The Oklahoma City Area Baseball Coaches Association will play its annual all-star game at 6 p.m. Thursday at Palmer Field at Dolese Park.

An all-star team made up from these two rosters will play a Tulsa-area all-star team in a doubleheader at noon Saturday at Bishop McGuinness. OCS’ Ken McQueen and Tecumseh’s Chad Trahan will coach the Oklahoma City team.

NORTH
Starters
Pitchers: Brock Stuber, Piedmont; Parker Rigler, Edmond Memorial; Kyle Stephens, Edmond North
Catchers: Mike Hale, Putnam City North; Jon Denney, Yukon
First baseman: Cody Daylor, Edmond North
Second baseman: Daniel Costello, Edmond Santa Fe
Third baseman: Bryan Dutton, Guthrie
Shortstop: Dalen Edgar, Piedmont
Outfielders: Landon Eason, Yukon; Jack Hale, Edmond Memorial; Cole Lindley, Deer Creek
Utility: Austin Brooks, OCS
Desgnated hitter: Jacob Jerome, Edmond Santa Fe

Reserves: Chiante’ McKee, Star Spencer; Bradley Fitch, Bishop McGuinness; Reed Brooks, Putnam City; Jonathan Sergent, Classen

Coaches: Ken McQueen, OCS; Kory Williams, Piedmont

SOUTH
Starters
Pitchers: Alexander Svetgoff, Westmoore; Gage Trahan, Tecumseh; Nick Ward, Southmoore
Catchers: Lane Paul, Tuttle; Cameron Knight, Westmoore
First baseman: Dylan Mauk, Blanchard
Second baseman: Daniel Herron, Norman North
Third baseman: DJ Gasso, Norman North
Shortstop: Tre Edwards, Southmoore
Outfielders: Chevin Noone, Carl Albert; Hunter Heath, Bethel; Quade Nelson, Blanchard
Utility: Damion Orr, Midwest City
Designated hitter: Joel Davis, Midwest City

Reserves: Cooper Owens, Putnam City West; Colin Webb, Moore; Matt Foster, Norman; Casey Bowlan, Shawnee; Jovanny Hernandez, U.S. Grant; Zack Howry, Capitol Hill; Landon Vodka, Mustang.

Coaches: Chad Trahan, Tecumseh; Travis Owen, Tuttle

According to sources, Edmond North’s Jeremy Dombek is expected to be named the new football caoch at Mustang, pending board approval Monday night. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

Edmond North’s Jeremy Dombek will leave to become the new head football coach at Mustang High School, pending the approval of the Mustang school board at its meeting Monday night, sources have told The Oklahoman.

The Mustang school board is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Monday.

Dombek will replace Ty Prestidge, who resigned on May 3 to take an offensive coordinator position with longtime friend Todd Dilbeck at Choctaw.

Dombek was expected to address his team at Edmond North Monday morning, according to sources. Pending board approval, Dombek would be able to begin working with his new team at Mustang Tuesday.

Mustang missed the playoffs in 2012, despite a 6-4 record. It was the second straight year the Broncos fell short of the postseason.

Edmond North has reached the second round of the Class 6A playoffs each of the last three seasons under Dombek, and missed the playoffs only once since he took over in 2007.

The move leaves the Huskies scrambling now. Dombek is likely to take some of his assistant coaches to Mustang, so Edmond North could have multiple coaching spots to fill as spring practice begins. Monday is the first day that Class 6A football teams can hold football practices.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association released the state tournament brackets Monday and Tuesday.

CLASS 6A
At Shawnee
Thursday
Tulsa Kelley at Norman North, 11 a.m.
Jenks vs. Yukon, 1:30 p.m.
Edmond Santa Fe vs. Owasso, 4 p.m.
Edmond North vs. Broken Arrow, 6:30 p.m.

Friday
Tulsa Kelley/Norman North winner vs. Jenks/Yukon winner, 4 p.m.
Edmond North/Broken Arrow winner vs. Edmond Santa Fe/Owasso winner, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday
Championship game, 6 p.m.

CLASS 5A
At Edmond Santa Fe
Thursday
Noble vs. Deer Creek, 11 a.m.
Guthrie vs. Coweta, 1:30 p.m.
Carl Albert vs. Pryor, 4 p.m.
Chickasha vs. Claremore, 6:30 p.m.

Friday
Noble/Deer Creek winner vs. Carl Albert/Pryor winner, 4 p.m.
Guthrie/Coweta winner vs. Chickasha/Claremore winner, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday
Championship game, 2:30 p.m.

CLASS 4A
At Edmond Memorial
Thursday
Piedmont vs. Byng, 11 a.m.
Tuttle vs. Weatherford, 1:30 p.m.
Plainview vs. Catoosa, 4 p.m.
Berryhill vs. Dewey, 6:30 p.m.

Friday
Piedmont/Byng winner vs. Plainview/Catoosa winner, 4 p.m.
Tuttle/Weatherford winner vs. Berryhill/Dewey winner, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday
At Shawnee
Championship game, 3:30 p.m.

CLASS 3A
Thursday
At Deer Creek
Verdigris vs. OCS, 11 a.m.
Stroud vs. Vian, 1:30 p.m.
Salina vs. Spiro, 4 p.m.
Marlow vs. Kingston, 6:30 p.m.

At Edmond Santa Fe
Friday
Verdigris/OCS winner vs. Salina/Spiro winner, 11 a.m.
Stroud/Vian winner vs. Marlow/Kingston winner, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday
Championship game, noon

CLASS 2A
Thursday
At Dolese Park
Dale vs. Alva, 11 a.m.
Caney Valley vs. Latta, 1:30 p.m.
Colbert vs. Tushka, 4 p.m.
Silo vs. Ketchum, 6:30 p.m.

At Shawnee
Friday
Dale/Alva winner vs. Colbert/Tushka winer, 11 a.m.
Caney Valley/Latta winner vs. Silo/Ketchum winner, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday
Championship game, 1 p.m.

Former Edmond Memorial golfer Taylor Moore was named the SEC Freshman of the Year at Arkansas.

Edmond Memorial product and two-time Class 6A state champion Taylor Moore made the quick jump to success at the next level.

The Arkansas golfer was named the Southeastern Conference’s Freshman of the Year on Wednesday.

Moore had four top-25 finishes in six tournaments and finished under par in two events. He had two top-10 finishes and a season stroke average of 73.87.

He was 27th recently at the SEC Tournament, thanks to a strong finish, playing the course in 2-under-par over the final 36 holes.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

Edmond Memorial assistant coach Dan Kurtenbach was named the head coach at Weatherford earlier this week.

Kurtenbach has been an assistant coach for the Bulldogs for the last four seasons. He was the head coach at Casady in 2007 and 2008. Before that, he held assistant coaching jobs at Broken Arrow, Shawnee and Midwest City.

Kurtenbach replaces Mickey Seifried, who took the job as the technology director of Weatherford Public Schools.

Seifried went 30-26 in five seasons as the head coach at Weatherford, including a 12-1 season in 2009. The Eagles went 7-5 in 2012.

Before becoming the head coach, Seifried spent eight seasons as an assistant at the school.

Edmond Memorial’s Chloe Webber and Edmond North’s Hannah Dowell signed to play lacrosse at Oklahoma Baptist University.

Webber is an attacker and Dowell is a midfielder.

“I am excited to add more girls to next year’s roster who are local so that we can continue to grow the sport throughout Oklahoma,” Lady Bison coach Katy Mohr said in a release.

OBU is in its first season of women’s lacrosse. The addition of the sport was announced in 2010 along with the additions of football and swimming.

Oklahoma Baptist is playing an independent schedule this year, going 1-4 through its first five games.

The Lady Bison host Missouri State on March 30.

They’ve also played Texas State, Texas Tech, Midland University and the University of Dallas.

Lacrosse is a club sport at both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.

All-City girls track Kirsten Burnett in Oklahoma City, Thursday, May 31 2012. Photo By Steve Gooch,

Deer Creek sprinter Kirsten Burnett has decided on her college future, verbally committing to the Oral Roberts track program on Wednesday.

Burnett won four gold medals at the Class 5A state track meet last season, including individual victories in the 100 and 200 meters. She was named The Oklahoman’s Big All-City Girls Track Athlete of the Year.

Burnett picked ORU over Oklahoma Baptist.

“I felt very at home there. I knew I’d be comfortable,” Burnett said of ORU. “I think there’s a lot of potential to grow individually and as a program.”

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

Midwest City and Okemah won state powerlifting state titles last weekend at the Oklahoma Football Coaches Association’s state powerlifting meet at McLoud High School.

McAlester’s Caden Pratt earned the large class’ lightweight squatter, lightweight deadlifter and lightweight overall lifter titles. Wetumka’s Derrick Moore also earned a trio of individual honors in the small class, taking the heavyweight squatter, heavyweight bencher and overall heavyweight lifter titles.

The title was Midwest City’s sixth consecutive in the large-school class. The Bombers finished with 65 points, 22 more than second-place Blanchard. Morris, Prague and McAlester rounded out the top five.

In the small-school class, Okemah edge Mangum 68-66. Holdenville, Kiefer and Sharon-Mutual took the next three spots.

In the large school class, Pratt was joined by Westmoore’s Josh Morgan (heavyweight squatter, heavyweight overall lifter), Blanchard’s Braden Stringer (lightweight bencher), Bridge Creek’s Brett Morris (heavyweight bencher) and Durant’s Jacob Barnhart (heavyweight deadlifter)

The other outstanding lifters in the small school were Empire’s Stephen Price (lightweight squatter), Hartshorne’s Dallas Herring (lightweight bencher), Mangum’s Michael Gilmore (lightweight deadlifter) and Haskell’s Britt Williams (lightweight overall lifter).

Individual winners
Large school
123: Shane Delso, Morris
132: Caden Pratt, McAlester
145: Grant Neugin, Sequoyah-Tahlequah
157: Felix Depona, Edmond Santa Fe
168: Braden Stringer, Blanchard
181: Jesse Gregory, Tuttle
198: Jacob Barhart, Durant
220: Chase Mercer, Noble
242: Josh Morgan, Westmoore
275: Brett Morris, Bridge Creek
Heavyweight: Dalton Gillispie, Prague

Small school
123: Song Cha, Wyandotte
132: Samson Montalbo, Mangum
145: Zach McKimmy, Caddo
157: Michael Gilmore, Mangum
168: Carlos Herrera, Hollis
181: Britt Williams, Haskell
198: Derrick Moore, Wetumka
220: John Jones, Chouteau
242: Comanche Beaver, Okemah
275: John Custar, Sharon-Mutual
Heavyweight: Colton Pickett, Holdenville

Class 6A
BOYS
EAST
At Tulsa Rogers
Friday
Winner’s Bracket
Owasso vs. Broken Arrow, 6:30 p.m.
Loser’s Bracket
Stillwater vs. Bixby, 8 p.m.

At Catoosa
Winner’s Bracket
Tulsa Union vs. Jenks, 6:30 p.m.
Loser’s Bracket
Tulsa Washington vs. Bartlesville, 8 p.m.

Saturday
At Catoosa
Stillwater/Bixby winner vs. Owasso/Broken Arrow loser, 8 p.m.
Tulsa Washington/Bartlesville winner vs. Tulsa Union/Jenks loser, 6:30 p.m.

WEST
At Choctaw
Friday
Winner’s Bracket
Midwest City vs. Edmond Santa Fe, 6:30 p.m.
Loser’s Bracket
Edmond North vs. Putnam City

At Norman North
Winner’s Bracket
Edmond Memorial vs. Putnam City West, 6:30 p.m.
Loser’s Bracket
Putnam City North vs. Lawton Eisenhower, 8 p.m.

Saturday
At Norman North
Putnam City North/Lawton Eisenhower winner vs. Edmond Memorial/Putnam City West loser, 6:30 p.m.
Edmond North/Putnam City winner vs. Midwest City/Edmond Santa Fe loser, 8 p.m.

GIRLS
EAST
Thursday
At Catoosa
Winner’s Bracket
Muskogee vs. Tulsa Washington, 6:30 p.m.
Loser’s Bracket
Jenks vs. Tulsa Union

At Tulsa Rogers
Loser’s Bracket
Broken Arrow vs. Mustang, 6:30 p.m.
Winner’s Bracket
Bartlesville vs. Bixby, 8 p.m.

Saturday
At Catoosa
Broken Arrow/Mustang winner vs. Bartlesville/Bixby loser, 1:30 p.m.
Jenks/Tulsa Union winner vs. Muskogee/Tulsa Washington loser, 3 p.m.

WEST
Thursday
At Choctaw
Winner’s Bracket
Edmond Santa Fe vs. Putnam City, 6:30 p.m.
Loser’s Bracket
Norman vs. Southmoore, 8 p.m.

At Harrah
Loser’s Bracket
Lawton Eisenhower vs. Choctaw, 6:30 p.m.
Winner’s Bracket
Norman North vs. Edmond Memorial, 8 p.m.

Saturday
At Harrah
Lawton Eisenhower/Choctaw winner vs. Norman North/Edmond Memorial loser, 1:30 p.m.
Norman/Southmoore winner vs. Edmond Santa Fe/Putnam City loser, 3 p.m.

CLASS 5A
BOYS
EAST
Friday
At Bixby
Winner’s Bracket
Tulsa Memorial vs. Tulsa Kelley, 6:30 p.m.
Loser’s Bracket
Chickasha vs. Guthrie, 8 p.m.

At Sapulpa
Winner’s Bracket
Coweta vs. Tulsa Edison, 6:30 p.m.
Loser’s Bracket
Skiatook vs. Noble, 8 p.m.

At Bixby
Saturday
Skiatook/Noble winner vs. Coweta/Tulsa Edison loser, 6:30 p.m.
Chickasha/Guthrie winner vs. Tulsa Memorial/Tulsa Kelley loser, 8 p.m.

WEST
Friday
At Edmond North
Winner’s Bracket
Bishop McGuinness vs. Lawton MacArthur, 6:30 p.m.
Loser’s Bracket
Del City vs. Capitol Hill, 8 p.m.

At Edmond Memorial
Winner’s Bracket
Carl Albert vs. Southeast, 6:30 p.m.
Western Heights vs. Piedmont, 8 p.m.

Saturday
At Edmond Memorial
Western Heights/Piedmont winner vs. Carl Albert/Southeast loser, 6:30 p.m.
Del City/Capitol Hill winner vs. Bishop McGuinness/Lawton MacArthur loser, 8 p.m.

GIRLS
EAST
Thursday
At Bixby
Loser’s Bracket
Chickasha at Tulsa Edison, 6:30 p.m.
Winner’s Bracket
Tulsa East Central at Collinsville, 8 p.m.

At Sapulpa
Winner’s Bracket
Tahlequah vs. Tulsa Memorial, 6:30 p.m.
Loser’s Bracket
Grove vs. Tulsa Kelley, 8 p.m.

Saturday
At Sapulpa
Grove/Tulsa Kelley winner vs. Tahlequah/Tulsa Memorial loser, 1:30 p.m.
Chickasha/Tulsa Edison winner vs. Tulsa East Central/Collinsville loser, 3 p.m.

WEST
Thursday
At Edmond North
Loser’s Bracket
Del City vs. Ardmore, 6:30 p.m.
Winner’s Bracket
Shawnee vs. Piedmont, 8 p.m.

At Edmond Memorial
Loser’s Bracket
El Reno vs. Lawton MacArthur, 6:30 p.m.
Carl Albert vs. Deer Creek, 8 p.m.

Saturday
At Edmond North
El Reno/Lawton MacArthur winner vs. Carl Albert/Deer Creek loser, 1:30 p.m.
Del City/Ardmore winner vs. Shawnee/Piedmont loser, 3 p.m.

The offseason momentum of the 2014 quarterback class kept going Wednesday when Norman North’s David Cornwell and Edmond Santa Fe’s Justice Hansen each picked up new scholarship offers.

Oklahoma State and Miami extended offers to Cornwell, who reported the offers on Twitter. He already had offers from Auburn, Indiana, Tulsa and Washington State.

Hansen added Auburn to his list, which already included Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Missouri, Arkansas and Arizona State.

Cornwell, who played at Jones last year, is applying for a waiver from the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association. Cornwell’s eligibility clock began with the start of the 2009 season, though he didn’t play varsity football until last year and did not play at all in 2011 as he took a mission trip to Africa.

Cornwell is the fifth in-state player offered by OSU for 2014. He threw for 2,742 yards and 27 touchdowns for Jones last year and ran for 755 yards and six scores.

Hansen threw for 3,079 yards with 36 touchdowns, while rushing for 733 yards and 14 TDs.

Edmond Santa Fe quarterback Justice Hansen is one of the top prospects in the state for the 2014 class.

Hansen’s recruiting profile continues to skyrocket as he recently picked up his third Division I offer when Arizona State joined the mix, according to Santa Fe coach Lance Manning. Hansen already had offers from Missouri and Arkansas.

Hansen also recently was invited to play in the 2014 Under Armour All-American Game in Florida.

As a junior, Hansen threw for 3,079 yards and 36 touchdowns with nine interceptions. He also ran for 773 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Oklahoma Christian School coach Derek Turner not only was impressed with his club in Friday night’s 55-32 Class 2A semifinal win over Frederick, he also was impressed with the support his team received.

Saints fans gave their football team a big sendoff Friday afternoon from the Edmond school and kept showing their enthusiasm all the way to Weatherford.

“We left and they had a procession of people for us all the way out to the bus through the campus. We went though every building,” Turner said.

“When we drove out, they had people at intersections from Oklahoma City all the way out here (Weatherford). About every 10 miles or so there would be fans on overpasses on I-40 with signs, holding them up and cheering for us.

“When we got off the highway there were probably 25 or 30 people with banners. And then they all came and had a giant cookout. Half of these people were (in Weatherford) at 3:30 (Friday) afternoon.”

Saints fans are planning a similar escort for the team Saturday on the drive to Stillwater for OCS’ state championship game against Davis.

“I-35 is a little too dangerous to do it, so they are going to do it on (SH) 51,” Turner said.

Edmond Santa Fe safety Phillip Sumpter verbally committed to Memphis on Monday, becoming the third Oklahoma player to commit to the Tigers of head coach Justin Fuente.

Edmond Santa Fe running back/defensive back Phillip Sumpter announced on Twitter that he verbally committed to Memphis on Monday.

Sumpter is the third state player, along with Sequoyah-Tahlequah quarterback Brayden Scott and Ringling linebacker Jackson Dillon, to commit to the Tigers, who are coached by Oklahoma native Justin Fuente.

Sumpter is targeted as a safety in the Memphis system, though he played both sides of the ball for Santa Fe. He averaged 6.3 yards on 45 rushing attempts with 287 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, he had 123 tackles, four sacks and an interception.

Friday night in Tulsa, Norman North made school history by earning its first-ever state championship game berth.

The Timberwolves also carry a burden greater than their own in the game. They carry the flag for all West-side teams. No West-side team has won the state title since Midwest City did it in 1995. That was also the last time a team other than Jenks or Union won the title.

Norman North is the first West-side team to make the 6A championship game since 2005 (Enid made it in 2006 but the Plainsmen are considered, at least by the OSSAA, to be East). Here’s a look at the other West-side teams that have made the title game during the streak and how the title games turned out:

2005: Tulsa Union 33, Mustang 7 at Owen Field, Norman
2003: Jenks 17, Edmond Santa Fe 10 at Owen Field, Norman
2001: Jenks 38, Putnam North 28 at Lewis Field, Stillwater
1997: Jenks 56, Yukon 8 at Lewis Field, Stillwater
1996: Jenks 28, Midwest City 17 at Lewis Field, Stillwater

Stillwater sophomore Kaid Brock leads a group of 10 state wrestlers ranked by WIN magazine in its national preseason rankings.

Brock is No. 2 at 103 pounds.

Two other state wrestlers are in the top in their weight, Tuttle’s Zach Beard, No. 4 at 182, and Altus’ Keilan Torres, No. 5 at 160.

Berryhill’s Davey Dolan is No. 12 at 138, Heritage Hall’s Ethan Walker is No. 13 at 195 and Stillwater’s Joe Smith is No. 20 at 120.

At 113, Broken Arrow’s Markus Simmons is No. 17 while Collinsville’s Davion Jeffries is No. 18.

Two state wrestlers are also ranked at 220, with Edmond North’s Andrew Dixon at No. 13 and Chickasha’s Jacoby Brown at No. 15.

Mike Nunley, the Edmond district athletic director, said Edmond North will host its game on Thursday night, and Edmond Santa Fe would play on Friday.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

Coach of the Year: Shelli Brown, Sand Springs

Player of the Year: Macklin Hitz, Jenks

Co-Pitchers of the Year: Haley Squier, Edmond Memorial; Mallory Collins, Sand Springs

Freshman of the Year: Kennedy Salyers, Sand Springs

First team

P: McKayla Hendrix, Jenks; Brittney Lockett, Stillwater

C: Halley Randolph, Stillwater; Shelbie Smith, Edmond Memorial

1B: Lindsay Littles, Edmond Memorial; Jenny Scarbrough, Stillwater

2B: Abby Lee, Enid; Sadie Marino, Choctaw

SS: Taylor Purdue, Sand Springs; Kate Myers, Jenks

3B: Kacey Taylor, Edmond Memorial; Paige Luellen, Jenks

OF: Kasey Burgess, Sand Springs; Ashley Rankin, Sand Springs; Kylee Morgan, Choctaw; Courtney Chelf, Enid; Adrianna Canard, Jenks; Kayla Crutchmer, Tulsa Union

U: Ashley Reese, Choctaw; Kelsey Goodwin, Tulsa Union; Krissy Crow, Sand Springs; Kaitlin Bell, Enid; Lacy Hudson, Enid

Honorable mention

Choctaw: Jessica Fairly, Hanna Kohl, Hanna Poplum, Halley Poplum

Edmond Memorial: Laura McHam

Enid: Ally Lewis, Clara Andrews, Hayen Bay, Shalley Mueller

Jenks: Audrey Estes, Kenzie Carpenter, Tristan Kuhn, Brooke Estes

Putnam West: Ashleigh Rolling, Chelsey Collins, Ann Smith, Dionne Robinson, Angelique Chandler

Sand Springs: Jennifer Wolf, Kendra Franks, Hailey Andrews

Stillwater: Anna Fowler, Abby Jessell, Courtney Hughes

Tulsa Union: Maddie Van Burkleo, Emily Harrison, Alexis Murray, Michal Ibison, MacKenzie Ibison, Brianna Trujullo, Maddi McGraw, Kayla Patterson, Kylee Randall

LARGE EAST
P: Whitney Whitehorn, Owasso
C: Nicole Nease, Owasso
1B: Macklin Hitz, Jenks
2B: Sam Reiss, Broken Arrow
3B: Paige Luellen, Jenks
SS: Madison Vaughan, Coweta
OF: Hannah Stirton, Owasso; Britney Johnson, Tahlequah; Samantha Smith, Collinsville
P: Elena Gambill, Broken Arrow; Jessica Walker, Grove
C: Ashleigh Tramel, Grove
U-3B: Taylor Dodson, Grove
U-C: Allie Alvstad, Bixby; Theresa Collins, Broken Arrow
U-1B: Paige Gan, Muskogee
U-SS: Shannon Driggers, Collinsville; Taylor Perdue, Sand Springs
Coach: Shane Eicher, Owasso

LARGE WEST
P: Jordan Dixon, Edmond North
C: Shelbie Smith, Edmond Memorial
1B: Lindsay Littles, Edmond Memorial
2B: Haley Wells, Deer Creek
3B: Madi Ellis, Yukon
SS: Madisyn Long, Carl Albert
OF: Kierra Miles, Mustang; Abby Taliaferro, Edmond North; Rachel Cooper, Duncan
P: Maddy Ellis, Yukon; Summer Leitka, Norman
C: Braden Bradshaw, Southmoore
U-3B: Courtney Moore, Duncan
U-SS: Mariah Peace, Westmoore
U-2B: Caitlynn Hall, Moore
U-OF: Brianna McComas, Edmond Santa Fe; Courtney Chelf, Enid
U-1B: Hannah Lynch, Moore
Coach: Erin Regier, Deer Creek

MIDDLE EAST
P: Jayde Hansen, Perry
C: Kaci Trentham, Coalgate
1B: Anna Crawford, Adair
2B: Kara Lynch, Sequoyah-Tahlequah
3B: Brenna Vise, Poteau
SS: Taylor McElhaney, Oologah
OF: Shelby Standridge, Poteau; Kassi Yazel, Morris; Audrianna Hooks, Bristow
P: Madison Boyd, Chelsea; Jessica Bluebird, Sequoyah-Tahlequah
C: Shyanna Sigman, Tecumseh
U-SS: Sutv Meely, Tecumseh
U-P: Kylar Foshee, Valliant
U-2B: Bailey King, Morris
U-SS: Ashley Williams, Berryhill; Raven Campos, Adair; Ryan Martin, Beggs
Coach: Tommy Howard, Valliant

MIDDLE WEST
P: Andee Frazier, Little Axe
C: Jacie Stephens, Washington
1B: Shelby Robinson, Newcastle
2B: Megan Sanders, Weatherford
3B: Jordan Chism, Piedmont
SS: Samantha Leising, Little Axe
OF: Kaylin Taylor, Purcell; Nikki Horton, Cache; Emma Nelson, Piedmont
P: Shea Coats, Tuttle; Tate Landmark, Cache
C: Kaitlyn Holmes, Harrah
U-3B: Dani Warren, Cache; Tiphani Napier, Plainview; Annamarea Combs, Tuttle
U-OF: Bryanne Knox, Dickson; Ashley Savage, Newcastle
U-2B: Avery Walker, Marlow
Coach: Rodney DeLong, Cache

SMALL EAST
P: Jalissa Gum, Frontier
C: Casey Kelley, Roff
1B: Jadyn Gibbs, Rattan
2B: Cheyenne Been, Dewar
3B: Kelby Alexander, Drumright
SS: Samantha Berry, Dale
OF: Kelly Easterling, Oktaha; Sericca Rider, Red Oak; Sarah Morrison, Caney Valley
P: Kendra Coleman, Red Oak; Taylor Canida, Roff
C: Danielle Dockrey, Dale
U-SS: Kendra David, Caney Valley; Jill Shipman, Stroud
U-P: Taylor Eaves, Panama; Jill Roye, Red Oak; Jaimie Williams, Rattan
U: Victoria Stambaugh, Davenport
Coach: Casey Butcher, Red Oak

SMALL WEST
P: Peyton Walker, Hammon
C: Kori Barrios, Hammon
1B: Selika Shives, Binger-Oney
2B: Sydney Harrel, Leedey
3B: Danielle Hammons, Fort Cobb-Broxton
SS: Kayla Wilson, Mooreland
OF: Larissa Tate, Binger-Oney; Carly Farmer, Pond Creek-Hunter; Bailey Carnes, Merritt
P: Taya Haney, Leedey; Emily Wasinger, Frederick
C: Harli Ridling, Sentinel
U-3B: Jenna Trissel, Leedey
U-P: Ashton Lierle, Fort Cobb-Broxton; Jaci Booker, Cyril; Lakeyna Forsythe, Fletcher
U-SS: Olivia Mason, Fairview
U-2B: Casey Redus, Wayne
Coach: Scott Brewer, Wayne

Morris, a 6-foot-8, 262-pound senior, chose the Shockers over Oral Roberts, Lamar and Florida Gulf Coast, announcing his decision live via webcast on NewsOK.com.

“Wichita State is getting a kid who is just now starting to tap into some of the physical promise he has,” Edmond Memorial coach Shane Cowherd said. “He’s very explosive, and his quickness belies his size. He’s so physically strong, but he’s very quick, almost cat-quick at times. He’s very mobile, and he’s starting to tap into those tools.”

Morris averaged 13.0 points and 5.6 rebounds at Edmond Santa Fe last season, and moved to Memorial in the summer. He adds a post presence to the Bulldogs’ lineup that has been absent in recent seasons.

Edmond Memorial reached the state finals the last two seasons, winning it all in 2011, without a player taller than 6-foot-4 on the roster.

“He gives us a low-post scorer, a shot blocker and a rebounder,” Cowherd said. “He allows us to do some things defensively that we haven’t been able to do in the past. The guys on the perimeter know they have somebody behind them anchoring the rim.

“He’s a fun kid who fits in really well with our boys, and he’s a great teammate.”

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

Shaquille Morris, left, will announce his college decision live on NewsOK Varsity at 5 p.m. today. The 6-foot-8 power forward is choosing between Wichita State, Oral Roberts, Lamar and Florida Gulf Coast.

Edmond Memorial basketball player Shaquille Morris will announce his college decision live on NewsOK Varsity at 5 p.m. Monday.

The 6-foot-8 senior power forward will decide between Wichita State, Oral Roberts, Lamar and Florida Gulf Coast.

Morris was a key player for Edmond Santa Fe the last two seasons, but moved to Memorial in the summer, where he will pair with point guard Jordan Woodard, an Oklahoma commit.

Morris averaged 13.0 points and 5.6 rebounds as a junior last season on an Edmond Santa Fe team that reached the Class 6A state semifinals.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

Edmond North junior Hayden Wood was one of two Oklahoma golfers named to the Rolex Junior All-America list.

Edmond North junior Hayden Wood and Jenks senior Brendon Jelley have been named an honorable mention Rolex Junior All-American by the American Junior Golf Association.

Wood had two top-five finishes, finishing second at the Under Armour/Hunter Mahan Championship, and tied for fifth at the Western Junior Championship. He is currently No. 36 in the Polo Golf Rankings and is being recruited by multiple programs, including Oklahoma State and Georgia.

Jelley, who is committed to Oklahoma State, is No. 48 in the Polo Golf Rankings.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

That one ended 27-0 after a strong defensive performance from the Huskies, and ironically, the game was some of the first meaningful varsity action for then-sophomore quarterback Hayden Somerville of Yukon, who filled in after All-Stater Corben Jones was injured.

Second-ranked Edmond North is out to show itself as one of the best teams on the west side of the state, with strength on both sides of the ball. The offense has scored at least 34 points in all but one game, and the defense has allowed less than 14 in all but one as the Huskies compiled their 5-0 record.

Three Points

1. Triple-speed. Yukon has faced some good running teams this year, but not one like Edmond North. The Huskies have three backs — Ezel McIntee, Marque Depp and Michael Farmer — each with at least 344 yards, four touchdowns and an average of seven yards per carry. Containing the Huskies’ run game will be critical for the Millers. Yukon can answer with a solid run game of its own, though it’s more of a one-man show. A.J. West has been a pleasant surprise after sitting out of football for the last couple years. He has rushed for 662 yards and five scores so far.

2. Miller Air. West’s run game will be important to keeping the passing attack open for Somerville, one of only a handful of 6A quarterbacks to pass for more than 1,000 yards to this point. He has completed 57 percent of his passes for 1,182 yards with 13 TDs and six interceptions. He has developed a strong connection with WR Codey Sanchez, who has caught more than one-third of Somerville’s completions, with 37 grabs for 446 yards and six TDs.

3. Future focus. Regardless of what happens to Yukon tonight, the Millers have to keep a positive focus on the future. A loss tonight puts them at 1-5 on the season, but if you take all the 1-5 teams after this week, and rate their percentages of getting to the playoffs, Yukon would probably top the list. The schedule gets significantly easier from here out, and not only could they get in, but they could earn the No. 3 seed. Of course, a win tonight puts them in the running for the No. 2 seed and a home playoff berth for the third straight year. Don’t count that out.

The Pick

Edmond North 28, Yukon 21. I think the Huskies go old-school to win this one. Defense and running game. Those two areas look to be a little stronger than what Yukon has to offer. They’ll be able to limit Yukon’s possessions and avoid too many big plays.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

Cashion’s Cayden Cochran ran for 70 yards and two touchdowns and threw for 173 yards and a score in Valdosta State’s 58-10 win over Edward Waters.

Early in the second quarter, Cochran broke off a 59-yard run.

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Ohio kept its hopes of being a BCS buster alive with a 37-34 win over UMass at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.

Former Norman North standout Beau Blankenship ran for a career-high 269 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the win. Both of Blankenship’s touchdowns came in the fourth quarter. The first tied the game while the second put Ohio ahead by 10.

Blankenship tied a school records with 43 carries and his 269 yards is the third-highest in school history.

After missing last week’s game, Norman North’s Tyler Tettleton threw for 229 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Tettleton has not thrown an interception in 156 attempts dating back to last year.

Guthrie’s Donte’ Foster had four catches for 55 yards.

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Sam Houston State didn’t need huge numbers out of Midwest City product Timothy Flanders in a 50-6 win over Texas Southern.

Flanders had 10 carries for 49 yards and caught two passes for six yards in the win.

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Millwood’s Josh Turner had seven tackles, four solo, in Texas’ 41-36 win over Oklahoma State.

Tulsa Central’s Demarco Cobbs had three tackles for the Longhorns, getting the start at SLB.

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Carl Albert’s Christian Smith had two tackles and a pass breakup and Jenks’ Orion Jones had a tackle for a loss in Toledo’s 37-17 win over Western Michigan.

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Lawton’s Cornelius Douglas had  two interceptions and three tackles as Texas Tech’s surprising defense helped the Red Raiders to a 24-13 win over Iowa State.

Douglas returned his second interception 40 yards to the Iowa State 9 with the Red Raiders up by one. Two plays later, Texas Tech extended the lead.

Carl Albert’s Tre’ Porter had four tackles and a pass breakup

Owasso’s Jacques Washington led Iowa State with 12 tackles and had an interception.

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Millwood’s Davion Pierson, making the start at defensive tackle, had three tackles in TCU’s 24-16 win over SMU.

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Former Jenks quarterback Sawyer Kollmorgen threw for 213 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Northern Iowa’s 33-21 loss to North Dakota State.

Del City’s Tim Clark had a pair of tackles.

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Carl Albert’s Joe Stoner had three tackles and a 47-yard fumble return as New Mexico nearly pulled off an upset of Boise State before falling 32-29.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Stoner picked up the fumble and returned it to the Boise State 1. Two plays later, New Mexico scored to pull to within three. The fumble recovery was Stoner’s seventh of his career.

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Lawton’s Tyrequek Zimmerman had eight tackles, Oregon State’s 38-35 win over Arizona.

Tulsa Washington’s Michael Doctor added two tackles.

Douglass’ Cayman Bundage had a tackle for Arizona.

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Lincoln Christian’s Roman Wilson had a 44-yard touchdown reception early in the fourth quarter of Princeton’s 33-6 win over Columbia.

Wilson had three catches for 73 yards.

Tulsa Kelley’s Mark Hayes had a six-yard reception.

Edmond Santa Fe’s Brian Mills had two tackles.

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Muskogee’s Vernon Scott ran for 26 yards in Missouri State’s 17-7 loss to South Dakota State.

Edmond Santa Fe’s Tre Kelley had a five-yard reception.

Norman North’s Nick Canavan had five tackles while Star Spencer’s Jason Fitch added four. Tulsa Union’s Howard Scarborough had three and a fumble recovery.

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Sequoyah-Tahlequah’s Nathan Stanley threw for 187 yards and a touchdown in Southeastern Louisiana’s 31-21 win over Lamar.

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Glenpool’s Codey Zickefoose led Arkansas Tech with seven tackles in the Wonder Boys’ 41-20 win over Northwestern Oklahoma State.

Zickefoose also had a forced fumble and a quarterback hurry.

Claremore’s Greg Dicks also had one tackle, while Glenpool’s Tim Van Orsdol started on the offensive line.

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Edmond Santa Fe’s Randy Ponder had three tackles, one for a loss, in Missouri’s 21-16 win over Central Florida.

Guthrie’s Kentrell Brothers had a special teams tackle as well.

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Owasso’s Nick Rosa had an 11-yard touchdown reception for Drake in its 35-7 win over Campbell.

Rosa had seven catches for 92 yards to lead Drake in receiving.

Edmond North’s Cam Bohnert had a pair of punts for a 32.5-yard average.

Holland Hall’s Seth Hedman had four tackles.

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Ponca City’s Brent Wilson had eight carries for 20 yards and threw for 42 yards on four completions in Emporia State’s 37-26 win over Lincoln (Missouri).

Muskogee’s Shjuan Richardson had seven catches for 66 yards and Ponca City’s Adam Schlitz had two catches for 36 yards. Richardson also had a pair of kickoff returns.

Midwest City’s Kevin Gaddis returned a kick 27 yards.

McGuinness’ Chris Poston had five tackles. Del City’s Jeff Richards had an interception, a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry. Luther’s Justin Wilson had one tackle.

Norman North’s Lance Uhles and Collinsville’s Trey Rodgers started on the offensive line for Emporia State.

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Bartlesville’s Kirby Schoenthaler had a pair of catches for 14 yards and Muskogee’s Victor Williams had an eight-yard reception in Dartmouth’s 28-21 loss to Penn.

Schoenthaler also returned three kicks for 72 yards.

Verdigris’ Cohle Fowler started on the offensive line for Dartmouth.

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Norman North’s Beau Traber had eight tackles in Bucknell’s 15-10 loss to Cornell.

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Metro Christian’s Rylan Hess had five tackles in Colorado School of Mines’ 54-28 loss to Western New Mexico.

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Tulsa Union’s Terrell Williams had six tackles and Muskogee’s Robert Thomas had one in Arkansas’ 58-10 loss to Texas A&M.

Broken Arrow’s Alvin Bailey started on the offensive line for the Razorbacks.

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Carl Albert’s David Oku ran for 79 yards and  had three catches for 27 yards in Arkansas State’s 26-13 loss to Western Kentucky.

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McGuinness’ Kris Parham ran for 36 yards and had four catches for 25 yards in Weber State’s 37-13 loss to UC-Davis.

Parham also returned four kickoffs for 76 yards.

Edmond Memorial’s Anthony Morales led Weber State with 11 tackles, including one for a loss. Edmond Santa Fe’s Willie Okwuonu had eight tackles, Edmond Memorial’s David James added four, Edmond Memorial’s Connor Myers had three. Edmond Santa Fe’s Trevor Pletcher had two tackles and a quarterback hurry.

Jenks’ Devin Pugh had a pair of tackles and an interception and Putnam City’s Robbie Diamond had one tackle.

Putnam North’s Josh Booker had one carry. Edmond Santa Fe’s Alex Land started at right guard for Weber State.

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Midwest City’s Ricky Reeves had three tackles and a pair of pass breakups in South Dakota’s 34-31 loss to Illinois State.

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Broken Arrow’s Rowdy Harper started on the offensive line in Houston’s 35-14 win over Rice.

Houston had 608 yards of total offense.

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Marlow’s Colt McCauley started on the offensive line in Southeast Missouri State’s 31-16 win over Jacksonville State.

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Bixby’s Michael Nelson started at wide receiver but had no catches in Missouri Southern’s 35-10 loss to Central Missouri.

One-third of Ohio’s Oklahoma connection missed the Bobcats’ game against Norfolk State on Saturday.

Former Norman North quarterback Tyler Tettleton, who had thrown for 781 yards and seven touchdowns without an interception in Ohio’s first three games, was held out with an undisclosed injury.

USA Today reported that Tettleton’s injury was to his abdomen.

With Derrius Vick in Tettleton’s place, though, the Bobcats didn’t skip a beat.

Norman North product Beau Blankenship ran for a touchdown and caught a touchdown pass in Ohio’s 44-10 win over Norfolk State. Blankenship ran for 109 yards, topping 100 yards for the fourth consecutive game.

Guthrie’s Donte’ Foster caught five passes, tying a career high, for 69 yards and two touchdowns, including Ohio’s first less than three minutes into the game. Blankenship’s 24-yard touchdown catch came just three minutes later.

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Carl Albert’s David Oku ran for 92 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Arkansas State’s 56-0 win over Alcorn State. Oku also had a five-yard reception.

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Sequoyah-Tahlequah’s Nathan Stanley hit freshman tight end Taylor Jenkins for a three-yard touchdown pass with 2:39 left to give Southeastern Louisiana a 25-24 upset win over FCS No. 17 McNeese State.

Stanley, a transfer from Ole Miss, was 21 of 35 with 247 yards passing. Stanley also rushed for 29 yards and a touchdown and had a 42-yard punt.

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Millwood’s Davion Pierson, a redshirt freshman, had two tackles and a fumble recovery in TCU’s 27-7 win over Virginia.

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Tulsa Washington’s Michael Doctor had a team-high nine tackles–eight solo–in Oregon State’s 27-20 upset of then-No. 19 UCLA.

Doctor, starting at weakside linebacker, had one tackle for a loss.

Lawton’s Tyrequek Zimmerman, who started at strong safety, added four solo tackles in the upset.

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Midwest City’s Timothy Flanders kept up his big production for Sam Houston State against Central Arkansas.

Flanders ran for  125 yards and a pair of touchdowns and had one reception in the Bearkats’ 24-20 loss in Conway, Ark.

The 100-yard game was Flanders’ 17th of his career at Sam Houston State. He also moved to No. 5 in Southland Conference history in career rushing touchdowns with 39. The conference record is 52.

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Owasso’s Nick Rosa caught a 16-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter to put Drake ahead for good in its 28-25 win over Morehead State. Rosa finished with two catches for 22 yards and an eight-yard kick return.

Edmond North’s Cam Bohnert had three punts for a 34-yard average, including one inside the 20.

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Carl Albert’s Christian Smith had four tackles, including a sack, and Jenks’ Orion Jones had three tackles in Toledo’s 38-28 win over Coastal Carolina.

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Muskogee’s Shjuan Richardson had an 11-yard touchdown catch with less than four minutes left to help seal Emporia State’s 30-20 win over Northeastern State. Richardson had three catches for 53 yards and a 23-yard kick return in the win.

Ponca City’s Adam Schlitz had a three-yard reception, Midwest City’s Kevin Gaddis had 44 return yards and Del City’s Jeff Richards had a 23-yard kick return.

McGuinness’ Chris Poston had eight tackles, Alva’s Derek Lohmann, Gaddis and Richards had five each and Luther’s Justin Wilson had two as the Hornets improved to 4-0.

Piedmont’s Jordan McAdoo, Norman North’s Lance Uhles and Collinsville’s Trey Rodgers started on the offensive line, which helped Emporia State post 452 yards of total offense.

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A week after being part of Pittsburgh’s upset over Virginia Tech, the Panthers rolled to a 55-10 win over Gardner-Webb.

Tulsa Washington’s Isaac Bennett scored Pitt’s final two touchdowns in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter. Bennett ran for 52 yards.

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This one has been covered a bit but Tulsa Washington’s Tyler Lockett had four catches for 37 yards and Jenks’ Tramaine Thompson had three catches for 49 yards in Kansas State’s 24-19 upset at Oklahoma.

Thompson had a third-down reception for a first down on each of Kansas State’s final two drives.

Thompson and Lockett each had one rushing attempt as well as a kickoff return each.

Tulsa Washington’s Dante Barnett had one tackle, while fellow Hornet Keenan Taylor started on the offensive line.

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Carl Albert’s Joe Stoner had four tackles in New Mexico’s 27-14 win over rival New Mexico State. Stoner also recovered a fumble and had a pass break up. The recovery was the sixth of Stoner’s career.

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Glenpool’s Israel Maselera returned a punt for a touchdown to start Pittsburg State’s 59-17 win over Lincoln.

Sand Springs’ Darrack Harger ran for 12 yards and threw for 34 yards.

Sand Springs’ Tyler Smith started at left guard.

Defensively, Tulsa East Central’s Dino Teague had five tackles, Tulsa Washington’s Aries Herrion and Catoosa’s Joe Uzzel had two each. Sand Springs’ Matt Anderson and Maselera had one tackle.

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Tulsa Kelley’s Mark Hayes had a 10-yard touchdown reception but Princeton fell 21-20 to Georgetown. The catch was Hayes’ only reception.

Lincoln Christian’s Roman Wilson had two catches for a team-high 62 yards.

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Heritage Hall’s Turner Petersen scored on a 30-yard run in the first quarter of Rice’s eventual 54-51 loss to Marshall in double overtime.

Petersen had 16 carries for 76 yards on the ground and caught a pair of passes for 20 yards.

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McGuinness’ Kris Parham is a running back but his biggest play in Weber State’s 32-26 loss to Eastern Washington was a pass.

Parham threw a 33-yard completion in the second quarter. He finished with 31 yards rushing on three carries and had a pair of kick returns. Putnam North’s Josh Booker had a single four-yard carry.

Edmond Santa Fe’s Trevor Pletcher caught a late two-point conversion pass.

Defensively, Edmond Memorial’s Anthony Morales led the Wildcats with 16 tackles, three for loss. Another former Bulldogs standout, David James, added six tackles, as did Jenks’ Devin Pugh. Pletcher also had three tackles.

Putnam City’s Robbie Diamond, Edmond Memorial’s Connor Myers and Edmond Santa Fe’s Alex Land had a tackle each.

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Lawton’s Sonny Puletasi had a pair of tackles, including a sack for 11 yards, in Wyoming’s 40-37 overtime win over Idaho.

Puletasi’s sack came in the closing seconds of the first half and he both forced and recovered a fumble on the play.

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Midwest City’s Ricky Reeves had a tackle in South Dakota’s 38-7 loss to Northwestern.

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Edmond Santa Fe’s Randy Ponder had seven tackles in Missouri’s 31-10 loss to South Carolina.

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Verdigris’ Cohle Fowler started on the offensive line for Dartmouth in its 13-10 win over Holy Cross. Bartlesville’s Kirby Schoenthaler had one two-yard reception in the win.

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Tulsa Union’s Terrell Williams had 12 tackles, one for a loss, in Arkansas’ 35-26 loss to Rutgers.

Muskogee’s Robert Thomas added four tackles and Tulsa Washington’s Eric Bennett three.

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Glenpool’s Codey Zickefoose had five tackles in Arkansas Tech’s 31-24 loss to Ouachita Baptist. Glenpool’s Tim Van Orsdol started on the offensive line for the Wonder Boys.

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Tonkawa’s Jake Love and Tulsa Washington’s John Williams had two tackles each in Kansas’ 30-23 loss to Northern Illinois. Owasso’s Gavin Howard started on the offensive line.

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Muskogee’s Vernon Scott had 14 yards rushing and a reception in Missouri State’s 14-6 loss to Southern Illinois.

Norman North’s Nick Canavan had five tackles and Tulsa Union’s Howard Scarborough had four in the loss.

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Norman North’s Beau Traber had four tackles–assisting on a sack–in Bucknell’s 20-14 loss to Lafayette.

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Idabel’s Kevin Rucker had a tackle in Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s 24-21 win over Alabama State.

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Metro Christian’s Rylan Hess had three tackles and a pass breakup in Colorado School of Mines’ 42-37 loss to New Mexico Highlands.

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Marlow’s Colt McCauley started on the offensive line for Southeast Missouri State in its 41-38 overtime win over Tennessee Tech.

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Mustang’s Kyle Webster had two pass attempts with no completions and had 16 yards rushing in Missouri Southern’s 16-13 loss to Southwest Baptist. Bixby’s Michael Nelson had one carry for a seven-yard loss.

A look at how Oklahoma high school alums fared in out-of-state college action over the weekend:

A week before Kansas State comes to Norman, a couple of former Oklahoma high school stars turned in big performances in the WIldcats’ 35-21 win over North Texas on Saturday night.

The Mean Green took a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter when former Tulsa Washington standout Tyler Lockett returned the kick 96 yards to tie the game up.

The next two Kansas State touchdowns were scored by former Jenks standout Tramaine Thompson–one from 38 yards out and the other from 21.

Thompson finished with five catches for 102 yards. Lockett added another 23-yard kick return and a six-yard catch.

Tulsa Washington’s Keenan Taylor started on the offensive line for Kansas State. Dante Barnett (Tulsa Washington), Andre McDonald (Choctaw) and Zach Trujillo (Deer Creek) played but didn’t record any stats in the win.

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This is becoming a weekly staple but once again the Oklahoma connection paid off for Ohio. Norman North’s Tyler Tettleton threw for 200 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 35 yards, former Timberwolves standout Beau Blankenship ran for 102 yards and Guthrie’s Donte’ Foster had three catches for 30 yards in the Bobcats’ 27-24 come-from-behind win over Marshall.

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Former Tulsa Washington standout Isaac Bennett had two rushes for eight yards and two catches for 14 yards in Pittsburgh’s 35-17 upset of Virginia Tech.

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Not much positive came out of Arkansas’ 52-0 blowout at the hands of Alabama.
Former McGuinness standout kicker Cameron Bryan came up with a nice play on special teams, sprinting down and downing a punt inside the 5 in the first half.

Bryan handled kickoff duties in eight games for Arkansas in 2009 but after Zach Hocker continued to solidify himself in the kicker roll just prior to the season, Brayn asked to be given a chance to play on kick coverage.

You can read more about him here: http://newsok.com/mcguinness-product-cameron-bryan-joins-arkansas-kickoff-coverage-team/article/3707537

Tulsa Washington’s Eric Bennett had six tackles, Tulsa Union’s Terrell Williams had one and Muskogee’s Robert Thomas had a pair of quarterback hurries.

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Former Tulsa Central standout Demarco Cobbs had four tackles and Millwood’s Josh Turner had three tackles in Texas’ 66-31 win at Ole Miss. Cobbs got the start at strongside linebacker.

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Former Carl Albert star David Oku ran for 44 yards and had 11 yards receiving in Arkansas State’s 42-13 loss to Nebraska.

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Carl Albert’s Christian Smith had three tackles and Jenks’ Orion Jones had one in Toledo’s 27-15 win over Bowling Green.

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Metro Christian’s Rylan Hess had four tackles in Colorado School of Mines’ 42-19 win over Black Hills State. Hess also had a blocked pass.

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NCAA Division II No. 1 Pittsburg State beat Southwest Baptist 52-9 on Saturday with the help of a few Oklahomans.
Catoosa’s Joe Uzzel had three tackles and Israel Maselera and Dino Teague (Tulsa East Central) had two tackles. Teague had a sack. Darrack Harger (Sand Springs) was 2-for 3 with 18 yards passing and rushed for -6 yards.
Uzzel started at defensive end, while Collinsville’s Chance Riley started at tight end and Sand Springs’ Tyler Smith at left guard.

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Former Millwood star Davion Pierson continues to impress at Texas Christian. Pierson started and had five tackles–1.5 for loss (0.5 sacks)–in TCU’s 20-6 win over Kansas.
Tulsa Washington’s John Williams had three tackles for Kansas. Owasso’s Gavin Howard started on the offensive line for the Jayhawks.

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Timothy Flanders, a former Midwest City star, scored a touchdown late in the first half as Sam Houston State built a lead on Baylor. But the Bears came back to win 48-23. Flanders ran for 84 yards and had another 56 yards receiving in the loss. Former Norman North standout K.J. Williams played for SHSU as well.

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Lawton Sonny Puletasi usually starts for Wyoming at defensive end but made a mark on the other side Saturday, catching a two-point conversion pass in the second quarter of the Cowboys’ game against Cal Poly. It wasn’t enough, though, as Wyoming fell 24-22. Puletasi had three tackles, while Tulsa Washington’s T.J. Smith saw time for Wyoming as well.

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Cayman Bundage, a freshman out of Douglass, didn’t start but saw playing time in Arizona’s 56-0 blowout of South Carolina State. Owasso’s Trent Spurgeon played for the Wildcats as well.

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Brandon Swindall, a Millwood product, played for Utah State as the Aggies nearly pulled off a second consecutive upset, before falling to Wisconsin 16-14.

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McGuinness’ Kris Parham ran for 23 yards and Putnam North’s Josh Booker ran for 9 in Weber State’s 35-21 loss to McNeese State. Parham also had 72 kickoff return yards on three chances. Edmond Santa Fe’s Willie Okwuonu led Weber State with nine tackles–all solo–in the loss. Edmond Memorial’s Anthony Morales had 6.5 tackles, Edmond Memorial’s David James had three, Edmond Santa Fe’s Trevor Pletcher had two, and Putnam City’s Robbie Diamond, Jenks’ Devin Pugh and Edmond Memorial’s Connor Myers had one each.

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Bartlesville’s Kirby Schoenthaler had three catches for 27 yards in Dartmouth’s season-opening 35-7 win over Butler. Muskogee freshman Victor Williams had a carry for three yards and two catches for five yards. Tulsa Union’s Corbin Stall had a sack. Verdigris’ Cohle Fowler started on the offensive line.

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Former Muskogee standout Shjuan Richardson had seven catches for 100 yards and three touchdowns in Emporia State’s 42-14 win over UCO. Ponca City’s Adam Schlitz had four catches for 48 yards and Ponca City’s Brent Wilson had two runs for eight yards in the win.

McGuinness’ Chris Poston had three tackles and an interception, Alva’s Derek Lohmann and Midwest City’s Kevin Gaddis each had five tackles and a forced fumble, Del City’s Jeff Richards had five tackles and Luther’s Justin Wilson had a pair of tackles. Norman North’s Lance Uhles, Collinsville’s Trey Rodgers and Piedmont’s Jordan McAdoo all started on the offensive line as Emporia State racked up 538 yards of total offense. Northwest’s Andre Maupin and Broken Arrow’s Josh Moses also played.

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Lincoln Christian’s Roman Wilson caught a two-point conversion pass with about five minutes left to lift Princeton to within three but Princeton fell to Lehigh 17-14. Wilson had four catches for 40 yards to lead Princeton in receiving and added a 23-yard catch. Tulsa Kelley’s Mark Hayes started at tight end for Princeton while fellow Comet Michael Major saw action.

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Muskogee’s Vernon Scott ran for 46 yards and a touchdown, caught one pass and returned a kick in Missouri State’s 28-23 loss to Murray State. Norman North’s Nick Canavan had seven tackles and Tulsa Union’s Howard Scarborough added three in the loss. Jenks’ Ryan Boatright, Star Spencer’s Jason Fitch and Edmond Santa Fe’s Tre Kelley also saw time for Missouri State.

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Former Heritage Hall star Turner Petersen ran for 47 yards and had 13 yards receiving in the Owls’ 56-37 loss to Louisiana Tech.

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Carl Albert’s Joe Stoner had five tackles in New Mexico’s 49-14 loss to Texas Tech. Another former Titan, Tre’ Porter, played for Texas Tech but did not record any statistics.

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Norman North’s Beau Traber had six tackles in Bucknell’s 19-3 loss to Delaware.

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Owasso’s Jacques Washington had a pair of tackles in Iowa State’s 37-3 win over Western Illinois. Washington started at free safety. Jenks’ Bob Graham also saw time on the offensive line.

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Edmond Santa Fe’s Randy Ponder had five tackles in the Missouri’s 24-20 win over Arizona State. Edmond North’s Xavier Smith had one. Guthrie’s Kentrell Brothers also saw time.

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Owasso’s Nick Rosa scored on a seven-yard touchdown pass and finished with five catches for 60 yards in Drake’s 27-10 loss to Indiana State. Holland Hall’s Seth Hedman had five tackles.

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Bixby’s Michael Nelson had a nine-yard catch in Missouri Southern’s 21-14 win over Lincoln (Mo.). Norman North’s Riley Nolan also played in the win.

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Broken Arrow’s Rowdy Harper started on the offensive line for Houston in the Cougars’ 37-6 loss to UCLA. Norman’s Zach Johnson also saw time.

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Marlow’s Colt McCauley started at left guard for Southeast Missouri in its 35-14 loss to Southern Illinois.

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Glenpool’s Codey Zickefoose, who started at linebacker, had a tackle in Arkansas Tech’s 73-34 loss to Henderson State. Glenpool’s Tim VanOrsdol started at left tackle.

Know someone I missed? Let me know in the comments or with an e-mail.

I haven’t done this the first two weeks because the rankings have been a mess. It’s hard to tell how much a win means through the first couple of weeks of the season. But here it is for this week. Disagree? Think I’m nuts for putting a team too high or too low in your mind? Let me know. The only thing I ask is for a reason why your team should be higher or another team should be lower.

I’ve never been one to conform to the way some rankings change. If a team in the class loses to No. 1 and No. 2, they could still very well be No. 3.

CLASS 6A
1. Tulsa Union (1)#2-1
2. Broken Arrow (2)#1-2
3. Jenks (3)#1-2
4. Lawton (5)#3-0
5. Edmond North (7)#3-0
6. Owasso (6)#0-2
7. Southmoore (10)#3-0
8. Edmond Santa Fe (4)#2-1
9. Mustang (NR)#3-0
10. Westmoore (NR)#2-1

Stillwater and Norman North fall out after losses this week, replaced by newcomer Mustang, who throttled Stillwater and Westmoore, who dropped out last week after losing to Southmoore. Lawton moves up one spot after Edmond North beat Edmond Santa Fe, while North moves up two spots to No. 5. Owasso is 0-2 officially but should be 1-2 after they were handling Muskogee 28-0 before the game was called in Week 2. The Rams are still one of the best teams in the state but had a difficult non-district schedule. Same goes for Broken Arrow and Jenks.

CLASS 5A
1. Guthrie (1)#3-0
2. Tulsa East Central (2)#3-0
3. Lawton MacArthur (3)#2-1
4. Deer Creek (4)#3-0
5. Bishop McGuinness (6)#3-0
6. Tulsa Kelley (NR)#1-2
7. Coweta (5)#2-1
8. Carl Albert (9)#1-2
9. Claremore (NR)#3-0
10. Tulsa Memorial (NR)#3-0

The top four all remain the same. The only loss in the top 5 is Lawton MacArthur’s loss last week to Lawton, one of the top teams in 6A. McGuinness continues to impress in its first season in Class 5A, with a blowout win over Weatherford before it opens district play next week vs. El Reno. Carl Albert justified its continued ranking despite its record with a 31-10 win over previously No. 8 Duncan. Tulsa Kelley, who had losses to Class 6A Bartlesville and to McGuinness coming in, knocked off Coweta to move back into the rankings. Coweta stays in at No. 7, a spot ahead of Carl Albert. Claremore makes an appearance after knocking off McAlester in overtime, while Tulsa Memorial also slides in after its 3-0 start. McAlester, Duncan and Ardmore slide out though all three could find their way back into the top 10 soon.

CLASS 4A
1. Wagoner (1)#2-1
2. Clinton (2)#2-1
3. Cascia Hall (3)#3-0
4. Sallisaw (4)#2-1
5. Ada (5)#3-0
6. Douglass (6)#1-2
7. Anadarko (7)#3-0
8. Glenpool (9)#1-2
9. Fort Gibson (10)#3-0
10. Poteau (NR)#3-0

The top part here remains the same after the top seven all won this week. No. 8 Broken Bow fell to 3A Metro Christian, opening things up for a new entrant. Poteau takes the spot by virtue of its wins at Durant and at Van Buren, Ark., especially. The Pirates just edge Tulsa McLain, who got by Tulsa Central this week. Glenpool picked up its first win, starting to justify its continued ranking with a 27-7 win over Sperry. Glenpool had lost to Berryhill and Cascia Hall to start the season.

CLASS 3A
1. Kingfisher (1)#3-0
2. Tuttle (2)#3-0
3. Berryhill (3)#3-0
4. Seminole (4)#2-0
5. Sequoyah-Claremore (6)#2-1
6. Blanchard (9)#3-0
7. Metro Christian (8)#2-1
8. Victory Christian (NR)#3-0
9. Sequoyah-Tahlequah (5)#1-1
10. Verdigris (NR)#3-0

Easy at the top, tough on the bottom. The top four teams won and Sequoyah-Claremore sliding up past Sequoyah-Tahlequah was a no brainer. After that, though, things get complicated. Blanchard jumps Metro Christian for the overall strength of their resume to this point, having won three games pretty handily so far. Victory Christian moves into the rankings after their stunning come-from-behind win over Sequoyah-Tahlequah. The Indians fall four spots to No. 9, just behind Victory. Verdigris is the other newcomer, winning out over other candidates like Lincoln Christian (2-1), Plainview (2-1), Purcell (2-1), Jones (2-1) and others based on the way they’ve blown out each of their opponents thus far. Perkins dropped out after its loss to Verdigris.

CLASS 2A
1. Millwood (1)#3-0
2. Vian (2)#3-0
3. Davis (3)#3-0
4. Frederick (5)#3-0
5. Hennessey (4)#1-2
6. Stroud (7)#2-1
7. Lindsay (8)#2-1
8. OCS (6)#2-1
9. Adair (9)#3-0
10. Commerce (NR)#2-1

Let’s start at the bottom first. When I put together last week’s rankings, the score in front of me included Commerce getting hammered. Turned out, the score was reported backwards, and Commerce blew away its opponent. They did the same thing last night to yet another out-of-state opponent. They finally play an Oklahoma team this week when they take on Wyandotte. Hennessey’s loss to Kingfisher isn’t anything to be ashamed of as the Yellowjackets are No. 1 in 3A. They are passed, though, be Frederick, which has scored at least 55 points in each game and has outscored its opponents 194-34 through three games. Stroud and Lindsay move up one spot, jumping OCS. The Saints remain at No. 8 after falling to Jones by one point. Caney Valley, Coalgate, Haskell, Hinton are undefeated and just outside the top 10.

CLASS A
1. Wynnewood (1)#3-0
2. Wayne (2)#3-0
3. Thomas (3)#3-0
4. Texhoma (5)#2-0
5. Cashion (6)#3-0
6. Crescent (7)#3-0
7. Morrison (8)#2-1
8. Minco (9)#2-1
9. Hollis (10)#3-0
10. Kiefer (NR)#3-0

Ringling’s going to be all right but after starting 0-2 with a bye week, it had to fall out of the rankings. There’s simply too many solid teams in Class A not to. Texhoma, Cashion, Crescent, Morrison, Minco and Hollis each move up a spot after wins. The newcomer is Kiefer, which has three shutouts to start the season, winning by a combined 104-0. Talihina, Okeene and Ringling are just outside the top 10.

CLASS B
1. Laverne (1)#3-0
2. Wetumka (3)#3-0
3. Pond Creek-Hunter (4)#3-0
4. Dewar (5)#3-0
5. Garber (6)#3-0
6. Fox (8)#3-0
7. Davenport (2)#2-1
8. Rejoice Christian (NR)#2-1
9. Covington-Douglas (7)#1-2
10. Alex (10)#2-1

The question here was how far Davenport fell after losing to Wetumka. Dropped them below the other undefeated ranked teams. Through about keeping them ahead of Fox but the Foxes have a more impressive resume to this point. Rejoice Christian moves in for the first time after a big win over Coyle. Rejoice Christian’s lone loss came to No. 4 Dewar by just 10 points. Rejoice also beat Coyle by a larger margin than Covington-Douglas did earlier, earning them the No. 8 spot. Ringwood could move into the rankings soon after pushing Pond Creek-Hunter.

CLASS C
1. Tipton (1)#3-0
2. Cherokee (3)#3-0
3. Forgan (4)#3-0
4. Ryan (5)#3-0
5. Sharon-Mutual (6)#2-1
6. Deer Creek-Lamont (7)#2-1
7. Webbers Falls (8)#3-0
8. Shattuck (2)#1-2
9. Thackerville (9)#1-1
10. Maud (NR)#3-0

The biggest heartburn here came in the last spot, where it came down to 1-2 Timberlake and 3-0 Maud. Maud has been impressive, but giving up 50 points to Bowlegs in its opener was a bit concerning. But Maud earns the spot after Timberlake fell to Deer Creek-Lamont. Timberlake has a chance to move back in but a pair of blowout losses in its first two opened things up for Maud. Shattuck falls to No. 8 after losing to Forgan. Not much shifting here outside of those teams.

Things weren’t quite as easy for the group last week as everyone lost at least two games.

Scott Wright: 18-2 (2-0)
Jacob Unruh: 17-3 (2-0)
Ryan Aber: 16-4 (1-1)
Jason Kersey: 15-5 (1-0)

And now for this week’s picks:

SCOTT WRIGHT
Tulsa Union 17, Broken Arrow 14
Edmond Santa Fe 42, Edmond North 31
Jenks 30, Owasso 24
Tulsa East Central 21, Tulsa Washington 14
Duncan 20, Carl Albert 16
Kingfisher 48, Hennessey 28
Christian Heritage 22, Lincoln Christian 17
Norman North 23, Westmoore 20
Shattuck 55, Forgan 49
Stillwater 38, Mustang 35

Lock of the Week: Tulsa East Central over Tulsa Washington. Having seen Booker T. up close in Week 1, I know how talented this team is, but I think East Central puts too many defensive weapons on the field for the Hornets this week.

JACOB UNRUH
Tulsa Union 21, Broken Arrow 18
Edmond Santa Fe 27, Edmond North 14
Jenks 35, Owasso 21
Tulsa East Central 21, Tulsa Washington 20
Carl Albert 24, Duncan 17
Kingfisher 31, Hennessey 21
Christian Heritage 35, Lincoln Christian 28
Norman North 21, Westmoore 17
Shattuck 48, Forgan 42
Stillwater 24, Mustang 21

Lock of the week: Tulsa Union over Broken Arrow. I know Broken Arrow nearly pulled off the upset in last year’s Class 6A title game. The Tigers could even do that Friday night, but I am going with Tulsa Union in a nail-biter. Broken Arrow is without top running back Devon Thomas indefinitely, which is a concern against Tulsa Union.

RYAN ABER
Tulsa Union 28, Broken Arrow 24
Edmond Santa Fe 28, Edmond North 14
Jenks 34, Owasso 7
Tulsa East Central 14, Tulsa Washington 7
Carl Albert 21, Duncan 14
Kingfisher 34, Hennessey 14
Chr. Heritage 27, Lincoln Christian 22
Norman North 24, Westmoore 21
Shattuck 38, Forgan 30
Stillwater 21, Mustang 14

JASON KERSEY
Tulsa Union 34, Broken Arrow 31
Edmond Santa Fe 27, Edmond North 23
Jenks 39, Owasso 20
Tulsa East Central 28, Tulsa Washington 21
Carl Albert 24, Duncan 20
Kingfisher 31, Hennessey 17
Lincoln Christian 34, Christian Heritage 24
Norman North 21, Westmoore 20
Shattuck 35, Forgan 31
Stillwater 20, Mustang 14

Lock of the week: Kingfisher over Hennessey. Jeff Myers’ bunch is hot
right now – with Landon Nault running wild – and Hennessey is struggling
in its first season in the post-Shannon Watford era.

Former Edmond North runner Hannah Helker, now at Oklahoma Baptist, was named the NAIA National Women’s Cross Country Runner of the week for Sept. 3-9.

Helker, a sophomore, helped lead OBU to a season-opening victory at the Central Oklahoma Land Run on Sept. 8. She finished in 18:06, more than 58 seconds ahead of the second-place finisher on the 5K course.

The Lady Bison won the event with 36 points.

A look back at the weekend in college football involving Oklahoma athletes playing out of state:

Former Carl Albert and Tennessee running back David Oku found a new home at Arkansas State just before fall practices began. Once former Auburn standout Michael Dyer was denied a request for immediate eligibility, Oku immediately shot to the top of the Red Wolves’ depth chart.

Saturday in a 33-28 win over Justin Fuente-coached Memphis, Oku ran for 130 yards and a touchdowns–the game-winner.

Oku also had an 8-yard reception while former Oklahoma signee Josh Jarboe had 101 yards receiving for Gus Malzahn’s team.

—
Former Midwest City standout Timothy Flanders became Sam Houston State’s career rushing leader, running for 120 yards and a touchdown in a 54-7 win over Incarnate Word. Flanders now has 2,709 yards for the Bearkats. He also extended his school record for rushing touchdowns to 37. Both of Flanders’ touchdowns came in the first quarter.

—
Once again, Oklahoma high school products dominated a win by Ohio, this one a 51-24 win over New Mexico in the Bobcats’ home opener after they beat Penn State a week earlier.

Norman North grad Beau Blankenship rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns, fellow Timberwolves product Tyler Tettleton threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns and Guthrie’s Donte’ Foster had a team-high five catches for 57 yards and a score.

—
A pair of former state standouts played big parts in Oregon State’s 10-7 upset over Wisconsin. Lawton’s Tyrequek Zimmerman had seven tackles, tied for a team high, while Tulsa Washington’s Michael Doctor had three tackles in the win. Both started on defense, Doctor at linebacker and Zimmerman at strong safety. Another Lawton product, Jabral Johnson, saw action for the Beavers.

—
Former Tulsa Central star Demarco Cobbs had five tackles and former Millwood standout Josh Turner had two in Texas’ 45-0 win over New Mexico. Carl Albert’s Joe Stoner had three tackles for New Mexico.

—
Millwood product Brandon Swindall had a pair of catches for 16 yards in Utah State’s 27-20 win over rival Utah. Another former Falcons standout, Cameron Sanders, had a tackle in the win.

—
Tulsa Washington’s Tyler Lockett continues to emerge as a star for Kansas State. Lockett had three catches for 59 yards in the WIldcats’ 52-13 win over Miami. He also had two rushes for 14 yards and returned two kicks for 54 yards. Deer Creek’s Zach Trujillo had a 58-yard catch late in the blowout while Jenks’ Tramaine Thompson had three catches for 57 yards and a 12-yard punt return. Choctaw’s Andre McDonald and Tulsa Washington’s Dante Barnett also saw time.

—
Former Millwood standout Davion Pierson started at defensive tackle and had a tackle for a loss in TCU’s 56-0 win over Grambling State. Del City’s Jamelle Naff also saw action for the Horned Frogs. Both are redshirt freshmen.

—
Owasso’s Jacques Washington, starting at free safety for Iowa State, had six tackles and a 26-yard interception return in the Cyclones’ 9-6 win over Iowa. Jenks’ Bob Graham also saw time for Iowa State.

—
Former Heritage Hall standout Turner Petersen ran for 41 yards and a touchdown in the Owls’ 25-24 win over Kansas. Petersen also had a 14-yard reception. Owasso’s Gavin Howard started on the offensive line for Kansas, while Tonkawa’s Jake Love and Tulsa Washington’s John Williams also saw action.

—
Carl Albert product Christian Smith had five tackles, including two for a loss (one sack) in Toledo’s 34-31 win over Wyoming. Jenks’ Orion Jones also saw action for Toledo. Lawton’s Sonny Puletasi started at defensive end for the Cowboys while Tulsa Washington’s T.J. Smith saw action.

—
Missouri didn’t have much luck in its SEC opener, losing 41-20 to Georgia but Edmond Santa Fe product Randy Ponder had four tackles. Edmond North’s Xavier Smith and Guthrie’s Kentrell Brothers also saw action.

—
Houston lost again, this time 56-49 to Louisiana Tech but Broken Arrow’s Rowdy Harper started on the Cougars’ offensive line that produced 693 yards of total offense.

—
Weber State didn’t do much scoring in its 45-13 loss at BYU but both touchdowns came courtesy of Oklahoma products. Putnam City North’s Josh Booker and McGuinness’ Kris Parham each found the end zone on 1-yard runs. Booker finished with 64 yards rushing, while Parham had 15. Booker also had 17 yards receiving while Parham added a 9-yard catch. Parham also had 5 kick returns for 93 yards, including one for 34 yards. On defense, Edmond Santa Fe’s Willie Okwuonu had eight tackles, Jenks’ Devin Pugh had five, Putnam City’s Robbie Diamond had five, Edmond Memorial’s David James had three, Edmond Memorial’s Anthony Morales had two, Edmond Memorial’s Connor Myers had one and Edmond Santa Fe’s Trevor Pletcher had a pass breakup. Edmond Santa Fe’s Alex Land also started on Weber State’s offensive line.

Edmond Memorial point guard Jordan Woodard will announce his college decision live on NewsOK.com/Varsity at 5 p.m. Thursday. He's deciding between Oklahoma, Memphis and San Francisco.

Oklahoma, Stanford, Memphis and San Francisco are among the college basketball programs Edmond Memorial point guard Jordan Woodard will choose between when he appears live on NewsOK.com at 5 p.m. Thursday to announce his college decision.

The announcement will be available to view live at www.newsok.com/varsity as Woodard appears with his family and coach Shane Cowherd to give his verbal commitment.

Woodard has long said he hoped to commit before the season, and thus, be able to sign during the early period, which opens Nov. 14. Verbal commitments are non-binding.

Woodard averaged 13.1 points, 4.7 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.4 steals as a junior as he and brother James Woodard led the Bulldogs to the Class 6A state finals, losing to Tulsa Union. Woodard was the starting point guard on Edmond Memorial’s state title team in 2011 as well.

Oklahoma was the first team to offer Woodard, that coming last August as coach Lon Kruger began to emphasize his pursuit of in-state players. Memphis and San Francisco, who have both been hitting the state hard for recruits the last couple of years, came in with offers shortly after, and Stanford joined the fray later.

Kansas coach Bill Self, a former Bulldog himself, also showed interest, as did coaches at Iowa, Kansas State and a few other places.

With the departure of Douglass point guard Stephen Clark to a Las Vegas prep school, there’s no argument that Woodard is the top senior player in the Oklahoma City area, and one of the two most recruited prospects in the state. He’s joined on that list by Tulsa Washington’s Juwan Parker, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard who verbally committed to Georgia last week.

But he was pleased to see his team arrive with a positive attitude for what was ahead, and the mood has only gotten better through summer and into preseason practices.

“I’m extremely proud of their attitudes,” Merideth said. “It’s as good as it has ever been as long as I’ve been here.

“They’re working hard, very positive. They want to get better and be successful. It’s been as much fun as you can have at preseason practices as you can possible have.”

The Bulldogs will rely on the leadership of players like left tackle Lucas Gerdes and defensive back Sam Kreutzer, who are among the team’s returning starters.

Deer Creek's Garrett Hermanski is among three new players selected for the All-State boys basketball game Thursday night at Oral Roberts.

Edmond Memorial’s James Woodard and Lawton Eisenhower’s D’Andre Wright are among a trio of players to withdraw from the All-State boys basketball game. The pair of incoming freshmen at Tulsa will be replaced by Deer Creek’s Garrett Hermanski and Ardmore’s Travis Galbreath on the Large West team.

On the Large East roster, Victory Christian’s L.J. Ross is being replaced by Kansas’ Corey Cowan.

The All-State boys basketball games begin with the small-school game at 7 p.m. Thursday at Oral Roberts University’s Mabee Center. The large-school game is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

Moore qualified for the US Amateur on Monday, winning a three-man playoff for the third and final qualifying spot at Cedar Ridge Country Club in Broken Arrow.

He joined former Tulsa University player Stephen Carney and Oklahoma State’s Talor Gooch, a former Carl Albert star, as qualifiers for the event, which will be held Aug. 13-19 at Cheery Hills Country Club outside Denver.

Carney, a Tulsa Union product, was the medalist with a 137 total (69-68), and Gooch was second at 140 (72-68). Moore, who will be a freshman at Arkansas next month, shot 141 (71-70) to tie for third. He had back-to-back pars to win the two-hole playoff over Danny Funk and Jeff Coffman.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

Brayden Scott is solidly committed to Memphis. PHOTO BY JUSTIN KENNEDY, TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS

Brayden Scott said he’s “100-percent solid” in his commitment to Memphis and won’t sway from that pledge.

The Sequoyah-Tahlequah senior, who I wrote about for Thursday’s newspaper, said he would like to graduate from high school early and participate in Memphis’ 2013 spring football activities.

He also said he’s already turned from a Tiger commit to recruiter, trying to sway other prospects to Memphis.

As I wrote about for Thursday’s story, Scott has already created himself as a Memphis quarterback on his NCAA Football video game. But he threw in an interest little nugget right before we hung up last week: “I plan on making Khari (Harding) on Memphis, too.”

Scott and Harding, the Edmond Santa Fe safety and Arkansas commit, were the only Oklahomans on the United States’ roster at the International Federation of American Football World Championships earlier this month in July. The two became friends and have immense respect for one another.

Harding said last week that, despite his commitment to the Hogs, he still planned to take visits to other campuses.

Among the schools that have made him scholarship offers? None other than Memphis.

I remembered that after Scott and I ended our phone call, so I shot him a text, asking if Harding was one of the prospects he was recruiting to join him in Memphis.

“Yess yess!” Scott responded.

I asked if he’d had any luck so far, to which Scott replied, “Can’t tell you! Hahahaha secret.”

Goodin opened the 36-hole tournament with a round of 72 to lead by two shots and matched the best round of the event with her 71 on the final day for a 143 total.

Four-time state champion Megan Blonien of Altus, an Oklahoma State signee, and Hinton’s Maci Arrington tied for second with a 146 total.

Goodin was Deer Creek’s top finisher at the Class 5A state tournament in May, coming in fifth to help the Antlers to a third-place team finish.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

Edmond Santa Fe's Max McGreevy shot a three-round total of 219 (69-72-72) to win the AJGA Stacy Lewis Junior Open in Arkansas this week.

Edmond Santa Fe senior-to-be Max McGreevy conquered Class 6A golf at the state tournament in May, and now he’s going national.

McGreevy shot three rounds at even-par or better to earn a six-stroke victory at the American Junior Golf Association’s KPMG Stacy Lewis Junior Open, which concluded Thursday at the Highlands Golf Course at Bella Vista Village in Bella Vista, Ark.

McGreevy opened the 54-hole event with a round of 3-under-par 69, one of only three rounds below 70 recorded in the tournament. He closed out the victory with back-to-back rounds of even-par 72, coming in six shots ahead of Jenks’ Brendon Jelley and Anthony Murdaca of West Hindmarsh, Australia. Players from Arkansas, Tennessee, Kansas, Missouri, Georgia, Mississippi and Nebraska placed in the top 12 of the event.

McGreevy said his consistency off the tee was the key to his victory.

“There were a lot of tough driving holes this week,” McGreevy said. “A lot of times, you had to be in the fairway in order to be aggressive towards the pin. My tee shots this week really helped me out.

“(The win) means a ton. I’ve had a lot of success the last couple months, but this definitely caps it off.”

In the girls tournament, Oktaha senior-to-be Kailey Campbell was the top finisher from Oklahoma with a three-round total of 230, which was 14 shots behind winner Cheyenne Knight of The Woodlands, Texas.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

Edmond Santa Fe senior Khari Harding, photographed here in front of his father Corie, helped the USA Football U-19 team to a first-round win in the IFAF World Championships Saturday night in Austin, Texas.

The USA Football U-19 national team opened the International Federation of American Football World Championships with a 27-6 victory over American Samoa Saturday night in Austin, Texas, with help from a couple of Oklahoma boys.

Two of the state’s top recruits, Sequoyah-Tahlequah quarterback Brayden Scott and Edmond Santa Fe safety Khari Harding, each made contributions to the victory.

Scott, a Memphis commit, rushed for a touchdown and threw for another, finishing 13 of 20 for 196 yards through the air. He was 4-of-5 for 81 yards on the team’s final scoring drive to put the game away in the fourth quarter. Scott’s TD pass was a 7-yarder to Demarcus Ayers of Lancaster, Texas, who finished with seven catches for 115 yards and earned the USA team MVP award.

Harding, who has verbally committed to Arkansas, recorded one tackle for a 2-yard loss from his safety position.

Team USA, the top seed in the event, will be back in action at 8 p.m. Wednesday with a semifinal game against fifth-seeded Austria, which defeated fourth-seeded Panama 40-0 Saturday.

With a win, Team USA will advance to next Saturday’s gold medal game against the Japan/Canada winner.

All of the games can be seen live online at www.youtube.com/usafootballeducation.

A pair of city-area players were named to the ESPNHS 2012 Baseball All-American first team this week.

Carl Albert’s Taylor Hawkins, The Oklahoman’s All-State and Big All-City Player of the Year, earned first-team honors at catcher.

Hawkins hit 28 home runs this season, including one in the Class 5A championship game, to help give the Titans the state title.

Hawkins was a 12th-round pick of Tampa Bay in this month’s draft. He’s also an OU signee.

Joining Hawkins on the first team is Edmond Santa Fe right-handed pitcher Ty Hensley. Hensley was dominant on the mound, going 10-0 with a 1.52 ERA and 111 strikeouts in 55 innings. He also hit .447 with 10 home runs and 41 RBIs.

Hensley was a first-round pick of the New York Yankees and has signed with Ole Miss.

Leedey sophomore Drew Ward was named to the ESPNHS third team after hitting .541. Widely considered the nation’s top player in the 2014 class, Ward missed some time this season due to injury.

Edmond Santa Fe defensive back Khari Harding and Sequoyah Tahlequah quarterback Brayden Scott were among the 45 players from around the country named to USA Football’s Under-19 team for the upcoming International Federation of American Football U-19 World Championship in Austin, Texas.

Oklahoma State OL commit Juck Kurzu is also on the roster.

The eight-team tournament runs from June 30 to July 7 at Austin’er Burger Stadium.

Other participating national teams include American Samoa, Austria, Canada, France, Japan, Panama and Sweden. The U.S. won the inaugural championship in 2009 in Canton, Ohio and are the No. 1 seed this year.

The Americans open against American Samoa at 8 p.m. June 30.

The gold medal game will be played at 8 p.m. July 7.

Quarterback Joel Blumenthal and Deer Creek won the Kansas State 7 on 7 Tournament over the weekend. OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE PHOTO

EDMOND — Deer Creek traveled to Manhattan, Kan., last weekend for its first appearance in Kansas State’s 7-on-7 tournament and won the whole thing.

The Antlers finished 9-1 over the weekend, beating Salina South (Kan.) 27-7 in the finals. The tournament featured teams from several states.

One team of note that Deer Creek topped in pool play, Valor Christian (Colo)., features Oklahoma State quarterback commit Luke Del Rio, the son of former Jacksonville Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio.

In the quarterfinals, Deer Creek beat fellow Oklahoma team Heritage Hall 35-21. In the semifinals, the Antlers topped Lincoln Southwest (Neb.) 45-21.

The Antlers were 7-4 last season and return many talented seniors this season. Quarterback Joel Blumenthal established himself as one of Class 5A’s top passers last season and receiver Jared Rayburn, the son of former Sooner Tony Rayburn, is a speedy deep threat.

Running back Brennan Miyake was nearly a 1,000-yard rusher as a junior.

On defense, linebackers Austin Loomis and Kooper Ruminer have both received strong interest from NCAA Division I schools and are awaiting their first offers.

EDMOND — Edmond Santa Fe senior-to-be defensive back Khari Harding made this huge hit on teammate Dale Jefferson during spring practice on Wednesday.

Harding has offers from eight NCAA Division I schools (Arkansas, Arkansas State, Houston, Indiana, Iowa State, Kansas State, Memphis and Wyoming).

Jefferson had to be helped off the field Wednesday but I’m told he’ll be fine.

Harding (6-foot-1, 205 pounds) recorded 71 tackles and three interceptions last season for the Wolves, which were 10-2 and district champions.

The game will be played July 24 at Oral Roberts (Small school 4:30 p.m., large school 7 p.m.)

Large East

Pitchers: Gabe Coldwell (Stilwell), Jacob Evans (Broken Arrow), Alex Hackerott (Sand Springs)

First baseman: Derrick Haworth (Durant)

Infielders: Donovan Walton (Tulsa Kelley), Mason Mantle (Metro Christian), Brenton Washausen (Claremore), Carter Cumbie (McAlester)

Outfielders: Dylan Helms (Eufaula), Corey Hassel (Stillwater), Adam Boyd (McAlester), J.P. Seifried (Claremore)

Catchers: Kylar Robertson (Sand Springs), Josh Whisler (Owasso)

Large West

Pitchers: Ty Hensley (Edmond Santa Fe), Jordan Watson (Edmond Santa Fe), Carson McPherson (Ardmore)

First baseman: Michael Lowe (Jones)

Infielders: Alex Polston (Carl Albert), Colt Pickens (Yukon), Tanner Dearman (Anadarko), Joe Robinson (Edmond North)

Outfielders: Greg Bruno (Midwest City), Luke Davis (Guthrie), Christian Thaxton (Duncan), T.J. Turner (Lawton MacArthur)

Catchers: Taylor Hawkins (Carl Albert), Dakota Shadoan (Norman North)

Small East

Pitchers: Evan Sanders (Hartshorne), Jacob Lux (Wyandotte), Dillon Proctor (Caddo)

First baseman: Jonathon Samuels (Rattan)

Infielders: Dusty Henry (Afton), Kaleb Matthews (Wellston), Landon Coon (Dale), Ty Miller (Caddo)

Outfielders: Caleb Hill (Wister), Brennon Fuser (Afton), Asa Thomas Manship (Dale), Zach Burns (Tushka)

Catchers: Cash Miller (Coleman), Eddia Lomas (Roff)

Small West

Pitchers: Brett McNaughton (Pioneer), Austin Kretchmar (Okarche), Stetson Buller (Timberlake)

First baseman: Clayton Brewster (Cheyenne)

Infielders: Jason Johnson (Arnett), Brady Baugh (Hennessey), Kent Callison (Lookeba-Sickles), Cameron Nix (Carnegie)

Outfielders: Josh Jackson (Amber-Pocasset), Dillon Almaguer (Granite), Jeff Jackson (Amber-Pocasset), Aaron McCandless (Shattuck)

Catchers: Cody Hunter (Arnett), Landon Larue (Crescent)

The position has been filled; Manning said Monday he has hired former Midwest City defensive coordinator Chris Rose.

Rose was considered a top candidate to replace Steve Huff as the Bombers’ head coach, but the job ultimately went to former Tulsa Washington and Star Spencer coach Darrell Hall.

Rose replaces Kenny Young, who retired after one year as the Wolves’ defensive coordinator. Before that, he had a long, successful tenure as head coach at Bishop McGuinness.

Rose was formerly an assistant coach at Edmond Memorial, where he was also the boys’ soccer coach.

He inherits a defense that lost some of its best players from 2011, but is also bringing several good ones back.

The Wolves lost defensive ends Michael Onuoha, who signed with OU, and Josh Crouch, who combined for 162 tackles and 16 sacks a year ago.

Also gone is defensive back Conner Bays, who made 101 tackles and will play college ball at Southwestern Oklahoma State.

But returning for Santa Fe is cornerback Khari Harding, who boasts offers from several Division I schools and is one of the top college prospects in the state for the class of 2013.

Linebacker Jerremy Moore also returns after recording 102 tackles and seven sacks as a junior.

Manning is entering his second season as Edmond Santa Fe’s coach. In 2010, the Wolves were 1-9, but in Manning’s first season, the team went 10-2 and won its district.

Friday
Game 2 winner vs. Game 3 winner, 4 p.m.
Game 1 winner vs. Game 4 winner, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday
At Oral Roberts
Championship game, 2:30 p.m.

CLASS 5A
At Tulsa Union
Thursday
Game 1: Shawnee vs. Claremore, 11 a.m.
Game 2: Skiatook vs. Carl Albert, 1:30 p.m.
Game 3: Guthrie vs. Durant, 4 p.m.
Game 4: McAlester vs. Deer Creek, 6:30 p.m.

Friday
Game 1 winner vs. Game 3 winner, 4 p.m.
Game 2 winner vs. Game 4 winner, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday
At Oral Roberts
Championship game, noon

CLASS 4A
At Shawnee
Thursday
Game 1: Berryhill vs. Heritage Hall, 11 a.m.
Game 2: Anadarko vs. Tecumseh, 1:30 p.m.
Game 3: Hilldale vs. Byng, 4 p.m.
Game 4: Weatherford vs. Oologah, 6:30 p.m.

Friday
Game 2 winner vs. Game 3 winner, 4 p.m.
Game 1 winner vs. Game 4 winner. 6:30 p.m.

Saturday
Championship game, 5 p.m.

CLASS 3A
Thursday
At Edmond Memorial
Game 1: Marlow vs. Jones, 11 a.m.
Game 2: Henryetta vs. Metro Christian, 1:30 p.m.
Game 3: Salina vs. Plainview, 4 p.m.
Game 4: Verdigris vs. Spiro, 6:30 p.m.

At Shawnee
Friday
Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner, 11 a.m.
Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday
Championship game, noon

CLASS 2A
At Dolese Park
Thursday
Game 1: Dale vs. Fairview, 11 a.m.
Game 2: Silo vs. Hennessey, 1:30 p.m.
Game 3: Ketchum vs. Tushka, 4 p.m.
Game 4: Oktaha vs. Wister, 6:30 p.m.

Friday
Game 1 winner vs. Game 3 winner, 4 p.m.
Game 2 winner vs. Game 4 winner, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday
At Shawnee
Championship game, 2:30 p.m.

Bishop McGuinness coach Tondrell Durham has been mentioned by sources as a candidate for the Edmond Santa Fe job.

EDMOND — Edmond Public Schools will recommend the hiring of boys basketball coaches for Edmond Santa Fe and Edmond North to the school board Tuesday morning, district athletic director Mike Nunley said.

Edmond Santa Fe is hiring its third-ever boys basketball coach after Shawn Schenk was dismissed in late March.

Schenk was Santa Fe’s coach for six seasons. Last month, the Wolves advanced to the 6A semifinals.

Bishop McGuinness coach Tondrell Durham, Douglass’ Terry Long and Mount St. Mary’s Lenny Hatchett have all been mentioned by sources as candidates for the Edmond Santa Fe job.

Durham’s Irish squad won the Class 5A state championship last month. It was Durham’s fifth title with the school since he became coach in 2001.

Long won his third consecutive 4A title last month at Douglass, while Hatchett has been Mount St. Mary’s coach since 2004.

For Edmond North, it will be the school’s fourth boys basketball coach in four seasons. Quinn Wooldridge, who was hired last summer, resigned to become head coach at Southwestern Christian University in Bethany earlier this month.

Edmond North athletic director Tom Snider said then long-term stability would be one of the main criteria in hiring Wooldridge’s replacement.

Twenty minutes into its first game, senior leader Bryan Sanchez tore both of his ACLs.

“It was pretty tough on him,” said coach Jeff Lovett. “It was tough on the entire team. He was a senior, the captain and he had a great year for us last year.”

Sanchez’s injury was especially tough on him because his brother, junior Blake Sanchez, is the Bulldogs’ starting goalie.

“They were excited about playing together this year,” Lovett said.

Lovett said senior Jared Glenn has stepped up and provided leadership for the team. Glenn leads the team in goals.

Memorial is 2-4 this season entering Tuesday’s game at unbeaten U.S. Grant, but one loss was in a shootout, one was in overtime and another was by one goal in regulation.

Edmond North soccer player Britani Soesbee is injured. PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN

Edmond North’s girls soccer team, which has won two straight Class 6A state titles, has won four straight matches to open district play entering Tuesday’s contest at Yukon.

North is playing without senior midfielder Britani Soesbee, a USAO signee who is injured and will be out another couple weeks, Flanders said.

Thursday, the Huskies will head to Kansas City, Mo., to play in the Heart of America Classic, which will feature several top teams from eight different states.

“It will be a great bonding experience,” said Edmond North coach Theresa Flanders. “It comes at the right time — in the middle of district, right as we’re trying to start peaking. It’s a great time for coaches and players to come together.”

Edmond North opens Thursday at 6:45 against Ray-Pec (Peculiar, Mo).

The Huskies are one of six Oklahoma teams competing in the Classic, along with Norman North, Deer Creek, Jenks, Tulsa Bishop Kelley and Tulsa Union.

Deer Creek opens Thursday at 4:45 p.m. against Lee’s Summit (Mo.), while Norman North begins Friday at 3:45 p.m. against Lee’s Summit West.

Edmond Santa Fe sophomore quarterback Justice Hansen will attend the Red-White game in Norman on Saturday. PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN

EDMOND — Edmond Santa Fe junior defensive back Khari Harding and sophomore quarterback Justice Hansen will both attend Oklahoma’s annual Red-White spring game Saturday in Norman.

Harding announced that Sooners’ co-offensive coordinator Josh Heupel invited him to the game on Twitter. Hansen confirmed his invite in a text message to The Oklahoman.

Harding, who had 71 tackles and three interceptions as a junior for the Wolves, has six offers — Arkansas, Arkansas State, Houston, Indiana, Kansas State and Wyoming.

Hansen had a breakout sophomore season and appears to be one of the top Oklahoma prospects of the class of 2014. He threw for 2,558 yards and 25 touchdowns, and rushed for 529 yards and eight scores, in leading the Wolves to the Class 6A quarterfinals and a 10-2 record.

Hansen has offers from Missouri and Arkansas.

Quinn Wooldridge, who was hired last summer, resigned to become head coach at Southwestern Christian University in Bethany. Wooldridge will replace Mark Arthur, the school’s athletic director who has been basketball coach for 20 years.

Wooldridge was a men’s basketball assistant at Oklahoma City University before taking the Edmond North job, and was previously McAlester’s head coach from 2003-2005.

Edmond North athletic director Tom Snider said Wooldridge’s departure is disappointing because the boys basketball program, which was 5-18 this season, needs stability.

“(Before he was hired), one of the main things we talked about was getting stability with this program,” Snider said. “But, life happens, as they say.”

Snider said he hopes to have a new coach hired before the May school board meeting, and that long-term stability will again be one of the main criteria in making a hire.

“It was hard to go down there and tell those kids that this has happened again,” Snider said. “The kids were really disappointed.”

Large East
Taylor Cooper, Shawnee
U’Knique Gaines, Tulsa East Central
Jodi Glover, Fort Gibson
Devaughn Gray, Tulsa Washington
Lashanda Green McAlester
Kelsee Grovey, Shawnee
Madison Mercado, Sapulpa
Lanesha Middleton, Stillwater
Caitlyn Spurgeon, Vinita
Miranda Taylor, Claremore
Coaches: Carl Treat, Stillwater; Matt Sweeney, Oologah

Large West
Kylie Boggess, Piedmont
Ashley Clark, Midwest City
Alie Decker, Edmond Memorial
Daisha Gonzaque, Edmond Santa Fe
Rasheeda Kabba, Westmoore
Toni Smith, Del City
Kati Sullivan, Anadarko
Courtney Walker, Edmond Santa Fe
Antoinet Webster, Western Heights
Te’era Williams, Douglass
Coaches: Jeff Mahoney, Elgin; Dandy Peeler, Edmond Memorial

Small East
Courtney Backward, Salina
Kelsey Barnwell, Kansas
Megan Brown, Howe
Hayley Bryan, Copan
Courtney Cowan, Kansas
Pete Douglas, Oktaha
Charitee Evans, Red Oak
Shanna Harrison, Adair
Kenzie Solberg, Chandler
Brooke Watkins, Prague
Coaches: Brandon Lindly, Wright City; Mike Buntin, Verdigris

Small West
Jamie Brown, Chattanooga
Lexie Brown, Hammon
Casi Cornell, Thomas
Kori Fast, Fairview
Jordan Garner, Amber-Pocasset
Bailey McBride, Chattanooga
Lacey Paulk, Washington
Katelyn Richardson, Calumet
Jordynn Van Pelt, Snyder
Shayla Williams, Northeast
Coaches: Cherie Myers, Okarche; Kirk Harris, Marlow

All-Conference
First Team
Ashley Clark, Midwest City
Alie Decker, Edmond Memorial
Carolee Dillard, Midwest City
Taylor Ely, Norman
Bri Kuestersteffen, Norman North
Toni Smith, Del City

Second Team
Brittany Alavinejad, Westmoore
Serithia Hawkins, Southmoore
Sydney Hill, Edmond Memorial
Mariah Jackson, Del City
Kayla Tucker, Southmoore

Third Team
Bethany Cox, Norman
Jami Hensley, Westmoore
Rasheeda Kabba, Westmoore
Amanda Patterson, Moore
Haley Woodard, Norman North

Honorable Mention
Dionna Collins (Del City), Piper Kalthoff (Del City), Jenny Roy (Edmond Memorial),
Alyssa Hand (Edmond Memorial), Jasmine Gaddis (Midwest City), Jasauen Beard (Midwest City), Adrianna White (Midwest City), Reagan Widener (Midwest City),
Tori Thomas (Norman North), Kabria Harkey (Westmoore),

No player in the state has racked up offers over the last month like Edmond Santa Fe’s Khari Harding.

Tuesday, the defensive back added another when Indiana extended Harding an offer. Wednesday morning, he added Houston to his ever-growing list. Harding now has offers from Arkansas, Arkansas State, Kansas State and Wyoming. Kansas State was the first school to offer Harding on March 1.

Harding had 71 tackles and three interceptions as a junior.

His uncle, Rodney Harding, was a defensive lineman at Oklahoma State in the 1980s.

at Jenks
Tulsa Kelley vs. Edmond Santa Fe, 1:30 p.m.
Tulsa Kelley vs. Deer Creek, 4 p.m.
Jenks vs. Deer Creek, 6:30 p.m.

Friday
at Broken Arrow
Broken Arrow vs. Deer Creek, 1:30 p.m.
Tulsa Memorial vs. Edmond Santa Fe, 4 p.m.
Broken Arrow vs. Edmond Santa Fe, 6:30 p.m.

at Jenks
Jenks vs. Edmond Memorial, 1:30 p.m.
Tulsa Kelley vs. Moore, 4 p.m.
Jenks vs. Moore, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday
at Broken Arrow
Tulsa Memorial vs. Deer Creek, 9 a.m.
Broken Arrow vs. Moore, 11:30 a.m.

at Jenks
Tulsa Kelley vs. Edmond Memorial, 9 p.m.
Jenks vs. Edmond Santa Fe, 11:30 p.m.

East No. 4 vs. West No. 4, 2:30 p.m.*
East No. 3 vs. West No. 3, 5 p.m.*

East No. 2 vs. West No. 1, 2:30 p.m.*
East No. 1 vs. West No. 1, 5 p.m.*
Sites for these games will be determined by finish of Broken Arrow and Jenks in pool play.

Defensive Players of the Year: Jordan Thomas, Edmond Memorial, and Cornell Neal, Midwest City

Offensive Players of the Year: Jordan Woodard, Edmond Memorial, and Rico Hogan, Norman

Coach of the Year: Shane Cowherd, Edmond Memorial

Newcomer of the Year: Terrell Savala, Edmond Memorial

First Team
James Woodard, Edmond Memorial
Jordan Woodard, Edmond Memorial
A.J. Holland, Del City
T.J. Noel, Midwest City
Rico Hogan, Norman
Cornell Neal, Midwest City

Second Team
Brett Cannon, Del City
Terrell Savala, Edmond Memorial
Connor Madole, Norman
Jordan Thomas, Edmond Memorial
Tripp Fuller, Westmoore

Third Team
Dorian Gigger, Moore
Chris Hobgood, Moore
Steffon Herd, Del City
Trey Ayala, Westmoore
Jamal Mosely, Del City

Honorable Mention:
Sam Kaplan, Norman North
Jourdan Bean, Southmoore
Maurice Davenport, Moore
Kyle Lakin, Westmoore
Beau Palmer, Westmoore
George Kittle, Norman
Daniel Harper, Norman
Keith Glover, Del City
Deonte Long, Del City
Devin Bockhaus, Midwest City
Daryck Jones, Midwest City
Torey Noel, Midwest City
Kesean Brown, Midwest City
Reggie Sloan, Edmond Memorial
Aaron Young, Edmond Memorial

OKLAHOMA TENNIS COACHES RANKING
CLASS 6A
Boys
1. Edmond North
2. Jenks
3. Tulsa Union
4. Edmond Memorial
5. Broken Arrow
6. Tulsa Kelley
7. McGuinness
8. Enid
9. Muskogee
10. Edmond Santa Fe

Girls
1. Jenks
2. Edmond North
3. Enid
4. Edmond Memorial
5. Tulsa Kelley
6. Broken Arrow
7. Tulsa Union
8. McGuinness
9. Bixby
10. Owasso

CLASS 5A
Boys
1. Metro Christian
2. Heritage Hall
3. Carl Albert
4. Oklahoma Christian
5. Cascia Hall
6. McAlester
7. Shawnee
8. Durant
9. Duncan
10. Ardmore

Girls
1. Duncan
2. Heritage Hall
3. Cascia Hall
4. Tulsa Washington
5. Tahlequah
6. Ardmore
7. Deer Creek
8. Carl Albert
9. Shawnee
10. Altus

CLASS 4A
Boys
1. Anadarko
2. Ada
3. Henryetta
4. Byng
5. Clinton
6. Elk City
7. Oologah
8. St. Mary
9. Seminole
10. Okmulgee

Girls
1. Ada
2. Metro Christian
3. Elk City
4. Perry
5. Midway  
6. Byng
7. Beaver
8. Seminole
9. Oklahoma Christian
10. Anadarko

Edmond Memorial's James Woodard signed with Tulsa in November, and he's closely watching to see who the program hires as its next head coach.

Edmond Memorial senior James Woodard isn’t currently planning to seek a release from his letter of intent with the Tulsa basketball program. But he’s keeping an eye on things with the Golden Hurricane.

TU fired head coach Doug Wojcik on March 11, and the replacement process is ongoing. Woodard has been in contact with Lawton Eisenhower forward D’Andre Wright about the situation.

Both have signed letters of intent, but could be granted their release from the commitment because of Wojcik’s firing.

“I’m keeping a close eye on it to see if they make any decisions soon, because if not, I’ll have to start making my decisions,” Woodard said. “I talked to (Wright) last week. We met with the athletic director (Ross Parmley). We’re trying to get all the information we can, so we can see if we need to stay or try to find another school.

“As of now, I’m still going to TU. I’m just waiting to see what they decide on in the next few weeks and go from there.”

Lawton Eisenhower coach Bruce Harrington said Wright is also waiting and watching. Wright, a 6-foot-9 forward, averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds in helping the Eagles reach the state tournament.

Woodard, a 6-foot-3 wing, led Memorial with 14 points and seven rebounds per game as the Bulldogs finished as the Class 6A runner-up to Tulsa Union.

The next letter of intent signing period for basketball opens April 11, at which time, several other scholarships will begin to be filled. There’s always some shuffling when coaches leave and players go to other schools, so the domino effect could cause some currently filled spots to come open as well.

It’s a hectic time, and very stressful for a kid caught in the middle of it. For those who are interested, here’s a link to a Tulsa World story from Sunday detailing a few potential candidates at Tulsa.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

Edmond Santa Fe senior right-hander Ty Hensley started the team’s Spring Break trip to Arizona off with a bang Monday night.
Hensley threw five no-hit innings, striking out 13 as the Wolves beat Apollo (Ariz.) 11-0.
With spring training also going in in Arizona, it gave many big league teams a chance to see Hensley up close. More than 40 scouts and even a few general managers took in Hensley’s performance.
He also impressed at the plate, with a solo home run and another hit.
Hensley is signed with Ole Miss but is expected to be an early draft pick this summer.

Second team
106: Cody Logan, Yukon
113: Jordan Armstrong, Edmond North
120: Josh Breece, Edmond North
126: Parker Bohannan, Yukon
132: Frank Smith, Choctaw
138: Kaylob Klingler, Choctaw
145: Mason Stowers, Edmond Santa Fe
152: Taylor Gore, Putnam City
160: Hunter Smith, Edmond North
170: Cason Montgomery, Yukon
182: Walter Smith, Edmond Santa Fe
195: Andrew Brumage, Choctaw
220: Ragan Land, Edmond North
285: Lantz Parks, Yukon

The Edmond Santa Fe girls basketball team was ranked No. 10 in the country by USA Today. PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN

Edmond Santa Fe’s girls have been No. 1 in Oklahoma all season. Now, they are a top-10 team nationally.

USA Today has the Wolves at No. 10 in their latest girls basketball Super 25 rankings.

Santa Fe finished the 2011-12 season with a 28-0 record and a second straight Class 6A state championship, won last weekend in a 44-41 victory over Edmond Memorial.

Girls All-Metro Athletic Conference
Most Valuable Player: Courtney Walker, Edmond Santa Fe
Offensive Player of the Year: Layton Hurley, Choctaw
Defensive Player of the Year: Daisha Gonzaque, Edmond Santa Fe
Newcomer of the Year: Da’Jah Coffey, Putnam North
Coach of the Year: Karlie Free, Edmond North

First Team
Whitney Dunn, Mustang
Daisha Gonzaque, Edmond Santa Fe
Layton Hurley, Choctaw
Kaitlyn Peterson, Edmond North
Courtney Walker, Edmond Santa Fe

Second Team
Haley Brown, Yukon
Da’Jah Coffey, Putnam North
Cameerah Graves, Edmond Santa Fe
Tamara Lee, Edmond Santa Fe
Jayden Oliver, Putnam City

All-Metro Athletic Conference
Coach of the Year: A.D. Burtschi, Putnam City
Player of the Year: Joe Summers, Putnam North
Offensive Player of the Year: David Bush, Putnam City
Defensive Player of the Year: Omega Harris, Putnam West
Newcomer of the Year: Justin Jones, Edmond Santa Fe

First team
David Bush, Putnam City
Aaron Anderson, Edmond Santa Fe
Tavionne Pennon, Putnam West
Shaquille Morris, Edmond Santa Fe
Ronnie Boyce, Putnam City

Second team
Omega Harris, Putnam West
J.R. Simon, Putnam North
T.J. Jones, Putnam North
Zach Laurie, Mustang
Tyler Lester, Choctaw

Third team
Justin Jones, Edmond Santa Fe
Kevin House, Putnam West
Ed Baker, Edmond North
Rodney Teal, Putnam North
Orlando Goldsmith, Putnam City

Honorable mention
Choctaw: Carson Clay, Reggie Wright
Edmond North: David Montgomery, Blake Ruben
Mustang: Levi Lum, Robert Shaw
Putnam City: Dexter Dean, Richmarr Smith
Putnam West: Deonte Ogles

As Edmond Santa Fe prepares to open the CLass 6A state tournament Thursday, the Wolves’ Courtney Walker was named the Gatorade Oklahoma Girls Basketball Player of the Year.

Going into Thursday’s state tournament opener against Tulsa Union (2 p.m., Mabee Center), Walker is averaging 17.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.1 steals and 3.6 assists for the 25-0 Wolves.

The Texas A&< signee is currently ranked as the No. 33 recruit in the nation on Hoopgurlz ESPNU 100.

Walker is the first to receive the award from Santa Fe. The award honors not only athletic excellence but character and academic achievement as well. Walker is now a finalist for the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year award, which will be announced later this month.

Recent state winners included Ashley Clark (Midwest City), Richa Jackson (Midwest City), Kevi Luper (Adair), Alyssia Brewer (Sapulpa), Angel Goodrich (Sequoyah Tahlequah) and Stephanie McGee (Howe, twice).

Sydney Hill, right, and Edmond Memorial qualified for the state tournament by upsetting No. 2 Midwest City. OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE PHOTO

After Saturday’s final area games, the field is set for next week’s Class 6A girls’ basketball state tournament in Tulsa.

Here are the qualifiers:

No. 1 Edmond Santa Fe (23-0): Defending state champions are led by Texas A&M signee Courtney Walker and are the clear favorite.

No. 2 Midwest City (26-1): Bombers lost to Edmond Memorial in area final, but got back on track with win over Putnam City North for state berth.

No. 3 Jenks (21-6): Trojans earn first state tournament berth since 2007.

No. 4 Edmond Memorial (20-5): Bulldogs upset No. 2 Midwest City in area final for state berth. Five losses are twice to Santa Fe, twice to Midwest City and once to 5A No. 1 Shawnee.

No. 5 Sapulpa (19-7): Chieftains are in the state tournament for the first time since 2008.

No. 8 Muskogee (20-6): Roughers bring 11-game win streak into the state tournament.

No. 10 Tulsa Union (16-11): Redskins’ only playoff loss was 2-point setback to No. 5 Sapulpa in regional final. Union topped Bartlesville for state berth.

No. 11 Mustang (17-10): Nikki McCann’s first season as the Broncos’ coach will end in the state tournament. Mustang topped Choctaw on Saturday to earn berth.

Senior guard Kelsee Grovey and Shawnee look poised for a run at the Class 5A state championship. PHOTO BY SARAH PHIPPS, THE OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE

Here is the second edition of my large-school girls’ basketball power poll.

Agree? Disagree? Leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail.

1. Edmond Santa Fe (6A, 22-0)
Edmond Santa Fe did nothing to deserve a drop in ranking. The defending 6A champion Wolves’ schedule hasn’t been very tough — their smallest margin of victory this season is 15 — so when they get challenged it will be interesting to see how they respond. But there is no reason to believe Santa Fe would have an off night, and it remains the odds-on favorite to bring home the gold ball again.
Record vs. this poll: 2-0
Last week: No. 1
Next up: Regionals vs. U.S. Grant, Thursday, 8 p.m.

2. Shawnee (5A, 23-0)
The Wolves wrapped up a perfect regular season and are Class 5A’s clear No. 1 team. Big wins this season over Edmond Memorial, Carl Albert and Deer Creek allow Shawnee to edge Midwest City again at No. 2 in this power poll.
Record vs. this poll: 3-0
Last week: No. 2
Next up: Regionals vs. Noble, Thursday, 8 p.m.

3. Midwest City (6A, 23-0)
Midwest City got impressive back-to-back wins over Westmoore and Del City last week. The Bombers are peaking at the right time and are Edmond Santa Fe’s chief competition in Class 6A. No reason at this point to expect anything other than a Santa Fe-Midwest City rematch in the Class 6A tournament championship game.
Record vs. this poll: 3-0
Last week: No. 3
Next up: Regionals vs. Moore, Thursday, 8 p.m.

4. Tulsa East Central (5A, 22-3)
The Cardinals wrapped up their season with an impressive 14-point win at Tulsa Washington. Two of the Cardinals’ losses were to out-of-state teams in a season-opening tourney in Tennessee, and the other came to Jenks on Jan. 20. But East Central has also beaten Jenks this season.
Record vs. this poll: 1-1
Last week: No. 4
Next up: Regionals vs. Tulsa Central, Thursday, 8 p.m.

5. Edmond Memorial (6A, 17-5)
All five of Edmond Memorial’s losses are to teams ranked higher than it in this power poll (Twice to Santa Fe, twice to Midwest City, once to Shawnee). Memorial and Midwest City are lined up for a possible third game in areas.
Record vs. this poll: 1-5
Last week: No. 5
Next up: Regionals vs. Putnam City West, Thursday, 8 p.m.

6. Deer Creek (5A, 20-3)
The Antlers bring a 10-game winning streak into the playoffs. Deer Creek seems to be peaking at the right time and seems poised for a run at state.
Record vs. this poll: 2-1
Last week: No. 7
Next up: Regionals vs. Ardmore, Thursday, 8 p.m.

7. Muskogee (6A, 17-6)
The Roughers’ two-spot jump is the biggest of the week. Muskogee finished the regular season on an eight-game winning streak, including an overtime win over Jenks last week. Muskogee also has wins over Tulsa Union and Bixby, and has beaten Sapulpa twice.
Record vs. this poll: 1-1
Last week: No. 9
Next up: Regionals vs. Westmoore (at Bixby), Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

8. Carl Albert (5A, 18-5)
The Titans had to rally from a halftime deficit to beat Western Heights in their regular-season finale. Carl Albert often goes through shooting dry spells, which cost it in home losses to Deer Creek and Shawnee. The Titans got a break in their playoff position, though, and are still expected to be a state tournament team.
Record vs. this poll: 0-2
Last week: No. 8
Next up: Regionals vs. Capitol Hill, Thursday, 8 p.m.

9. Jenks (6A, 18-5)
The Trojans finished their regular-season with a dud — a 22-point loss at Broken Arrow. Jessica Washington still isn’t 100 percent healthy, and Jenks brings a two-game skid into its playoff opener. Record vs. this poll: 2-3
Last week: No. 6
Next up: Regionals vs. Sand Springs, Thursday, 8 p.m.

10. Bishop McGuinness (5A, 18-5)
The Irish has lost just twice since Dec. 17 and finished the regular season on a seven-game winning streak. The defending 5A champs got off to a rough start this season with several new starters and a new coach, but looks like a strong contender to return to the state tournament.
Record vs. this poll: 0-2
Last week: No. 10
Next up: Regionals vs. Guymon, Thursday, 8 p.m.

Courtney Walker, left, and Edmond Santa Fe are the best girls' basketball team in the state. PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN

Here is my first girls’ basketball power poll. This one just covers the large schools (6A and 5A). Tomorrow, I’ll have one for 2A-3A-4A.

Agree? Disagree? Leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail.

1. Edmond Santa Fe (6A, 21-0)
No brainer at No. 1. Texas A&M signee Courtney Walker and company are the clear favorites to win their second straight 6A title. The Wolves’ smallest margin of victory is 15. The biggest question mark surrounding this team is its strength of schedule. The Wolves haven’t really been tested this season.
Record vs. this poll: 2-0

2. Shawnee (5A, 21-0)
The Wolves lost Tulsa signee Caitlyn Ramirez to an ACL tear before the season, but it hasn’t seemed to affect them much at all. Move-ins Taylor and McKenzie Cooper obviously helped ease the blow, and guard Kelsee Grovey, another Tulsa signee, has shown herself to be one of the best players in the state.
Record vs. this poll: 3-0

3. Midwest City (6A, 21-0)
Two and three were tough to choose, because I think Midwest City has a terrific team and, I think, is the only team right now in 6A with a legitimate shot at beating Santa Fe. I watched the Bombers and Shawnee scrimmage in the preseason and it was a good matchup. After watching both teams play, I like the Wolves just a little better right now.
Record vs. this poll: 3-0

4. Tulsa East Central (5A, 21-3)
Shawnee’s chief competition in Class 5A. Two of the Cardinals’ losses were to out-of-state teams in a season-opening tourney in Tennessee, and the other came to Jenks on Jan. 20. But East Central has also beaten Jenks this season.
Record vs. this poll: 1-1

5. Edmond Memorial (6A, 16-5)
The Bulldogs five losses are: Twice to Santa Fe, twice to Midwest City and once to Shawnee. Memorial and Midwest City are lined up for a possible third game in areas.
Record vs. this poll: 1-5

6. Jenks (6A, 18-4)
Jessica Washington has returned from an injury but isn’t 100 percent. The Trojans lost in overtime to Muskogee on Tuesday.
Record vs. this poll: 2-3

7. Deer Creek (5A, 19-3)
Since a one-point loss to 4A Piedmont on Jan. 13, the Antlers have reeled off nine straight wins, including a big win at Carl Albert. Deer Creek is peaking at the right time and seems poised for a run at state.
Record vs. this poll: 2-1

8. Carl Albert (5A, 17-5)
The Titans go through rough shooting stretches, which cost them in recent home losses to Deer Creek and Shawnee. CA got a break in their playoff position and should be considered a lock for the state tournament.
Record vs. this poll: 0-2

9. Muskogee (6A, 16-6)
Since losing to Stillwater in the finals of the John Nobles Tournament in Moore on Jan. 21, the Rougers have reeled off seven straight wins, including Tuesday’s overtime upset of Jenks. Muskogee also has impressive wins over Tulsa Union and Bixby, and has beaten Sapulpa twice.
Record vs. this poll: 1-1

10. Bishop McGuinness (5A, 18-5)
Irish got off to a rocky start to the season after losing several starters, and adjusting to a new head coach, Shawn Clark. But the team has been on a roll, losing just twice since Dec. 17. Both of those losses — three points to Cascia Hall and in overtime to PC North — came with top scorer and rebounder Elyse Hight hurt.
Record vs. this poll: 0-2

Kelly Gregg, center, talks to Edmond North football coach Jeremy Dombek, left, after Gregg's jersey was retired Tuesday. PHOTO BY JASON KERSEY, THE OKLAHOMAN

EDMOND — Kelly Gregg was back in his hometown Tuesday night to be honored at a halftime ceremony during Edmond North’s boys’ basketball game.

Gregg’s Jersey No. 71 was retired by the school.

The longtime NFL veteran and former Oklahoma Sooner said he hasn’t officially announced it yet, but will likely retire after spending the 2011-12 season with the Kansas City Chiefs. He spent the vast majority of his career with the Baltimore Ravens.

After Tuesday’s ceremony, he talked about his high school career, his pro career and using his doubters as motivation in a video.

A note about the video: During the ceremony, it was announced that Gregg had the longest NFL career of any former Sooner, and I asked him about it on the video. After doing some research, that isn’t exactly correct. The length of time from when his career began to when it ended is the longest, but he spent a couple years on Baltimore’s practice squad and wasn’t an active-roster player. Tony Casillas played more seasons on an active NFL roster.

Edmond Santa Fe quarterback Justice Hansen is playing basketball after recovering from a groin injury. PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN

Edmond Santa Fe quarterback Justice Hansen got his first college football scholarship offer from Missouri at the school’s Junior Day last weekend, but he isn’t planning on making any decisions anytime soon at all.

The Missouri offer is likely the first of dozens Hansen will receive.

As a sophomore and first-year starter in 2011, Hansen was a force through the air and on the ground as the Wolves went 10-2 and were district champions.

“I’ve got two years,” Hansen said. “I want to go through the ride and see what all happens.”

Hansen grew up an Oklahoma fan, and his dad Dusty was on the Sooners’ 1994 national championship baseball team. He said he dreamed of playing football at OU when he was younger, but now OU isn’t a team he is sitting around waiting for.

“OU isn’t really favored at all,” Hansen said. “I want to weigh all the options I get and go where I can excel the most.”

He said he’s received letters from several schools, but hasn’t had more contact than that with any program except Missouri.

MORE ON THE OFFER

Hansen wasn’t expecting anything more than a campus tour when he accepted an invitation to Missouri’s Junior Day.

But Pinkel made Missouri the first school to offer a scholarship to Hansen, who

“It was pretty crazy,” Hansen said. “I just figured I’d go up there and look around; I didn’t expect anything like that.”

Hansen said Pinkel had seen film of some of the Wolves’ games from last season. The sophomore quarterback added that he thinks the Tigers’ recruitment of defensive end Michael Onuoha, who signed with OU, helped him get noticed.

“I think because they had been breaking down film of Mike, they got interested,” he said.

After Pinkel made the offer, he took in the Tigers’ mens’ basketball game win over Baylor and met with current Missouri quarterback James Franklin.

“I talked to him for a while,” Hansen said. “He was a great guy.”

PLAYING THROUGH PAIN

Hansen admitted that he finished last season with a groin injury, and played through it “the last few weeks of the season.”

Weeks would start out painful on Mondays, and the groin would gradually get worked out throughout the week as he practiced.

Then, the process would start over.

“At first, they were thinking it was a hernia,” he said. “It was probably a pretty bad pull or a slight tear.”

Hansen missed the first part of basketball season because of the injury, but is now back at full strength.

“It’s another game you have to compete for,” Hansen said of playing hoops, adding that the constant running in basketball is helping him stay in shape.

He is pretty fired up, though, to return to the gridiron. The Wolves were 1-9 in 2010, but made a drastic turnaround in Hansen’s first year under center.

“That was the funnest football season I’ve ever played in,” he said. “I can’t wait to get back in there, build on that and see what we can do this next year.”

Edmond Santa Fe quarterback Justice Hansen picked up a Missouri offer on Saturday. PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN

Edmond Santa Fe quarterback Justice Hansen picked up his first college football scholarship offer from Missouri during a visit there Saturday, he said in a text message to The Oklahoman.

Hansen was one of the state’s top sophomores in 2011 and was a key part of Edmond Santa Fe’s turnaround from 1-9 in 2010 to 10-2 this season.

As a sophomore and first-year starter, Hansen threw for 2,558 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also rushed for 529 yards and eight scores.

Hansen’s offer came during Missouri’s Junior Day, which he was invited to even though he is a sophomore.

Hansen is widely considered one of the state’s top prospects for the class of 2014.

Deer Creek's Kooper Ruminer correctly picked the final score of Super Bowl XLVI. PHOTO PROVIDED

Out of 28 high school football players who participated in my Super Bowl XLVI picks challenge, Deer Creek linebacker Kooper Ruminer is the only one who correctly picked the New York Giants’ winning score of 21-17.

The Giants were the underdog in these picks; 16 of the 28 guys who participated picked the New England Patriots to win. Besides Ruminer, those who picked the Giants to win were:

Joel Blumenthal (Deer Creek); Landry Chappell (Guthrie); Casey Curtis (Putnam City); James Flanders (Midwest City); Justice Hansen (Edmond Santa Fe); Ry Huff (Edmond Memorial); Blake Jarwin (Tuttle); Jared McElhany (Blanchard); Tyler Melton (Anadarko); Jesse Vester (Stillwater); Josh Way (Wayne).

A big thanks to everyone who participated. That was fun, and I plan to do it again next year. Although next year, I won’t wait until the night before to contact players! Hopefully in the future we have a lot more pickers.

Ruminer was No. 19 on The Oklahoman‘s first Super 30 for the Class of 2013, which ranks the top 30 college football prospects in the state. He led Deer Creek with 125 tackles and 10 sacks as a junior.

Edmond Memorial's James Woodard had 22 points in a win over Del City on Friday.

Edmond Memorial senior James Woodard knows that as the season goes on, he’s going to be asked to play inside at times, and help to power the team’s rebounding efforts. As one of the tallest players on the team at 6-foot-3, he draws the job almost by default.

His athleticism and long arms help the cause, too. But more than any of those things, it was his pure effort that made the difference on Friday night. He was going to the boards hard on both ends of the floor, and his offensive game was on point, as well.

He and little brother Jordan Woodard put on quite a show, especially in the second half, when they accounted for all but four of the Bulldogs’ points to put Del City away.

Here’s what I wrote about the game for Saturday’s newspaper:

With their team in a tight ballgame against the only team to beat them this year, second-ranked Edmond Memorial’s brother duo of James and Jordan Woodard took control.

The brothers combined for 25 of the Bulldogs’ 29 points in the second half Friday night on the way to a 60-48 win over Class 5A’s No. 1 team, Del City.

“It’s almost tournament time, so coach (Shane Cowherd) preaches to us every day that everybody’s got to elevate our game right now,” said Jordan Woodard, who had 18 points. “We’re just trying to click every game from now on, until the championship game.”

Del City defeated the Bulldogs in December, and Memorial didn’t want to experience that again. James Woodard had 22 points and worked hard going after rebounds.

“When we lost to them, rebounding hurt us,” he said. “We knew we had to play harder than them and hustle harder than them to get rebounds, because that’s how we win.”

Sophomore Brett Cannon led Del City with 15 points.

After the game, Jordan Woodard was scheduled to leave for an unofficial visit at the University of Memphis. The Tigers, along with Oklahoma and San Francisco, have offered the junior a scholarship.

Oklahoma coach Lon Kruger has been out to see Jordan play multiple times, keeping a close eye on one of his prime in-state targets, and Kansas coach Bill Self continues to show strong interest.

Other than the eight-hour car ride in the middle of the night, Jordan was looking forward to the opportunity to check out Memphis, which hosts Xavier on Saturday.

“We’ve been planning this trip for a long time, but the season has been hectic,” he said. “This is the perfect opportunity for me to get out there. It’s gonna feel good going out there after a win. I’m pretty excited.”

Self was in town to see Woodard score 29 points in a win over Edmond Santa Fe two weeks ago. Though Kansas hasn’t offered a scholarship yet, Self told Woodard that he would continue to keep in touch with him, and he wants Woodard to schedule a trip to the campus as well.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

Anadarko running back Sheldon Wilson is part of an impressive Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Class of 2012. PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN

Anadarko running back Sheldon Wilson isn’t used to competing for playing time.

After signing Wednesday with Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, he’ll have to put in extra work as he fights for carries with other top backs the Norsemen signed.

“I’m gonna love that,” Wilson said. “I’ve never really had to compete for carries, so getting pushed and competing every day will make me better.”

Putnam City running back Casey Curtis, who rushed for 1,805 yards and 28 touchdowns as a senior, signed with NEO on Wednesday, as did Edmond North’s Jared Benway and Broken Bow’s Eric Dockins.

Wilson rushed for 3,335 yards and set state records with 57 rushing and 64 total touchdowns as a senior on Anadarko’s first state championship football team.

After the season, he was named The Oklahoman’s 2011 All-State Offensive Player of the Year.

Dale Patterson first recruiting class in his second stint as NEO’s coach was impressive beyond running backs.

NEO signed three top Oklahoma high school quarterbacks in McAlester’s Tony Kiefer, Owasso’s Kason Key and Mustang’s Brandon Taylor.

Four Edmond North seniors — Benway, tight end Troy Davis and offensive linemen Trevor Barron and Will Wiedenmann — also signed with NEO.

Other city-area prospects who signed with the Norsemen include Midwest City defensive back Ronnie Davis, Oklahoma Christian School kicker Keegan Carter and Kingfisher offensive lineman Hunter Endres.

The amount of talent NEO signed has Wilson thinking title.

“Looking at these guys, we might be able to win a little championship up there,” Wilson said.

Wilson will be joined at NEO by two of his Anadarko teammates, offensive lineman Randy Martinez and linebacker Wes Satoe.

“That’s really cool to go up there with teammates I know,” Wilson said. “I don’t have to go up there and feel like I don’t know anybody.”

Former Edmond Memorial basketball coach and athletic director Mike de la Garza will be honored at halftime of Friday's Mount St. Mary boys basketball game. De la Garza graduated from St. Mary and began his coaching career there. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, THE OKLAHOMAN

Mount St. Mary will honor Mike de la Garza at halftime of its boys basketball game against Oklahoma Christian School on Friday.

De la Garza, who was inducted into the Oklahoma Coaches’ Association Hall of Fame last July, is a 1964 Mount St. Mary graduate. He began his coaching career as the Rockets’ boys basketball coach in 1969 before going on to coach at Edmond for more than 20 years.

He led the school to the 1993 state championship, and was Edmond Memorial’s athletic director when it took home its next boys basketball state title in 2011. He retired in May.

St. Mary will host a reception at 7 p.m. in the school’s Mollman Fitness Center for all of de la Garza’s former Rockets players and classmates.

“A couple people were looking at me like I had something on my face,” the Edmond Santa Fe senior said. “I was like, ‘Why are they staring at me?’”

Finally, one Missouri player spoke up.

“Hey dude, you look like Aldon Smith,” the player said.

Onuoha wasn’t exactly sure who Smith was, but looked him up. After deciding he looks nothing like him — “I think I look like Michael, not Aldon Smith” — he realized what they were talking about.

Smith came to Missouri in 2008 raw, fairly thin and with long arms after getting a late start in his high school football career because basketball was his first love. Just like Onuoha.

In 2011, as a rookie for the San Francisco 49ers, Smith recorded 37 tackles, four pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and 14 sacks

Onuoha (6-foot-5, 225 pounds) visited Oklahoma this weekend, and said he is “50-50″ on which offer he will sign on Wednesday’s National Signing Day.

“I’m from Oklahoma,” Onuoha said. “Everybody that i met down there said it’s a great place, and said I should stay in Oklahoma because I’m an Oklahoman.”

Onuoha burst onto the recruiting scene after a strong performance at Oklahoma’s summer camp. He didn’t play much his junior year because of an injury.

As a senior, Onuoha recorded 87 tackles and six sacks.

He got his first offer in early December from Missouri, then the Sooners offered just after the new year.

Missouri and Oklahoma each have two current defensive ends commitments in their classes of 2012

Edmond North's Jared Benway has committed to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.

The number of Oklahoma high school football standouts committing to begin their college football careers at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M continues to grow.

Edmond North running back Jared Benway and tight end Troy Davis both committed to the Miami, OK, junior college on Saturday.

Benway, who lost his entire junior season to a torn ACL, shared the backfield with speedster Jarion Tudman as a senior. Much of his role was a blocking one, but he also rushed for 574 yards and six touchdowns.

Davis caught 31 passes for 374 yards and four touchdowns as a senior. Edmond North finished the season 9-3 with a tough, 17-16 loss in the Class 6A quarterfinals to eventual state champion Tulsa Union.

Edmond North's Troy Davis will also start his college career at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.

Benway and Davis’ commitments come after news that Anadarko running back Sheldon Wilson, The Oklahoman‘s 2011 Offensive Player of the Year, and Putnam City running back Casey Curtis were also both committing to NEO.

Oklahoma Christian School kicker Keegan Carter is also starting his college career at the junior college.

The 24 boys and girls selected to participate in the All-American Game will be announced at 4 p.m. Feb. 9 on ESPNU. This year’s games will be held March 28 in Chicago, with the girls game tipping off at 6 p.m., followed by the boys at 8:30.

Only Texas and Iowa had more nominations on the girls side than Oklahoma’s 26.

Boys
Nino Jackson, Ardmore
Terrell Savala, Edmond Memorial
Austin Thrash, Cheyenne
James Woodard, Edmond Memorial

Girls
Kate Andrews, McGuinness
Kelsey Barnwell, Kansas
Ashley Clark, Midwest City
Taylor Cooper, Shawnee
Courtney Cowan, Kansas
Alie Decker, Edmond Memorial
Quira Demery, Millwood
I’Knique Gaines, Tulsa East Central
Mariah Gilliam, Tulsa Washington
Daisha Gonzaque, Edmond Santa Fe
LaShanda Green, McAlester
Kelsey Grovey, Shawnee
Elyse Hight, McGuinness
Sydney Hill, Edmond Memorial
Shelley Knight, Wayne
Deena Manning, Wayne
Madison Mercado, Sapulpa
LaNesha Middleton, Stillwater
Bria Pitts, Tulsa East Central
Caitlyn Ramirez, Shawnee
Toni Smith, Del City
Caitlyn Spurgeon, Vinita
Jordynn VanPelt, Snyder
Courtney Walker, Edmond Santa Fe
Antoinet Webster, Western Heights
Adriana White, Midwest City

Carl Albert's Gioya Carter shoots over Harrah's Sydney Hessman during the Titans' win Tuesday. PHOTO BY SARAH PHIPPS, THE OKLAHOMAN

Bishop McGuinness was dealt a tough blow Monday in practice.

Senior Elyse Hight, the Irish’s top scorer and rebounder, suffered a hip injury that will keep her sidelined for the indefinite future.

The defending state champion Irish, ranked No. 5 in Class 5A, won its fifth straight game 43-36 over Stillwater on Tuesday.

Senior Kate Andrews, who led McGuinness with 16 points, said the team played for Hight.

“I think anytime you’re challenged with adversity, you have to come out and show you can play with just as much passion,” Andrews said. “We played in honor of her tonight. We really used this challenge to us to pick each other up and grow together.”

Andrews said replacing Hight is much more than making up for her points and rebounds.

“So many people just see the tons of boards and tons of points she puts up, but it was the little things,” Andrews said. “The blocks, steals, energy and leadership were missed.

“But where we lacked with her absence, everyone else really picked it up.”

Junior LaNesha Middleton led Stillwater with 17 points.

Jason’s take: I can’t emphasize enough how important it was for Bishop McGuinness to get this win in its first game without Elyse Hight. The Irish had just gotten a lot of their early-season kinks worked out, and losing a player of her caliber might have caused some teams to crumble. But the Irish got going quickly, shooting the ball well on its way to an 18-point first quarter and, ultimately, a fifth straight win. With Hight out for the foreseeable future,  it’s encouraging for Irish fans to see the team performing well and beating a solid Stillwater team without her.

CARL ALBERT WINS AT HARRAH

Junior Gioya Carter scored 16 points and Class 5A No. 4 Carl Albert won at Harrah 49-35 on Tuesday.

The Titans (7-3) jumped out to a 22-8 lead after the first quarter and led 28-16 at halftime.

Junior Bailey Mack led Harrah (6-5) with 15 points. It was Harrah’s third straight loss.

Carl Albert plays next at Chickasha on Friday, while Harrah travels to Noble the same day.

Jason’s take: It was important for Carl Albert to win this one on the road after losing two of three games in the Westmoore tournament last weekend. For Harrah, it’s a third straight loss after a three-game winning streak. They should pick up a win over Noble, but then Class 5A No. 1 Shawnee looms on Jan. 17.

MASSEY SCORES 33 AS CHRISTIAN HERITAGE TOPS JONES

Junior Maclayn Massey scored 33 points as Christian Heritage held off Jones to win 66-65 at home on Tuesday.

Christian Heritage took a big lead after outscoring Jones 25-11 in the second quarter. But the Longhorns rallied, scoring 40 second-half points, including 24 in the fourth quarter.

Sophomore Teddi Homan led the Longhorns with 22 points.

Jason’s take: An impressive performance by Massey, who was the Crusaders’ only returning starter from last year. Maybe the young Christian Heritage team is starting to gain some momentum with experience, and a win like this can only help the team going forward.

EDWARDS LEADS NORTHEAST PAST MILLWOOD

A run that started late in the third quarter gave Northeast enough cushion to hold off host Millwood 53-41.

Northeast’s T’ona Edwards sparked the run, scoring seven of her game-high 20 points in the third as the Vikings stretched a six-point advantage into a comfortable 20-point lead early in the fourth.

“(On Monday), we had practice without a basketball,” first-year Northeast coach Londaryl Perry said. “We had to have a reminder of who was in charge. I think it really brought us back together as a team instead of a bunch of individuals. I think that showed in how we played tonight.”

Shayla Williams scored 14 points and LaNesha Williams added 10 for Northeast. Millwood was led by Quira Demery with 14 points.

Jason’s take: Big thanks to Scott Wright for coverage of this game. Northeast got back on the right track after losing to Holland Hall in the finals of the Stroud Tournament. The Vikings are looking like they could be an awfully special team; their only other loss this year was a seven-point setback to Class 6A power Midwest City. Millwood lost its second straight after falling in the SNU/Bethany Classic finals to Norman North. The Falcons are still playing without junior starting guards Teanna Reid and Daneisha Threatt, who both have been injured all season.

TIP-INS

Senior Courtney Walker, a Texas A&M signee, scored 22 points and Class 6A No. 1 Edmond Santa Fe rolled past Putnam City West 83-30 at home. Santa Fe (12-0) plays at Yukon on Friday. … Class 5A’s top-ranked team, Shawnee, improved to 11-0 with a 55-24 home win over El Reno. Junior Micaela Yu led the Wolves with 18 points, and senior forward Taylor Cooper, an Oral Roberts signee, added 12. … Junior Kaitlyn Peterson scored 18 points and Edmond North (2-7) upset 6A No. 11 Putnam City North 40-37 on Tuesday. It was the Panthers third straight loss. … Senior Kenzie Solberg led Chandler with 28 points as it won 52-47 in overtime at Seminole.

The awards honor 21 coaches in 10 boys sports, 10 girls sports and one other sport that isn’t included in those categories. Doherty won for boys golf while Villaflor won for girls tennis.

Coaches are awarded state and sectional (Oklahoma is in a group with Texas, Arkansas, Colorado and New Mexico) awards before reaching the national level. The NFHS Coaches Association advisory board, consisting of a chair and eight sectional representatives chooses the sectional and national winners.

106: Markus Simmons (Broken Arrow) defeated Blake Dauphin (Tuttle)
113: Gunnar Woodburn (Claremore) defeated Ladigo Williams (Rio Rancho, New Mexico)
120: Jake Goodwin (Bishop Lynch, Texas) defeated Gunner Laffoon (Tuttle)
126: Kyle Garcia (Choctaw) defeated Colby Powers (Lawton Mac)
132: Brian Crutchmer (Tulsa Union) defeated Clay Archer (Broken Arrow)
138: Chase Ferman (Broken Arrow) defeated Dakota Head (Tuttle)
145: Tanner Bailey (Broken Arrow) defeated Daniel Carrillo (Rio Rancho, NM)
152: Keilan Torres (Altus) defeated Kyle Ash (Tulsa Union)
160: Ricky McCarty (Lawton Mac) defeated Donaven Roberts (Randall, Texas)
170: Zachary Beard (Tuttle) defeated Drake Martel (Altus)
182: Kyle Crutchmer (Tulsa Union) defeated Joel Dixon (Edmond North)
195: Andrew Dixon (Edmond North) defeated Seth Calvert (Broken Arrow)
220: John Finn (Westmoore) defeated Josh McNaughton (Del City)
285: Kyle Factor (Westmoore) defeated Jose Chavez Del Real (Mustang)

Edmond Santa Fe sophomore quarterback Justice Hansen is the 2011 All-Edmond Offensive Player of the Year. PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN

EDMOND — I have planned on putting together an All-Edmond football team for some time, but, for a variety of reasons, am just now getting to publishing it on the blog.

This was an extremely difficult team to put together because so many teams in Edmond had such terrific seasons. Edmond Santa Fe is obviously the team that stole most of the headlines because of its amazing turnaround from 1-9 to 10-2 and District 6A-2 champion, but Edmond North made a quarterfinal run and almost knocked off eventual state champion Tulsa Union at its place.

Deer Creek put up impressive offensive numbers and had some defensive standouts as well. Oklahoma Christian School is also well represented on this team.

And even though Edmond Memorial had a down year and missed the playoffs, the Bulldogs still had players like linebacker Matt Hickman and lineman John Scheihing that deserved recognition.

I apologize for this coming out so much later than the rest of our football postseason stuff. But here it is:

All-Edmond team
Offense
QB — Justice Hansen, Edmond Santa Fe
RB — Brennan Miyake, Deer Creek
RB — Jarion Tudman, Edmond North
WR — Hunter Dinkines, Deer Creek
WR — Tre Kelley, Edmond Santa Fe
TE — Troy Davis, Edmond North
OL — Nick Lovelace, Oklahoma Christian School
OL — Heath Newland, Edmond North
OL — Cole Parsons, Edmond North
OL — Chad Reitz, Edmond Santa Fe
OL — John Scheihing, Edmond Memorial

Defense
DL — Nolan Boyd, Deer Creek
DL — Josh Crouch, Edmond Santa Fe
DL — Michael Onuoha, Edmond Santa Fe
LB — Matt Hickman, Edmond Memorial
LB — Clyde Jasper, Oklahoma Christian School
LB — Brynden Pitzer, Edmond North
LB — Kooper Ruminer, Deer Creek
DB — Conner Bays, Edmond Santa Fe
DB — Christian Contreras, Edmond North
DB — Khari Harding, Edmond Santa Fe
DB — Logan Magill, Oklahoma Christian School

Special teams
K — Keegan Carter, Oklahoma Christian School
P — Camden Bohnert, Edmond North
KR — Trevan Smith, Edmond Santa Fe

Offensive Player of the Year: Justice Hansen, Edmond Santa Fe
Defensive Player of the Year: Brynden Pitzer, Edmond North
Coach of the Year: Lance Manning, Edmond Santa Fe

Second team
Offense
QB — Joel Blumenthal, Deer Creek
RB — Zak Anderson, Oklahoma Christian School
RB — Jared Benway, Edmond North
RB — Phillip Sumpter, Edmond Santa Fe
WR — Dale Jefferson, Edmond Santa Fe
WR — Garrett Molinsky, Edmond North
OL — Allston Hadley, Edmond Santa Fe
OL — Taylor Myers, Oklahoma Christian School
OL — Brandon Roberts, Edmond Santa Fe
OL — Will Wiedenmann, Edmond North
OL — Mac Wilsey, Edmond Memorial

Defense
DL — Chris Carter, Edmond Santa Fe
DL — Clint Edgeman, Deer Creek
DL — Russell Sivard, Edmond North
DL — Ian Smith, Deer Creek
LB — Ragan Land, Edmond North
LB — Austin Loomis, Deer Creek
LB — Jerremy Moore, Edmond Santa Fe
DB — Zach Birts, Edmond Santa Fe
DB — Luke Frankfort, Oklahoma Christian School
DB — Christian Peterson, Edmond North
DB — Caden Sander, Deer Creek

Special teams
K — Ken Bingham, Edmond North
P — Matt Freeman, Edmond Santa Fe
KR — Ottugo Ananaba, Deer Creek

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.

Del City's Jamal Moseley blocks the shot of Edmond Memorial's Jordan Thomas Tuesday night. Del City won the battle of No. 1s, 67-62.

Basketball season has started in a big way around the metro area and I got the chance to take in a No. 1 vs. No. 1 showdown at Del City, with Class 5A’s top team hosting 6A’s best, Edmond Memorial.

Here’s my roundup of some of Tuesday night’s top action, which will appear in Wednesday’s paper — along with some added analysis:

Del City takes down Edmond Memorial

The score hung on every wall of the Del City boys basketball locker room nearly all of last season — 69-29.

That’s how bad Edmond Memorial beat the Eagles on Dec. 14 of last year, and the score was posted as a reminder of how much better Del City needed to get.

Now, it can be viewed as a reference of how far the Eagles have come. Ranked No. 1 in Class 5A, Del City defeated Class 6A No. 1 Edmond Memorial 67-62 Tuesday night at John Smith Fieldhouse.

“We’ve matured,” senior guard A.J. Holland said. “We’re ready to play. We’re ready to go get a ring.”

Holland and Steffon Herd had 15 points apiece to lead the Eagles (6-0) to an important early season victory. Keith Glover scored 12 and Brett Cannon added 10 for Del City.

“Confidence-wise this is huge,” coach Tim Stogsdill said. “The kids believed they could do it, but until they saw that score — they see that the sky’s the limit as long as we come back from this, and stay focused and keep working.”

Memorial’s Jordan Woodard led all scorers with 21 points and James Woodard added 18 for the Bulldogs (6-1), who were coming off a championship at the Edmond Open on Saturday.

Scott’s thoughts: These two teams are No. 1 in their classes for a reason, and they’re going to be around until the end. Guard play is HUUUUGE in March, and they both have plenty. Very few times during the season will either of these teams face an opponent that has guards who are as good as theirs, but both faced that situation Tuesday night.

Del City won Tuesday’s battle, and if you like good guard play, I suggest taking in the rematch at Edmond Memorial Feb. 3.

With two-time defending 5A champion Tulsa Washington now in 6A, Del City is looking like the early favorite for the gold ball. They’re playing with a different level of confidence than they had last year — they expect to win games the way they did Tuesday night. That will pay off down the line.

Edmond Memorial was probably dealing with something of a hangover from a hard-fought championship at the Edmond Open over the weekend, and I don’t think this loss is a sign the Bulldogs are going to underachieve this season. They’re as good as advertised. But on this night, Del City was better.  

Santa Fe holds off winless Choctaw

Edmond Santa Fe’s coach Shawn Schenk wasn’t pleased with his team’s effort Tuesday, but he’ll take the win.

The No. 3 Wolves beat winless Choctaw 55-42, but it took a big fourth-quarter effort to move past the pesky Yellowjackets, who led at halftime and only trailed by three after the third quarter.

“It was a good win,” Schenk said. “But not a great effort on our part.

“I hope we learn from this, because we aren’t good enough to play half way.”

Choctaw, meanwhile, still seeks its first win. Senior forward Carson Clay rolled his ankle in the fourth quarter. It was a big loss for Choctaw, which was trying to hold off the Wolves’ tough interior attack.

Santa Fe junior forward Shaquille Morris finished with 13 points.

Coach Doug Armstrong said that wasn’t why his team lost.

“We were playing well, but we just couldn’t come up with some loose balls late in the game,” Armstrong said. “We’re still young and inexperienced, but that isn’t an excuse anymore.”

Scott’s thoughts: Thanks to Jason Kersey for the coverage of this one. As Doug Armstrong said, the ‘Jackets are young, but they’ve got some talent. It might not click this year, but they will continue to improve.

As for Santa Fe, you get the feeling that ugly wins like this are going to be their specialty. They’ve had a few this year so far, and their team makeup lends to that. Good size all over the floor and a lot of good defenders. They will miss Josh Richardson’s pure scoring ability at all levels.

Shaq Morris is a blossoming star inside with solid post moves and good rebounding ability as a 6-foot-7 junior who is already drawing major college attention. And the Wolves have guards with a variety of skills. So they might not be blowing people out every night, but they’re always going to be in games, and they have the crunch-time experience to come out on top a lot.

PC North opens new gym with win

The newly remodeled gym at Putnam City North got quite a christening. Not only were Oklahoma football players Tony Jefferson, Kenny Stills and a few others on hand for the opener, the Panthers won, too.

PC North defeated Mustang 64-54 behind 15 points from Alex Clark on five 3-pointers. Joe Summers added 14 points and Rodney Teal had 10. Up next for the Panthers is a visit to No. 6 Putnam City West on Friday.

Scott’s thoughts: Can’t wait to see all the new gyms around the metro at PC North, Yukon and Westmoore. Based on Twitter talk, OU’s Cali Trio — actually I think they’re calling themselves the California Hot Boys now — enjoyed themselves in the Zoo with the PC North students. And they got to see Alex Clark heat it up. Coach Rick Harris says Clark is playing with a lot of confidence lately.

The coaches’ rankings have PC North at No. 15, and I think they’re better than that. Not sure if they can go win at PC West or not, but the Panthers are at worst a borderline top 10 team.

Mustang is replacing last year’s senior class that played a huge role in building that program under Alan Green, especially David Glidden, who was a four-year starter at point guard. The team has some talent, but not a lot of experience, so look for improvement from the Broncos as the season goes along.

Tip-ins

Behind 25 points from Stephen Clark, Douglass topped Centennial 73-59 in a battle of defending state champions… Guthrie got a put-back from Bailey Nichols — his only basket of the night — at the buzzer to defeat El Reno 43-41… Moore outscored Norman 23-9 in the fourth quarter for a 55-44 win… U.S. Grant’s Anthony Hartfield scored 27 points in a 63-38 win over the homeschool OKC Knights.

Scott’s thoughts: I spoke with a national recruiting analyst about Clark on Tuesday afternoon, and I’ll be sharing some of that conversation in a few days. But get ready for a lot of nights like this from Clark, now that he’s the only experienced scoring option on the floor. His speed, ball-handling and ridiculous range make him one of the top prospects in the country for 2013. Go check him out if you haven’t seen him yet.

That Guthrie win is just the base line of what to expect from many of the Suburban Conference games this year. There’s not a ton of separation in a lot of those teams, so there will be plenty of battles to come.

Big win for Moore, which is trying to build its program back up. I really think Norman will be a top-10 team at the end of the year, so this win could be a sign of good things for Moore.

Hartfield’s numbers aren’t a fluke. This kid is a legitimate Division I prospect, and an interesting story. He moved from Minnesota in the middle of last season, and he’s been putting up big numbers for the Generals ever since. He averaged nearly 25 a game last year, and he’s on the way to more of the same so far this season.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

Tulsa Union won the title even with a loss to Owasso. Broken Arrow’s only two losses were to Tulsa Union while Jenks’ losses were to Broken Arrow and Union (twice). Owasso had the most impressive wins of the year (Tulsa Union and in quadruple overtime vs. Midwest City) but lost to Broken Arrow (twice), Jenks and Stillwater. Midwest City’s only loss came to Owasso in the second round. The Bombers beat Edmond Santa Fe, whose only other loss was to Jenks in the playoffs.

District 6A-1 All-District
Awards
Coach of the Year: Steve Huff, Midwest City
Most Valuable Player: James Flanders, Midwest City
Co-Offensive Player of the Year: Corben Jones, Yukon
Co-Offensive Player of the Year: Adrian McDonald, Lawton Eisenhower
Offensive Lineman of the Year: Daniel Burton, Putnam North
Running Back of the Year: Dre Holman, Putnam North
Wide Receiver of the Year: Tae Douglas, Lawton Eisenhower
Defensive Player of the Year: Zeke Lewis, Midwest City
Defensive Lineman of the Year: Tyrone Beverly, Lawton Eisenhower
Linebacker of the Year: Taylor Lewis, Moore
Defensive Back of the Year: Derek Deeds, Yukon

All-District team
Choctaw: Luke Cotton, LB; Marcese Dickson, LB; Zac Reynolds, OL; Jared Nelson, OL; Jay Styers, WR.

Edmond Memorial: Matt Hickman, LB; Gavin Fouts, RB; Jon Scheihing, OL; Ry Huff, QB; Mac Wilsey, OL; Bryce Robinson, DB.

Lawton Eisenhower: Kacey Totte, LB; Kevin McClain, DB; Nick Shegog, DB; Grayden Gatlin, OL; Devante Baker, LB; Dee Simmons, DB; Dajon Reed, DL.

Midwest City: Ricky Reevs, DB; Zeke Lewis, LB; Ronnie Davis, DB; Austin Roberson, LB; James Flanders, RB; C.J. Smith, DL; Dakota Moran, OL; Chris Shannon, DL; Michael Wisby, WR; Devin Crisp, OL; Deonn McKay, LB; Antonio Martin, DB.

Moore: Brandon Eddins, LB; Grant Linstead, WR; Taylor Lewis, LB; Joe Haddox, LB; Jamal Carter, DL; Corey Reeves, QB; Dakota Gilbert, OL.

Norman North: Riley Nolan, C; Joe Toney, OL; Brad Birchfield, WR.

Putnam North: Daniel Burton, OL; Dre Holman, RB; Bray Humphreys, DL; Gaige Webster, WR; Vidale Grant, DB; Leigh Comfort, OL; J’mon Ratliff, OL.

Yukon: Corben Jones, QB; Derek Deeds, DB; Austin Bevill, WR; Tyrell Barker, DL; Lantz Parks, C; Sheldon Kearby, DL; Hunter Meyn, DB; Tyler Bush, OL; Will Paddock, OL; Zach Hazebaker, OL; Jansen Jarrett, LB.

No rankings in the paper this week but I do a final ranking after the season ends. But I’ll update my top 10 in each class on the blog beginning with 6A:

Class 6A
1. Broken Arrow (2)#11-1
2. Tulsa Union (3)#11-1
3. Jenks (5)#10-2
4. Owasso (7)#9-3
5. Midwest City (1)#11-1
6. Edmond Santa Fe (4)#10-2
7. Lawton (6)#9-3
8. Edmond North (8)#9-3
9. Stillwater (9)#8-3
10. Westmoore (10)#7-4

Last week:
Ryan: 8-2, 1-0
Jason: 8-2, 1-0
Scott: 6-4, 1-0

Overall:
Ryan: 80-31, 10-1
Jason: 77, 32, 8-3
Scott: 73-36, 9-2

Ryan
Jenks 28, Edmond Santa Fe 21
Midwest City 21, Owasso 17
Guthrie 34, Tulsa East Central 30
Lawton MacArthur 35, Tulsa Kelley 28
Sallisaw 28, McGuinness 26
Anadarko 35, Kingfisher 20
Seminole 28, Verdigris 7
Davis 26, Millwood 20
Woodland 21, Wynnewood 19
Timberlake 35, Temple 32
Lock of the week: Lawton MacArthur over Tulsa Kelley. Kelley’s defense is good but they haven’t faced an offense near as potent as Lawton MacArthur yet this season. Darius Graham and company pass the test to advance to the semifinals yet again.

Jason
Edmond Santa Fe 31, Jenks 23
Midwest City 31, Owasso 28
Guthrie 27, Tulsa East Central 17
Lawton MacArthur 38, Tulsa Kelley 24
McGuinness 28, Sallisaw 27
Anadarko 28, Kingfisher 21
Seminole 37, Verdigris 24
Davis 24, Millwood 14
Woodland 38, Wynnewood 34
Temple 35, Timberlake 31
Lock of the week: Anadarko over Kingfisher. This will be Anadarko’s first real test of the season, and I think they pass it. Sheldon Wilson won’t be able to run wild like he has all year, but he’ll still be too much for the Yellowjackets.

Scott
Edmond Santa Fe 28, Jenks 24
Midwest City 37, Owasso 31
Guthrie 28, Tulsa East Central 21
Lawton MacArthur 35, Tulsa Kelley 21
McGuinness 17, Sallisaw 14
Kingfisher 24, Anadarko 21
Seminole 30, Verdigris 20
Davis 31, Millwood 28
Woodland 28, Wynnewood 22
Timberlake 38, Temple 34
Lock of the week: Midwest City over Owasso. The Bombers are on a crash course with the title game, and their secondary is better than any Owasso has seen this year.

Tuesday, at least two more Class 6A games were pushed up 30 minutes: Westmoore at Midwest City and Lawton Eisenhower at Edmond Santa Fe.

This isn’t a surprise as most 6A games on this side of the state start at 7 p.m. during the regular season.

Here are some of the players who are expected to sign this week:
BASEBALL
Blake Estep, Jones (Penn St.)
Isaac Hellbusch, Deer Creek (Arkansas)
Taylor Hawkins, Carl Albert (OU)
Ty Hensley, Edmond Santa Fe (Ole Miss)
Chase Stephens, Deer Creek (UCO)
Jordan Watson, Edmond Santa Fe (OSU)

BOYS BASKETBALL
Aaron Anderson, Edmond Santa Fe (Fresno St.)
Blake Blanchard, Deer Creek (Southwestern)
Matt Christiansen, McGuinness (San Francisco)
Joe Edmonds, McGuinness (San Francisco)
James Woodard, Edmond Memorial (Tulsa)
D’Andre Wright, Lawton Eisenhower (Tulsa)

GIRLS BASKETBALL
Kelsey Barnwell, Kansas (Missouri-Kansas City)
Ashley Clark, Midwest City (Tulsa)
Courtney Cowan, Kansas (Northeastern St.)
Ali Decker, Edmond Memorial (Wichita St.)
Toni Smith, Del City (Fresno St.)
Courtney Walker, Edmond Santa Fe (Texas A&M)

GOLF
Taylor Moore, Edmond Memorial (Arkansas)
Abby Thompson, Deer Creek (OCU)

GYMNASTICS
Keara Glover, Putnam North (Auburn)

SOFTBALL
Liz Broyles, Blanchard (Missouri-Kansas City)
Braxton Coil, Edmond North (Missouri St.)
Shalee Cordell, Newcastle (OBU)
Kaylin Hinshaw, Putnam North (Mid-America)
Leslie Miller, Blanchard (OU)
Kady Self, Edmond North (OU)
Caitlin Sill, Tuttle (Tulsa)
Bryana Wade, St. Mary (North Texas)
Brooke Zukerman, Lawton MacArthur (UCO)

TENNIS
Sarah Bowen, Heritage Hall (Hofstra)

VOLLEYBALL
Emily Belz, OCS (Henderson St.)
Sydney Fioretti, Edmond Santa Fe (OBU)
Hannah Holkum, Edmond Santa Fe (North Carolina St.)
Barbara Jackson, Edmond Santa Fe (OCU)

WRESTLING
Matt Manley, Perry (Missouri)

Edmond Santa Fe defensive end Michael Onuoha (81) takes a break from running sprints with teammates at practice on Monday.

EDMOND — I visited Edmond Santa Fe’s practice today, where the Wolves are prepping for a first-round showdown with Lawton Eisenhower at Wantland Stadium on Friday.

Edmond Santa Fe won District 6A-2, and Lawton Eisenhower finished fourth in 6A-1.

Although Eisenhower (4-6, 3-4 in District 6A-1) has struggled this season, coach Lance Manning said they are athletic and dangerous.

Quarterback Adrian McDonald, who has some NCAA Division I offers, is dangerous as a runner and a passer.

“They’re athetic; they run that gun option,” Manning said. “They’re scary. You’ve gotta be in position defensively or they will big-play you.”

Eisenhower is the first option team that Santa Fe has faced this year since Week 1, when the Wolves bested rival Edmond Memorial. But Eisenhower’s style of option is different; they run a veer option offense.

“It’s just a different thing to prepare for,” Manning said.

For his part, senior defensive end Michael Onuoha doesn’t seem too concerned.

“We’ve come across a lot of athletes, and we’ve been able to stop them,” Onuoha said.

It’s true. The Wolves’ schedule featured lots of fast, athletic teams like Putnam City, Edmond North and Lawton.

And Santa Fe (9-1, 7-0) is pretty athletic itself. The Wolves’ only loss this season is in nondistrict play to No. 1 Midwest City.

Sophomore quarterback Justice Hansen has been a dual threat, and with receivers Tre Kelley and Trevan Smith and running back Phillip Sumpter, the Wolves’ offense has been dynamic.

“It’s a good matchup,” Manning said. “It’s what makes the high school playoffs so special.”

NOT LOOKING PAST EISENHOWER

The Wolves insisted that they are focused on Lawton Eisenhower and aren’t looking past it to a potential second-round game against Jenks.

“I’m sure some people might have (Jenks) in the back of their minds,” Hansen said. “But the players that are focused are going to keep everyone focused.

“It’s the playoffs. You can’t overlook anybody because if you do, you get beat and you’re done.”

Large East
Sadie Schaffner, Bartlesville
Inky Ajanaku, Tulsa Kelley
Cat Roth, Tulsa Kelley
Sydney Eggers, Bixby
Cailyn Burd, Owasso
Aubrey Marsellis, Owasso
Alexa Knox, Tulsa Union
Kylie Johnson, Tulsa Union

Large West
Maddie Reddick, McGuinness
Skylar Conner, Edmond Memorial
Kristen Nashert, Edmond North
Heather Watson, Edmond North
Hannah Holkum, Edmond Santa Fe
Barbara Jackson, Edmond Santa Fe
Lexie Matthews, Norman North
Tori Thomas, Norman North

Small East
Kara Gleason, Lincoln Christian
Evette Allen, Lincoln Christian
Sunny Smarty, Oklahoma Union
Hayley Bryan, Copan
Aryn Dixon, Cascia Hall
Allie Murphy, Cascia Hall
Carolina Arnould, Victory Christian
Mayci Sparkman, Shawnee
Hannah McKenzie, Tulsa Wahsington
Morgan Allison, Catoosa

Small West
Dawnshate Blakes, Chickasha
Taylor Crismas, Oklahoma Bible
Bree Fritschow, Duncan
Danielle McGill, Big Pasture
Sydney Miles, Heritage Hall
Jessica Penner, Corn Bible
Jenny Pratt, Christian Heritage
Lindsey Smith, Big Pasture
Talie Stanley, Cache
Madison Ward, Cache

Edmond Santa Fe's Tre Kelley runs after a catch during his team's 31-21 win over Edmond North on Friday. PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN

EDMOND — Admitting that I was wrong after an Edlam game that Edmond Santa Fe won. This seems familiar.

The craziest part is that, unknowingly, I predicted Santa Fe to lose both games by the same score (21-17).

In any case, the Wolves beat Edmond North 31-21 on Friday at Wantland Stadium to clinch the District 6A-2 championship, just one year after a 1-9 season.

The game really seemed to swing in Santa Fe’s favor after a few critical errors in the second and third quarters.

With the game tied at 3 late in the first half, Edmond North blocked a Santa Fe punt and had the ball on the Wolves’ 26-yard line. But after three plays, North faced a fourth-and-one on Santa Fe’s 17.

Huskies’ quarterback Jesse Mathews tried to sneak for the first down, but didn’t get it.

On the Wolves’ first play after taking over possession, quarterback Justice Hansen found Tre Kelley for an 82-yard gain. On the next play, Phillip Sumpter ran in a two-yard score to send the Wolves into halftime with a 10-3 lead.

Huskies’ kicker Ken Bingham hit a 31-yard field goal in the third quarter, leading me to believe that, given the opportunity, he would have made the 34-yard attempt.

I can’t say I understand the decision to go for it with the chance to have a halftime lead, especially after all the momentum you’ve gained with the blocked punt.

Edmond Santa Fe coach Lance Manning, though, said he would have done the same thing that his Edmond North counterpart did.

“I feel like, if we’re playing as well defensively as they were at the time, and we’re as big and physical, I can be a little more of a riverboat gambler,” Manning said. “That’s the same thing I would have done to be honest with you.”

The Wolves were able to extend their lead to 24-3 in the third quarter after three Edmond North fumbles. The Huskies were never able to get it back within 10 points.

Regardless, Edmond Santa Fe was clearly the better team and now has the chance for two home playoff games.

The Huskies, meanwhile, are now out of the home-playoff-game conversation. They should easily handle U.S. Grant in the regular-season finale, and will probably end up in third place in the district behind Santa Fe and Lawton.

Edmond North is still a dangerous team, and will still be a favorite in their first-round game, which looks like it will be at Yukon.

But this was a team that had a legitimate claim to Class 6A’s No. 1 ranking just two weeks ago.

The Wolves only loss is to No. 1 Midwest City, and that 27-6 setback was in Week 3. It would be interesting to see those two teams play again, because I felt that week like Santa Fe left a lot of points on the board.

Santa Fe, which ends the regular season at Putnam City, is looking towards a likely first-round tilt with Lawton Eisenhower.

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

Overall:
Ryan: 59-22, 7-1
Jason: 55-26, 6-2
Scott: 52-29, 6-2

Ryan:
Jenks 28, Broken Arrow 24
Edmond North 17, Edmond Santa Fe 14
Lawton 28, Putnam City 9
Norman 28, Muskogee 15
Tulsa Central 26, Coweta 17
Carl Albert 35, Deer Creek 26
Douglass 27, Glenpool 24
Anadarko 33, Tuttle 14
Heritage Hall 38, Bethany 14
Wynnewood 20, Wayne 14
Lock of the Week: Carl Albert over Deer Creek. The Titans offense has steadily improved throughout the season and they have both the secondary speed to hold the Antlers’ receivers down and the front seven to get pressure on Deer Creek’s quarterback.

Jason:
Broken Arrow 27, Jenks 24
Edmond North 21, Edmond Santa Fe 17
Lawton 31, Putnam City 7
Norman 26, Muskogee 17
Tulsa Central 24, Coweta 14
Carl Albert 41, Deer Creek 14
Douglass 17, Glenpool 14
Anadarko 31, Tuttle 14
Heritage Hall 35, Bethany 14
Wayne 13, Wynnewood 10
Lock of the Week: Anadarko over Tuttle. The Tigers are always a tough, well-coached team under Phil Koons. I expect that Sheldon Wilson won’t be able to run wild like he has all year against Tuttle. But the Warriors, at home, will be too tough,

Scott:
Jenks 30, Broken Arrow 28
Edmond Santa Fe 21, Edmond North 20
Lawton 28, Putnam City 21
Norman 34, Muskogee 28
Tulsa Central 28, Coweta 24
Carl Albert 42, Deer Creek 24
Douglass 28, Glenpool 21
Anadarko 34, Tuttle 28
Heritage Hall 38, Bethany 28
Wayne 27, Wynnewood 22
Lock of the Week: Norman over Muskogee. Norman is beyond motivated to finish this season strong after finding themselves facing potentially being left out of the playoffs. I’d look for a big day from Donovan Roberts, as well as the passing attack to give the Tigers momentum heading into the Week 10 battle with Jenks.

Going to do it a little different this week, breaking out at least Class 6A into a separate blog. Tell me why I’m right. Tell me why I’m wrong.

1. Midwest City (3)#8-0

If you don’t look at my rankings every week, this might be a little surprising. But it’s consistent with what I’ve done all along: re-evaluating things each week and not be afraid of looking back at the totality of the season with what we know now. I’ll explain Broken Arrow (and Jenks’) fall shortly but it’s as much about what Midwest City has done as about what those teams haven’t. The Bombers have absolutely put it to teams recently. Their “slip” game was a 26-point win against Moore. Their 21-point win over Edmond Santa Fe looks more impressive each week. Thy’ve held seven opponents to seven or fewer points. James Flanders continues to perform in their running game. They make plays on special teams. I’m not saying I’m picking them to win a state championship yet–I’ve made my feelings about that know with respect to Jenks and Union–but right now, they’re the top team.

2. Broken Arrow (1)#7-1

When I saw Broken Arrow put it to Southmoore two weeks ago, I felt pretty comfortable with the Tigers as my top team. But Broken Arrow struggled on the road against a Norman team that Southmoore throttled, needing a late field-goal block to come away with the win. I still really like Broken Arrow, and am leaning toward picking them against Jenks this week, but that’s the second game they’ve barely pulled out against an opponent they should’ve beaten soundly.

3. Jenks (2)#7-1

The Trojans haven’t been pushed much other than their 41-19 loss to Tulsa Union, but their main test is this week when they play at Broken Arrow. Losing Alex Ross really hurts Jenks. Although they’ve put up big offensive numbers in recent weeks, they haven’t played a defense that’s very good since that Union game in Week 2.

4. Edmond Santa Fe (4)#7-1

The Wolves might not be the top team in the state but they might be playing better than anyone right now. Lance Manning has turned around Santa Fe in a hurry. A win this week over Edmond North and Santa Fe goes from 1-9 to district champs in one year.

5. Tulsa Union (6)#7-1

Ask me to pick the state champion right now and I probably go with Union. I still have them here because they do have to prove that their offense has rebounded form the injuries that resulted in Owasso’s comeback. The Redskins probably jump back up steadily the next few weeks but right now, they’re No. 5.

6. Lawton (7)#6-2

Losing Ivan Thomas is a near-backbreaker for them but the Wolverines didn’t seem to hurt without him against a previously unbeaten Edmond North team.

7. Edmond North (4)#7-1

The Huskies have the size up front to compete with anyone. But speed on the edges on either side is going to be a thorn in North’s side. The problem: Santa Fe is another speedy team and could give North problems this week in a game that will go a long way toward deciding who wins that district.

8. Stillwater (8)#7-1

Their offense deserves to be higher than No. 8. The defense, though, probably wouldn’t be in the top 10. The Pioneers have given up 27 or more points five times already and they still have Union on the schedule in a game that will, one way or another, determine the district champion.

9. Owasso (9)#5-3

The Rams have the signature win in 6A this season, beating Union. But they followed that with a home loss to Stillwater. Like the Pioneers, offense isn’t a question. But the Rams have to be able to slow good teams down to make a run and they haven’t been able to do that much.

10. Westmoore (NR)#6-2

The Jaguars pushed Edmond North in Week 7 before the Huskies pulled away in the second half, then beat a one-loss Putnam City team this week to take the Pirates’ spot in the rankings. Their defense has been solid all year and their offense, especially the passing component, continues to come along, lifting Westmoore into the top 10.

Just outside: Norman (6-2)

Last week:
Ryan: 8-2, 1-0
Jason: 5-5, 1-0
Scott: 4-6, 1-0

Overall:
Ryan: 52-19, 6-1
Jason: 49-22, 5-2
Scott: 46-25, 6-1

Ryan:
Wagoner 21, Catoosa 18
Douglass 20, Harrah 17
Deer Creek-Lamont 26, Timberlake 20
Pryor 20, Coweta 17
Weatherford 21, Tuttle 14
Broken Arrow 40, Norman 14
Lawton 21, Edmond North 20
Sallisaw 21, Hilldale 14
McGuinness 28, Piedmont 21
Putnam City 35, Westmoore 24
Lock of the week: Deer Creek-Lamont over Timberlake. DC-Lamont will finally get pushed but they come out on top in a possible state championship game preview.

Jason
Wagoner 31, Catoosa 21
Douglass 28, Harrah 21
Deer Creek-Lamont 42, Timberlake 30
Coweta 21, Pryor 14
Tuttle 17, Weatherford 10
Broken Arrow 42, Norman 28
Edmond North 24, Lawton 14
Hilldale 24, Sallisaw 20
McGuinness 31, Piedmont 28
Westmoore 27, Putnam City21
Lock of the week: Westmoore over Putnam City. The Pirates have faced one really strong defense all year, Edmond North, and were shut down offensively. Westmoore’s defense has shown itself to be tough all season, and I think they can keep Casey Curtis in check and come away with the win.

Scott
Wagoner 23, Catoosa 20
Douglass 21, Harrah 14
Deer Creek-Lamont 48, Timberlake 33
Pryor 20, Coweta 17
Tuttle 27, Weatherford 21
Broken Arrow 38, Norman 28
Edmond North 24, Lawton 21
Hilldale 28, Sallisaw 27
McGuinness 21, Piedmont 17
Putnam City 30, Westmoore 24
Lock of the Week: Wagoner over Catoosa. This should be one heck of a ballgame, but I think Wagoner has the leadership, the experience and the talent to get back to the title game this year, maybe win it all. Guys like Kevin Peterson and Jeremy Applegate, among others, have been around long enough to help keep the team composed in a big game — and this is a huge one.

Smith broke his leg in practice last Tuesday and then died Wednesday night. The cause of death is still unknown.

Edmond North coach Jeremy Dombek and his team bow their heads in a moment of silence to remember Ryan Smith before Friday's game against Westmoore. PHOTO BY STEVE SISNEY, THE OKLAHOMAN

MOORE — The overall goodness of people never ceases to amaze me, especially in the wake of a tragedy.

Friday, Edmond North beat Westmoore 27-13 at Moore Stadium. The Huskies were playing with heavy hearts, as Ryan Smith, their sophomore defensive lineman, died late Wednesday night.

The Westmoore football booster club put buckets at entrance gates and concession stands to collect donations to help Ryan’s family with burial costs.

By halftime, $900 had been raised. And after the game, Westmoore presented Edmond North with $900, and that was just from the donations collected at the gate and at Westmoore-side concession stands. Money donated on the Edmond North side of the stadium had yet to be counted.

This has by far been the toughest assignment I’ve had in my career. Dealing with death is never easy, especially when it is someone as young as Ryan was.  And by all accounts, he was a great kid.

I talked with a few of Ryan’s friends from the Edmond North team last night after the game. Here are their thoughts about their fallen friend.

JUNIOR DAVION WOODFORK

Junior running back Davion Woodfork, who, like Smith, transferred from Edmond Santa Fe before this school year, was one of Smith’s close friends.

“We came over at the same time,” Woodfork said. “We used to always talk about being in the NFL, and he used to be like, ‘I’m gonna block for you.’

“(The win) was good. It was all for him.

“He was a very good friend. He was always motivated. He loved football. He was always there for me.

“He will never be forgotten.”

SOPHOMORE TAEVYON WARREN

Taevyon Warren, also a sophomore on the Huskies’ team and also a first-year Edmond North student, wore a tribute to his friend on Friday.

Warren wasn’t suited up for the game, but wore a white T-shirt with “R.I.P. Ryan Smith #67” written on the back in black marker.

“It’s a tribute,” Warren said of the t-shirt. “We’ll never forget him, and this is my way of showing my respect.”

Warren said Ryan was a great friend and a good listener.

“With both of us being new, we just bonded,” Warren said. “Just his presence, just him being around would make your day.

Warren also raps, and he and his friends recorded a song Thursday dedicated to Smith’s memory.

“We did a remix of a song, talking about how life is short and how you never expect it to end,” Warren said. “We just talked about Ryan and how good a person he was.”

SOPHOMORE LANCE DIXON

Lance Dixon, a sophomore Edmond North football player and wrestler, is out with a bad shoulder injury.

He stood on the sideline during Friday’s win over Westmoore and recalled a fond memory of Ryan Smith from earlier this school year.

He had just been injured, and he and Ryan sat together in the wrestling room and talked while Dixon was a little loopy from the pain medication he had been prescribed.

“We just sat there in the wrestling room,” Dixon said. “He sat there with me and we just talked for an hour about football and about how good our wrestling team was gonna be.

“It’s unbelievable that he’s gone now.”

Dixon said the sophomore class took the news especially hard.

“A lot of sophomores on our team tried to hold it in,” he said, “but almost every single sophomore football player was crying the day that they told us.”

Dixon said he thought it was important that the Huskies played their game Friday against Westmoore.

“I think it was important to play this game to get our minds off of it,” he said. “A lot of people were hit hard by this, and most people didn’t understand why it would happen to such a good person.”

SENIOR TROY DAVIS

Senior Troy Davis said he thinks Ryan Smith helped the Huskies get back on track after a rough first half Friday.

Edmond North trailed 6-3 at halftime, but scored 17 third-quarter points to build a comfortable lead.

“In the second half, it just felt right,” Davis said.

“We felt like we had to go out and do this for him. It picked up the team and brought us closer together. We needed it.”

Davis said he still can’t believe that it happened to one of his teammates.

“It’s just one of those things that you think is never going to happen to you or your teammate, and then out of the blue it just happens,” he said. “It’s surreal. He’s gonna be missed.”

There will be collections taken at the Moore Stadium gate and at concession stands for Smith’s family to help with burial costs, Edmond North football booster club president Lisa Molinsky said.

Smith died Wednesday night, one day after suffering a broken leg during football practice.

You can also send a donation to the Ryan Smith Memorial Fund at:

Ryan Smith Memorial Fund
Citizen’s Bank
Attn: Coffee Creek Branch
P.O. Box 30
Edmond, OK 73083

Last week
Ryan: 7-4, 1-0
Scott: 5-6, 1-0
Jason: 7-4, 1-0

Overall
Ryan: 44-17, 5-1
Jason: 44-17, 4-2
Scott: 42-19, 5-1

Ryan
Guthrie 21, Carl Albert 17
Kingfisher 14, Bethany 10
Owasso 41, Stillwater 35
Tulsa Washington 17, Tulsa Kelley 14
Metro Chr. 28, Seq. Tahlequah 21
Hennessey 22, Oklahoma Chr. 14
Lawton MacArthur 40, Duncan 20
Weatherford 13, Blanchard 8
Lawton Eisenhower 28, Edmond Memorial 22
McGuinness 28, Elgin 13
Lock of the week: Hennessey over OCS. Hennessey took some lumps in the non-district schedule but is still among the top teams in 2A. Tonight is their chance to prove that against a solid OCS team.

Jason
Guthrie 24, Carl Albert 16
Bethany 21, Kingfisher 17
Owasso 38, Stillwater 35
Tulsa Washington 24, Tulsa Kelley 17
Metro Christian 24, Seq. Tahlequah 10
Oklahoma Christian 24, Hennessey 23
Lawton Eisenhower 21, Edmond Memorial 13
Lawton MacArthur 31, Duncan 13
Bishop McGuinness 35, Elgin 14
Blanchard 16, Weatherford 9
Lock of the Week: Guthrie over Carl Albert. Both teams are fantastic, and both teams are legitimate Class 5A contenders. But at this point in the season, Guthrie’s defense is just too good for Carl Albert’s still-developing offense.

Scott
Guthrie 21, Carl Albert 20
Bethany 35, Kingfisher 31
Owasso 45, Stillwater 42
Tulsa Washington 21, Tulsa Kelley 14
Sequoyah-Tahlequah 35, Metro Christian 28
Hennessey 30, Oklahoma Christian 21
Lawton MacArthur 48, Duncan 31
Blanchard 14, Weatherford 12
Edmond Memorial 20, Lawton Eisenhower 17
McGuinness 28, Elgin 21
Lock of the Week: Lawton MacArthur over Duncan. Ever since watching the Highlanders in the preseason scrimmage at Mustang, I’ve had a strong feeling that these guys could win it all in 5A. I needed to see some results in the regular season first to support my gut feeling, and they’ve done that — even while battling some nagging injuries. There are a lot of factors left to be determined regarding the gold ball, but I definitely think Mac wins this week.

Most weeks, I post my rankings here and try to explain my reasoning for who I ranked where in each class. I haven’t done that–yet–for this week, simply because I agonized over Class 6A. Every class gets careful consideration each week but most weeks in most classes there are clear reasoning for one team over another. Owasso’s 41-38 win over Tulsa Union last week threw that into a tailspin.

There are several teams that have legitimate arguments to the top spot. Here are their resumes, their arguments for being No. 1 and the opinions of Jason Kersey and Scott Wright. Disagree with one of us? Disagree with all of us? Feel free to chime in at the bottom.

Broken Arrow: This was my top pick. Broken Arrow’s only loss came 21-14 to then top-ranked Tulsa Union on Sept. 16 on the road. They’ve beaten Owasso (48-20), Odessa (Texas) Permian (68-26) and Sapulpa (52-19). The Tigers took a healthy Union team down to the wire and showed they could hang. The argument against them is: they’ve lost a game, which a couple other teams we’ll mention later haven’t, and they needed overtime to beat Muskogee, who is 1-5 this season.

Edmond North: The Huskies are undefeated, one of just two Class 6A teams without a loss. They’ve scored 40 or more points four times this season and next allowed more than 13. They beat Southmoore 42-10 to open the season and thrashed a previously unbeaten Putnam City team 35-0 last week. The downside for the Huskies is Southmoore was banged up when they met, Mustang isn’t what it once was and it’s still not clear how good Putnam City is. The Pirates’ hot start could’ve been indicative  of a weak schedule. These drawbacks aren’t the fault of the Huskies–they’ve taken care of business–and Edmond North will have plenty of chances to turn around those perceptions in the next three weeks with Westmoore, Lawton and Edmond Santa Fe on the schedule.

Jenks: The Trojans were No. 2 in my poll before last week but I reevaluated and bumped Broken Arrow ahead of the Trojans. Jenks also holds a win over Owasso (49-27) and has blown out every team it has faced other than Union. The argument against the Trojans is simple: they got beat 41-19 by Union. It’s hard to write off Jenks right now after their continued dominance.

Midwest City: Like Edmond North, the Bombers have topped the 40-point mark four times this season. Their closest game was a 21-point win over Edmond Santa Fe in Week 3. The Bombers defense, once again, is among the toughest around and their offense shows unusual balance for a Bombers team that has long relied on the run. James Flanders is giving the Bombers what they expected and more on the ground and junior quarterback Joel Davis is improving steadily and giving Midwest City a solid passing game. The argument against Midwest City is their schedule to this point. The Bombers’ opponents have won just 12 games this season, with five of those coming from Santa Fe. They play Norman North to end the season but the Bombers’ really don’t figure to be tested until at least the first round of the playoffs.

Owasso: To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best, and Owasso did that Friday night with a stunning upset of the Redskins. Owasso’s non-district schedule is as tough as any around and although Owasso went 1-2 in that stretch, they did manage to score 47 points combined in losses to Broken Arrow and Jenks. The Rams have probably the top QB/WR combo in the state with Kason Key and Keon Hatcher. The argument against the Rams is simple: their big losses in non-district should keep them out of the top spot.

Tulsa Union: Union? After that loss? Yes, there’s an argument to be made. The Redskins have win over Jenks and Broken Arrow and they led Owasso big before their quarterback and running back went down with injuries that kept them out of the second half against Owasso. If those two guys get back soon, Union could very well still be the top dog in 6A.

There are the arguments for and against each time. I weighed all of them (and more) before settling on Broken Arrow as the top team with Jenks, Midwest City and Edmond North not far behind. I’m going to continue to reevaluate things week by week but right here, right now, this is where I stand.

Here’s what Jason and Scott have to say about who should be No. 1.

Jason’s pick: Edmond North

I think — at this point — Edmond North is Class 6A’s best team.

The undefeated Huskies really have no weak spots on either side of the ball. Edmond North smacked previously unbeaten Putnam City 35-0 on Friday, holding star running back Casey Curtis to 65 yards on 20 carries.

The Huskies’ offensive dominance all starts up front. Edmond North’s offensive line is huge, which is what gets it noticed, but it’s about more than size. The line is also very strong and athletic.

The line opens up holes for the backfield duo of Jarion Tudman and Jared Benway, who give Edmond North a tough 1-2 punch of speed and strength.

And North couldn’t ask for a better field general. Senior Jesse Mathews, in his first year as a starter, has been nothing short of fantastic through six games. He has shown an ability to make plays with both his arms and legs.

Edmond North’s schedule hasn’t been the toughest, but the Huskies will be tested in their next three games, with Westmoore, Lawton and Edmond Santa Fe in consecutive weeks. If the Huskies emerge from that gauntlet unscathed, there might be no stopping them.

Scott’s pick: Midwest City
First of all, this pick comes with a caveat. I still think Jenks and Union are the top two favorites for the Class 6A gold ball. To quote the great prophet Ric Flair, if you want to be the man, you’ve got to beat the man. But this question isn’t about state championship favorites, it’s about who should be No. 1 right now, in Week 7 of the football season — only the halfway point for those teams that will eventually play for the state title.

So I’m picking Midwest City, with Broken Arrow and Jenks close behind. For all the fancy, exciting spread offenses out there that put up crazy numbers and fly up and down the field, football is still won with defense and run game. And through six games, Midwest City has shown the capability to dominate good teams in those two facets of the game.

A lot of people are probably making the argument for the Bombers at No. 1 because they think they’re the best undefeated team, and an undefeated team should be ranked ahead of a team with one loss, like Union, Jenks, Broken Arrow or Owasso. But this isn’t college football, and basing your argument solely on records is drastically oversimplifying the process.

I’m picking the Bombers as my No. 1 team right now, because I’ve been impressed with what they’ve accomplished on the field, the consistency they’ve displayed, and the overall talent of the team. They have some question marks, like their offensive diversity, but there isn’t a team out there this season that doesn’t appear to have flaws, whether it’s talent-related, injury-related, or whatever. Right now, this week, Midwest City should be No. 1.

Friday
Field 4
Mustang/Broken Arrow winner vs. Moore/Tulsa Union winner, noon
Owasso/Edmond North winner vs. Jenks/Edmond Santa Fe winner, 4 p.m.

Saturday
Field 1
Championship, 4 p.m.

Class 5A
Field 1
Thursday
Carl Albert vs. Coweta, 11 a.m.
McAlester vs. Deer Creek, 1 p.m.
Tahlequah vs. Shawnee, 3 p.m.
Lawton MacArthur vs. Grove, 5 p.m.

Friday
Carl Albert/Coweta winner vs. Lawton MacArthur/Grove winner, 2 p.m.
McAlester/Deer Creek winner vs. Tahlequah/Shawnee winner, 4 p.m.

Saturday
Championship, 1:30 p.m.

Class 4A
Thursday
Field 4
Blanchard vs. Bethany, 11 a.m.
Oologah vs. Purcell, 1 p.m.
Fort Gibson vs. Tuttle, 3 p.m.
Berryhill vs. Harrah, 5 p.m.

Field 1
Friday
Blanchard/Bethany winner vs. Oologah/Purcell winner, noon
Berryhill/Harrah winner vs. Fort Gibson/Tuttle winner, 2 p.m.

Saturday
Championship, 11 a.m.