Duncan’s Domonique Petties commits to Arizona
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:
Christmas memories from All-State football players…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
In the Christmas spirit, we asked some of our All-State football players for their favorite Christmas memories.
Here’s what some of them had to say.
Derrick Alexander, Tulsa Washington
I received the gift of getting into Booker T. Washington. It was one of the best decisions of my life. It just made everything better.”
Dylan Dismuke, Duncan
A four-wheeler I got a couple of years ago. It’s been a way to go off and have fun away from sports all the time.”
Aliston Cobb, Douglass
A football when I was a little boy.”
Austin Beck, Nowata
My parents gave me some GI Joes when I was younger. GI Joes are my ultimate favorite toy.”
David Glidden, Mustang
It’s not just one, but every year in elementary school, I would buy everyone in my family at least one gift and the feeling of giving just made it better than receiving.”
Trevon Lewis, Midwest City
The best gift I received was a big wheel truck. I wanted one so bad when I was a kid, and I woke up one morning for Christmas, and it was sitting in my living room.”
Trent Martin, Jenks
Spider-Man web shooter. I was the biggest Spider-Man fan.”
Tyrequek Zimmerman, Lawton
A go-cart back in the younger days was the best present and also a BB gun.”
Devin Randall, Bartlesville
My favorite Christmas present was the first generation iPod that I received in fifth grade (Boneman’s note: That makes me feel old) This gift was the start of my love for music in my life.”
The Oklahoman’s All-State football team comes out Jan. 2 (Sunday), the same day when the NewsOK Player of the Year will be announced. The Big All-City team comes out Dec. 29 (Wednesday), with the Little All-City team Dec. 30 (Thursday). Voting for the NewsOK Player of the Year is open until Dec. 31.
SMQ: Titans survive vs. Duncan, 30-27…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
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 vs. Carl Albert Capsule…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
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 vs. Duncan Capsule…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
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.
Carl Albert: Ground-and-pound Titans…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
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.
Guthrie: Duncan an imposing challenge…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
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.
Football: Will 5A be cleared up this week?
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
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.
Duncan: Jim Holloway’s staff full of former players he coached…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
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.”
Super 30: No. 2 Dylan Dismuke, Duncan…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
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.
