Week 3 Picks
Scott picked up a game on both Jason and me last week while all three of us were corrects on our locks of the week. Here are our overall records and picks for this week:
Last week:
Scott 7-3, 1-0
Ryan 6-4, 1-0
Jason 6-4, 1-0
Overall
Ryan: 14-6, 2-0
Jason: 13-7, 1-1
Scott: 13-7, 1-1
Ryan
Midwest City 21, Edmond Santa Fe 14
Jenks 28, Owasso 7
McAlester 35, Ardmore 14
Tulsa East Central 35, Tulsa Washington 10
McGuinness 21, Millwood 13
Heritage Hall 42, Davis 17
Bethany 28, Washington 13
Kingfisher 14, Hennessey 12
Ryan 22, Coyle 18
Tipton 33, Thackerville 22
Lock of the week: Kingfisher over Hennessey
This is a tough one for me because there was a lot I was impressed with last week when I watched Hennessey play Jones. But Kingfisher has the depth to wear down Hennessey a bit by the end of the game and the athleticism to not let Ivan Moreno and Levi Hill wear their defense down. The Eagles will be better for having played this game once district play begins but Kingfisher gets it done.
Jason
Edmond Santa Fe 21, Midwest City 20
Jenks 45, Owasso 24
McAlester 27, Ardmore 14
Tulsa East Central 24, Tulsa Washington 14
Bishop McGuinness 28, Millwood 17
Heritage Hall 35, Davis 10
Bethany 31, Washington 17
Kingfisher 24, Hennessey 21
Coyle 30, Ryan 27
Tipton 35, Thackerville 30
Lock of the week: Bishop McGuinness over Millwood
The Falcons have a tough power running game that will be tough for future opponents to slow down, but not the Irish. McGuinness’ defense — especially with their outstanding linebacking core of Brandon Nguyen, Danny Krenger and Nick Jeffries. Last season, Millwood won a shootout 48-41, but expect a more low-scoring game this time. Bishop McGuinness 28, Millwood 17
Scott
Midwest City 28, Edmond Santa Fe 24
Jenks 35, Owasso 24
McAlester 35, Ardmore 21
Tulsa East Central 30, Tulsa Washington 21
McGuinness 21, Millwood 20
Heritage Hall 41, Davis 17
Bethany 38, Washington 28
Kingfisher 21, Hennessey 20
Coyle 30, Ryan 27
Tipton 28, Thackerville 27
Lock of the week: McAlester over Ardmore.
Sitting in a press box in El Reno two years ago during the Class 5A semifinals, I began to take note of a talented McAlester team. Then I noticed the amount of young players on the roster, and I realized this was a team that would only keep getting better. Now we’re seeing it come to fruition, and I think this week will be another sign of things to come for the Buffs.
Edmond Memorial’s James Woodard offered by Oklahoma State; Juwan Parker adds ninth offer
Edmond Memorial's James Woodard, right, was offered a scholarship by Oklahoma State on Tuesday.
Busy week on the basketball recruiting scene. Here’s a look at the two biggest pieces of news from the last couple days:
OSU offers Memorial’s James Woodard
Edmond Memorial senior James Woodard is coming off strong summer performances on the AAU circuit, and the results are showing in his college offers.
Woodard’s added his biggest opportunity to date when Oklahoma State offered a scholarship during a visit to the campus on Tuesday, Edmond Memorial coach Shane Cowherd said.
“They want to bring him in for an official visit early in the football season,” Cowherd said. “James is still weighing the offer, and he has some other good offers, too.”
Woodard, a 6-foot-3 shooting guard, also has offers from Tulsa, Oral Roberts and Creighton.
Woodard’s brother, Jordan Woodard, will be a junior for the Bulldogs and is also garnering national recruiting attention, including an offer from Oklahoma.
Cowherd said that attending the same school is not necessarily a major factor for the brothers in the recruiting process.
“James is going to pick the best school for him, and Jordan will pick the best school for him,” the coach said. “If that happens to be the same school, then that’s great.”
Parker gets ninth offer
Tulsa Washington’s Juwan Parker is quickly becoming one of the state’s most sought-after basketball recruiting targets, picking up his ninth scholarship offer on Tuesday. The University of San Francisco extended a scholarship, which Parker announced on Twitter.
The 6-foot-4 guard, who will be a junior this year, also has offers from Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Tulsa, Baylor, Minnesota, Memphis, Mercer and Vanderbilt.
San Francisco has already gotten verbal commitments from two Oklahoma players for the 2012 class in the Bishop McGuinness duo of Matt Christiansen and Joe Edmonds.
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Owasso’s Keon Hatcher, Booker T. Washington’s Jared Collins commit to Arkansas
Owasso receiver Keon Hatcher and Booker T. Washington cornerback Jared Collins committed Monday to play football at Arkansas, according to The Tulsa World.
Hatcher had 76 catches for 1,075 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior. Collins had three interceptions and 21 tackles for the Class 5A champion Hornets. He also plays receiver and placed second at the state track meet in the long jump.
Read the rest of the story here.
Edmond Memorial’s Jordan Woodard, Booker T.’s Juwan Parker on Rivals list
Jordan Woodard is ranked No. 86 on the Rivals 100 for 2013.
They both got a taste of the gold ball in the spring, and they still have two more years left to make their mark at their respective program.
The honors keep coming for Edmond Memorial’s Jordan Woodard and Tulsa Washington’s Juwan Parker as each was named to the Rivals top 100 prospects for the class of 2013.
Woodard played a big role in helping the Bulldogs win the Class 6A state title, while Parker was instrumental in the Hornets winning their second consecutive 5A title.
Parker was named to The Oklahoman’s Super 5 boys basketball team. Both are rated as four-star prospects by Rivals.com. Parker is No. 62, while Woodard is No. 86.
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Definitely thought I’d see Douglass’ Stephen Clark on the list. Still time, though, for Clark to work his way on there.
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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
The Oklahoman’s Super 30 revisited, Pt. II
Back in August, we unveiled the Super 30 for the Class of 2011. Here’s where they’re all going as we get closer to Signing Day:
11. Davion Pierson, Millwood (TCU) — The other local boy (not on Del City) going to Gary Patterson and the Horned Frogs. Pierson’s dedication to his conditioning was key this year.
12. Daniel Davis, Norman North (Pennsylvana) — Went his separate ways with Stanford and has found a home in the Ivy League. Comfortable with decision.
13. Archie Bradley, Broken Arrow (Oklahoma) — Such a great baseball prospect that I would be shocked to see Bradley on OU’s campus in the fall though he said he really wants to be there.
14. Tyler Lockett, Tulsa Washington (Kansas State) — Played the role of recruiter himself in getting teammate Dante Barnett to join him in Manhattan.
15. Kameron Doolittle, Edmond Memorial (Northeastern Oklahoma) — Coaching changes proved crucial at Colorado and Tulsa. Still has a very upbeat attitude about his future.
16. Cody Miller, Lawton (East Central University) — A steal for the Ada-based program. Miller is about as solid as they come. ACL injury hurt his prospects.
17. Hunter Davis, Choctaw (Kansas State) — A late change from Tulsa to KSU, said he felt really comfortable in Manhattan.
18. Trevon Lewis, Midwest City (Texas State) — Midwest City assistant Jason Sexton said Lewis should be signing with Texas State, he’s another late sleeper if you ask me.
19. David Glidden, Mustang (Oklahoma State) — Proving again size doesn’t matter, Glidden could become a household name in a couple of years for the Cowboys.
20. Jake Love, Tonkawa (Kansas) — A solid senior season removed any doubts about Jayhawks taking a chance on Tonkawa product.
Wednesday: Nos. 10-1.
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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
The Oklahoman’s Super 30 revisited, Pt. I
Back in August, we unveiled the Super 30 for the Class of 2011. Here’s where they’re all going as we get closer to Signing Day:
21. Connor Myers, Edmond Memorial (Weber State) — Hit the visit circuit hard this month before deciding on Weber State. A lot of Edmond products are there.
22. Trent Martin, Jenks (Tulsa) — Martin has also put on his recruiting hat in trying to lure some other Tulsa area products to the Golden Hurricane.
23. Emilio Gatewood, Norman North (Undecided) — Senior season didn’t go the way Timberwolves were hoping, but still a great talent.
24. Brayle Brown, Shawnee (Louisiana-Monroe) — What a story. Spends most of the year at WR because of labrum injury and will still play QB. Great heart.
25. Isaac Maselera, Glenpool (Oklahoma State) — Flirted with changing his commitment to Tulsa before deciding to stay with the Cowboys.
26. Derrick Alexander, Tulsa Washington (Tulsa) — A late change from Louisiana-Monroe to Tulsa, but a change you could see coming. On the field, there were few equals to Alexander this season.
27. John-Phillip Hughes, Tulsa Edison (Oklahoma) — A great senior year was taken away from him by injury but still a find at tight end. Said he plans to walk-on for the Sooners.
28. Jabral Johnson, Lawton (Oregon State) — Went from Arizona to Oregon State. Close friends with Zimmerman and two have found a home.
29. Brandon Swindall, Millwood (Undecided) — Nothing more Swindall could have done on a field to show he deserves a shot. Some school is receiving an incredible ‘get.’ Does have an offer from New Mexico, though.
30. Chazten Gonzales, Del City (TCU) — One of the best dual-threat QBs around, he’s been solid with TCU all year and having Naff join him is great for both and TCU.
Tuesday: Nos. 20-11.
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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Boneman’s ballot: Guthrie’s Kentrell Brothers is No. 1…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Varsity writer Robert Przybylo says Guthrie's Kentrell Brothers was the best player in the state
You’ve been on pins and needles, admit it. You’ve been wondering what my top 10 players in the state ballot would look like.
Well, wonder no more. We’ve named Aliston Cobb, Brandon Swindall, Donovan Roberts and Kentrell Brothers as Players of the Year in one form of another. David Glidden captured the NewsOK.com honor. Now here’s the even more ‘prestigious’ Boneman Award.
10. Alex Ross, RB, Jenks
Ooh, this was tough. Between Ross and QB Sawyer Kollmorgen, one of the Trojans was getting on this list. But after watching some Jenks’ games on Cox onDemand (hey, blatant plug), Kollmorgen had the consistency, but Ross had the wow factor. Where did this kid come from? Excited for his senior year.
9. Tyrequek Zimmerman, WR/DB, Lawton
For most of the year we didn’t really get to see what he could do. The Wolverines dominated the district. However, when the playoffs came around, Zimmerman was on full display on both sides of the ball. Zimmerman is headed to Oregon State (joined by teammate Jabral Johnson).
8. Donovan Roberts, RB, Norman
Take what I said about Ross and paste it here. Tremendous size, great speed, future is incredibly bright for the Tigers RB. Workhorse, doesn’t fumble, scores and gains yards against some of the toughest teams in the state. It may not be possible, but I think he might be even better next season.
7. Aliston Cobb, RB, Douglass
Not much more needs to be said about Cobb’s record season for the Trojans. All I point to is his two TDs against Wagoner. He gets hurt, team doesn’t get another first down. Now that’s an impact on a team.
6. Brandon Swindall, WR/DB, Millwood
Cannot believe schools aren’t busting his door down with offers. Some might say playing in 2A helps his numbers. I say if he was playing against bigger classes, he would have no problem adapting his game and have just as big an impact. All the great ones adjust.
5. Derrick Alexander, DL/LB, Booker T.
You could make a great argument that Alexander was the best defensive player in the state this season. The Hornets were loaded with incredible talent all over the place, but Alexander stood out. I mean you always knew where Alexander was on the field.
4. David Glidden, WR/DB/KR, Mustang
Always loved watching Glidden play. Week 2 against Edmond North last season — I was officially on the bandwagon. He was a little banged up at times this season so I don’t think we saw his full potential, but it does hurt when you’re trying to rank his season. We’ll see his full potential at Oklahoma State.
3. Christian Hood, WR/DB, Union
Now this is a kid I wish I could have seen on a weekly basis. Love the way he plays the game. And what can you say about his performance against Jenks in the championship? Another great prospect teams are sleeping on.
2. Sterling Shepard, QB/RB/WR/DB/KR, Heritage Hall
I won’t say too much here (haven’t I said enough at this point). When a play had to be made, Shepard did it — no matter what. Won’t forget that Kingfisher outing anytime soon.
1. Kentrell Brothers, RB/WR/DL, Guthrie
If I didn’t know Guthrie coach Rafe Watkins and his staff so well, I would venture to say they don’t know how to figure up stats. Those couldn’t be real numbers, right? Brothers is legit in every way, shape and form. He should make a fine transition to LB at Missouri, and I agree with Watkins who said in his All-State nomination form, “Kentrell is the best player in the state.” He was.
Christmas memories from All-State football players…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
In the Christmas spirit, we asked some of our All-State football players for their favorite Christmas memories.
Here’s what some of them had to say.
Derrick Alexander, Tulsa Washington
I received the gift of getting into Booker T. Washington. It was one of the best decisions of my life. It just made everything better.”
Dylan Dismuke, Duncan
A four-wheeler I got a couple of years ago. It’s been a way to go off and have fun away from sports all the time.”
Aliston Cobb, Douglass
A football when I was a little boy.”
Austin Beck, Nowata
My parents gave me some GI Joes when I was younger. GI Joes are my ultimate favorite toy.”
David Glidden, Mustang
It’s not just one, but every year in elementary school, I would buy everyone in my family at least one gift and the feeling of giving just made it better than receiving.”
Trevon Lewis, Midwest City
The best gift I received was a big wheel truck. I wanted one so bad when I was a kid, and I woke up one morning for Christmas, and it was sitting in my living room.”
Trent Martin, Jenks
Spider-Man web shooter. I was the biggest Spider-Man fan.”
Tyrequek Zimmerman, Lawton
A go-cart back in the younger days was the best present and also a BB gun.”
Devin Randall, Bartlesville
My favorite Christmas present was the first generation iPod that I received in fifth grade (Boneman’s note: That makes me feel old) This gift was the start of my love for music in my life.”
The Oklahoman’s All-State football team comes out Jan. 2 (Sunday), the same day when the NewsOK Player of the Year will be announced. The Big All-City team comes out Dec. 29 (Wednesday), with the Little All-City team Dec. 30 (Thursday). Voting for the NewsOK Player of the Year is open until Dec. 31.
Boneman’s championship picks…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Class 6A – Jenks (13-0) vs. Tulsa Union (12-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday, Boone Pickens Stadium at Oklahoma State
Score: Jenks 39, Union 23
Breakdown: There is a good history of the winner of the regular season matchup losing in the championship, but I’m not seeing it here. Alex Ross might be the breakout star of the state (Sheldon Wilson and Sterling Shepard are up there, too) and has become an all-state-caliber RB for the Trojans. Not much is said about the defense, but when they’ve needed to step up, they have. I look for Tulsa commit Trent Martin to have one heck of a night as Jenks completes dominant undefeated season.
Class 5A – Booker T. Washington (12-1) vs. Tulsa East Central (12-1), 1 p.m. Saturday, Boone Pickens Stadium at OSU
Score: Booker T. 31, East Central 19
Breakdown: Another case of a championship being a rematch of an early-season matchup. Hornets looked so good last week against a great Guthrie team. If this is close, edge goes to the Cardinals with kicker Antonio Escobedo, but I think Jordy Albert, Tyler Lockett and Dante Barnett prove to be the difference. And if not, there is always running back Isaac Bennett. Darrell Hall gets his second championship in as many years with a different team.
Class 4A – Wagoner (13-0) vs. Douglass (11-2), 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Boone Pickens Stadium at OSU
Score: Wagoner 25, Douglass 18
Breakdown: Ooh, I am torn about this one. The Bulldogs have been so dominant this year. Blowing out 4A teams like nothing. Beating two 5A playoff teams. But Douglass is playing as well as anybody right now. Eleven straight wins is nothing to sneeze at. The running game behind Aliston Cobb has been incredible and QB Shon Bridges gives enough balance to the offense. Ultimately, Prince McJunkins does it one more time for Dale Condict’s club.
Class B – Cherokee (13-0) vs. Wetumka (11-2), 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Stillwater’s Pioneer Stadium
Score: Cherokee 36, Wetumka 16
Breakdown: Comparative scoring can get you in trouble, but Cherokee beat Dewar 46-12 in the semifinals. That same Dewar team 45-pointed Wetumka in Week 10. Does it mean anything? I don’t know. What I do know is that Cherokee defense was extremely impressive and that I’ve never seen an eight-man team have so many different weapons at running back like Chiefs have. Wetumka’s Derrick Moore is the wild card.
Class C – Deer Creek-Lamont (12-0) vs. Shattuck (11-1), 1 p.m. Saturday, Stillwater’s Pioneer Stadium
Score: DC-Lamont 26, Shattuck 20
Breakdown: DC-Lamont is another team that feels like it has been destined for this moment. The Eagles, of course, ended Shattuck’s winning streak last season. It’s a chance for Shattuck to end DCLA’s dream season and earn another title of its own. Just don’t see it happening. Every time I’ve doubted DCLA, the Eagles have made me look stupid. Simply put: lesson learned on my part.
Thursday: 3A-A semifinal games.
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).
