes over time, but wow – all of that shows how that school system and community has been permeated by the game. And hence the issue of the impact the coaches have that come out of that system. If they can go on to schools like Owasso and BA and replicate those programs beginning at the elementary and throughout mid and high school, well you see what begins to take shape last Friday. I have no doubt MWC, Norman, Edmond, Yukon, Mustang, Moore, et.al. could do the same. I remember in the 70’s and early 80’s when Union was the skinny weakling that everyone wanted for homecoming. And now look at them. But it takes time, a commitment by the school board and community, a visionary coach who is given the latitude and support to hire and have influence over the program from elementary on up, and that watershed somewhere along the way (maybe like Owasso’s win last week), and PATIENCE. Until then, there will be the Westside hope every year, occasional surprises like the “everyone else” article notes, all the while the eastside programs grow closer to parity.
BTW – in answer to your question: Who should be number 1 in 6A? MWC. Who is the best team in 6A? Union.

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 21:29:13 +0000

Andy, we wrote about that the other day (http://newsok.com/tulsa-unions-loss-could-mean-no-jenks-union-title-game/article/3611746?custom_click=lead_story_title_)

Cobra, the range in 6A is 4,610 to 1,273.

CD, I think the reasons for the dominance of Jenks and Union goes much deeper than coaching. While I think those coaches will certainly help those programs, there has to be a much deeper commitment to success in football to build anything close to resembling those programs and it has to be sustained through many years.

By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 21:18:59 +0000

CD, thanks for the nice word. I’ve watched a lot of 6A ball in the Tulsa area, and have either attended or watched on TV 10 or 12 Jenks/Union games. That Owasso victory last Friday ranked with the top games in the J/U series. Owasso was down 21-0. Most teams pack it in and give up at that point. Owasso showed tremendous heart in coming back and not giving up. There’s a reason why Union hadn’t lost a district game in 13 years.

What I haven’t seen anybody mention is the playoff implications of the Owasso win over Union. If Owasso and Union win out, and Jenks wins out, too(which is not a given, as they have to play at BA), Jenks and Union will likely meet in the semis. This could open the door to a dark horse team to claim the gold ball.

By: cobracab

cobracab — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 21:06:32 +0000

In fairness to Jenks, they have a great football program, even considering their size is smaller than the other West side schools. They also have a great academic program, so not fair to just lump them in. Jenks has a great community as well, so that has a lot to do with their success in my opinion. But I’m from Edmond, and I’m very much convinced the size of the school will most likely determine, over time, who will have a superior football program. What’s the 6A range in population? From what I can see, it looks like we’re comparing 4500 kids vs 2000. Big difference.

By: Gamma2188

Gamma2188 — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:49:03 +0000

Why are you so angry? It’s hard to have a discussion with someone when they are yelling via keyboard and committing the grammatical errors you are. I’m having a hard time understanding what you are trying to say. And until your Bombers beat Union at their house, I don’t think you have any room to downgrade Owasso’s hard-fought victory. Union is still Union. A win is still a win.

By: WESTSIDE CONNECTION

WESTSIDE CONNECTION — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:47:27 +0000

IF YOU OR ANY OTHER TEAM WANTS TO SELECT THE GAME TIME THEN WIN HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE. IM SURE YOU RESEARCHED CRIME RATES AS WELL AS YOU DID ENROLLMENT NUMBERS EARLIER. LASTLY, GOOD WIN OVER A WOUNDED UNION TEAM. REALITY IS SIMPLY THAT IF YOU PUT MORE WINS LIKE THAT TOGETHER AND SOME GOLD BALLS IN YOUR TROPHY CABINET THEN YOU TOO CAN BE PROUD OF YOUR TEAM THE WAY MWC IS ITS. UNTIL THAT TIME ENJOY THE HALF TIME SHOWS SINCE YOUR BAND IS “THE PRIDE OF OWASSO” BECAUSE OF ITS TRADITION, AND NOT THE FOOTBALL TEAM BECAUSE ITS LACK OF ONE! THANKS FOR BRINGING THAT UP RAM-ATHORN!

By: CD

CD — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:20:48 +0000

I think Andy hit the nail on the head about the youth program. I came up and had kids in the Jenks program, and friends and family now in both the Union and Jenks systems. And being on the westside now for several years and involved with one of the Edmond schools, it reinforces that observation. You really can’t appreciate the depth of the strength that develops – not so much in the D1 stars, but more so the program (average) athletes. Those are the ones that carry the day in the playoffs, along with the culture of being there year after year, they spend their regular season preparing for the playoffs – they know they’ll be there and KNOW they’ll win. An amazing culture.
And there is one other that I haven’t seen discussed yet. I see parity coming, but probably more so on the East side because of coaching. Owasso, Muskogee, Union, Bixby, BA (and BTW until last year) – and other smaller programs, all have coaches that came from the Blankenship or Trimble staffs. Coach Fridrich at Union came from Owasso (after previous stints at Union and Stillwater) where he set up a similar youth program that his assistant Coach Patterson has developed, and we see what happened Friday. Give Blankenship at Muskogee as few years and you’ll see the same. And BA is maturing as well, and that’s a really scary proposition for the rest of 6A. This would be a great story to look into in depth, particularly since Norman North now has a coach that came from the Union system.

By: Gamma2188

Gamma2188 — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:16:28 +0000

It couldn’t have been they wanted to change the time of the game so they didn’t have to travel all the way back to Owasso in the middle of the night. And why are you bringing the band into this? You act like it’s such a burden to have pride in your band. It IS called the Pride of Owasso, and it’s the top band program in the state. Sorry Owasso’s fan base is much more extensive and committed than most. And you are correct, MWC’s crime statistics are worse than other areas, I promise that won’t keep Owasso or any other east side team from going down there for a matchup.

By: "WESTSIDE CONNECTION"

"WESTSIDE CONNECTION" — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:43:38 +0000

I DO REMEMBER THE LAST TIME OWASSO CAME TO MWC. IT WAS IN THE 2ND ROUND WITH THEIR 18 BAND BUS’S AND THOUSANDS OF FANS AFTER ASKING TO CHANGE THE GAME TO A ONE O’CLOCK KICKOFF SO THEY WOULDNT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THEIR BENZ’S AND BENTLEY’S IN THE PARKING LOT AT MWC. “BLOWOUT” IS THE CORRECT WORD FOR THAT GAME!!!!! I DONT KNOW WHO THE BEST TEAM IS, AND JENKS AND UNION ARE PROBABLY THE FAVORITES, BUT I PROMISE YOU NO ONE LOOKS FORWARD TO COMING TO MWC IN THE SECOND ROUND AT NIGHT!

By: Gamma2188

Gamma2188 — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:28:44 +0000

Ryan, do you have a score prediction for Owasso/Stillwater or will that come later in the week?

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:00:44 +0000

Missed Andy’s comment earlier. The youth programs are a huge reason why Jenks and Union have been so far ahead of everyone else. Those kids grow up running the same system and they grow up knowing that they’re going to play for Jenks or Union someday. Also agree that the education doesn’t necessarily diminish although extracurricular opportunities certainly do, at the varsity level at least. Not saying either approach is right or wrong but they’re certainly different.

Not sure about West but could the potential is there, you would think with North.

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:52:54 +0000

I’d normally be worried about a letdown from the Owasso side but after seeing/hearing players like Keon Hatcher and others this week, I really don’t think that’ll be an issue. Owasso seems like they’re offended that some people think of the win as a fluke and they want to make a statement. I look for Owasso to win but it won’t be easy. Stillwater’s offense is one of the most explosive in the state and figures to challenge the Rams’ secondary especially. Gamma is right on the QB/WR combos in this one. Should be a very entertaining game to watch.

By: Gamma2188

Gamma2188 — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:49:53 +0000

I don’t know if GURU wants my opinion on the Owasso/Stillwater game, but I’ve seen nearly every game of both teams, and it should be a heck of a game, very high scoring. Tucker Barnard is doing wonders in Stillwater this year. Jerame Littell has a good QB that can sling it and they have two of the top WRs in the state. Owasso on the other hand is bigger on both sides of the ball and has a more balanced offense. The Rams have the No. 1 WR in the state in Keon Hatcher and a 6’5″, 230 pound TE in Matt Gallagher that caught two touchdown passes against Union last week. They also have a dual-threat backfield led by Scottie Prealowe. One thing is for sure, you will probably see the top two QB/WR combos in the state if you go watch this game.

By: GURU

GURU — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:38:02 +0000

Ok thanks Ryan I agree with you about Westmoore’s defense. Should be a great game. What are your thoughts about Stillwater vs. Owasso??

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:34:56 +0000

Guru,
I seriously considered that game and it was the last one out. It should be a great game. I just think Edmond North’s on a slightly different level than Westmoore right now. But the Jaguars’ defense could keep it close.

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:32:58 +0000

Gamma,
Wasn’t at that one. I’d say it’s fair to say they made a statement, just didn’t want to leave the impression it was a blowout. I really like Owasso after seeing them in a scrimmage before the season and especially after what they did to Union. A key will be how they respond to that this week but I expect them to want to make another statement against Stillwater and then roll to the district title.

By: GURU

GURU — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:30:47 +0000

Hey Ryan why is Edmond North(6-0)vs Westmoore(5-1) not a Top Ten game of the Week??

By: Gamma2188

Gamma2188 — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:29:20 +0000

Thanks for the enrollment figures Ryan. Were you able to go to the Westmoore/Owasso game last year? Crushed is inaccurate, but considering it was the playoffs and Owasso (and their extensive fan base) had to travel nearly three hours across the state to play on Westmoore’s home turf on a freezing night, I would say that they made a statement.

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:22:54 +0000

Gamma,
Latest ADMs have BA at 4610, Union 4285, Jenks 2843, Owasso 2604 and Midwest City 1523.

And while Owasso beat Westmoore in the second round last year, not sure I’d call 16-6 being “crushed.”

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:20:02 +0000

It’s a different philosophy on the two sides. In the East, they’ve made the decision to stick with larger schools while on the West, districts have decided to open new schools when they get larger. There are positives on both sides. But size along doesn’t make a football power. Broken Arrow is almost 300 students larger than Union and more than 1,500 larger than Jenks and they haven’t been able to break the Jenks-Union stranglehold.

Maurice, I haven’t heard that about Ross. He had a huge night Friday against Muskogee. I don’t see Jenks losing to Norman but Jenks-BA figures to be a heck of a game.

By: Gamma2188

Gamma2188 — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:17:12 +0000

Westside Connection- Please show us the enrollment numbers you are using that show Jenks and Owasso having even close to 4500 students. And I’m not sure you’re one to talk, since Owasso crushed one of those Moore schools in the playoffs last year, right after they upset the Bombers.

By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:15:55 +0000

I grew up on the West side (PCW ’77) and now live on the East side (kids all go to Jenks). Get over the size thing – only BA and Union are really big – Jenks and Owasso have well over a thousand fewer students than those other two. If there is a benefit to not splitting, it is in the continuity it provides – the same program from little league on up. The coaches at Jenks High School have a lot of contact with the youth league coaches and are aware of what’s going on at that level. The kids start on the HS playbook in the 3d and 4th grades, so by the time they make varsity, they have been playing together and running the same plays for 6 or 7 years already. There’s no reason why other westside schools can’t be as successful as MWC if they want to be. There’s plenty of money in the houses making up the Putnam City district, so there’s no good reason why West, and especially North, are as bad as they are.

Don’t tell me you want the larger eastside schools to split because you’re so concerned about the education the kids get. Jenks is, along with the Edmond schools, in the top 3 or 4 high schools in Oklahoma from an academic standpoint. The other big schools are also among the best schools in the Tulsa area, as well.

By: Maurice

Maurice — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:05:45 +0000

Union should be #1, I know they lost but at full strength which they will be heading into the playoffs, they are the best. So see u later Midwest City in the second round cause thats who they will get to play. Lets stop all the hoopla about Jenks! They are down this year plain and simple. The QB is awful, both RB’s are hurt, one of those having the last name Ross is more than likely out for the season with a broken collar bone. Jenks just better hope they beat Norman or BA bc if they dont Union will roll them again!

By: "WESTSIDE CONNECTION"

"WESTSIDE CONNECTION" — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:34:18 +0000

DONT EVER PUT BROKEN ARROW ,OR OWWASO IN THE CATEGORY OF JENKS OR UNION. NEITHER TEAM HAS EVER DONE ANYTHING OTHER THAN HAVE ALOT OF KIDS IN COMMON WITH THOSE OTHER 2 TULSA POWERS. REALIZE IF YOU COMBINED THE ENROLLMENT OF CARL ALBERT, MWC, AND DEL CITY THAT THEY WOULD STILL HAVE LESS KIDS TO CHOSE FROM THAN JENKS, UNION , AND BROKEN ARROW HAVE IN EACH OF THEIR HALLWAYS. IF MWC PULLS THIS OFF WITH JUST OVER 1500 KIDS IN COMPARISON WITH THE TULSA SCHOOLS 4500 THIS WILL BE THE BIGGEST UPSET IN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL HISTORY.

By: GURU

GURU — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:32:53 +0000

Yea I agree East side guys lets just hand Union, Jenks, Owasso, and Broken Arrow who got smoked in the playoffs last year by Lawton the gold ball. Maybe they can be Class 7a so everyone else has a chance. How does that sound elitest!

By: cobracab

cobracab — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 02:26:30 +0000

How great would it the East schools split? Football would be more evenly split, plus the kids would get a better education.

By: Darius Jones

Darius Jones — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 01:44:03 +0000

To be honest, I don’t believe the east side of the state necessarily plays better football than the west side. I just think that the four main east side schools just have a larger variety of athletes to choose from because of their large populations. If districts such as Moore, Mid-Del, Edmond, and Lawton had one school with 4,000+ students in their cities, then I don’t think Union, Jenks, Broken Arrow, or Owasso could even compete with west-side schools. I am directing this toward Lawton because that’s where I live. Three schools in Lawton is to many for the population that we have. With all the talent I see here, it’s hard to believe that anybody could compete with these kids if they had one or two high schools.

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:47:47 +0000

No argument there, Leo. It’s definitely entertaining to discuss though.

By: Leo Allard

Leo Allard — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:38:44 +0000

Rankings are for fun and entertainment. Thank goodness Oklahoma H.S. football has a playoff. The best will be decided on the field, the way it should be.

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:41:37 +0000

Jared,
It don’t think it’d be as bad as you’d think but if you boil it down to the “powers” on one side vs. the powers on the other, there would be a divide. I tend to agree, until someone proves it wrong on the field, that the East side teams are better, at least when you talk about Union and Jenks. Those two have combined to meet in the last four 6A finals and win the last 15 titles. That dominance is unquestionable. Until they’re both eliminated in one playoff year, I’m not going to count out the Trojans and Redskins.

By: Jared

Jared — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:35:27 +0000

This may sound like ignorant East side bias, but really… can anyone in the OKC area be considered the No. 1 team in the state? Owasso, Jenks, Union and BA beat up on each other all season, every season, and end up being four of the last teams in the playoffs, EVERY season. It’s a different level of football on the East side. I would love to see the head-to-head record between East side schools vs. West side schools the last ten years.

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:34:20 +0000

Expert,
I don’t expect them to and if I had to bet, I’d go with Union or Jenks to win the gold ball yet again against the field. I expect Jenks to be better than they were against Union the first time around and I still think Union, when healthy, is the best team in the state.

By: expert

expert — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:22:44 +0000

Union will not go away. They have plenty of people to plug into their lineup till playoffs. I would say the only team that can beat Union at full strength is still Jenks. You have to have a running game and a passing game to beat Union. And don’t be fooled by the performance of the Jenks QB in the Backyard Bowl.

By: just a spectator

just a spectator — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:33:26 +0000

I don’t have a problem with saying that P.C. had a weak schedule up until the Edmond North game. I thought that all along, which is why I was so surprised that the predictions were for a tight game or an ourtright Edmond North loss. Now after the fact, it becomes relevant as to where Edmond North is ranked. Your both right, North still has a ways to go over the next three weeks, and rankings don’t mean that much at the end of the day, but beating a top 10 team, by your own ranking, should own a little more weight than that. All that being said, I think #4 is a good spot for them.

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:17:28 +0000

Understand that completely, H. And Union is likely to move back up at least some once its QB and RB are back healthy or the Redskins prove they can adjust and be the same offensive team without them. For now, they’re down a bit. But I’d be shocked if they don’t climb back up in the coming weeks.

By: H

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:11:59 +0000

I meant to add how excited I am to see how everything plays out!

By: H

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:09:48 +0000

I would imagine this was a very difficult week to figure out, but I’m going to have to side with Scott on this one. I think what I disagree with most is just how far Union fell.
I do think strength of schedule should have been a factor all along. Putnam City & Norman both proved that this week by losing horribly when they finally played some real competition.
I am not discounting Edmond North, but I believe they have had a very weak schedule up until this week when they will face Westmoore. We will see what the next 3 weeks hold for them. I

By: Ryan Aber

Ryan Aber — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 20:44:37 +0000

Can’t remember if we touched on it in last week’s video but it was certainly a topic of conversation. I wasn’t as concerned about Putnam City’s offense as I was their defense. If the Pirates go back to routing teams, that win for Edmond North looks better and better. Each week adds more context to what’s happened in past weeks.

I’m certainly not discounting what they’ve done but in the next three weeks, they’ve got a chance to prove they belong at or near the top.

By: just a spectator

just a spectator — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 20:33:58 +0000

You guys sure weren’t talking about Putnam City’s weak schedule last week. It was all about the 1,000 yard rusher with 21 td’s through 5 games. In fact, it was supposed to be a tight game. 35-0 is domination all the way around. I’m not saying Edmond North should be ranked #1, but don’t discount what they’ve done so far by throwing in strength of schedule after the fact.