Harrah outlasts Altus in memorable showdown
The Harrah boys after winning their first swimming championship
Splitting up swimming into two separate sessions is a great idea for fans and the schools. It makes for an incredibly long weekend for media members and the workers at OCCC.
So sometimes, yea, I admit to being a little tired during that second session. But I woke right back up during the 5A boys battle between Harrah and Altus.
The Panthers ultimately came out on top to earn their first championship. How close was it? Let’s go event-by-event with a breakdown:
Event No. 1 – 200 Medley Relay
Less than .5 separated the first from third-place teams. Fort Gibson ended up with the win, followed by Harrah and Altus. Altus came in with best qualifying time so this was a bonus for Harrah. Points: Harrah 34-32.
Event No. 2 – 200 Freestyle
Obviously there is no touching Chickasha’s Isaac McKnight. He was dominant as he’s been all four of his years with the Chicks. Altus’s Brandon Alcorta was fourth. Points: Harrah 63-56.
Event No. 3 – 200 IM
Great performance by Heritage Hall’s Matt Veneklasen in this one as he earned his first individual championship. Harrah’s Matt Reaves placed third. Points: Harrah 85-81.
Event No. 4 – 50 Free
This is where the tide went toward Altus. Harrah Braden Hobaugh came in with the top qualifying time, but it was Altus’ Brady George who got the win. That’s a six-point swing right there. By .06 George edged out Hobaugh. Points: Altus 112-109.
Event No. 5 – 100 Butterfly
Miami’s Khyle Hill had a banner day, including winning the 100 fly. Huge points for Altus as Harrah didn’t have one person qualify in this event. Michael Rogers placed third. Points: Altus 139-109.
Event No. 6 – 100 Freestyle
Once again it was McKnight of Chickasha carrying the day. Hobaugh bounced back to place fifth to edge the Panthers a little bit closer. Points: Altus 155.5-136.
Event No. 7 – 500 Freestyle
Bishop Kelley’s Brendan Dolan picked up the win here as Harrah got even closer. Riley Bunyard finished fourth for the Panthers. Points: Altus 169.5-163.
Event No. 8 – 200 Free Relay
And here is where Harrah starts to take control. This is the only event Harrah won, but it was huge. Harrah’s Caleb McCord, Daniel Fijalka, Hobaugh and Reaves were impressive in winning this one. Altus was third. Points: Harrah 203-201.5.
Here was a 15-minute break where I spoke with Harrah coach Guy Worth. He said it would be tight, but he had a lot of swimmers in the 100 back and breaststroke that should give his club the advantage. He was right.
Event No. 9 – 100 Backstroke
Hill was dominant again in easily winning this one. Harrah’s William Fifield finished third as Harrah had two placers to Altus’ one. Points: Harrah 230-210.5.
Event No. 10 – 100 Breaststroke
Kingfisher’s Mason York earned his first title, beating Veneklasen after Veneklasen beat York in the 200 IM. Alcorta placed third, but it was strength in numbers again. Harrah had four placers and Altus had three. Points: Harrah 268-242.5. In other words, as long as Harrah didn’t get DQ’d, it would win.
Event No. 11 – 400 Free Relay
Worth’s message to his team before this one was to not get greedy. Just race your race, and we’ll win. Harrah posted a season-best time in placing second. Altus won the event, but the Bulldogs only gained six points with the victory. Final points: Harrah 302-282.5.
For my story on Harrah’s championship, go here.
Harrah wrestling in familiar spot
Harrah wrestling coach Bryan Miller wasn’t sure how this season was going to turn out after losing so many quality wrestlers.
Being the smallest team in terms of classification in 5A didn’t help matters, either. However, the Panthers are heading back to the dual state competition in two weeks.
Harrah defeated Carl Albert 39-28 on Tuesday night in the district duals.
“I’m just so proud of the kids,” Miller said. “They’ve put in so much work, and they deserve this.”
Miller said one big turning point of the match came at 215 pounds. Harrah’s Matt Hasty was able to get a pin on Carl Albert’s Kyle Croak and that helped the Panthers pull off the victory. It is the fourth year in a row for Harrah to make it to dual state.
***
Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
District 4A-2 postseason football honors
Just received this from the coaches in District 4A-2. As with most all-district teams, it is seniors only. Here you go:
2010 District 4A-2
Player of the Year
Marcus Caddell – Douglass
Offensive Player of the Year
Aliston Cobb – Douglass
Defensive Player of the Year
Nick Walters – Glenpool
DeVante McKinney – Douglass
Special Teams Player of the Year:
Lane Davenport – McLoud
Receiver of the Year
Travis Carroll – McLoud
Cy Stallard – Cleveland
Offensive Lineman of the Year
Caleb Craig – Harrah
Jason Rice – Glenpool
Quarterback of the Year
Jameson Ballinger – Santa Fe South
Kyle Fowler – Tecumseh
Offensive Back of the Year
Billy Danna – Harrah
Tight End of the Year
Jared Bass – Cushing
Defensive End of the Year
Ravi Riley – Douglass
Robert Lemoine – Glenpool
Defensive Tackle of the Year
Cole Craig – Harrah
Hunter Montgomery – Tecumseh
Inside Linebacker of the Year
Chance Tiffin -Tecumseh
Josh Covert – Santa Fe South
Outside Linebacker of the Year
Landon Ferguson – Cleveland
Layne Ferguson – Cleveland
Safety of the Year
Isaac Maselera – Glenpool
Chandler Martinez – Tecumseh
Cornerback of the Year
Riley Norton – Cleveland
Derek Baez – Harrah
Kicker of the Year
Nick Pugh – Harrah
Coach of The Year
Willis Alexander – Douglass
Greg Willis – Harrah
All District
Cleveland
Brandon Wrobbel – DE
Cushing
Michael Griffin – WR
Matt Cook – LB/FB
Kyle Johnson – FB
Regi Cook – DB
Douglass
Erik King – LB
Ian Robinson – LB
Donnell Ward – DB
Shon Bridges – QB
Glenpool
Victor Cervantes – LB
Cody Davis – DL
Brad Agee – DL
Ty Cleveland – OL
Julian Rose – OL
Cody McIntosh – TE
Harrah
Ryan Brashier – LB
Gary King – OL
McLoud
Tanner Johnson – OL
Robbie Gray – DB
Sante Fe South
David Olivas – DB
Sergio Cardiel – DB
Pedro Briones – OL
Tecumseh
Jordan Moery – OL
Francisco Hukill – WR
Josey Brown – WR
Harrah Panther Classic brackets…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
A rare chance to see such a talented team like the Woodward boys in the OKC area. Not a bad set of teams on either side.
Boys
Thursday
Game 1: Chickasha vs. Del City, 11:30 a.m.
Game 2: Mustang vs. Northeast, 2 p.m.
Game 3: Woodward vs. Ponca City, 5:30
Game 4: Choctaw vs. Harrah, 8:30
Friday
Game 5: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 11:30
Game 6: Loser Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4, 2:30
Game 7: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:30
Game 8: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 8:30
Saturday
Game 9: Loser Game 5 vs. Loser Game 6, 11:30
Game 10: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6, 2:30
Game 11: Loser Game 7 vs. Loser Game 8, 5:30
Game 12: Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 8, 8:30
Girls
Thursday
Game 1: Putnam City vs. Northeast, 10 a.m.
Game 2: Carl Albert vs. Choctaw, 1 p.m.
Game 3: Del City vs. Ponca City, 4 p.m.
Game 4: Woodward vs. Harrah, 7 p.m.
Friday
Game 5: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 10 a.m.
Game 6: Loser Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4, 1 p.m.
Game 7: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 4 p.m.
Game 8: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 7 p.m.
Saturday
Game 9: Loser Game 5 vs. Loser Game 6, 10 a.m.
Game 10: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6, 1 p.m.
Game 11: Loser Game 7 vs. Loser Game 8, 4 p.m.
Game 12: Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 8, 7 p.m.
Signing Day photos…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Hey, if you got signing day photos, send ‘em. No signing is too small. If you’ve earned the right to play your sport in college, you should be proud.
Scott Wright and myself would love to hit more of these, it’s tough to juggle with everything else, tho.
Here are some:
Alec Heinen of Edmond North signs with Wichita State to play golf.
Here’s another:
Austen Fuller of Edmond North signs with OU to play golf.
And another:
Kendra Mann of Harrah signs with Oklahoma City U. to play golf.
FMQ: Douglass powers past Harrah
Here’s your Friday Morning Quarterback breakdown of Douglass’ 47-0 win at Harrah.
Impressive performance by the Trojans on all levels. Aside from some occasional trouble getting the snap — which led to six fumbles (two lost) — Douglass did pretty much everything well.
On the other side, nothing seemed to go right for the Panthers, who suffered their first loss.
Harrah breakdown: It was just one of those nights. Positive yards on first down, positive yards on second down, high shotgun snap on third down that kills a drive. Stuff like that kept happening all night long. The Panthers are better than the score represents.
And in one of the more emotional plays of the night, senior running back Trey Tuggle sustained an ankle injury. He just returned after breaking his hand, and was still playing with the left hand in a cast. He played just two series before hurting the ankle. He was in a lot of pain, but the frustration of another injury seemed to bother him more. He came out of the pile pounding the ground with his fist and slammed his helmet into the ground as he was helped off the field.
The key for Harrah is bouncing back with as much confidence as they had during the first seven games of the season. Nothing is over for them. They still have Glenpool on the schedule in Week 10, which means — with a little help — they can forge a tie for the top spot in the district.
Defensively, the Panthers struggled to contain the Trojans’ speed, but they’re tough and physical. That and their ability to run the ball will make them a dangerous team in the postseason.
Douglass breakdown: For everything that went wrong for Harrah, just as many things went right for Douglass. Defensively, they were on top of their game at all three levels. The linemen were controlling the line of scrimmage and busting into the backfield. The linebackers were all over the place. The secondary was covering the pass and helping on the run.
DB Marcus Caddell had two picks. Jas’sen Stoner, the team’s leading tackler, made plays in pass coverage and on blitzes, as well as lateral coverage of the run. There were guys all over making plays all night.
You can’t say enough about the offensive line and running backs. Aliston Cobb finisheds with 210 yards and two scores. Diontay Washington goes for 102 and three scores. And they were both a threat to score each time they touched the ball.
And QB Shon Bridges was on top of his game, too. He hit on seven of his 10 pass attempts with two TDs.
Next week becomes huge. Douglass can clinch the 4A-2 title with a win, but Glenpool can’t, because of the remaining game against Harrah. Big game and it should be a fun one. Unless something wild happens, I’ll be at Moses F. Miller Stadium for all the action next Friday night.
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Game preview: Douglass at Harrah
Douglass (5-2, 4-0) at Harrah (7-0, 4-0)
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: Harrah High School
Last week: Blowouts all around. Douglass powered past McLoud 48-13 and Harrah rolled past Santa Fe South 48-7.
Why the Trojans could win: After four ho-hum games, the Trojans are likely very excited to get on the field in a top-10 matchup. Since losing the first two games of the season, Douglass has been as dominant as anybody around. Together, Aliston Cobb and Diontay Washington have averaged 11 yards per carry with 23 touchdowns on the season.
Why the Panthers could win: To rip off a line from Lil’ Wayne, confidence is a stain you can’t wipe off. It’s hard to imagine any team more confident than Harrah after exploding onto the scene this season. With a defense that has yet to allow more than 14 points, the Panthers are capable of beating anyone.
Key matchup: Harrah run game vs. Douglass defensive front. The Panthers can move the ball effectively on the ground, and they’ll have to keep that part of the offense going if they’re going to have a shot at the upset. With big, athletic players in the front seven, like Devante McKinney, Ravi Riley, Cayman Bundage and Erik King, the Trojans can fill up running lanes quickly.
The pick: Douglass 27, Harrah 17. Two good defenses and two good rushing attacks. This game will be played in a cloud of dust. It’ll be a good one, but last year’s 4A runner-up is just too strong for the upstart Panthers.
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Scott’s Lock: Unbeaten run ends for Harrah
I can’t say enough good things about the Harrah Panthers. RB Jacob Welt and QB Eddie Reynolds make up a pretty formidable running combo, with more than 1,100 yards combined. The defense has yet to allow more than 14 points in any single game during the 7-0 start. Greg Willis is a candidate for Coach of the Year.
But I can’t say that this team will win on Thursday night.
Yes, the Panthers are at home, where they’ve outscored 82-20 in three games. But they haven’t faced a defense or a run game like the Trojans will bring to town.
Aliston Cobb is averaging 11.6 yards per carry with more than 1,000 yards and 17 TDs on just 94 carries. And sophomore Diontay Washington is averaging 10 per carry with more than 500 yards on 56 carries.
The Douglass defense is playing well lately, too. Only Millwood has managed to score more than 18 points on them this season and no district opponent has had more than 13.
The Trojans have an even bigger game on the horizon, with a visit from Glenpool coming in Week 9, but the Trojans are ready to get on the field for a big game this week.
I’ve battled back to 3-4 on my locks of the week, so I’m looking for another victory to get me to .500.
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Best of the Rest honor: Bryan Dutton and Kentrell Brothers, Guthrie….
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Like there could have been another winner? Honestly, on the biggest stage of the season thus far, these two (Bryan Dutton, Kentrell Brothers) played the game of their lives in the 32-14 win at Carl Albert.
Dutton, a sophomore, was 17-of-20 for 233 yards and five touchdowns. His main target? Brothers – 8 catches, 156 yards and four touchdowns. Not to mention all he did on defense.
The Bluejays went through the ringer of Deer Creek (41-7), Ada (13-7) and Carl Albert (32-14) and are in firm control for a district championship.
It was sweet redemption for Dutton, Brothers and the rest of Rafe Watkins’ boys. The key, of course, is to not dwell on this one and forget about the rest of the year. Have no fears that Guthrie will be ready for El Reno on Friday night.
Other contenders
Blake Henderson, Bridge Creek: “Best game he’s played this year,” said coach Jerry Wallis. Guess so. He rushed for 240 yards and six touchdown in a rout of Marlow.
Louis Durant, Lawton Eisenhower: Break up the Eagles! Lawton Ike has quietly gone 5-2 and Durant had three touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a 35-0 blowout of Edmond Memorial.
Robert Rhynes, Washington: Pressure? What pressure? Rhynes nailed a game-winning 37-yard field goal to complete the comeback in a 24-21 win against Frederick.
Harrah offensive line: Panthers rushed for more than 400 yards in a 48-7 win against Santa Fe South. Now for a showdown with Douglass.
Harrah: Matt Grice headlines Harrah event in two weeks…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
The Harrah wrestling booster club and Shape Fitness are teaming up for Harrah Fight Night II on Oct. 16 at the Harrah Gym.
I was there for the first one in the summer of 2009. It’s been moved to October because there was nothing anybody could do to survive the heat on that day. It was a good a blend of up-and-coming amateurs fighting and seasoned pros competing.
Looks like it will be that way again, according to Harrah coach Bryan Miller. The ticket seller is going to be four-time state champion from Harrah and UFC competitor Matt Grice. He’ll be competing in the main event.
Some other former Panthers will be on the card as well, including Tony Quintero, Levi Queen and Jordan Queen. There will be 14 fights total.
It will be at 6:30 p.m., with six pro fights and eight amateur bouts. Admission is $20 for general seating, $30 for floor seating and $500 for VIP table seating (10 per table, meal included).
