EAST
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
Andrew Hearon, Metro Christian
Tony Kiefer, McAlester

Running backs
Dakota Biswell, Stroud
Caleb Muncrief, Madill
Cole Scheulen, Catoosa
Willie Zackery, Woodland

Wide receivers
Levi Copelin, Broken Arrow
Michael Fraley, Adair
Ty Miller, Caddo
Victor Williams, Muskogee

Tight ends
Matt Gallagher, Owasso
Zac Veatch, Broken Arrow

Linemen
John Connor, Tulsa Kelley
Jeremy Iron, Pawhuska
Lance Kloker, Owasso
Talon Miles-Satepauhoodle, Hominy
Montana Poorboy, Catoosa
Sam Sabin, Jenks
Chris Wallace, Sperry

Punter/kicker
Tom Carwile, Tulsa Washington

DEFENSE
Linemen
Hunter Hart, Cascia Hall
Orion Jones, Jenks
Gcory Rahmings, Broken Bow
Travis Sandlin, Vian
Max Simmons, Lincoln Christian
Gary Wilson, Sand Springs

Linebackers
Patrick Bartlett, Woodland
Jevonte Cross, Tulsa East Central
Aaron Dolan, Berryhill
Connor Sherwood, Cascia Hall
Blace Walser, Tulsa Union

Defensive backs
Kent Booze, Spiro
Adam Boyd, McAlester
Kevin Peterson, Wagoner
Dillon Proctor, Caddo
Jermy Reynolds, Wewoka
Jesse Vester, Stillwater

Coaches
Mike Mobra, Catoosa; Eddy Scott, Pawhuska; Kevin Harmon, McAlester; Darren Melton, Lincoln Christian.

WEST
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
Corben Jones, Yukon
Garrett Lorah, Elgin

Running backs
Casey Curtis, Putnam City
James Flanders, Midwest City
Josh Way, Wayne
Sheldon Wilson, Anadarko

Wide receivers
Gage Diffee, Bethany
Javis Flynn, Watonga
Tre Kelley, Edmond Santa Fe
Tylor Seabolt, Jones
Sterling Shepard, Heritage Hall

Linemen
Blake Belcher, Guthrie
Daniel Burton, Putnam North
Brandon Dewitt, Lawton
Devin Dobbins, Millwood
Carrie Farmer, Minco
Adam Kelley, Wynnewood
Cole Parsons, Edmond North

DEFENSE
Linemen
Josh Crouch, Edmond Santa Fe
Patrick Diaz, Lawton
Kyle Factor, Westmoore
Markus Wakefield, Heritage Hall
Braylon Freeman, Lawton MacArthur
Ricky Rodriguez, Clinton

Linebackers
Landry Chappell, Guthrie
Zeke Lewis, Midwest City
Payton Marsh, Thomas
Brandon Nguyen, McGuinness
Wes Satoe, Anadarko
Jas’Sen Stoner, Douglass

Defensive backs
Rashaad Copeland, El Reno
Jared Griffin, Duncan
Rico Hogan, Norman
Aaron Holden, Temple
Aaron McCandless, Shattuck
Ivan Moreno, Hennessey
Michael Thomas, Lawton MacArthur

Coaches
Bob Ward, Thomas; Curtis Lorah, Elgin; Tracy Scott, Blanchard; Jeremy Dombek, Edmond North.

McAlester had a late lead on Guthrie before losing 28-25 in the semifinals in blustery winds that severely limited their high-powered passing game. That doesn’t mean anything in relation to Guthrie. The Bluejays won the game then went on to win the title. But when put up next to Lawton MacArthur’s 24-7 loss to Guthrie in the finals, I decided McAlester’s resume was better. It was awfully close but the Buffs get the edge. Tulsa Kelley gave Lawton MacArthur all it could handle in the second round and pushed McAlester to the brink as well. The Comets’ defense was very good. Tulsa East Central entered the season as the favorites but lost to Pryor midway through the season to finish second in their district. That led to a second-round matchup at eventual champion Guthrie. Guthrie won 20-14 in another nailbiter. Ardmore was a semifinalists but lost to Duncan late in the season. They did push McAlester but were blown out twice by Lawton MacArthur. The win over Carl Albert was clearly Ardmore’s high point. Pryor was also a playoff victim to Ardmore. Carl Albert, Duncan and Coweta remained in the bottom three spots. All of Coweta’s losses came to teams ranked ahead of them (And 4A champion Wagoner). They also beat Tulsa Central, so their resume was better than any team left out.

All-District
Quarterbacks: Travis Galbreath, Ardmore; Keaton Webb, Durant.
Running backs: Jordan Alesky, Duncan; Dom Nortonen, Altus; Ashton Perry, Ardmore.
Wide receivers: Jacobi Davis, Chickasha; Won Davis, Chickasha; Jace Hammock, Durant; Marvin Kirbo, Northwest; Josiah Reed, Ardmore.
Tight end: Christian Kneisel, Altus.
Offensive linemen: Michael Buben, Duncan; James Gibson, Duncan; Austin House, Altus; Christian Joy, Ardmore; Cameron Sralla, Ardmore; Cole Stamps, Lawton MacArthur.
Defensive linemen: Marcus Johnston, Durant; Evan McGee, Ardmore; Codie Noland; Northwest; Kaynon Sadler, Altus; Dwayne Sanford, Lawton MacArthur; Braxdan Turner, Chickasha.
Linebacker: Tyler Dixon, Ardmore; Austin Payne, Lawton MacArthur; Francis Taylor, Capitol Hill; Andrew Weaver, Durant.
Defensive backs: Jywayne Allen, Ardmore; Jeff Ervin, Duncan; Trey Fish, Ardmore; Tyler Henley, Durant; Daniel McCoy, Duncan; Jacob Warner, Lawton MacArthur.
Punter: Luis Leyva, Capitol Hill.
Kicker: Juan Campos, Northwest.

Class 5A
1. Guthrie (1)#12-0
2. Lawton MacArthur (2)#12-0
3. McAlester (3)#12-0
4. Tulsa Kelley (4)#8-3
5. Ardmore (7)#8-4
6. Tulsa East Central (5)#10-2
7. Carl Albert (7)#9-2
8. Pryor (6)#9-3
9. Duncan (9)#8-4
10. Coweta (10)#6-5

The biggest challenge came after the top 3. I decided to keep Tulsa Kelley fourth. They lost to McAlester by one during the regular season and played Lawton MacArthur as close as any 5A team had this season. Ardmore leaped to No. 5. I considered keeping Tulsa East Central ahead of Ardmore as well but East Central fell to Pryor during the regular season while Ardmore was able to pull off the win at Pryor.

Last week:
Ryan: 7-3, 1-0
Scott: 7-3, 1-0
Jason: 6-4, 0-1

Overall:
Ryan: 72-29, 9-1
Jason: 69-32, 7-3
Scott: 67-34, 8-2

Ryan
Midwest City 35, Westmoore 21
Owasso 21, Norman 17
Edmond North 21, Yukon 19
Tulsa East Central 32, Tulsa Washington 20
Tulsa Kelley 28, Coweta 14
Duncan 14, Ada 7
Glenpool 35, Piedmont 27
Harrah 21, McGuinness 20
Sequoyah Tahlequah 28, Berryhill 27
Lawton 21, Norman North 14
Lock of the week: Tulsa East Central over Tulsa Washington. East Central won the regular-season matchup at they’ll win again here as their defense slows down the Hornets while their offense continues to roll.

Jason
Midwest City 31, Westmoore 24
Owasso 21, Norman 14
Edmond North 27, Yukon 14
Tulsa East Central 23, Tulsa Washington 14
Coweta 27, Tulsa Kelley 21
Duncan 24, Ada 14
Glenpool 31, Piedmont 17
McGuinness 17, Harrah 13
Sequoyah Tahlequah 35, Berryhill 24
Lawton 31, Norman North 17
Lock of the week: Edmond North over Yukon. Yes, Yukon is fired up because of the way last year’s game ended. But that won’t be enough to make up for the Huskies’ talent. Edmond North wins and moves to a showdown at Tulsa Union.

Scott
Midwest City 35, Westmoore 21
Owasso 28, Norman 17
Yukon 21, Edmond North 20
Tulsa East Central 35, Tulsa Washington 24
Tulsa Kelley 28, Coweta 24
Ada 28, Duncan 24
Glenpool 33, Piedmont 27
Harrah 21, McGuinness 17
Sequoyah Tahlequah 38, Berryhill 28
Lawton 28, Norman North 21
Lock of the Week: Owasso over Norman. Norman RB Donovan Roberts is a game-changer. If he’s able to play, it’s hard to imagine that he’ll be at full speed after the ankle injury he suffered last week. And the Tigers need him to be effective to keep the offense balanced. Without that X-factor, Owasso should put this one away.

In the six days now since the news broke that Guthrie would have to forfeit eight games, I’ve had discussions with plenty of people–coworkers, other high school writers, coaches–about how I would handle the Bluejays in the Class 5A rankings.

Before the ruling came down, Guthrie was No. 1. I left them No. 1 this week and imagine, barring something wild happening in the first round (assuming Guthrie isn’t reinstated), they’ll stay there next week. That will be my last rankings until after the playoffs are concluded.

It’s not a protest vote. Far from it. I considered what I’d seen from Guthrie this year and even with the exclusion of the player ruled ineligible, the Bluejays would not only be undefeated but would still be my pick to win 5A. Their defense is outstanding, especially in the front seven. Their offense is balanced and they get excellent play from the quarterback spot.

Not everyone agreed with that stance, though many did. In The Associated Press poll of writers and broadcasters, just two of eight voters left Guthrie off their ballots. The other six voted the Bluejays No. 1. Barry Lewis from the Tulsa World also left Guthrie atop Class 5A.

Here’s the complete top 10 in 5A:

1. Guthrie (1)#2-8*

2. Lawton MacArthur (2)#10-0

3. McAlester (3)#10-0

4. Carl Albert (4)#10-0*

5. Tulsa Kelley (5)#7-2

6. Tulsa East Central (7)#9-1

7. Pryor (6)#8-2

8. Coweta (9)#6-4

9. Duncan (NR)#7-3

10. Tulsa Central (NR)#8-2

*Guthrie forfeited eight games, including win over Carl Albert, pending Wednesday appeal.

Had I dropped Guthrie out and needed another team to fill my top 10, I would’ve gone with Ardmore (6-4) over Ada (7-3). That decision would’ve been easy. Not only did Ardmore beat Ada head to head, 28-0, on the road to start the season but they played Carl Albert and McAlester much closer than Ada did.

Stunning news came down Thursday night that Guthrie, the No. 1 team in Class 5A, would be forced to forfeit eight of their nine wins. The forfeits would knock the Bluejays out of the playoffs and turn the 5A bracket upside down.

Guthrie will appeal the OSSAA’s decision but, barring a reversal by the Board of Directors next week, here are the ramifications:

El Reno and Noble would be alive in the playoff race, with El Reno holding the upper hand. An Indians win over Western Heights would put them in the postseason. Noble’s playoff scenario is very slim. They’d need a win over 8-1 Carl Albert and a loss by El Reno to 1-8 Western Heights to advance.

But although El Reno’s season figures to be extended by a week, the real beneficiaries figure to be the loser of Friday’s Deer Creek-Ada game. That team was slated to go on the road to face District 5A-2 champions Lawton MacArthur, who enter Friday’s game at Northwest undefeated. Instead, the winner of that game will host Ardmore while the loser will go on the road to a Duncan team that stands 6-3 entering the season finale. That sets up a much better draw for the loser.

Carl Albert will go from having to play Pryor on the road in the second round as the No. 2 seed (assuming both teams win their playoff openers) to a likely second-round matchup with Tulsa East Central. That game, though, would be played at Carl Albert. It also puts the Titans on the opposite side of the bracket from Lawton MacArthur.

This is the second time in three years that the 5A playoffs have been thrown into turmoil shortly before the postseason began. In 2009, Tulsa Washington had to forfeit two games initially and then had a third added shortly thereafter. The forfeits left the Hornets out of the playoffs. Tulsa Washington won the Class 5A title in 2008 and again in 2010.

Thursday
At Carl Albert
Duncan vs. Carl Albert, 11 a.m.
Clinton vs. Carl Albert, 1:30
Altus vs. Clinton, 4 p.m.
Altus vs. Weatherford, 6:30
At Shawnee
McGuinness vs. OKC Broncos, 11 a.m.
McGuinness vs. Ada, 1:30
Yukon vs. McAlester, 4 p.m.
Lawton Mac vs. McAlester, 6:30

Friday
At Carl Albert
Blanchard vs. Altus, 9:30 a.m.
Blanchard vs. Weatherford, noon (I’ll be there)
Duncan vs. Weatherford, 2:30
Duncan vs. Clinton, 5 p.m.
Carl Albert vs. Altus, 7:30
At Shawnee
McAlester vs. Ada, 9:30 a.m.
OKC Broncos vs. Ada, noon
OKC Broncos vs. Lawton Mac, 2:30
Lawton Mac vs. Shawnee, 5 p.m.
Shawnee vs. Yukon, 7:30

Saturday
Games at both sites at 11 a.m., 1:30 and 4 p.m. Championship game is at Carl Albert at 4 p.m.

Chiaf earns title

It’s evident that the Bishop McGuinness girls tennis team won’t be the dominant force that it’s been in recent years.

But don’t think the Irish still won’t be in the hunt for another state championship. Senior Ashleigh Chiaf earned the No. 1 singles championship with a 6-3, 6-3 victory against Heritage Hall’s Sarah Bowen on Friday afternoon at the Tournament of Champions at Heritage Hall.

It was the first time the girls had played against each other in two years when Bowen had defeated Chiaf at this same tournament.

“It was about ‘want to’ today,” Chiaf said. “I really wanted this win. We always play tough matches, but I was able to persevere in the tough points.”

It is the first year at singles for Chiaf after winning three state championships in doubles.

Bowen had a three-set battle with Piper Huey of Jenks in the semifinals, while Chiaf cruised to the final. Chiaf was really on her game in this tournament. You can tell that she is taking a lot of pride in being a senior and leading this team.

Bulldogs win team championship

If Friday’s competition was any indication of what the state tournament is going to be like, it’s an open field.

Four different teams won the individual championships with Edmond Memorial taking home the team title.

For the Bulldogs, it was about consistency. Every player won at least two matches and No. 2 singles player Megan Montgomery earned the championship with a win against Edmond North’s Annie Hayes.

The Huskies and Jenks tied for second, while McGuinness and Enid tied for fourth in the eight-team field.

Gonna be interesting to see the lineups being tinkered with. Definitely think Edmond North is going to be  fluctuating all season until coach Dee Ann Wallar makes up her mind. A lot of talent there, just about finding the right spot.

Kinda surprised that Edmond Memorial took home the crown but says a lot about what Randy Mays is doing there. You go 9-3 against a field like this, well, you have nothing to be ashamed about.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

1. Josh Turner, Millwood (Texas) — A great fit. One of the most selfless, unassuming top prospects I’ve ever met. Ready to make a name for himself.

2. Kendal Thompson, Southmoore (Oklahoma) — Already got a leg up and has enrolled with the Sooners. He’ll play somewhere at OU, unsure if it will be QB.

3. Dylan Dismuke, Duncan (Oklahoma) — Great senior season to send him off to Norman. Lifelong dream come true for the big man.

4. Kentrell Brothers, Guthrie (Missouri) — Took his time and made the right call for himself. Felt he was the best player in the state this year.

5. Tyrequek Zimmerman, Lawton (Oregon State) — Zimmerman and Jabral Johnson are headed to Corvallis and should make a big impact for the Beavers.

6. Domonique Petties, Duncan (Arizona) — Petties was extremely busy making the rounds. He is double-signing with Arizona and NEO. Freakish talent, for sure.

7. Garrett Gladd, Sallisaw (Tulsa) — Switched from Stanford to Tulsa and seems really pleased with his decision. Would have been a force anywhere.

8. Kevonte Richardson, Millwood (Hutchinson, Kan.) — An all-around talent for the Falcons. Can do a little bit of everything on the field on both sides of the ball. Could be QB or could be DB, good at both.

9. Jamelle Naff, Del City (TCU) — Naff will join teammate Chazten Gonzales with the Horned Frogs as team makes leap to Big East. Both are pumped about it.

10. Austin Beck, Nowata (Arkansas) — Tried to early enroll with Razorbacks but was denied. Shouldn’t adversely affect him at all.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Domonique Petties, left, has found a home at Arizona. Dylan Dismuke, of course, is going to OU.

Unfortunately, I never got a chance to see Duncan’s Domonique Petties play in person. His highlight films sure were fun to watch, though.

After being ruled ineligible, wasn’t sure what would happen with Petties. Would he fall off the radar of top schools because he was too much of a risk? Would he mentally fall apart and become totally forgotten?

No and no. Petties has worked his butt off to get himself in good standing academically. And this last month, Petties was busy making the recruiting rounds. He went to Arizona and Pittsburgh in the last two weekends.

He said he loved the Arizona visit and made it official today. Petties, who also had offers from Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, verbally committed to the Wildcats on Monday, said Duncan coach Jim Holloway.

I think Petties future is at safety. Or maybe a hybrid safety/linebacker. Either way, he’s got the size and the speed to play both spots so we’ll have to see.

That gives Duncan three top kids. Dylan Dismuke, of course, is going to Oklahoma. Lineman Dylan Laurens is headed to Southwestern Oklahoma State. And now Petties, who is actually going to sign with Arizona and NEO (explained in the story).

For the story, read after the jump:

When Duncan’s Domonique Petties was ruled ineligible midway through the season by the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association, he wasn’t sure if his dream of playing NCAA Division I football was over.

It’s not. After back-to-back weekends of making visits, Petties verbally committed to Arizona on Monday, said Duncan coach Jim Holloway.

Petties, 6-foot-1 and 212 pounds and being recruited as an athlete, was having a solid senior season for the Demons before it was discovered that Petties was in his fifth year of high school. The problem was discovered in his transcripts after transferring from Del City.

Petties missed a year of school between his sophomore and junior year because of extenuating circumstances, and it made him a fifth-year student. The NCAA requires that prospective student-athletes finish high school in four years unless there were extenuating circumstances. Petties was ruled to have extenuating circumstances.

“His focus has been on taking care of his academics,” Holloway said. “He’s been unbelievable during this entire time. Some kids once they would have found out they couldn’t play, wouldn’t have been able to deal with it.

“He’s done the total opposite. He’s had a tremendous attitude and has spent his time working hard in the weight room and getting his grades in order.”

Petties, a three-star prospect according to Rivals.com, is ranked No. 6 on The Oklahoman’s Super 30 and was the highest-ranked prospect to not have committed.

Petties visited Arizona two weeks ago and also made a trip to Pittsburgh this last weekend.

Petties had more than 20 offers, said Holloway, which included Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, among others. However, Arizona is taking a chance. The Wildcats have to file a waver to get Petties into school. However, the waver cannot be filed until after the end of the school year with the transcript to show Petties has qualified.

If Petties doesn’t academically qualify, he has a backup plan. Holloway said Petties will also sign with Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in Miami on Wednesday, too.

Petties will be one of three Duncan football players signing as lineman Dylan Dismuke is going to sign with Oklahoma and lineman Dylan Laurens will ink with Southwestern Oklahoma State.

Holloway said the signings are still scheduled to happen Wednesday but may be postponed because of weather. The paperwork will be faxed Wednesday no matter what.

“This is a great group of kids,” Holloway said. “They’ve meant a lot to the program, and it will be tough to replace them.”

***

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.

I’ve been accused of being too conservative with some of my picks. So I rolled the dice in the opening week of the playoffs.

I learned my lesson. So I said 52-10 Carl Albert, huh? Uh, not quite.

Carl Albert 30, Duncan 27 OT – my story on the game here.

Boneman’s Breakdown

- Hey, I thought we were headed toward 52-10 territory at the half. Quincy Johnson and the CA defense were carrying the day. It was 21-3 and things were looking great for Gary Rose’s club. But man, give Duncan all the credit in the world for the way it fought back.

- Leading that fight was QB Brandon Wilson. He set the tone early in the second half. But the best player on the field for Duncan was Jared Griffin. He ignited the spark and then let Wilson join in on the fun.

- Was still feeling pretty good at 24-10 through three quarters. But then the wind happened. Carl Albert had no answers at all when it had to go into the wind. In the first and fourth quarters, looked like a totally different team. No passing game at all, and the runs became extremely predictable.

- Predictable or not, the Titans running game is still a formidable one, paced by Taylor Hawkins and Kenton Whittington. Thought I would be writing about Whittington after his first half and two TDs, but Hawkins gutted out those tough yards in the second half, and of course, the game-winner in OT.

- Speaking of OT, something in me was saying the Titans defense wasn’t going to allow Duncan to score. Just sensed it so when the field goal was good by Jack Braught, thought it would only be a matter of time before Hawkins or Whittington scored the winner.

- Great way to kick off the playoffs. Gone are the 70 degrees with a light breeze. It’s November, and I think it was a tough adjustment for a lot of teams across the state. Not as much here because CA loves to run anyway, but Friday was a wacky night.

- Your underrated play of the night: the pass breakup by Trez Jackson of the Titans late in the fourth quarter. That was a money pass by Wilson, and he had his WR had Jackson not made a fantastic play on the ball.

- Doesn’t get any easier (never does) as the Titans (9-2) are at Tulsa East Central (10-1) on Friday night. Like I’ve said before, this is the punishment for the loss to Guthrie – a road date in the quarterfinals.

Duncan (5-5) vs. Carl Albert (8-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Jim Harris Field, CA (I’ll be there)

Duncan
Why the Demons can win: It won’t be easy, that’s for sure. This team has suffered some bumps and bruises and the loss of Domonique Petties. In its biggest challenges, Jim Holloway’s boys have fallen just short.

Carl Albert (L- BTWashington; W – Ardmore; W – Duncan; W – Western Heights; W – El Reno; W – Southeast; L – Guthrie; W – Ada; W – Deer Creek; W – Noble)
Why the Titans can win: Because like every other Gary Rose-coached team, this club is peaking at exactly the right the right time. Haven’t we seen this script before? CA was dominant at Duncan in Week 3. The team is a little different, but it’s still extremely effective.

Key matchup: Carl Albert running game vs. Duncan defense. Gets old, doesn’t it, just talking about the running game? It’s true, though. Gimme that collection of backs (Taylor Hawkins, Kenton Whittington, Darvonta Knight) and that powerful O-line, and I’ma win a lot of games…including this one.

The pick: Carl Albert 52, Duncan 10. It would take a major case of stage fright from Hawkins for this to swing the other way. Titans roll to set up showdown with Tulsa East Central.

Boneman’s Titans prediction record: 9-1.

Carl Albert (1-1) at Duncan (1-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Duncan HS

Carl Albert (L – Booker T. 12-10, W – Ardmore 34-6)
Why the Titans can win: Because it was a pretty big statement made by Carl Albert in a tough road environment at Ardmore. The offense was able to take much better care of the ball while the defense was as solid as ever. The running game is coming alive.

Quote:

I like where we’re at. We just have to keep improving. We can’t get too high about one win. It’s about getting better each game.” – coach Gary Rose

Duncan
Why the Demons can win: Maybe it’s too harsh, but Jim Holloway’s boys were embarrassed at Jelsma Stadium against Guthrie. It’s not often you get a second chance to make a first impression. However, if Duncan can beat a team like Carl Albert, you start to forget that Week 1 loss. Putting up more than 50 vs. Noble was a good start.

Key matchup: Carl Albert running game vs. Duncan defensive line. I do think it’s this simple. If Dillan Dansby and Kenton Whittington are able to run through holes created by that stellar offensive line, Carl Albert is going to earn another big road victory.

The pick: Carl Albert 16, Duncan 13. I would be shocked if either team topped the 20-point mark. It will appear to be close, but I really think the Titans are going to be in firm control for most of the game.

Boneman’s Carl Albert prediction record: 2-0.

The faces have changed, but the formula hasn’t for Carl Albert. It was an impressive performance for the Titans to go into Ardmore and handle the Tigers like they did.

But I was more impressed with the play of junior Dillan Dansby. He had a rough season opener, but those problems were fixed in Week 2. The combo of Dansby and Kenton Whittington running the ball gashed the Ardmore defense time and time again.

Both rushed for more than 100 yards and each scored at least a touchdown. Being physical vs. Ardmore is one thing, doing it against Duncan is going to be the real key.

The Demons, still smarting after the Guthrie thumping, responded with 56 points against Noble. Now for the second time in three weeks, Jim Holloway’s club has a chance to make a big statement.

And this time it’s at home.

Duncan’s strength is obviously its line with the Dylans, Dismuke and Laurens, but I think Carl Albert can match up with them there.

Either way, Friday night’s battle combined with Thursday’s Booker T. and Tulsa East Central contest should help us sort who the class of 5A is heading into district play.

One of these days I’ll figure out how to clone myself and go to all these games at the same time. Until then, I’ll just lament about having to miss a game like Guthrie and Duncan.

Guthrie coach Rafe Watkins is raving about Duncan’s Dylan Laurens. The focus is always on the ‘other Dylan’ in Dylan Dismuke, but Laurens is an impressive player as well.

“He’s outstanding,” Watkins said. “He’s got great feet to go with his size. He’s the ‘smaller’ of the bunch at 6-foot-4 and 274 pounds. This is by far the best offensive line we’re going to see.”

Guthrie got a taste of what Duncan has last year in the playoffs and that should make this one even more exciting. I don’t see too much of a feeling out process going on in this one. Both teams know what to expect and both teams have the players to execute their plan.

If you’re going to combat that OL, it’s gotta be Kentrell Brothers and Landry Chappell. No doubt the Jays will need others to step up, but they have to take their cues from their leaders.

I’m interested in how the Bluejays running game fares against Dominique Petties and company. Watkins is extremely high on RB Alfonso Wilcots and also said Luke Davis is going to get about 10 carries per game. Wilcots could be a dark horse for one of the top backs in 5A.

The stage is set for what should be a good one between the Jays and the Demons on Friday night at Jelsma Stadium.

Every week I will try to have this post up by Sunday or Monday where I’ll tell you the three biggest questions I have for the week in the greater Oklahoma City area.

There are SO many questions with week 1, but here are the three that are standing out the most.

1. How much more will we know about Class 5A by this time next week?

This is the top thing on my mind this week. IMO, we have the top four teams playing against each other with both games in our backyard.

No. 1 Booker T. is at No. 2 Carl Albert while No. 4 Duncan is at No. 3 Guthrie. Both games are Friday night.

The first is a battle of the last two state champions. The Hornets never got a chance to really defend their title last season after all the forfeitures. However, when both teams were at full strength, BTW got the best of the Titans in Week 1 last year.

Carl Albert looks nothing like the team from last year. Dillan Dansby is small but quick compared to the big, rugged J.T. Realmuto. RB Kenton Whittington should have a huge season behind a solid offensive line.

It’s also a quasi-homecoming for BTW coach Darrell Hall, who won the 4A title with Star Spencer last year. Also interesting to see what the Hornets do without QB Jordy Albert, who must sit out two games.

Go north a little bit and head to Jelsma Stadium for the Bluejays and Demons. It’s being billed as Kentrell Brothers vs. Dominique Petties, but it’s a lot more than that.

How is Duncan going to handle the expectations that come with this season? How much has Guthrie QB Bryan Dutton matured?

2. Has Norman caught up to Norman North?

New Norman blogger James Corley will be at Owen Field on Thursday for Norman and Norman North, and he’s being introduced to a very intriguing matchup.

Loved what I saw from the Tigers last Thursday against McAlester. Zach Long might be a little young at quarterback, but when you have RB Donovan Roberts and WR Jaime Myers, life gets a little bit easier.

Timberwolves have all the tools for a memorable year. Daniel Davis is sensational, and I’m expecting big things from QB Brad Valentino and RBs Raymond Demby and Emilio Gatewood.

I still give the edge to the Timberwolves, but really like what Greg Nation is doing with the Tigers.

3. Will it be two years in a row for Del City over Midwest City?

The tension was there a couple of weeks ago when the Bombers were in attendance for Del City’s scrimmage at Carl Albert, so you know it’s going to be nuts Friday.

The Eagles surprised MWC last year. With this game at Midwest City, definitely expect the Bombers to be even more fired up.

I don’t know if this game is as simple as the Midwest City defense against the Del City offense matchup, but it will go a long way to determining the victor.

Much like with CHA’s John Merrell, a ton of stuff with Duncan’s Jim Holloway was unable to find its way into the paper because of space issues.

But that’s what the blogs are for, right? So here ya go, more with Holloway:

Toughest loss?

“There are a couple. I want to say it was back in 1990, I believe. We (Wynnewood) lost to Cascia Hall in the semifinals. I held out four of our top players. They violated team policy. Cascia made a game-winning field goal in the final seconds. That was a tough one because we had a great team that year. But I did what I felt had to be done.”

He said it:

“Everybody remembers all the top players that played. Sometimes, it’s that kid who never played for three years but was always there. He showed up to every practice and did everything you asked him to do. That’s what you remember.”

On a unique moment:

“The OSSAA put in overtime in 1976 for the first time. So it’s my first game with Boise City, and we’re playing Clayton, New Mexico. And wouldn’t you know it, we went four overtimes in that game, the first of its kind. That’s pretty unique.”

On having a staff full of former players he coached:

“In 1992, I hired Scott Hudson. It was my first year at Altus. He was my quarterback at Wynnewood in 1983. He was the first former player on my staff. Now I’ve got four of them. It makes me extremely proud to see what those men have become, and they’ve been a big part of me sticking around.”

On the biggest adjustment to today’s game:

“Adjusting your coaching styles to the times. If I coached this team like I did when we first started, I wouldn’t have anybody in the locker room. It was just a different day. If you don’t adjust, you don’t last very long in this business. Still work them hard, but the approach you have is a little different. It’s an every day battle, going through psychology of what is making them tick that particular day.”

Dylan Dismuke, right, and Dominique Petties should have Duncan standing tall this year. Photo by Robert Przybylo, The Oklahoman

I’m glad driving from Oklahoma City to Duncan is one of the easier road trips you can possibly make. For someone who gets lost often on the road, it’s great to know even a blind squirrel could find the Duncan HS.

Because let’s be honest, trips to Duncan are going to be commonplace this season with the likes of Dylan Laurens and Dominique Petties. Oh yea, and Dylan Dismuke.

For all the hullabaloo surrounding some top recruits in the state going to Texas and other out of state places, Dismuke is one of those kids who couldn’t see himself anywhere else but Oklahoma.

It’s the first thing he mentioned, ‘it’s a dream come true.’ Dismuke became a target last season for a lot of top schools across the country and that helps get the word out on Petties and Laurens.

But it’s also helped Dismuke be able to deal with everything. He mentioned the biggest key to the team’s success this year is team unity.

We can’t get jealous of each other about all this media attention. We have to stay together and fight as a team.” – Dismuke

Duncan coach Jim Holloway raves about Dismuke’s work ethic as Dismuke has done everything he can to put himself in the best possible position.

It looked like that ship had sailed on the OU offer, but it came and Dismuke has been even more motivated since that day.

With a line featuring Dismuke and Laurens (the two Dylans), no question why Duncan fans are pumped for September to get here.

Boy oh boy, are we getting close. We’ve reached the top five of the Super 30, and by this time next week, you will have learned a lot about some of the top kids for the upcoming year.

But before we do that, let take a look back at the week that was for the Super 30…

No. 11 Davion Pierson, Millwood: A quiet kid off the field, Pierson is a beast on it. His stock is soaring thanks in large part to getting in much better shape heading into his senior season. For Scott Wright’s story on Pierson, go here.

No. 10 Austin Beck, Nowata: This Arkansas commit is one of the most imposing figures in the state. He’ll be playing offensive line in college, a position he hasn’t played too much of in HS. For Justin Harper’s story on Beck, go here.

No. 9 Jamelle Naff, Del City: He’s still getting accustomed to the attention and playing the recruiting game. You can’t blame him as less than three months ago, he had zero offers. Naff has eight now. For my story on Naff, go here.

No. 8 Garrett Gladd, Sallisaw: Sometimes it just hits you when you least expect it. Gladd figured he would be staying in the area but became enamored with Stanford on his visit and committed to the Cardinal. For Scott Wright’s story on Gladd, go here.

No. 7 Kevonte Richardson, Millwood: It all started with Richardson a long time ago when he was offered by UNLV as a freshman. A lot has changed since, but he’s still a hot commodity and a leader for the Falcons. For Ryan Aber’s story on Richardson, go here.

No. 6 Dominique Petties, Duncan: He might be the best athlete in the state when it comes to athleticism, and Oklahoma certainly has taken notice. Petties is right at home on a loaded Duncan squad and has several offers. For my story on Petties, go here.

No. 5 Kentrell Brothers, Guthrie: Robert Frost has the ‘road not taken.’ Well, Brothers story is one where every road is being traveled. A leader on and off the field, Brothers has accumulated 15 offers. For my story on Brothers, go here.

For much more on the Super 30 kids, including stories, bios, analysis, videos and more good stuff, keep it locked here on NewsOK.com.

Dominique Petties, center, and Dylan Dismuke are two big reasons why Duncan will be a force this year. Photo by Robert Przybylo, The Oklahoman

Some Oklahoma supporters are a little agitated by Duncan’s Dominique Petties right now. How can someone who has had an offer from the Sooners for so long still not commit?

In talking to him, it’s not a pride thing. He’s still just weighing his options like most kids around this time. Obviously, the OU offer stands out compared to his other four ones, but prestige isn’t really playing a role in it.

Having to battle that ‘athlete’ label is tough, but Petties is taking that in stride. It’s pretty incredible to think what Del City would be like had Petties stayed with the Eagles. However, he left after his sophomore season because of family issues, and now it’s the Demons who have one of the most talented teams in the state.

Petties’ highlight video is some fun stuff, advise you to check it out when you get a chance. He came out of nowhere on OU’s Junior Day and the interest has stayed steady there and increased at other places.

Duncan coach Jim Holloway has been most impressed with Petties’ attitude since coming to the Demons. “He’s been someone who has been willing to do whatever we’ve asked of him.”

How much fun is Week 1 going to be with the showdown between Duncan and Guthrie? And perhaps on both sides of the ball, might see a showdown between Petties and Guthrie’s Kentrell Brothers. Two more months, my friends.

He’s been one of the most sought-after recruits all spring, but it won’t be a long process for Duncan’s Dylan Dismuke.

The prized recruit committed to Oklahoma on Tuesday, he confirmed via a Facebook message to The Oklahoman.

At 6-foot-6 and 292 pounds, Dismuke is regarded as one of the best prospects in the state and is ranked No. 191 by Rivals.com in the nation.

The offensive tackle is one of several highly touted recruits for the Demons that also includes offensive lineman Dylan Laurens and Dominique Petties. Petties has five offers, including OU, while Laurens has two offers.

Dismuke had offers from nine other schools but chose the Sooners. His other offers were Oklahoma State, Arizona, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas, Missouri, Oregon State, Texas Tech and Tulsa.

Dismuke is ranked No. 2 on The Oklahoman’s Super 30 top recruits for 2011. Millwood’s Josh Turner is No. 1.

This was from fellow chum Ryan Aber earlier today:

Millwood’s Turner, Southmoore’s Thompson on ESPN list

Millwood cornerback Josh Turner and Southmoore quarterback Kendal Thompson were the two state players on the ESPNU 150 released earlier this week.

The list ranks the top prospects in the class of 2011.

Turner came in at No. 87 and Thompson, an OU commit, was ranked No. 146.

Turner will visit OU and Texas soon as well as making a trip to a camp in Nebraska.

OU had five other commits on the list, all from Texas. Wide receiver Trey Metoyer led the way at No. 58. Athlete Danzel Williams (60), running back Brandon Williams (73), defensive end Nathan Hughes (89) and defensive tackle Jordan Wade (102) rounded out the list for OU.

***

And then Rivals.com released their top 250 and Turner and a couple of Duncan boys are on that list. Turner comes in at No. 55 while Duncan’s Dominique Petties is No. 176 and Dylan Dismuke is No. 191.

For the full list, here ya go.

Making the rounds in the spring football world and was able to catch up with Duncan coach Jim Holloway. The Demons are making some major noise with talents like Dylan Dismuke and Dominique Petties.

However, when I asked about ‘Dylan,’ Holloway took a second and said, ‘which one?’ And he’s right as Dylan Laurens is a a lot more than just the ‘other Dylan’ on the team.

They’re all very impressive, but they’ve improved so much physically since last year. They’re only bigger and stronger.” – Holloway

Like most coaches at this point, he’s optimistic about his team’s chances at this point. Holloway said he’s been pleased with the progress.

The key for Duncan will be how some of the younger players develop. Duncan had an under-the-radar type year last year and had a chance to win the district title against El Reno in Week 10.

For those that don’t know, Dismuke, recruited as an OT, has offers from Arizona, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, Texas Tech and Tulsa. Petties, being recruited as an athlete, has offers from Oklahoma, Missouri, Arizona, Texas Tech and Tulsa. Laurens has no offers yet, but you know that will change as more coaches get a look at him.

Good time to be a Duncan Demon fan right now.

Bracket B
at Tulsa Union
Game 1: Tulsa Kelley vs. Carl Albert, 1:30 p.m.
Game 2: Collinsville vs. Duncan, 4 p.m.
Game 3: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday
Game 4: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 4 p.m.
Game 5: Winner Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4, 6:30 p.m.
Friday
Game 6: Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5, 4 p.m.
Game 7: Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5, 6:30 p.m. (if necessary)

Championship
Saturday
at OneOkField, Tulsa
Bracket A winner vs. Bracket B winner, noon

6A
Broken Arrow
Edmond Memorial
Edmond Santa Fe
Jenks
Norman North
Owasso
Putnam North
Tulsa Union

5A
Carl Albert
Chickasha
Claremore
Collinsville
Deer Creek
Duncan
Tulsa Kelley
Tulsa Washington

4A
Berryhill
Clinton
Fort Gibson
Hilldale
Lone Grove
Metro Christian
Newcastle
Weatherford

3A
Beggs
Bethel
Chandler
Eufaula
Sperry
Plainview
Purcell
Verdigris

2A
Dale
Latta
Lincoln Christian
Mangum
Oktaha
Pioneer
Silo
Wister

Oh ye tennis gods, all I ask is a weekend of no rain and getting everything in. Friday begins the state tennis tournament at the OKC Tennis Center (my home away from home).

Here’s some thoughts and insights on what I believe will happen. And look for a story on Edmond North’s Ann Pepper in Friday’s paper.

6A
Last year’s champs: Edmond North

The Huskies have a great shot at repeating this year. I’m expecting an all Edmond North-Jenks singles final with Rachel Mitcham against Lisa Waldron of Jenks at No. 1 and Pepper vs. Gabrielle Siegler of Jenks at No. 2.

Broken Arrow’s Jodi Blackim will have something to say about that and Enid might go and mess up everything, too.

Edmond Memorial was able to earn both doubles regional titles against rival North, which I found very interesting. The Bulldogs might end up keeping the Huskies off the top spot.

Prediction: Jenks wins a nail-biter, followed by Edmond North, Enid and Edmond Memorial.

5A
Last year’s champs: Bishop McGuinness

There is no drama in this as the Irish should cruise to their 12th straight state championship. However, there will be drama at No. 1 doubles with Whitney Ritchie and Trinian O’Neil of McGuinness who could possibly take on Tulsa Edison in the championship.

Edison has Haley Martin, one of the best players in the state (and nation, for that matter). Martin has had Ritchie’s number on the Missouri Valley circuit, so it would make for one heckuva championship. Martin is teamed with Abby Tolson.

Also will be interesting to see how Duncan’s Melanie Barnes does if she gets a crack at Mia Lancaster of McGuinness. The depth and dominance of the Irish can’t be questioned, though.

Ritchie and No. 2 singles Emily Conrad are going for their fourth state titles while Ashleigh Chiaf and Lancaster are gunning for their third championship. Insane.

4A
Last year’s champs: Heritage Hall

Definitely expect the Chargers to take at least three of the four titles here. Nobody can touch Julie Labarthe and Carissa Villaflor should be able to handle things at No. 2 singles (though I got a hunch Mt. St. Mary’s Victoria Vaughn and Perry’s Lauryn Sullins will play a role).

At No. 1 doubles, Sarah Bowen of Heritage is so strong that it doesn’t matter too much who her partner is though Kelsey Grace is dang good in her own right.

Should be a fun weekend, and you’ll know I’ll be back each night with thoughts.

Millwood cornerback/wide receiver Josh Turner and Edmond Memroial quarterback/wide receiver Kameron Doolittle are among seven Oklahoma athletes who have been nominated to participate in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl next January.

Also nominated were Duncan defensive back Dominique Petties, Duncan offensive lineman Dylan Dismuke, Southmoore quarterback Kendal Thompson, Sallisaw offensive lineman Garrett Gladd and Tulsa Washington running back Isaac Bennett.

Of the 400-plus nominations, 90 will be selected to play in the game, which will be held Jan. 8 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

Last year, Tulsa Washington’s Calvin Barnett, who eventually signed with Arkansas, was the state’s lone representative in the game.

Game 1: Guthrie vs. Tulsa Central, 12 p.m.

Game 2: Duncan vs. Classen SAS, 2:30

Game 3: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 5

Thursday

Game 4: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 2 p.m.

Game 5: Winner Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4, 4:30 p.m.

Friday

Game 6: Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5, 4 p.m.

Game 7: Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5, 6:30 p.m. (if necessary)

Melton picks up win for Panthers

If Putnam City North has a chance at repeating as boys tennis champions, it will need a big outing from No. 2 singles player Kole Melton.

The Panthers got that this weekend as Melton won the championship at the BancFirst Tournament in Duncan.

Paced by Melton and Chris Haworth’s championships, the Panthers tied with Jenks for the team title. The No. 1 doubles team of Wil Rodwell and Brian Diefenderfer placed second. Jenks earned both of the doubles championships.

Duncan earns tennis title

If the Duncan girls were in any other class, the Demons would be contenders for the state title. But in Class 5A with Bishop McGuinness, it’s an uphill battle.

However, that doesn’t mean Duncan has stopped competing as the girls won three of the four titles and the team title at the BancFirst Tournament at Duncan this weekend.

Senior Melanie Barnes earned the No. 1 singles title while Duncan also earned championships at both of the doubles positions.

The No. 1 doubles team of Taylor Spradlin and Kate LeValley are now 21-2 this year. Duncan played Jenks in all four finals and the Trojans placed second.

Here are the results, special thanks to Duncan coach Phil Barnes for the assistance.

BancFirst Tournament
Girls
1. Duncan; 2. Jenks; 3. Ada; 4. Duncan II; 5. Seminole; 6. Anadarko; 7. Ardmore; 8. Putnam North; 9. Guthrie; 10. Norman.

No. 1 Singles: 1. Melanie Barnes, Duncan; 2. Lisa Waldron, Jenks; 3. Lexie Maytubby, Anadarko; 4. Margo Martin, Ada.

No. 2 Singles: Gaby Siegler, Jenks; 2. Samantha Cassidy, Duncan; 3. Alex Morales, Ardmore; 4. Jennifer West, Ada.

No. 1 Doubles: 1. Spradlin and LeValley, Duncan; 2. Huey and Scroggs, Jenks; 3. Poe and Whitworth, Ada; 4. Powell and Powell, Guthrie.

No. 2 Doubles: Hartzell and LeValley, Duncan; 2. Decker and Cawley, Jenks; 3. Fulton and Scott, Duncan II; 4. Dinsmore and Ly, Seminole.

Boys
1. (tie) Putnam North, Jenks; 3. Ada; 4. Norman North; 5. Anadarko; 6. Duncan; 7. Henryetta; 8. Ardmore; 9. (tie) Norman, Oklahoma Bible.

No. 1 Singles: 1. Chris Haworth, PCNorth; 2. Robert Jackson, Ada; 3. Sam Cannon, OBA; 4. Gray Whitman, Jenks.

No. 2 Singles: 1. Kole Melton, PCNorth; 2. Dillon Etter, Jenks; 3. Matthew Medcalf, Ada; 4. Jeremy Ng, Norman North.

No. 1 Doubles: 1. Gordon and Simmons, Jenks; 2. Diefenderfer and Rodwell, PCNorth; 3. Scheffield and Stout, Ada; 4. Hudson and Wehrenburg, Guthrie.

No. 2 Doubles: 1. Leach and Mathias, Jenks; 2. Burkhart and Robinson, Ada; 3. Ashapanek and Ashapanek, Anadarko; 4. Burke and Ketner, PCNorth.

I was going to make a big deal of my 1,000th post this week. However, it came on a serious matter regarding Edmond North softball coach Rick Nordyke and the complaints against him.

So this one is my 1,006th post. And if you’ll keep reading, I’ll keep writing. I enjoy the interaction with the readers through these blogs, so looking forward to that 2,000th post.

Let’s look at the week that was in tennis…

- The 6A boys race has the potential to be just as fun and tight as last year. Putnam North is strong 1-4, and nobody can touch Chris Haworth at No. 1 singles yet. The No. 2 doubles is going to be a struggle, so they’re going to have to get their points from the top four.

Union has great singles players, led by Marquette signee Logon Collins, but its doubles teams are lacking a little something. Opposite is true at Jenks as the Trojans have one of the best doubles teams around.

Also could be an Edlam showdown between North and Memorial. The Huskies are balanced while the Bulldogs’ doubles teams are top notch.

- Liked what I saw from the Jenks girls team last week. I’m giving the Trojans the slight edge on Edmond North right now, with Enid just a little far behind in third. If Lisa Waldron can play like she did last week, real good shot at a state championship.

- Bishop McGuinness isn’t going to be touched on the girls side. After watching them against Edmond North on Tuesday, the talent level has not dropped off. And why would it with Mia Lancaster (OU), Whitney Ritchie (OU) and Emily Conrad (Abilene Christian) anchoring that squad.

- Carl Albert is going to sneak up on some teams in 5A. Austin Manger is solid and the boys team represented itself well at the Heritage Hall Tournament. Titans didn’t win many matches, but they were involved in some tight battles. Their girls team has put itself in a great spot as well with so many of the same girls in the same spots as last year.

- Duncan is going to need a healthy Melanie Barnes if it is going to make a serious run. I hope she can be 100 percent as I don’t think I’ve seen her at her best yet despite all the times I’ve seen Duncan compete.

- Perry girls and Heritage girls are faring well against top-flight competition as well. Heritage is ranked No. 1 while Perry is at No. 3.

- Have more tennis news or know of a player that isn’t getting their deserved recognition? Let me know.

Altus’ Megan Blonein had been in the situation before.

Edmond North’s Carly Yates had not.

Blonein, who won the 5A state title last year as a freshman, parred the first hole of a playoff to beat Yates and win the Fifth Annual Irish Easter Invitational at Quail Creek on Monday.

For Blonein, it was her third playoff. Yates had not been in a playoff in high school.

Blonein’s drive on the playoff hole went left on the par 4 No. 1. But she safely punched her second shot out of the trees to just in front of the green and finished off the tournment win after Yates’ second shot sailed over the green, then wound up a bunker with her third shot.

Yates posted her round of 78 about three hours before the playoff, while Blonein finished not long before the playoff.

Blonein got off to a rough start, shooting a 42 on the back nine where she started. But she quickly bounced back on the front side, with back-to-back birdies on holes three and four to get back in the tournament.

“I’m a late starter,” Blonein said. “It takes me awhile to get started.”

The tournament featured many of the state’s top golfers, playing on a longer course than most the girls play on during the season.

Mustang won the team title, 13 strokes ahead of second-place Altus.

Here are the top 10 individuals:

McGuinness’ girls golf team will host the Irish Easter Invitational on Monday at Quail Creek.

The tournament will feature most of the area’s top high school golfers, including the defending Class 3A champion, Kingfisher’s Bethany Darrough.

The Irish, playing in their fourth event of the season, feature Caitlin Farris and Hannah Tubbs at the top of their lineup.

Farris, a freshman, has finished third in two of McGuinness’ three tournaments so far, including the tournament in Granbury. Texas.

Tubbs, a senior, has finished in the top five at state each of the past two years.

Monday’s tournament also features plenty of 6A talent as well, including Mustang, last year’s 6A runner-up, all three Edmond schools and Westmoore.

We are wrapping up the girls portion of the Heritage Hall Tournament of Champions tennis event, and it was very eventful.

Still disappointing to not have Bishop McGuinness in it, but nothing that could be done about that. In a tight race until the end, Jenks edged out Heritage Hall for the team title.

It was a tournament where just about all teams could feel pretty good about the results. There were a couple of surprises along the way but not that many.

Team scores
1. Jenks 28; 2. Heritage Hall 27; 3. Duncan 24; 4. Edmond North 20; 5. Enid 18; 6. Broken Arrow 13; 7. Edmond Memorial 11; 8. Shawnee 7.

Championships
No. 1 Singles: Julie Labarthe, Heritage, def. Lisa Waldron, Jenks, 6-0, 6-3

It didn’t take long for there to be an upset here as defending 6A champion Rachel Mitcham was knocked out by Broken Arrow’s Jodi Blackim rather easily at 6-2, 6-1.

Mitcham did bounce back and looked good in her final two matches to place fifth, but Blackim has a lot of power to her game. It’s tough to overpower her, and she’s not afraid to go for her shots.

In the championship, Labarthe was dominant early but Waldron started to frustrate Labarthe a little in the second set. Very good effort from the top Jenks player.

Disappointing end as Melanie Barnes of Duncan had to withdraw during the semis and defaulted in her third-place match. It was a knee this time. Last year it was a wrist injury that kept us from seeing her at her best.

Third: Blackim, BA; Fourth: Barnes, Duncan; Fifth: Mitcham, North; Sixth: Dick, Enid; Seventh: Montgomery, Memorial; Eighth: Calder, Shawnee.

No. 2 Singles: Sarah Bowen, Heritage Hall, def. Gabrielle Siegler, Jenks, 7-5, 6-2

This was the match of the day (at least from the ones I watched). Bowen was up early but Siegler fought back. Would love to see this match again, but I don’t know if that is really possible.

Bowen turned it on in the second set, dictating play and coming out with one of the bigger singles’ victories in her brief career.

Look for a video with Bowen on NewsOK later this weekend.

Third: Reed, North; Fourth: Toone, Duncan; Fifth: Haddad, Shawnee; Sixth: Wright, Enid; Seventh: Bergmann, BA; Eighth: Hale, Memorial.

No. 1 Doubles: Dillingham-Zaloudek, Enid, def. LeValley-Spradlin, Duncan, 6-4, 6-1

This is a great sign for Enid. Duncan came in as the top-seeded doubles team, so it’s a minor upset. Enid has very solid program on a consistent basis.

Third: North; Fourth: Jenks; Fifth: Heritage; Sixth: Broken Arrow; Seventh: Memorial; Eighth: Shawnee.

No. 2 Doubles: Burke-J. Siegler, Jenks, def. Hartzell-LeValley, Duncan, 6-2, 6-1

Admit I didn’t get to see much of No. 2 doubles. The first two rounds were at Casady, and then other championships were going on at the same time. However, with the point differential, this ends up being the tie-breaker.

Had Jenks lost, Heritage would have won.

Third: Memorial; Fourth: Heritage Hall; Fifth: North; Sixth: Enid; Seventh: Broken Arrow; Eighth: Shawnee.

As much fun as this was, Saturday should be even better. This boys’ competition is unbelievably stacked. Should make for a real interesting day of tennis. Plus, there shouldn’t be rain to delay things a good two hours like we had this morning.

Earlier this year, Guthrie defensive end Kentrell Brothers received his first Division I offer when Missouri extended an offer following his performance at the U.S. Army All-American Combine in San Antonio.

This week, Brothers reveived another offer when Duke offered Brothers.

Brothers had 95 tackles, 17 sacks and 4 interceptions for the Bluejays last year. As a wide receiver on offense, Brothers racked up 1,122 yards and 12 touchdowns on 62 catches.

Some other recruiting notes:

-Duncan ATH Dominique Petties was the star of OU’s Junior Day in January, coming from seemingly out of nowhere to earn an offer from OU. Since, Petties has added offers from Missouri, Texas Tech and Tulsa.

-Heritage Hall sophomore Barry Sanders has offers from Tulsa and Texas Tech already.

-Former Muskogee DT Robert Thomas, who signed with Arkansas last year but wound up at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College, is reportedly strongly interested in Arkansas once again. Thomas, who redshirted in 2009, is likely to graduate in December and would have three years of eligibility remaining.

-Another Coffeyville DT, former Jenks standout Tony Gillespie, is also likely to draw strong Division I attention.

WEST

At Western Heights
Capitol Hill vs. Duncan
Western Heights vs. Durant

At Ardmore
Lawton MacArthur vs. Deer Creek
Ardmore vs. Altus

At El Reno
Carl Albert vs. Chickasha
El Reno vs. Ada

At Guthrie
Northwest vs. Southeast
Guthrie vs. Noble

EAST

At Tulsa Memorial
Tahlequah vs. McAlester
Tulsa Memorial vs. Siatook

At Claremore
Tulsa Washington vs. Tulsa Hale
Claremore vs. Grove

At Tulsa East Central
Tulsa Kelley vs. Pryor
Tulsa East Central vs. Tulsa Rogers

At Tulsa Edison
Tulsa Central vs. Coweta
Tulsa Edison vs. Collinsville

Just after signing day last Wednesday, Rivals released its watch list for the class of 2011. The recruiting site still hasn’t ordered the list but did narrow it to 250.

Making the cut among state players were:

Duncan OL Dylan Dismuke

Duncan Ath Dominique Petties

Southmoore QB Kendal Thompson (OU commit)

Millwood WR/DB Josh Turner (Listed as a DB)

Also on the list, OSU commit J.W. Walsh of Denton (Texas) Guyer, a QB

It’s never to early to look to next year’s signing day and after the craziness of yesterday’s signday day wound down, Jenni Carlson and myself discussed what’s on the horizon for next year:

FOOTBALL
Henry Alexander, Ardmore (SEOSU)
Jake Alexander, Jenks (Tulsa)
Jamaal Allen, Lawton (SNU)
Joe Alston, Berryhill (NSU)
Daryn Alves, Durant (NSU)
Gerard Anderson, Tulsa Central (NEO)
Matthew Anderson, Sand Springs (Pittsburg State)
Joe Aska, Edmond North (Garden City)
Brad Avery, Madill (SWOSU)
David Balenseifen, Mustang/NEO (SNU)
Tyler Barnes, Enid (SNU)
Calvin Barnett, Tulsa Washington (Arkansas)
Josh Barrett, Wayne (SNU)
Skylar Bartlett, Ringling (SNU)
Jason Bear, Stillwater (SNU)
Eric Bennett, Tulsa Washington (Arkansas)
Que’Shaun Bennett, Enid (NWOSU)
Matt Berrey, Purcell/NEO (ECU)
Ken Berry, John Marshall (ECU)
Ethan Biddy, Tuttle (Air Force)
Michael Billingsley, Southeast/NEO (Nichols State)
Qumain Black, Ada (NEO)
Kenyad Blair, Northeast/NEO (Nichols State)
Kenneth Blake, Davis (ECU)
Mason Blake, Lindsay (NWOSU)
Rhett Blundell, Kingfisher (NWOSU)
Brenton Bogar, Muskogee (Tulsa/NEO)
Hunter Bohannan, Yukon (Southwestern, Kan.)
Zach Boren, Southmoore (NEO)
Austin Brasher, Edmond North (BYU)*
Julian Brockington, Del City (NEO)
D’Juan Brooks, Edmond Memorial (NEO)
Brenden Brown, Norman North (ECU)
LaBron Brown, Southmoore (NEO)
Jon Bullock, Broken Arrow (UCO)
Jeremy Burton, Muskogee (La.-Monroe)
Justin Butterfield, Bartlesville (NSU)
Troy Buffington, Southmoore (SNU)
Tate Byers, Tulsa Kelley (Washington, St. Louis)
Colton Byford, Edmond North (UCO)
Irvin Caldwell, Star Spencer (NEO)
Chris Campbell, Enid (NWOSU)
Nick Canavan, Norman North (Missouri State)
Michael Cane, Okmulgee (ECU)
Chance Carey, McAlester (ECU)
Londre Carson, Muskogee (NEO)
Luke Chalfant, Hinton (SWOSU)
Mark Chestnut, Miami/NEO/OSU (Pittsburg State)
Keldin Choate, Shawnee (ECU)
Chris Clark, Moore (NWOSU)
Arthola Clarke, John Marshall (NWOSU)
Colton Cline, Norman North (Sam Houston State)
Alex Cochran, Broken Arrow (SWOSU)
Demarco Cobbs, Tulsa Central (Texas)
Aaron Colvin, Owasso (OU)
Tuswani Copeland, Lawton MacArthur (Baylor)
Jacoby Crowley, Lawton Eisenhower (SEOSU)
Nathan Crownover, Del City/NEO (SNU)
Dakota Crumbie, Tulsa Washington (ECU)
Clayton Cunningham, Ringwood (NWOSU)
Roper Cunningham, Waynoka (NWOSU)
Steven Daniels, Tulsa East Central (UCO)
Robert Dansby, Tulsa Memorial (McPherson)
Nolan Davenport, Seminole (Southwestern, Kan.)
Dakota Davis, Broken Arrow (SWOSU)
Dalton Davis, Tulsa Union (SNU)
Niko Davis, Millwood (NEO)
Ryan Day, Tulsa Union (SNU)
Johnny Deaton, Sand Springs (OSU)
Gregory DeLozier, Seq. Claremore (Pittsburg State)
Terrance Dixon, Sand Springs (NSU)
Colton Dost, Tulsa Union (Western Kentucky)
Joe Dowdell, Tulsa Kelley (Dartmouth)
Brandon Downing, Edmond North (Washburn)
Alex Dowty, Mustang (Washburn)
Dalton Duckett, Tulsa Union (NSU)
Stephen Eastham, Dewey (NEO)
Bryce Ebbs, Vinita (NEO)
Cole Eddy, Midwest City (UCO)
Jordan Edwards, Washington (NEO)
Brandon Elmore, Blanchard/Coffeyville (SWOSU)
Josh Engert, Nowata (NEO)
B.J. Evans, Tulsa Union (Garden City)
Ryan Feller, Altus (SWOSU)
Darryl Fields, Madill (SMU)
Aaron Fisher, Tulsa Central (Ga. Southern)
Drew Fischer, Timberlake (NWOSU)
Blake Fogle, Caney Valley (NWOSU)
Kevin Forbes, Douglass (Langston)
Adam Ford, Broken Arrow (NEO)
Teontez Fortune, Douglass (Langston)
Donnie Fuston, Enid (NEO)
Ruben Gaines, Muskogee (UCO)
Eric Gardner, Lone Grove (ECU)
Jake Garrett, Tuttle (SNU)
Courtney Gaston, Fort Gibson (Arkansas)
Blake Gatewood, Edmond North (UCO)
Kimes Gilbert, Southmoore (SWOSU)
Jaimon Gilstrap, Tulsa East Central (NSU)
Zakk Gipson, Pryor (NWOSU)
Cord Gothard, Velma-Alma (SWOSU)
Gimo Grace, Tulsa East Central (Emporia State)
Bob Graham, Jenks (Iowa State)
Cale Grauer, Lincoln Christian (Mo. Western)
Delans Griffin, Clinton (Texas Tech)
Logan Grinstead, Sulphur (UCO)
Colby Hager, Sayre (NWOSU)
Justin Harmon-Brewer, Edmond Santa Fe (SNU)
Rowdy Harper, Broken Arrow (Houston)
Demantre Harris, Del City (Garden City)
Devante Harris, Duncan (SEOSU)
Halston Harris, Marlow (SEOSU)
Michael Harris, Edmond Santa Fe (Washburn)
Austin Haywood, Southmoore (OU)
Haden Hedges, Pioneer (SNU)
Alec Henry, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Trayvon Henry, Millwood (Butler County)
Aries Herrion, Tulsa Washington (Pittsburg State)
Rylan Hess, Metro Christian (Colo. School of Mines)
Steven Hopper, Broken Arrow (Vian)
Brett Horn, Waynoka (NWOSU)
J.J. Hugine, Del City (New Mexico)
Caleb Hulva, Enid (SNU)
Chris Hummingbird, Seq. Tahlequah (NEO)
Dalton Hunter, Maysville (ECU)
Derrick Hurst, Millwood (NWOSU)
Taylor Inman, Seq. Claremore (SWOSU)
Bronson Irwin, Mustang (OU)
Royal Isokariari, Tulsa Memorial (McPherson)
Rico Ivy, Douglass (Langston)
Miles Jackson, John Marshall (ECU)
Aaron James, Douglass (UCO)
Ethan James, Gore (NSU)
Franky Jamison, Star Spencer (NEO)
Antonio Jenkins, Putnam North (NEO)
Dewitt Jennings, Bixby (Tulsa)
Kenny Johnson, Weatherford (SWOSU)
Jace Johnson, Bethel/ECU (SWOSU)
Tyler Johnson, Berryhill (NEO)
Willie Johnson, Tulsa Memorial (NEO)
Dominque Jones, Midwest City (Baylor)
Emmitt Jones, Star Spencer (NEO)
Gus Jones, Wagoner/OU (NSU)
Brendon Jordan, John Marshall (NEO)
Jordan Karriman, Grove/NEO (La.-Monroe)
Jacob Keller, Tulsa Union (La.-Monroe)
Jake Kelley, Beggs (Peru State)
Brandon Keplinger, Watonga (NWOSU)
Kyle Keplinger, Watonga (NWOSU)
Johnny Ketterman, Timberlake (NEO)
Drake Keys, Skiatook (SWOSU)
Chris King, Jenks (UCO)
Cecil Kirkendoll, Clinton (SWOSU)
Jarrett Lake, Jenks (Arkansas)
Alex Land, Edmond Santa Fe (Weber State)
Ricky Lawyer, Edmond North (NEO)
Justin Lepley, Seq. Tahlequah (NEO)
Chris Littlehead, Seq. Tahlequah (OSU)
David Lore, Jenks (Air Force)
Matt Luetjen, Hennessey (Army)
Randy Mack, Edmond Santa Fe (Washburn)
Tyler Mackey, Afton (NEO)
Dalton Mahoney, Alva (NWOSU)
Mike Major, Tulsa Kelley (Princeton)
George Mallett, Southmoore (SNU)
Beau Marsaln, Metro Christian (NEO)
Dominique Massengil, Lawton (ECU)
Mason Mathews, Yukon (Mid-America Nazarene)
Ty Matthews, Choctaw (SNU)
Chris McAlister, Del City (Central Arkansas)
Ryan McCaul, Moore/NEO (La.-Monroe)
Shawn McIntosh, Lawton MacArthur (SNU)
Nelson Medeiros, Edmond Memorial (Fort Hays State)
Ryan Merrill, Cordell (NWOSU)
Clifton Miller, Atoka (SEOSU)
Lucas Miller, Capitol Hill (NEO)
Brian Mills, Edmond Santa Fe (Princeton)
Corey Mitchell, Douglass (Weber State)
Deonte Morris, Tulsa Union (Tulsa/NEO)
Cory Mosely, Midwest City (Hutchinson)
Cole Mount, Deer Creek (Washburn)
Mason Myers, Southmoore (Colorado State)
Cody Nall, Ardmore (ECU)
Josh Napper, Lawton Eisenhower (SEOSU)
Carlos Nazario, Lawton (ECU)
Nic Nealy, Douglass (Grambling State)
Marco Nelson, Glenpool (Tulsa)
Chase Neuman, Dewey (SWOSU)
Jordan Newby, Southmoore (SNU)
Tanner Newby, Enid (NEO)
Justin Nole, Washington (SNU)
Alex Oden, Victory Christian (NEO)
Terence Olds, Star Spencer (NEO)
Cade Oller, Billings (NWOSU)
Tyler Ott, Jenks (Harvard)
Johnny Pack, Seminole (Southwestern, Kan.)
Dustin Parks, Waukomis (NWOSU)
Chris Patterson, McAlester (NEO)
Chris Peoples, Vian (SEOSU)
Richard Peoples, Norman North (ECU)
Gordon Perry, Weatherford (SWOSU)
Brandon Piercy, Muskogee (NEO)
Tre Porter, Carl Albert (Texas Tech)
Zac Powell, Garber (NWOSU)
Scott Powers, Sperry/NEO (Emporia State)
Ronnie Price, Broken Arrow (NEO)
Cody Pritchard, Stroud (NWOSU)
Sonny Puletasi, Lawton (Wyoming)
Chris Ramey, Wagoner (Arkansas Tech)
Sean Reed, Shawnee (ECU)
James Renfrow, Broken Arrow (NSU)
Joel Reser, Del City (NEO)
Sean Rigney, Shawnee (ECU)
James Roberson, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Thomas Roberson, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Kevin Roberts, Madill (SWOSU)
Brady Robinson, Broken Arrow (NEO)
Howard Roebuck, Tulsa Washington (Prairie View A&M)
Carl Salazar, Broken Arrow (Air Force)
Ian Sanders, CHA (SNU)
Kale Sawatzky, Weatherford (OU)*
Austin Schultz, Chisholm (SNU)
Taylor Schuyler, Bixby (Central Arkansas)
Tye Scott, Salina (NEO)
Derek Serowski, Southmoore (UCO)
Burgess Shaw, Sand Springs (ECU)
Tyler Shaw, Edmond Santa Fe (ECU)
Lamares Shields, Del City (ECU)
Denton Simek, Prague (Arkansas)
Ethan Simpson, Claremore (Pittsburg State)
D.J. Sims, Edmond Santa Fe (ECU)
Richard Sims, Edmond North (Dordt)
Kyler Skinner, Weatherford (SWOSU)
Ryan Smith, Muskogee (NEO)
Travis Smith, Durant (NEO)
Tyler Smith, Sand Springs (Pittsburg State)
Xavier Smith, Edmond North (Missouri)
Luke Snider, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Anthony Sparks, Stillwater (NEO)
Trent Spurgeon, Owasso (Arizona)
James Stephens, Broken Arrow (UCO)
Matt Stevenson, Edmond Memorial (Baker)
P.J. Stimson, Pryor (NWOSU)
Tyler Stitt, Mustang (NWOSU)
Ray Stovall, Tulsa Washington (La.-Monroe)
Jake Streck, Kremlin-Hillsdale (NWOSU)
Ricky Streck, Kremlin-Hillsdale (NWOSU)
Casey Strate, Dewey (NEO)
Clint Strate, Dewey (NEO)
Ryan Stringer, Clinton (SWOSU)
Caleb Sullivan, Seminole (Deer Creek)
Garrett Sullivan, Deer Creek (UCO)
Jon Swanfeld, Tulsa Union (SNU)
Nyko Symonds, Southmoore (OU)*
Kwame Tate, Elgin (UCO)
Dylan Taylor, Vian (NSU)
Matthew Tingle, Putnam North (NEO)
Robert Thomas, Sulphur/Cowley County (ECU)
Andre Thompson, Douglass (Langston)
Mike Thompson, Bartlesville (Pittsburg State)
Taylor Thurman, Seq. Claremore (Haskell)
Reuben Tiller, Ardmore (ECU)
Corey Todd, Hilldale (NWOSU)
Kobey Trower, Hominy (NEO)
Zach Trujillo, Deer Creek (Kansas State)**
Hayden Vencl, Garber (NWOSU)
Eddie Venters, Muskogee (NEO)
Markell Walker, Carl Albert (ECU)
Dillion Wallace, Tulsa East Central (NEO)
Patrick Wallace, Tulsa Central (NEO)
Nick Walters, Edmond Memorial/NEO (Arkansas)*
Davis Walton, Tulsa Kelley (NEO)
Raphael Watts, Capitol Hill (NEO)
Cole Way, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Clifford Weatherford, Muskogee (NEO)
Dane Weippert, Guymon (Panhandle State)
Stanley West, Westmoore (SNU)
Scott Whitaker, Norman North (Drake)
Norris White, Douglass (Weber State)
Jameel Whitney, McGuinness (ECU)
Ryland Widener, Southmoore (Northern Colorado)
Blair Williams, Beggs (NEO)
Kyle Williams, Broken Bow (SEOSU)
James Williams, John Marshall (NEO)
Terry Williamson, Broken Arrow (UCO)
Julian Wilson, Southmoore (OU)
Roman Wilson, Lincoln Christian (Princeton)
Ray Wolber, Tulsa Kelley (Drake)
Josiah Woodard, Stillwater (SEOSU)
Jordan Woods, Kingfisher (NWOSU)
Jeff Wright, Star Spencer (Langston)
Clayton Yancy, Seminole (Southwestern, Kan.)
Collin Yeary, Norman North (NEO)

BASEBALL
Wade Ambrose, Tulsa Union (Northeast Texas CC)
Tyler Carter, Ada (NOC-Enid)
Caden Cleveland, Christian Heritage (Morehead State)
Braden Cook, Chickasha (Connors State)
Cale Coshow, Deer Creek (OU)
Casey Coyle, Putnam North (OU)
John Davenport, Jay (NOC)
Luis DeJesus, Collinsville (EOSC)
Cale Elam, Oktaha (Wichita State)
Brad Fisher, Jenks (ORU)
Jonathan Furlong, Bixby (Neosho)
Nick Goza, Collinsville (EOSC)
Jonathan Gray, Chandler (OU)
Josh Halbert, Choctaw (Wichita State)
Landon Hallam, Edmond Memorial (Seminole)
J.R. Head, Midwest City (NOC-Enid)
Mason Justice, Holland Hall (Kansas State)
Shane Kinnear, Tulsa Union (Harding)
Jordan Lopez, Edmond Santa Fe (Texas Tech)
Joe McGee, Tulsa Washington (Connors State)
Jose Olizagosti, Collinsville (Seminole)
Mitch Osburn, Broken Arrow (Seminole)
Dillon Overton, Weatherford (OU)
J.T. Realmuto, Carl Albert (OSU)
Jacob Rice, Tulsa Union (Arkansas)
Dillon Robinson, Broken Arrow (Fort Scott)
Brandon Ruiz, Yukon (NOC)
Garrett Schaede, Owasso (Neosho)
Taylor Schneeberger, Broken Arrow (Connors State)
Cayle Shambaugh, Jay (OU)
Andrew Smith, Tulsa NOAH (Coffeyville)
Tyler Smith, Kelleyville (NOC)
Logan Taylor, Jenks (Texas Tech)
Billy Waltrip, Fort Gibson (New Mexico State)
Ryan Wilson, Owasso (Seminole)
Kyle Wood, Owasso (Fort Scott)

BOYS BASKETBALL
Will Baysinger, Owasso (MIT)
Cameron Downing, Tulsa Memorial (Buffalo)
Amric Fields, Putnam West (TCU)

GIRLS BASKETBALL
Ashlie Baker, Tulsa East Central (Fort Scott)
Jimi Blagowsky, Edmond Santa Fe (Air Force)
Desiree Bradley, Carl Albert (USC)
Brenna Burnett, Dale (Palm Beach Atlantic)
Y’Cedria Devers, Bixby (Pittsburg State)
Lindsey Hammer, Seq. Tahlequah (Mercer)
Meagan Henson, CHA (TCU)
Whitney Hocutt, Claremore (NOC)
Aianne Hunter, Putnam North (Dartmouth)
Ebonie Jackson, Tulsa East Central (Friends)
Richa Jackson, Midwest City (Duke)
Kortni Kendrick, Kansas (John Brown)
Christian Key, Victory Christian (ORU)
Kalie Lucas, Harrah (Missouri Southern)
Sophia Mahmoodjanloo, Edmond Santa Fe (State Fair College)
Mylie Mayes, Carl Albert (UCO)
Jessica McCarville, Sulphur (Southwestern, Kan.)
Ashlee Pitts, Tulsa East Central (SW Baptist)
Cara Pugh, McGuinness (OCU)
Lacy Reinke, Lawton (Cameron)
Hannah Ritter, Jay (Fort Hays State)
Kendra Suttles, Lawton (OSU)
Morgan Toben, Owasso (New Mexico)
Talor Ward, Beggs (Okla. Christian)
Kala White, Claremore (Labette)

EQUESTRIAN
Kelly Bovaird, Tulsa Kelley (Kansas State)

FIELD HOCKEY
Amanda Adwon, Holland Hall (Michigan)
Maggie Brady, Holland Hall (Brown)
Lauren Hauge, Holland Hall (Michigan)
Natalie Hood, Holland Hall (St. Louis)

GOLF
Lindsey Bensch, Broken Arrow home school (UCO)
Tressa Brumley, Chouteau (UCO)
Ian Davis, Deer Creek (OSU)
Macy Douglas, Broken Arrow (SNU)
Talor Gooch, Carl Albert (OSU)
Brad Hager, Bartlesville (NSU)
Matt Helms, Edmond Santa Fe (Wichita State)
Lauren Michael, Jenks (Drury)
Taylor Neidy, Clinton (UCO)
Cody Reed, Edmond Santa Fe (NSU)
Jade Staggs, Westmoore (OSU)
Shelby Stavely, Sallisaw/Harding (NSU)
Zach Tucker, Putnam North (NSU)

GYMNASTICS
Brittany Harris, Tulsa Union (Oregon State)

ROWING
Courtaney Miller, Jenks (SMU)

SOCCER
Jennifer Abernathy, Tulsa Union (ORU)
Ashley Bechtold, Putnam North (Missouri Southern)
Bobby Behrens, Sand Springs (John Brown)
Ashlynn Betts, Jenks (William Penn)
Leah Bickers, Victory Christian (ORU)
Rochelle Bohuslavicky, Edmond Memorial (Troy)
Bailey Boulware, Mustang (OU)
Whitney Brannon, Victory Christian (ORU)
Matt Bray, Putnam North (Missouri State)
Devon Bullard, Sand Springs (Rogers State)
Corbin Campbell, Deer Creek (OBU)
Sara Chalmers, Tulsa Kelley (Abilene Christian)
Sherri Collins, Edmond North (UCO)
Madison Cook, Tulsa Union (SWOSU)
Kyle Craft, Tulsa Kelley (Notre Dame)
Natalie Crosslin, Bixby (SWOSU)
Jessica Dale, Wagoner (Neosho)
Sam Diacon, Tulsa Washington (Missouri S&T)
Sam Duininck, Summit Chr. (Liberty)
Krista Dyess, Broken Arrow (NSU)
Kelsey Godfrey, Tulsa Union (SNU)
Tyler Groh, Putnam North (Missouri State)
Austin Gross, Jenks (Memphis)
Ashley Haines, Jenks (NSU)
Drew Hall, Edmond Santa Fe (OCU)
Mary Kate Halsmer, Jenks (ORU)
Jordan Harris, Claremore (UMKC)
Hayley Harryman, Edmond North (OSU)
Garron Hayes, Tulsa Union (Rogers State)
Hailey Haynes, Seq. Claremore (Central Arkansas)
Madi Hillis, Edmond Memorial (Kansas)
Bradi Hinch, Jenks (Tulsa)
Tyrell Jackson, Tulsa Union (Rogers State)
Morgan Jones, Jenks (Mid. Tenn. St.)
Kristen Kelley, Tulsa Kelley (OSU)
Kelsey Killion, Broken Arrow (Tulsa)
Preston Langholz, Tulsa Washington (Stanford)
Logan Lax, Putnam North (OBU)
Loren LeForce, Coweta (Rogers State)
Lindsey Lofton, Skiatook (NSU)
Omar Mata, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Sally Matthews, Owasso (NSU)
Shelby Martin, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Meghan McMahon, Putnam North (OCU)
Tori Peters, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Amy Petrikin, Tulsa Kelley (OU)
Caitlin Phillips, Claremore (UCO)
Jessy Phillips, Bartlesville (NSU)
Kristin Pollard, Broken Arrow (Central Arkansas)
Brandon Reed, Owasso (Drury)
Stephanie Romera, Tulsa Kelley (Lipscomb)
Aubrey Roth, Tulsa Union (SWOSU)
Camille Sanders, Edmond North (OU)
Ryan Sanders, Broken Arrow (OCU)
Brianna Shamblin, Miami (Rogers State)
Jessica Sisney, Broken Arrow (Rogers State)
Dillon Stallings, Putnam North (OBU)
Alex Starrett, Tulsa Kelley (Arkansas)
Andrew Stone, Cascia Hall (St. Edward’s)
Jeremy Swift, Bixby (Rogers State)
Jenna Taylor, Bartlesville (Harding)
Alex Tiem, Broken Arrow (Rogers State)
Addie Tipton, Metro Christian (USAO)
Claire Walker, Tulsa Washington (Penn)
Carley Yates, Edmond North (OU)
Miranda Zoller, Jenks (Tulsa)

SOFTBALL
Kacey Acker, Guthrie (SNU)
Jessica Barnes, Pawhuska (Pittsburg State)
Shelby Blanton, Newcastle (Tulsa)
Kristin Blasingame, Carl Albert (Rogers State)
Page Boling, Hilldale (Connors State)
Sierra Bronkey, Edmond Santa Fe (Arkansas)
LaDarra Brown, Muskogee (Carl Albert)
Tiffany Brown, Catoosa (Pittsburg State)
Julie Brunk, Mustang (SNU)
Bailee Cartwright, Moss (Northwestern St., La.)
Tara Chatkehoodle, Tulsa Rogers (Haskell)
Jordan Clark, Muskogee (Carl Albert)
Kylee Cole, Collinsville (NEO)
Lacie Cook, Collinsville (Labette)
Aimee Creger, Mustang (Tulsa)
Morgan Deerinwater, Savanna (Carl Albert)
Kaiti Dutton, Tulsa Union (Tennessee-Chattanooga)
Hannah Edmiston, Coweta (Independence)
Allison Edwards, Duncan (Oklahoma Wesleyan)
Katie Ellington, Tulsa Kelley (NOC)
Lindy Fluman, Cleveland (NEO)
Shelby Foreman, S. Coffeyville (Coffeyville)
Dani Fox, Yukon (Washburn)
Devon Frazier, Little Axe (St. Gregory’s)
Sydney Garcia, Moore (OCU)
Shaylee Griffin, McAlester (OCU)
Sutton Halferty, Harrah (St. Gregory’s)
Meagan Hardy Fry, Checotah (Haskell)
Ashley Harper, Drumright (Carl Albert)
Haley Henshaw, Catoosa (Tulsa)
Javen Henson, Red Oak (OU)
Paige Hightower, Chickasha (Washburn)
Whitney Hocutt, Claremore (NOC)
Jordan Jones, Skiatook (Connors State)
Hannah Justus, Catoosa (UCO)
Candace Kellar, Coweta (Rogers State)
Jamie King, Tulsa Union (NEO)
Miranda Kiser, Tulsa Union (NEO)
Kayce Long, Moss (Carl Albert)
Beth Manship, Harrah (Southeastern)
Mya Mahsetky, Little Axe (NOC)
Mary Kate McKay, Madill (Angelo State)
Alex Milligan, Moore (Cameron)
Taylor Mills, Fort Gibson (Austin Peay State)
Holly Mock, Drumright (Carl Albert)
Candace Monigold, Broken Arrow (NEO)
Shelby Morose, Seq. Claremore (Concordia)
Ashlee Nation, Tulsa Union (William Jewell)
Jeneva Nelson, Frontier (Lipscomb)
Shylar Nichols, Carl Albert (USAO)
Caitlin O’Hagan, Midwest City (St. Gregory’s)
Sam Oxford, Adair (Fort Scott)
Katie Parsons, Pryor (NWOSU)
Ashley Paxton, Mustang (Okla. Christian)
Sarah Peoples, Piedmont (Okla. Christian)
Allyson Pogue, Claremoer (NEO)
Lauren Poole, Putnam North (Seminole State)
Natalie Powers, Holland Hall (Tennessee-Chattanooga)
Hillary Price, Moss (Carl Albert)
Sarah Raunikar, Coweta/Connors State (Central Baptist)
Shelbi Redfearn, Stillwater (Baylor)
Madison Reed, Muskogee (Missouri Southern)
Megan Robison, Catoosa (NEO)
Morgan Rockwell, Coweta (Rogers State)
Kylee Rounsaville, Mustang (OCU)
Meghan Russell, Bristow (Farleigh Dickinson)
Kenna Self, Madill (OBU)
Carly Skinner, Verden (UCO)
Megan Sullivan, Broken Arrow (NEO)
Cheyenne Thomas, Coweta (Labette)
Jessica Turner, Broken Arrow (Santa Clara)
Lauren Tyndall, Edmond Memorial (Northwestern, Ill.)
Tara Underhill, Henryetta (Central Arkansas)
Shelbie Wagnon, Beggs (NEO)
Brianna Walker, Rogers (Haskell)
Emily Wares, Morris (Connors State)
Hillary Weatherford, Carl Albert (Washburn)
Shelby Wheeler, Westmoore (St. Gregory’s)
Kala White, Claremore (Labette)
Hannah Wilkinson, Coweta (Rogers State)
Briana Williams, Midwest City (Western Illinois)

SWIMMING
Dakota Wheeler, Westmoore (South Dakota)

TENNIS
Brandon Champagne, Jenks (OSU)
Logon Collins, Tulsa Union (Marquette)
Ashley Coleman, Owasso (Seminole State)
Emily Conrad, McGuinness (Abilene Christian)
Casey Distaso, Edmond North (Georgetown)
Cale Hammond, Tulsa Kelley (Duke)
Mia Lancaster, McGuinness (OU)
Evan McElwain, Tulsa Washington (Cornell)
Whitney Ritchie, McGuinness (OU)
John Harry Warden, Tulsa Union (OU)
Danielle Whitehorn, Tahlequah (OU)

TRACK AND FIELD/CROSS COUNTRY
Beau Brown, Edmond Santa Fe (Bethany)
Dewayne Golbek, Claremore (Arkansas)
Jenna Griffin, Pawhuska (Southwestern, Kan.)
Rozlyn Hamilton, Idabel (Okla. Christian)
Brock Hime, Woodland (Cowley County)
Hillarie Kessler, Deer Creek (WOSC)
Michelle Marcha, Altus (Okla. Christian)
Ryan Minkley, Ardmore (Tulsa)
Erin Patterson, Tulsa Union (ORU)
Rachel Roberts, Guthrie (Harding)
Darren Ross, Edmond Memorial (Okla. Christian)
Michael Spencer, Edmond Memorial (Okla. Christian)
Emma Steele, Holland Hall (Dartmouth)
Antonio Taylor, Northwest (Okla. Christian)
James Turner, Plainview (Okla. Christian)

VOLLEYBALL
Ashley Acklin, Carl Albert (Radford)
Tyler Cockrell, Tulsa Washington (Gardner-Webb)
Jordan Cook, Broken Arrow (NOC)
Sarah Groesbeck, Jenks (SNU)
Tate Hardaker, Edmond Santa Fe (UCO)
Julie Labarthe, Heritage Hall (Quinnipiac)
Sallie McLaurin, Carl Albert (OU)
Laura Taylor, Tulsa Union (ORU)
Alyssa Wilson, Clinton (Northern Colorado)

WRESTLING
Christian Bailey, Davis (OCU)
Ronnie Balfour, Tulsa Union (OU)
Justin DeAngelis, Jenks (OU)
Greg Delk, Skiatook (OCU)
Quincy Mondaine, Muskogee (OU)
Dax Perrier, Pawhuska (OU)
Jared Porter, Carl Albert (Central Michigan)
Dustin Reed, Choctaw (OU)
*Will walk on
**Graduated last year, currently enrolled at Kansas State

Records:
Ryan: 65-15 (6A, 6-2; 5A, 7-1; 4A, 8-0; 3A, 5-3; 2A, 11-5; A, 13-2; B, 8-0; C, 6-2)
Scott: 64-16 (6A, 7-1; 5A, 6-2; 4A, 6-2; 3A, 5-3; 2A, 11-5; A, 14-1; B, 8-0; C, 6-2)
Bob: 63-17 (6A, 7-1; 5A, 6-2; 4A, 7-1; 3A, 6-2; 2A, 11-5; A, 13-3; B, 8-0; C, 5-3)

Bob’s Best Call: I don’t have much to brag about, so I’m going with Douglass and its impressive performance at Glenpool. The way Glenpool was shell-shocked against Star Spencer had me believing the Warriors would have no answers for the Trojans. I have three 4A-1 teams in the semis (Weatherford vs. Douglass, McGuinness vs. Star Spencer).
Ryan’s Best Call: Guthrie over Duncan in 5A. I picked 26-22. The score ended up being a bit lower than that but the margin was relatively close and the Bluejays won. I knew Guthrie’s defense was close to the level of a top-tier 5A team and their offense had been consistently improving through disitrict play, minus the blowout at the hands of Carl Albert. I also correctly predicted road teams Douglass, Wagoner, Sequoyah Claremore, John Marshall, Kiefer, Covington-Douglas and Deer Creek-Lamont to win.
Scott’s Best Call: I’m somewhat proud of picking 6-4 Laverne over 8-2 Caddo in a game that pitted two top-10 teams against each other. But based on Laverne’s super-challenging district schedule, that one wasn’t as big a shocker as the records would indicate. So the pick I was most excited about would have to be Carnegie over Healdton. Yes, both teams were 8-2 and it seemed like a toss-up type of game. But I had already written Healdton on the line, then went back at the last second and changed it. I typically trust my first instinct, but it worked out for me this time.

Bob’s Bonehead Call: Easy one. Even worse than calling Madill the 3A champion (because that wasn’t that crazy) was keeping the belief that Oklahoma Christian was going to make it to the Class A finals. I just felt the Saints were going to always put it together when they needed to. I truly never thought OCS was in trouble this season. They had lost by one point to Watonga and two points to Cashion. But give credit to Oklahoma Bible for the 7-0 win. Honorable mention to Vian beating Valliant in the second round since neither won their first-round contest.
Ryan’s Bonehead Call: Temple 51, Waynoka 6. Actual score: Waynoka 48, Temple 14. I had close picks one way turn into blowouts the other and a couple (Vian-Pawhuska) that I picked as blowouts wind up blowouts the other way. But none as bad as this one. (Dis)Honorable mention: Plainview 42, Washington 6. I’m not going to lie, I looked at Washington’s 1-4 start and basically wrote them off. But the losses aren’t so bad looking back on it and even that lone win (8-7 over Jones) stands out as a pretty impresssive one. The Warriors proved that their five-game win streak to end the regular season was no fluke.
Scott’s Bonehead Call: There were three upsets I desperately wanted to pick, but backed off on all three for reasons I can’t explain. And all three — Guthrie, Washington and Covington-Douglas — won. All three of those teams came into the playoffs at 6-4, but all three programs have an understanding of how to play and win in the postseason, whether it be from recent or long-standing success.

Bob’s Biggest Surprise: Since myself and Ryan Aber already went through this in Sunday’s paper, I’m going to say something a little different. Hmm, let’s say that on paper, Clinton’s road to the title just got easier. 10-0 teams Madill and Metro Christian lost in the first round, leaving the Red Tornadoes side of the bracket WIDE open. It’s possible three teams from 3A-1 (Tuttle, Clinton, Blanchard) are alive in the semis.
Ryan’s Biggest Surprise: The emergence of 2A-7 and the disappearance of 2A-8. Vian has a long history of playoff advancement, while Sequoyah Tahlequah has been pretty good of late as well. I didn’t expect both of them to get bounced in the first round after their only loss was Vian’s to Sequoyah Tahlequah. But 2A-7 swept 2A-8 out, winning those games on the road with combined 14-6 teams beating 19-1 teams. We knew Lincoln Christian was good but it appears 2A-7 was even better than we thought.
Scott’s Biggest Surprise: I’m not surprised that Edmond Memorial won, but very surprised at how easily and by how much they won. Also shocked by the Glenpool loss to Douglass, simply because I picked Glenpool to bounce back from its loss to Star Spencer and win it all in 4A. Sequoyah-Tahlequah, Madill and Metro Christian both suffering their first defeats of the year would qualify for the surprise category, too.

Can Guthrie slow down RB Payton Atchley and QB Brandon Wilson?

Neither player was overly productive against El Reno, but that’s because the Indians played so well on D. Guthrie’s defense isn’t too bad either, and matches up well against Duncan’s offense. Guthrie should be able to hold off Wilson who had just 36 yards in the air, but Duncan did have some success running the ball with 158 yards last week against a tough defensive front seven of El Reno.

How does Guthrie’s offense match up to Duncan’s defense?

Guthrie QB Bryan Dutton has been on fire lately, albeit against teams that have struggled this year. Still, El Reno was able to have a balanced offense last week against Duncan so look for more or the same from El Reno. Statistically Guthrie’s defense is better, giving up just 13 points per game but Duncan has played tougher opponents lately and gives up 15 points per game. Guthrie’s achilees heel all year has been turnovers. If they can limit those then there’s no reason to believe they can’t move the ball on Duncan.

Whose better prepared for the pressure?

Surprisingly it’s more or less a push. When you look at the most important positions on the field, quarterback jumpst to the top. Dutton is a freshman but you can argue after surviving the first 10 games, he’s no longer a rookie. Brandon Wilson is only a year ahead of Dutton so there’s also some inexperience there. A look at each team’s top skill player also shows similarities. Guthrie WR Kentrell Brothers is a junior and so is Duncan RB Payton Atchley. The home field should favor Duncan, but this is an area where neither coach should feel too concerned about having enough veterans in the lineup.

The pick: Duncan 17, Guthrie 14….Duncan’s week 10 battle with El Reno for the 5A-1 title was good preparation for this one as their defense rises to the occassion and gets them a win.

Here are the ones I have so far:
BASEBALL
Cale Coshow, Deer Creek (OU)
Casey Coyle, Putnam North (OU)
Cale Elam, Oktaha (Wichita State)
Brad Fisher, Jenks (Oral Roberts)
Josh Halbert, Choctaw (Wichita State)
Mason Justice, Holland Hall (Kansas State)
Jordan Lopez, Edmond Santa Fe (Texas Tech)
J.T. Realmuto, Carl Albert (OSU)
Jacob Rice, Tulsa Union (Arkansas)

BOYS BASKETBALL
Cameron Downing, Tulsa Memorial (Buffalo)
Amric Fields, Putnam West (TCU)

GIRLS BASKETBALL
Jimi Blagowsky, Edmond Santa Fe (Air Force)
Brenna Burnett, Dale (Palm Beach Atlantic)
Meagan Henson, CHA (TCU)
Kalie Lucas, Harrah (Missouri Southern)
Ashlee Pitts, Tulsa East Central (SW Baptist)
Cara Pugh, McGuinness (OCU)

GOLF
Tressa Brumley, Chouteau (UCO)
Ian Davis, Deer Creek (OSU)
Talor Gooch, Carl Albert (OSU)
Matt Helms, Edmond Santa Fe (Wichita State)
Lauren Michael, Jenks (Drury)
Cody Reed, Edmond Santa Fe (NSU)

SOCCER
Corbin Campbell, Deer Creek (OBU)

SOFTBALL
Shelby Blanton, Newcastle (Tulsa)
Sierra Bronkey, Edmond Santa Fe (Arkansas)
Tiffany Brown, Catoosa (Pittsburg State)
Bailee Cartwright, Moss (Northwestern State, La.)
Dani Fox, Yukon (Washburn)
Shaylee Griffin, McAlester (OCU)
Haley Henshaw, Catoosa (Tulsa)
Javen Henson, Red Oak (OU)
Hannah Justice, Catoosa (UCO)
Beth Manship, Harrah (Southeastern)
Mary Kate McKay, Madill (Angelo State)
Lauren Poole, Putnam North (Seminole State)
Natalie Powers, Holland Hall (Tenn.-Chatt.)
Shelbi Redfearn, Stillwater (Baylor)
Kylee Rounsaville, Mustang (OCU)
Kenna Self, Madill (OBU)
Lauren Tyndall, Edmond Memorial (Northwestern, Ill.)
Hillary Weatherford, Carl Albert (Washburn)
Briana Williams, Midwest City (OCU)

TENNIS
Logon Collins, Tulsa Union (Marquette)

VOLLEYBALL
Ashley Acklin, Carl Albert (Radford)
Tate Hardaker, Edmond Santa Fe (UCO)
Julie Labarthe, Heritage Hall (Quinnipiac)
Sallie McLaurin, Carl Albert (OU)
Alyssa Wilson, Clinton (Northern Colorado)

WRESTLING
Ronnie Balfour, Tulsa Union (OU)
Justin DeAngelis, Jenks (OU)
Greg Delk, Skiatook (OCU)
Quincy Mondaine, Muskogee (OU)
Jared Porter, Carl Albert (Central Michigan)
Dustin Reed, Choctaw (OU)

El Reno

What went right: Its defense held Duncan in check for most of the night, save one drive when the Demons took advantage of a turnover and powered the ball down the field for their only score of the night. El Reno limited Duncan to just 10 yards passing in the first half and 158 on the ground for the game. They also forced a turnover of their own. Overall, it was a night where the Indians defense took over and got the job done as their offense was held in check.

What went wrong: Jakeil Everheart came out swinging but took several ill advised sacks that helped snuff out second half drive. On one play he lost 14 yards and 8 on another. Both were on drop backs. He’ll need to tighten that up in the playoffs and perform better across the board. There wasn’t a lot that was impressive about El Reno’s offense Friday night, with the exception of the two plays Everheart scored on.

Duncan

What went right: Their defense gave them a heckuva chance to win the gam in the second half by shutting El Reno out completely. Everheart had just a handful of passing yards in the second half. The Demons used several misdireection and gadget plays to get their touchdown.

What went wrong: The offense didn’t answer the bell consistently enough, and the defense gave up two big plays in the first half that ultimately proved to be the difference in the game. Still, the defensive effort was more than enough to win.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: El Reno Stadium (2001 Sunset Drive)

On the line: The Class 5A-1 district title and a pair of home playoff games.

How El Reno can win: Have Jakeil Everheart play the best game he’s had all year. The defense controls Payton Atchley and the rest of the Demon offense and limit turnovers and penalties.

How Duncan can win: Strike early, build up confidence in a hostile envorinment and move the chains which keeps the ball out of Everheart’s hands.

The pick: El Reno 20-17.  Indians eek out a win.

Can El Reno stop Duncan RB Payton Atchley and quarterback Brandon Wilson?

The pair have combined for nearly 2,000 yards total offense this year so it will  be a challenge. Atchley in particular is a load, averaging 7.2 yards per carry. The Demons average 28 points per game which means they can move the ball but not as well as other teams in the class like Shawnee and Carl Albert. Still, they have more than enough in the tank to give El Reno plenty to worry about on defense that is among the best in 5A.

It it all on Jakeil Everheart’s shoulders?

In many ways it is. Everheart is the leader of the offense, and he’s also the team’s leading rusher. He needs to play a tight game for El Reno to win. That’s part of playing the postion and Everheart has been up to the challenge all season. This will be a tough test though, and you can argue that Duncan is signficantly better than anyone else on El Reno’s schedule this season.

What happens next?

Both teams have built up plenty of confidence this season, but one will walk away with that confidence shaken after Friday night’s game. The bottom line is you can’t win them all. The losing coach will have to get his team focused in a hurry because the next loss ends the season. That’s a tough place to be late in the year. Conversley the winners walk in with their confidence backed up and ready to take on the playoffs.

I woke up this morning to see my inbox bombarded (OK, too strong a word) with legit questions as to why El Reno (9-0, 6-0) and Duncan (8-1, 6-0) was not included in the Top 10 games of the week.

Huh?

After consulting with ace reporter Ryan Aber about this (who compiles the list), hey, we flubbed up on this one. It was a mistake.

This game is definitely in the 2-4 range. Glenpool and Star Spencer is big, Mustang and Southmoore deserves its spot and Bartlesville and Broken Arrow should be a fun one.

But after that, yea, this game deserves its place.

And while we forgot about it for the top 10 games, we most certainly didn’t forget about it for Friday night’s coverage as Matt Patterson will there live and in living color for the District 5A-1 championship.

El Reno’s defense is ridiculous this year, allowing just over 10 points per game. Duncan has quietly gone under the radar.

Think some fans forgot about this team after the Carl Albert loss. Hey, that was just one of those nights. This team is dang good.

I gotta tell ya while I hate when we make a blunder like this, I love the outpouring of support from both sides. I’ve had e-mails from Duncan and El Reno fans about this one. Obviously the teams and their supporters are fired up. I am, too, for this one.

Class 6A
1. Jenks (1)#9-0
2. Tulsa Union (2)#8-1
3. Broken Arrow (3)#7-2
4. Southmoore (4)#8-1
5. Midwest City (6)#7-2
6. Bartlesville (7)#8-1
7. Mustang (9)#7-2
8. Del City (5)#7-2
9. Lawton (10)#7-2
10. Edmond Memorial (NR)#6-3

The main shift here came with Del City dropping three spots to No. 8. Midwest City and Bartlesville move up a spot each, while Mustang jumps up two spots. Edmond North drops out after losing for the second time in three games, and not looking particularly impressive in the one win during that stretch. Lawton moves up a spot to No. 9. Edmond Memorial makes its debut. I considered Owasso for that spot, and went back and forth but Memorial’s streak and the way the Bulldogs’ defense has played this season, even in losses, wins out over the Rams.

Class 5A
1. Tulsa Kelley (1)#9-0
2. El Reno (2)#9-0
3. Shawnee (3)#9-0
4. Tulsa Washington (5)#5-4*
5. Carl Albert (6)#7-2
6. Tulsa East Central (7)#8-1
7. McAlester (4)#8-1
8. Bixby (8)#6-3
9. Tulsa Central (9)#7-2
10. Duncan (10)#8-1
*Two games forfeited.

Some shuffling here with Tulsa East Central’s win over previously undefeated McAlester. I also thought long and hard about what to do about Tulsa Washington after they were forced to forfeit two games for using an ineligible player. From what’s been confirmed right now, with just one player being mentioned, I’m keeping them ranked where they would be anyway. That player wouldn’t have made the difference in games against Pryor and Tulsa Hale. But, if more ineligible players are found to have played — and it appears very possible that could happen — I will reconsider. So Tulsa Washington, Carl Albert and East Central each move up one spot. McAlester drops to No. 7. The rest of the top 10 stays the same.

Class 4A
1. Glenpool (1)#9-0
2. Weatherford (3)#9-0
3. McGuinness (4)#7-2
4. Douglass (5)#6-3
5. Sallisaw (2)#8-1
6. Star Spencer (6)#7-2
7. Broken Bow (7)#6-3
8. Wagoner (9)#6-3
9. Poteau (NR)#7-2
10. Oologah (NR)#6-3

Sallisaw slips to No. 5 after getting beat 35-16 to Wagoner. The Black Diamonds lost quarterback Matt Oberste hurt his collarbone on the game’s first play. The three highly ranked 4A-1 teams — Weatherford, McGuinness and Douglass — all moved up a spot. Wagoner moved up one spot to No. 8, while Poteau and Oologah moved into the rankings. Jay (loss to Catoosa) and Tecumseh (To Glenpool) dropped out.

Class 3A
1. Cascia Hall (1)#8-0
2. Tuttle (2)#9-0
3. Madill (3)#9-0
4. Metro Christian (4)#9-0
5. Berryhill (5)#7-2
6. Clinton (6)#6-3
7. Sequoyah-Claremore (7)#7-2
8. Blanchard (8)#7-2
9. Elgin (9)#7-2
10. Purcell (10)#7-2

No movement here at all. The only loss among the top 10 was by No. 7 Sequoyah-Claremore and the Eagles stayed within seven of No. 1 Cascia Hall so a dropping isn’t warranted.

Class 2A
1. Lincoln Christian (1)#8-1
2. Davis (2)#9-0
3. Sequoyah-Tahlequah (3)#9-0
4. Vian (4)#8-1
5. Kingfisher (6)#7-2
6. Millwood (7)#7-2
7. Bridge Creek (8)#8-1
8. Plainview (9)#8-1
9. Jones (10)#7-2
10. John Marshall (NR)#7-2

Not much movement here with one big exception. Heritage Hall drops from No. 5 to out after losing to John Marshall while the Bears move into the rankings for the first time. It came down to those two for the last spot. Heritage Hall would’ve been the only four-loss team ranked in any class and John Marshall has been in every game its played this year and allowed more than 19 points just once (21 by Kingfisher). I’ll re-evaluate next week but this week at least John Marshall is more worthy of ranking than Heritage Hall.

Class A
1. Tonkawa (1)#9-0
2. Ringling (2)#8-0
3. Hennessey (3)#9-0
4. Stroud (4)#9-0
5. Talihina (5)#9-0
6. Cashion (6)#9-0
7. Oklahoma Bible (7)#8-1
8. Central Sallisaw (9)#8-1
9. Watonga (10)#7-2
10. OCS (NR)#6-2

The only top 10 team to lose this week was Salina, which was beaten by Foyil 28-20 for its first loss of the year. Even though it was only one, Salina falls out. It just didn’t have a marquee win. So OCS is back in, after beating Crescent 55-14 to improve to 6-2. The Saints have a big win, beating Sulphur in the season opener by 17, and their losses — by one to Watonga and two to Cashion — have been mitigated by the seasons those teams have turned in. Pawnee and Okeene are the first teams out here.

Class B
1. Garber (1)#9-0
2. Canton (2)#8-1
3. Porter (3)#9-0
4. Ryan (4)#9-0
5. Davenport (5)#8-1
6. Depew (6)#7-2
7. Kiefer (7)#8-1
8. Caddo (8)#7-2
9. Weleetka (9)#6-3
10. Alex (10)#6-3

I wanted to make changes here, I really did. But I just couldn’t justify it in my mind. I still think Canton is the second-best team in Class B and believe the playoffs will bear that out, so Canton stays in the second spot. I like Porter and Ryan but they’re not quite at that level yet. Nos. 3-8 stay the same as all win. Then we come to the final two spots. Both Weleetka and Alex lost. So I went through and picked Fox and Laverne as the two likely replacements. That’s where the problems came in. Fox’s losses came to Ryan and Alex. Ryan hasn’t lost while Alex’s only losses came to Ryan, No. 8 Caddo and Class C No. 3 Temple. So hard to jump Fox over them when Alex hasn’t slipped up against a team they should’ve beaten. Weleetka’s losses have come to Depew, Davenport and Kiefer, so they also haven’t lost to anyone they flat out should’ve beaten. Laverne, on the other hand, slipped up a couple weeks ago against Geary. So the status quo remains in the final two spots.
Fox
Laverne

Class C
1. Shattuck (1)#9-0
2. Timberlake (2)#9-0
3. Temple (3)#8-1
4. Seiling (4)#8-1
5. Maud (5)#9-0
6. Deer Creek-Lamont (6)#8-1
7. Boise City (7)#7-2
8. Tipton (10)#7-2
9. Waynoka (NR)#6-2
10. Covington-Douglas (NR)#5-4

I said a few weeks ago that I thought Covingon-Douglas still might be a top 10 team and they’ve played like it the last two weeks. Still will interesting to see how it all plays out but they’re in the last spot for now. The top seven all stay the same. Waynoka also makes an appearance in the poll after beating Wesleyan Christian. Sasakwa and Thackerville dropped out.

Here’s a few I’ve come up with. Let me know, either through a comment here or an e-mail (raber@opubco.com), if you have any others.

I’m sure there are plenty more I’ve missed but here are a few:

- Morrison and Shattuck’s 90-game winning streaks in football
- Tulsa Union’s and Jenks’ stranglehold on the 6A football title
-Asher and Owasso baseball dominance
-McGuinness girls cross country
-Bethel girls basketball state tournament streak
-Bartlesville boys swimming
-El Reno wrestling
-McGuinness girls tennis
-Cascia Hall boys tennis

The top seven stay the same here. Bartlesville still No. 7 after a loss? Yes. The Bruins did score 40 points on Jenks, the first team to do that in regulation since Tulsa Union scored 44 early in the 2005 season (Jenks won that game 48-44). Bartlesville lost but still put together a good showing. They do need to blowout Tulsa Memorial next week, though, and at least hang with Broken Arrow to keep that spot. Edmond North and Mustang move up a spot each. I think Mustang would beat Edmond North head-to-head now, but I’m not going to leap the 2-loss Broncos over a 1-loss Edmond North when the Huskies won the head-to-head earlier this season. It came down to Owasso and Lawton for the final spot, and I even had Owasso written in at one time, but went back and looked at both team’s schedules. Lawton has 2 losses; Owasso has 3. The Wolverines’ most impressive win was a 27-14 victory over Mustang. The Rams was … a 30-8 win over Choctaw? 20-0 over Muskogee? 19-13 over Enid? Not a whole lot to be blown away by there. The Rams are playing much better than they were before the season but Lawton has impressed more to this point. Putnam North was the team that fell out of the rankings after their 46-14 loss to Mustang.

Class 5A
1. Tulsa Kelley (1)#8-0
2. El Reno (2)#8-0
3. Shawnee (3)#8-0
4. McAlester (4)#8-0
5. Tulsa Washington (5)#6-2
6. Carl Albert (6)#6-2
7. Tulsa East Central (7)#7-1
8. Bixby (8)#5-3
9. Tulsa Central (9)#6-2
10. Duncan (NR)#7-1 

Not Much movement here either as the top 9 all won. The only loss was Ada falling 24-21 to Tulsa East Central and I seriously contemplated leaving Ada there but after looking at Duncan’s resume, I slid them in. Their only loss came against Carl Albert early in the season. They’ve played a couple close games in district but keep finding a way to win. They travel to El Reno to end the season in a game that will decide 5A-1.

Class 4A
1. Glenpool (1)#8-0
2. Sallisaw (2)#8-0
3. Weatherford (3)#8-0
4. McGuinness (4)#6-2
5. Douglass (5)#5-3
6. Star Spencer (6)#6-2
7. Broken Bow (7)#5-3
8. Jay (8)#6-2
9. Wagoner (10)#5-3
10. Tecumseh (NR)#7-1 

The top eight here all stay the same. No. 5 Douglass sticks there for the second consecutive weeks after a loss but they lost by seven points to a higher-ranked team both weeks so there’s no reason to drop them, especially considering they hold a head-to-head win over No. 6 Star Spencer. No. 9 Poteau drops out after losing big to Broken Bow. Wagoner moves up a spot while Tecumseh, by virtue of its 19-14 win over Seminole, moves back into the rankings. Not sure about Tecumseh, but hard to argue to keep them out at this point.

Class 3A
1. Cascia Hall (1)#7-0
2. Tuttle (2)#8-0
3. Madill (3)#8-0
4. Metro Christian (4)#8-0
5. Berryhill (8)#6-2
6. Clinton (9)#5-3
7. Sequoyah-Claremore (10)#7-1
8. Blanchard (5)#6-2
9. Elgin (NR)#7-1
10. Purcell (NR)#6-2 

There’s a lot of shake ups here after Nos. 5-6-7 and went down, two to unranked teams. Blanchard lost to Clinton, sending Blanchard from No. 5 to No. 7. No. 6 Checotah lost to Roland in OT and dropped completely out. No. 7 Bethany lost 35-14 to unranked Purcell and also dropped all the way out. Taking their place was 7-1 Elgin (Only loss came to Tuttle) and 6-2 Purcell (Lost to Lexington and Madill back-to-back early but have won four consecutive games). The big movers were Berryhill, up three spots to No. 5, Clinton and Sequoyah-Claremore.

Class 2A
1. Lincoln Christian (1)#7-1
2. Davis (2)#8-0
3. Sequoyah-Tahlequah (3)#8-0
4. Vian (4)#7-1
5. Heritage Hall (5)#5-3
6. Kingfisher (6)#6-2
7. Millwood (7)#6-2
8. Bridge Creek (9)#7-1
9. Plainview (NR)#7-1
10. Jones (NR)#6-2

The top seven are easy as each won Friday night. Bridge Creek jumps a spot to No. 8 while Plainview (7-1,  won 7 in a row after season-opening loss to Elgin) and Jones (6-2, wins over Millwood and Lexington in district play) move into the rankings. Lexington drops out, as does Pawhuska. Pawhuska has a chance to move back in soon, though, but hard not to drop them after losing 48-0. 

Class A
1. Tonkawa (1)#8-0
2. Ringling (2)#7-0
3. Hennessey (3)#8-0
4. Stroud (4)#8-0
5. Talihina (5)#8-0
6. Cashion (6)#8-0
7. Oklahoma Bible (7)#7-1
8. Salina (9)#8-0
9. Central Sallisaw (NR)#7-1
10. Watonga (NR)#6-2 

Again, the top seven stay the same as all win. After that, though, things get a bit dicey. Salina moves up a spot with a win and Central Sallisaw and Watonga enter the rankings. Central Sallisaw’s only loss came to No. 5 Talihina. Watonga’s losses came to Class 2A No. 6 Kingfisher by eight to start the season and No. 6 Cashion by seven last week. Okeene drops out after losing for the second time in three weeks and needing triple overtime to beat Texhoma earlier this season. OCS drops out after 12-10 loss to Cashion. That’s a tough break but hard to put OCS in and keep Watonga out now, after Watonga won the head-to-head.

Class B
1. Garber (1)#8-0
2. Canton (2)#8-0
3. Porter (3)#8-0
4. Ryan (4)#8-0
5. Davenport (7)#7-1
6. Depew (8)#6-2
7. Kiefer (6)#7-1
8. Caddo (9)#6-2
9. Weleetka (10)#6-2
10. Alex (NR)#6-2 

The top four stay undefeated and stay in their spots. Fox’s loss to Alex drops the Foxes out from No. 5 as Alex moves in at No. 10 at 6-2. Alex’s only two losses this year came to No. 8 Caddo and Class C No. 3 Temple. Davenport and Depew each move up two spots. Kiefer drops one after its loss to Depew. Caddo and Weleetka move up one behind Kiefer and Alex moves back into the rankings.

Class C
1. Shattuck (1)#8-0
2. Timberlake (2)#8-0
3. Temple (3)#7-1
4. Seiling (4)#7-1
5. Maud (5)#8-0
6. Deer Creek-Lamont (6)#7-1
7. Boise City (9)#6-2
8. Sasakwa (10)#7-1
9. Thackerville (7)#5-3
10. Tipton (NR)#6-2 

Top six stay the same here. Boise City leaps up two spots after winning for the sixth consecutive game after an 0-2 start (losing at Springfield, Colo., and at Shattuck). Sasakwa also moves up two after a 66-18 thrashing of No. 8 Claremore Christian. Thackerville falls two spots to No. 9 after a loss to Class B No. 8 Caddo. Replacing Claremore Christian in the rankings this week is Tipton (6-2, only losses to Geary and Temple).

raber@opubco.com

Carl Albert (2-1) at Duncan (2-0)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Halliburton Stadium, Duncan

Carl Albert (L, Tulsa Washington, 27-6; W, Choctaw, 28-0)

Why Carl Albert can win: The Titans should be able to go to Duncan and win after bouncing back from the season-opening loss with a solid showing last week. The Titans are solid all around and their defense is considerably better than the other two Duncan has faced this year.

Duncan (W, Seminole, 40-2; W, Ardmore, 26-7)

Why Duncan can win: The Demons seemed to have corrected the errors that killed them last season, when turnovers and penalties did them in so many times. Carl Albert doesn’t have the same game-breaking running back they’ve had against Duncan the past few years and Duncan has the defense to respond to that.

Key matchup: Carl Albert QB J.T. Realmuto vs. Duncan’s linebacker. Duncan’s defense has done an outstanding job against the run so far this season but they haven’t seen a dual-threat QB the likes of Realmuto. After a tough first week, Realmuto settled down and turned in big numbers on both te ground and through the air in last week’s win. If he can run effectively tonight, Carl Albert should move to 2-1. If Duncan shuts him down, that’ll go a long way toward the Demons going 3-0.

The pick: Carl Albert 28, Duncan 20. It’s still Carl Albert. David Oku might be gone but the Titans have still been successful on the ground so far with Kenton Whittington and J.T. Realmuto leading the way. It won’t be the blowout it was last year but Carl Albert still comes out with the win.

Class 6A
1. Tulsa Union (1)#1-0

2. Jenks (2)#1-0

3. Broken Arrow (4)#0-1

4. Owasso (5)#1-0

5. Del City (11)#1-0

6. Southmoore (6)#1-0

7. Edmond North (10)#1-0

8. Mustang (9)#1-0

9. Muskogee (8)#0-1

10. Norman North (13)#1-0

Rankings review

I take a little different approach when formulating rankings. I don’t drop teams every time when they lose. Never understood why a No. 10 team who lost to a No. 1 team had to drop. That’s why you’ll see Broken Arrow moved up a notch in 6A despite losing to Tulsa Union. The Tigers lost in a close game and couldn’t see jumping Owasso (who’s without its regular starting QB) or Southmoore (who struggled to run the ball in its opening win) over Broken Arrow. I struggled with how to order the bottom part of the rankings. Del City’s win was huge so I jumped them ahead of winners Southmoore, Edmond North and Mustang. There were flaws with each of those team’s wins (although I don’t hold North’s against them as much as the other two, since it was a rivalry game). We’ll see some more shaking out in the next couple weeks with some big matchups. Midwest City might still be a top 10 team by the time it’s all said and done. Along with the Bombers, Putnam North and Lawton are bubbling right outside the top 10.

Class 5A Rankings

1. Tulsa Washington (1)#1-0

2. Carl Albert (2)#0-1

3. El Reno (5)#1-0

4. Lawton MacArthur (6)#1-0

5. Bixby (4)#0-1

6. Guthrie (3)#0-1

7. Tulsa East Central (7)#1-0

8. Shawnee (8)#1-0

9. Duncan (11)#1-0

10. Ada (12)#1-0

It was tough at the top of 5A with Nos. 2, 3, 4, 9 and 10 all losing. In the end, I decided to keep Carl Albert at No. 2 because I can’t see jumping El Reno or Lawton MacArthur up over the Titans right now. And El Reno win next week would give serious consideration to a jump. Lawton Mac’s win was certainly impressive and the Highlanders could also be moving up with continued wins. I just think Tulsa Washington is heads and shoulders above everyone else in the class right now. It’s hard to judge just where Bixby and Guthrie are right now but we’ll find out soon enough. I don’t drop teams just because tey lost but Guthrie’s offense worries me and Bixby got hammered so I wasn’t hesitant of dropping them behind El Reno and Lawton Mac. Tulsa Kelley and Deer Creek are just outside the top 10, as is Ardmore and Coweta.

Class 4A

1. Glenpool (1)#1-0

2. Broken Bow (2)#1-0

3. Sallisaw (3)#1-0

4. Douglass (5)#1-0

5. McGuinness (6)#1-0

6. Grove (7)#1-0

7. Wagoner (8)#1-0

8. Weatherford (9)#1-0

9. Star Spencer (4)#0-1

10. Collinsville (10)#1-0

With just one team in the top 10 losing, the only real question here is how far does Star Spencer fall with its big loss to Millwood. The answer winds up being to No. 9 from No. 4. No. 1 Glenpool’s win wasn’t overly dominant but the Warriors are still No. 1. The others ahead of Star Spencer all had big wins, either in blowout fashion or in McGuinness’ and Weatherford’s cases, wins over highly regarded opponents. Poteau and McLoud are hanging around just outside the rankings.

Class 3A

1. Cascia Hall (1)#1-0

2. Tuttle (3)#1-0

3. Sequoyah-Claremore (4)#1-0

4. Clinton (2)#0-1

5. Purcell (5)#1-0

6. Madill (7)#1-0

7. Checotah (6)#1-0

8. Bethany (7)#1-0

9. Metro Christian (9)#1-0

10. Blanchard (10)#1-0

Another relatively stable class, with Clinton the only top 10 team with a loss. Figured they’need to go fall under at least Tuttle and Seq.-Claremore. Elgin and Newcastle ate just outside the top 10.

Class 2A

1. Lincoln Christian (2)#1-0

2. Millwood (3)#1-0

3. Kingfisher (5)#1-0

4. Davis (6)#1-0

5. Sequoyah-Tahlequah (7)#1-0

6. Heritage Hall (1)#0-1

7. Vian (9)#1-0

8. Chandler (4)#0-1

9. Lexington (13)#1-0

10. Sulphur (8)#0-1

Another class with some interesting dilemmas. How far does Heritage Hall drop? What about Chandler? Who fills out the bottom of the top 10? The answers: To 6th because their defense performed well yet they clearly have a ton of work to do on offense. Chandler drops four spots to eighth. Chandler should be significantly better by the end of the year but thhe Lions have to grow up quick. Sulphur stays in the top 10 in large part due to the rash of losses at the bottom and just outside the top 10.

Class A

1. Okeene (1)#1-0

2. Tonkawa (2)#1-0

3. Morrison (3)#1-0

4. Ringling (4)#0-0

5. Hennessey (6)#1-0

6. OCS (7)#1-0

7. Woodland (5)#0-1

8. Stroud (9)#1-0

9. Hominy (8)#0-1

10. Commerce (12)#1-0

I dropped Woodland down two spots after its 31-6 loss to No. 1 Okeene. Woodland’s going to be pretty good by season’s end but needs some ore consistency. Stroud and Hominy switch spots after Stroud beats Chandler and Cleveland beats Hominy.

District previews: Classes 6A-C

Class 6A
District 6A-1: Lawton’s Sunny Puletasi learns quickly

District 6A-2: D’Juan Brooks stepping up for Edmond Memorial

District 6A-3: Jenks still strong without Jarrett Lake

District 6A-4: Choctaw trying to build tradition

Class 5A
District 5A-1: Coach Tom Cobble says it’s a good time to be in El Reno

District 5A-2: Carl Albert QB J.T. Realmuto could see time on defense

District 5A-3: Tulsa Washington unanimous No. 1

District 5A-4: McAlester poised to rebound; East Central wants more

Class 4A
District 4A-1: McGuinness’ offensive line a concern

District 4A-2: Tecumseh is strong up front

District 4A-3: Home playoff game is Collinsville’s goal

District 4A-4: Broken Bow coach high on Eric Dockins

Class 3A

District 3A-1: Tuttle battling lack of experience

District 3A-2: Madill trio has coach Kerry Roberts looking for big things

District 3A-3: Jody Iams’ Eagles rely on Wing-T

District 3A-4: Metro Christian gains valuable asset in QB Beau Marsaln

Class 2A

District 2A-1: Marc Robinson still growing for Heritage Hall

District 2A-2: Little Axe ready for breakthrough?

District 2A-3: Washington’s Chance Pistole moving to fullback; Bridge Creek rebuilding its line

District 2A-4: Atoka QB commands attention

District 2A-5: Chandler counting on Brandon Cummings

District 2A-6: Toughness key for Valliant

District 2A-7: Verdigris has 15 experienced seniors

District 2A-8: Colcord hoping to build on strong finish

Class A

District A-1: Hennessey avoids logjam at quarterback

District A-1 coaches’ poll

District A-2: OCS’ Jack Warren hasn’t forgotten loss

District A-2 notes: Trio vying for QB job at CHA

District A-3: District loaded with talented teams

District A-4: Bray-Doyle deals with adversity

District A-5: Tough three weeks for Stroud

District A-6: Talihina a cut above the rest

District A-7: Morrison ready to reload

District A-7 notes: Barnsdall seniors looking for wins

District A-8: Commerce looks to preserve streak

Class B

District B-1: Could district dominance repeat?

District B-2: Paoli defense is a strength

District B-3: Weightlifting competition inspires OCA

District B-4: Copan’s secret is out

Class C

Shattuck closing in on record win streak

District C-1: Finding running back key for Forgan

District C-2: Aaron Vondrak to lead Thackerville

District C-3: Seiling to turn QB Zach McDonald loose

District C-4: Maud’s Jarrid Resler works way back

The tennis season is over and so too is the speculation about all the rankings. Duncan coach Phil Barnes has passed along to me both the final boys and girls rankings as decided by the Oklahoma Tennis Coaches Association.

Girls

1. Bishop McGuinness: No surprise here. The Irish won their 11th straight title and totally deserve the honor. If this was an AP football/basketball poll, girls would receive all first-place votes.

2. Bishop Kelley: Won three straight titles before McGuinness came along in 5A and denied it. Andrea Lewis and Meredith Burns don’t have to take a back seat to anybody, and it was a joy to watch them play.

3. Duncan: Yep, when I said 5A was top-heavy all season, wasn’t kidding. First three teams are from the class. Melanie Barnes will anchor the crew next season.

4. Heritage Hall: Three and four are tough. Only because I’ve seen Heritage more would I flip ‘em. The 4A champs will have Julie Labarthe back, Carissa Villaflor grew tremendously as a player this season while Sarah Bowen might end up being one of the most athletic players the state has seen.

5. Edmond North: And here is your 6A champ. Rachel Mitcham will return at No. 1 singles and Huskies should be knockin’ on the door again.

6. Jenks
7. Edmond Memorial
8. Broken Arrow
9. Cascia Hall
10. Shawnee

Only change in my rankings would be Chargers at No. 3 and Duncan at No. 4. That’s it, pretty fair assessment of the season by the rankings committee.

Boys

1. Putnam North: 6A was the cream of the crop in the boys and no team was better when it mattered most than David Diefenderfer’s Panthers. Chris Haworth’s goal: back-to-back-to-back undefeated seasons.

2. Union: Almost as dominating as Haworth, No. 2 singles player Trevor Horstmann couldn’t be touched. Add in some great drama in the doubles play, and Union didn’t relinquish its four-year reign without a fight.

3. Bishop Kelley: Cruised to third straight 5A championship. One more year of Cale Hammond means good times for tennis fans and bad news for the rest of 5A.

4. Cascia Hall: Getting to be as dominant as McGuinness girls. Commandos are a well-oiled machine and Chase Tomlins will be going for that rarity of being a four-time champion next season.

5. Edmond Memorial: A sentimental favorite as I feel no team progressed from the beginning of the year to the end like Bulldogs. Randy Mays will still have a lot of weapons at his disposal next season.

6. Edmond North
7. Metro Christian
8. Ada
9. McGuinness
10. Heritage Hall

Based on familiarity again, would switch McGuinness and Ada. Already looking forward to next season as so many teams were so young this season that next year can’t help but provide even more drama.

Speaking of drama, time for the All-City Team. A little more research, but like I said, pretty confident with the selections.

This will never happen, but it’s been itchin’ at me lately how some of the best tennis players are in the wrong class, and we don’t get to see the epic showdowns we deserve to see at the state tournament.

Since I have so much “power,” I have devised my eight-girl singles tournament with the right to be called “The Boneman’s Champion.” It’s an extremely prestigious honor that would rank right up there with a state title. No, seriously, it would.

No. 1 seed Whitney Ritchie, McGuinness, vs. No. 8 seed Jennifer Buntz, Jenks

The Class 5A champ (Ritchie) vs. the 6A runner-up (Buntz). Because of weather and scheduling, McGuinness and Jenks never met this season, oddly enough.

No. 4 seed Mia Lancaster, McGuinness vs. No. 5 seed Meredith Burns, Bishop Kelley

A match so great at the state tournament (Lancaster won) that we get to see it again. Like and appreciate the game of both girls immensely.

No. 3 seed Andrea Lewis, Bishop Kelley vs. No. 6 seed Rachel Mitcham, Edmond North

Here we have the 5A runner-up (Lewis) vs. the 6A champion (Mitcham). How would Lewis respond to the constant high-ball game of Mitcham and how would Mitcham respond to the power of Lewis?

No. 2 seed Julie Labarthe, Heritage Hall vs. No. 7 seed Melanie Barnes, Duncan

And finally the 4A champ (Labarthe) vs. the third-place winner in 5A (Barnes). Since it’s my tournament, Barnes’ wrist is completely healthy, and we get to see her at her best. Labarthe’s arsenal is on full display every match, doesn’t matter who the opponent is. That makes her one of the favorites, easily.

One qualifying statement: the girls had to play singles this season at the state tournament. So as much as I would like to see Katelyn Connelly (McGuinness), Sarah Bowen (Heritage Hall) and Gaby Siegler (Jenks) compete in this “all-star tournament,” it wouldn’t happen.

Don’t think there was ever a question about whether or not McGuinness could make it title No. 11 in a row. Absolutely loaded at each spot that it really wasn’t possible for another team to make a dent in 5A.

However, there were some real tense moments in the McGuinness singles championship matches with Whitney Ritchie vs. Andrea Lewis (Bishop Kelley) and Mia Lancaster vs. Meredith Burns (Bishop Kelley).

A selfish part of me was hoping that Lancaster/Burns match would have went three sets because that would have easily been the match of the tournament.

Lancaster smoked Burns in the first set, 6-1, but Burns found her footing and waged a great duel in the second set and even led 5-2 at one point before losing in a tie-breaker. I believe it was 7-5 in the breaker.

Ritchie had beaten Lewis, 6-0, 6-0, in their only official meeting before Saturday. She was up 6-2, 5-2, at the Cascia Hall Tournament before it was called off because of rain.

Lewis came out and made a strong statement (and not just because she was my Player to Watch). She was up 4-1, and Ritchie was in real trouble with the hard-hitting Lewis.

That’s why I talked about Ritchie’s heart because she hadn’t been tested all season and came through in spades when she finally was.

It might be pure coincidence, but both Ritchie and Lancaster played extremely better once their teammates came around.

The No. 1 doubles team of Katelyn Connelly and Emily Conrad took care of business and quickly went over to watch Ritchie. That’s when Ritchie took over.

Then all three of those girls and the No. 2 doubles team of Ashleigh Chiaf and Trinian O’Neil ran over to watch Lancaster in that tight second set.

Their whole team unity is a lot more than just a cute thing to say. It’s real. McGuinness finished 102-0 in their respective positions this season.

I picked Duncan to edge Bishop Kelley, and I was two points off as the Comets held off the Demons for second place. To say 5A was top-heavy would be the understatement of the tournament.

And tough break about Booker T. Washington’s Lili Johnson. She had split the first two sets with Lewis in the semifinals before cramping up and having to default that match and her third-place match with Duncan’s Melanie Barnes. Hate to see that happen at the state tournament.

Academic achievement award: Duncan, 4.0 GPA.

Biggest thing to watch for is the weather. Here’s to hoping we get everything in this weekend.

As much as I love tennis, it’s the first sport that has to be called off with even the smidgest amount of rain.

Ever played on a slippery court? You like having healthy legs? Don’t play on a slippery court unless you want to mess up your knees, or ankles or hamstrings. It’s brutal.

But with that said, what should you be watching for this weekend at the state tournament?

Class 6A

Biggest question: Can anyone pose a real threat to Jenks? I don’t think so. Admittedly, haven’t seen the Trojan girls this season. Just been looking at the numbers and remember how strong they were last year.

Edmond Memorial has the best chance while Edmond North is solid, too. If you combined the schools, they’d be dynamite.

But as is, see it being Jenks-EM-EN finish.

Player to watch: Rachel Mitcham, Edmond North. The No. 1 singles field is about as open as can be.

With Jennifer Buntz of Jenks, Mackenzie Zaloudek of Enid and Lindsay Choi of Edmond Memorial, it’ll be a real battle for the crown.

When Mitcham is on her game, she’s the best. She’ll have to bring it this weekend.

Class 5A

Biggest question: Will McGuinness sweep? I’m not trying to be a jerk, but that is the drama for me. Whitney Ritchie and Mia Lancaster are some of the best juniors in the country (not just state) and the No. 1 doubles team of Katelyn Connelly and Emily Conrad would be singles players just about anywhere else.

This is a loaded field, though. Andrea Lewis of Bishop Kelley, Melanie Barnes of Duncan, Meredith Burns of BK immediately come to mind as real threats who could pull off an upset or two.

The real battle will be for second b/w Duncan and Bishop Kelley. And based on what I’ve seen, I’m going to go for a minor upset and say Duncan places second with BK closely behind.

Player to watch: I’ma say Andrea Lewis of Bishop Kelley. She’s a two-time state champion. When she played Whitney Ritchie earlier this year, she lost 6-0, 6-0. There were extenuating circumstances, but still, think Lewis will have a lot of pride if the two meet in the championship.

Class 4A

Biggest question: Will Heritage Hall’s new line-up prove dividends? Dick Villalfor changed up his crew late in the game, moving No. 2 singles player Sarah Bowen to No. 1 doubles and moving No. 1 doubles player Carissa Villaflor to the No. 2 singles spot.

He said it will give him the best chance at state in both positions but definitely an interesting move. Tough to question someone who has won as many championships as Villaflor.

Heritage Hall and Cascia Hall were pretty dominant at their regionals and have been ranked No. 1 and No. 2 throughout the season, and that order shouldn’t change here. Chargers come out on top.

Player to watch: Julie Labarthe, Heritage Hall. Was a little too young for Peta Maree Lancaster of McGuinness last year in the final. But I would have loved to have seen a Labarthe-Ritchie singles championship this year.

Oh well. Labarthe has been as good as advertised and is routinely posting at least one 6-0 set in just about every match she’s had lately.

Should be a fun weekend. See ya on the courts.

Spent most of Friday and Saturday camped out at Heritage Hall for what I feel is the biggest tennis tournament of the year.

It really doesn’t get much bigger than the Heritage Hall Tournament of Champions. In some ways, it’s better than state because there is no class separation.

Friday was the girls portion, and here are some thoughts, observations:

- McGuinness junior Whitney Ritchie is something special. The way she handled the wind and double bageled Andrea Lewis of Bishop Kelley was impressive.

This was the first singles match I’ve seen Ritchie in after all those doubles matches last year with Mia Lancaster.

Lewis edged Heritage Hall’s Julie Labarthe in three sets in the semifinals. That combined with wanting to go to Prom made the final a little anti-climactic.

But boy is Ritchie one to watch for nationally in the years to come.

- Introduced to a new face at Heritage Hall, freshman Sarah Bowen. Liked her poise, and she’s not built like your typical freshman.

I imagined her as some scrawny kid who would need to time to develop her fitness. Not so, she looks like she belongs out there.

Bowen lost to Bishop Kelley’s Meredith Burns in the No. 2 singles championship.

- Would like to see Labarthe and Duncan’s Melanie Barnes fully healthy for state. Labarthe is battling shin splints while Barnes is dealing with a wrist injury. Felt cheated to not see both of them at 100 percent.

- McGuinness swept this event last year but not this year. Of course, part of that was because Lancaster was playing in a tournament in California but big win by the Duncan No. 2 doubles team.

McGuinness placed first, followed by Bishop Kelley and Duncan. All three are 5A schools.

The McGuinness No. 1 doubles team of Katelyn Connelly and Emily Conrad smoked the field. But really that wasn’t much of a surprise as the two could probably be the No. 1 singles player at most schools in the state.

Conrad must be pretty popular as this is the third straight year she’s been paired up with someone and her third new partner. She’s already got two titles and appears on her way to a third.

- Wasn’t a fair assessment of Edmond Memorial. The Bulldogs tied for fifth but did so without singles players Lindsay Choi and Safaa Aly.

- That was actually the common link of this last weekend. While it was a good tournament and showcased some of the top teams, we were missing some key players because of various reasons.

- Bishop Kelley is one player short, I think, from making a real run at McGuinness. Going to compete hard but think Comets are going to fall just a tad short.

- Weather was nice Friday. A little bit of wind, but nothing like the wind Thursday and the wind Saturday.