Day 3: Midwest City goes into bag of tricks
It’s your Day 3 report from the Edmond North team camp on a non-existent Day 4. Sorry, let’s just say life got in the way of trying to do what I normally do with a Day 3 report Friday.
Back to the topic, the different format for the final day of the camp kinda makes doing scrimmage-by-scrimmage reports pointless. There were so many. If you saw me, I was basically anchored on the 50 yard line and kept my head on a swivel between the two fields.
Midwest City
Bombers had highlight of the day for me. In a hotly contested battle with Stillwater, the Bombers used some of that Bomber Magic on the final play.
Quarterback Ronnie Davis gave it to Cornell Neal, who chucked it into the end zone to Zeke Lewis for the scrimmage-winning score. What made the play, really, was the fact Midwest City got the snap off with 1 second left in the 10-minute scrimmage. But the snap did count.
If you ask me, Stillwater was the darling of this camp. Stillwater opened people’s eyes all three days. However, Midwest City also showed it’s still among the best. And though early indications are that Stillwater is going to be a player this season, the Bombers showed they’re not going away anytime soon, either.
Second highlight of the day: Ricky Reeves of Midwest City one-on-one against Stillwater’s Jesse Vester. How’s that for an early June battle between two of the best athletes in the state?
Stillwater
Like I said, no team impressed me more. Got a chance to talk with Jesse Vester and Jerame Littell during those first two days. Had a good chat with coach Tucker Barnard on this final day. I won’t spoil it because I’m writing a big Stillwater story for Monday’s paper. How’s that for a tease?
Bishop McGuinness
Irish were learning on the job in this camp, said coach Justin Jones. Not only are coach and players still trying to adjust to everything, but the Irish had maybe the least amount of practices coming into the event. Jones said because of dead week during finals, the Irish only had six practices. Or as he put it, ‘three offensive practices and three defensive practices.’ I’m not sold on the McGuinness offense yet, but ya gotta love that defense, especially those linebackers.
Deer Creek
Getting off the mat to finish the job. In a scrimmage against, ooh, I wanna say Stillwater, QB Joel Blumenthal tweaked his ankle on the final play. In the ensuing scrimmage against Bixby, Blumenthal found Hunter Dinkines for a touchdown on the final play. Came away really impressed with Brennan Miyake. He’s already a big boy. Deer Creek was missing some key linemen and had to battle 6A teams for those three days so not going to be too harsh. Coach Grant Gower was extremely pleased and that’s good enough for me.
Norman North
Enjoyed seeing Bryan Payne do his thing. He’s a little dude, but he’s got some game in him. Between him, Emilio Gatewood and Raymond Demby, that was a nice set of backs last year. Payne looks like he’ll have to be the man, but if he can endure the punishment, that’s OK. Coach Wade Standley said it was just Day 12 of the team and him together so like most coaches at this point, happy to get some good reps in.
Edmond North
I really like Luke Hoskins. I’m not sure how the X-and-Os battle is going between Jesse Mathews and Hoskins, but Hoskins has looked good. Also glad to see Jared Benway take some big shots and bounce back up. Really hope Benway can stay healthy. Jarion Tudman was also back in action Friday after being banged up Wednesday. This is another team that I’ll see a lot more of in the future so I didn’t critique the Huskies too much.
OCS
A lot of the names I’ve grown to love with the Saints are gone, but coach Derek Turner is extremely excited about this group. He admits they’re a young squad, but he said the talent in the freshman/sophomore class is some top notch stuff. Hope to see more of the Saints this summer.
- Edmond Santa Fe wasn’t there on the final day. That’s alright, know there will be plenty of other times I’ll catch up with Lance Manning and company…Little Axe coach Ted Dorrell is excited to be a head coach again, that’s for sure. The Indians took a big hit via graduation, but Dorrell has some real fire…McLoud coach Eric Cardin said his team is young, but a camp like this always helps out. Realistically, Redskins are one year away, but Cardin is pumped for the future…Didn’t get to meet with Tecumseh coach Greg George too long. He said he loved the camp, best camp his team goes to. Savages did OK from the action I saw.
- Some of these same teams are out at Boone Pickens on Saturday for the Red Bull Game Breakers. I won’t be there, but I have ‘correspondents’ who will fill me in.
***
Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Best of the Rest honor: Darian Bennett, Crescent…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Crescent coach J.L. Fisher told me a couple of weeks ago that his Tigers club normally plays well if running back Darian Bennett does well.
The last two weeks have been a good sign for fans of Bennett and Crescent. After giving Minco its first loss in Week 7, Crescent was dominant in a 67-6 win against Wellston.
And once again it was Bennett stealing the show. He rushed for more than 300 yards on just 10 carries. He added 10 tackles on defense and did it all in 24 minutes. Crescent regulars didn’t sniff time in the second half.
At 4-3 and 2-2 in district, Crescent is going to have a very interesting, exciting final couple of weeks.
Other contenders
Corey Wiley, McLoud: That’s how you perform in your first win of the season. Wiley threw two touchdowns ran for another four scores in the Redskins victory against Santa Fe South.
Alex Patterson, Enid: Needing to bounce back after the loss to Bixby, Patterson and the Plainsmen did just that. Patterson threw four touchdown passes in the win at Stillwater.
Chris Hunter, Watonga: I knew about Travis Hartfield, but where did Hunter come from? He scored five touchdowns as Watonga put up 76 points against Chisholm.
Michael Lowe, Jones: Longhorns have been sensational in two wins following Millwood. Lowe threw for five touchdowns and 291 yards in the 56-0 win against Luther.
Game preview: Douglass at McLoud
Douglass (4-2, 3-0) at McLoud (0-6, 0-3)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: McLoud High School
Last week: Douglass powered past Cushing, 55-6. Despite its best offensive output of the season, McLoud lost to Cleveland, 54-34.
Why the Trojans could win: Reason No. 1, Aliston Cobb, who I wrote about earlier this week. He’s a powerful running back, and Diontay Washington is a dangerous backup. With its daunting run game and improving passing attack, the Trojans should be going strong when they meet up with currently unbeaten Harrah in Week 8.
Why the Redskins could win: It’s a tough task, but Eric Cardin’s kids are young. They’re growing up, and you never know when things might come together. Still, this team doesn’t appear ready to pull this kind of upset.
Key matchup: Douglass run game vs. McLoud defensive front. If the ‘Skins can’t stop Cobb and Washington, they can’t beat the Trojans.
The pick: Douglass 45, McLoud 14.
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Deer Creek’s Alex Christensen still a beast, Choctaw’s Aaron Fournier shines…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Well, we looked at the first four teams from the Top of the World Classic scrimmage at Norman’s Harve Collins Field. We were only halfway home.
Here is a recap featuring Deer Creek, McLoud, Noble and Choctaw.
Scrimmage No. 3: Deer Creek 21, McLoud 7
Deer Creek: Where in the world did sophomore Brennan Miyake come from? He caught my eye last week against Putnam West, and he was dynamite again tonight, scoring the team’s first touchdown.
With Miyake and Colten Sander, whew, good stuff in the backfield for Grant Gower’s club.
Will never get used to seen Alex Christensen at quarterback. I’m sorry, guys that weigh nearly 250 pounds just shouldn’t be there. However, he gets the job done. And did what he does best – run over people in the open field.
Quarterback Joel Blumenthal was a little antsy, overthrowing a couple of deep balls. But he finished strong with a final play rushing touchdown that showed though the sophomore is tiny, he’s got a lot of fight in him.
Gower refused to name a starter, simply saying the team has five offensive packages so it depends on the package for who is the QB.
Linebacker Michael Coleman sat out because of a concussion. He should be cleared to play early next week for Friday’s showdown with Piedmont.
McLoud: Redskins did a lot better than I thought and maybe even better than coach Eric Cardin thought. Cardin loves his team of the future as he is extremely high on his sophomore class.
The heart of this team is without question wide receiver Travis Carroll. He does everything for this club, including scoring the team’s only touchdown.
Cardin admits Carroll is the team’s biggest playmaker, but he’s been pleasantly surprised with how the youth of his team is growing up. It was obvious the team just kinda got worn down against a solid 5A team, but the Redskins were in this one, for sure.
Scrimmage No. 4: Choctaw 16, Noble 0
Choctaw: Liked a lot of what I saw from senior running back Aaron Fournier on both sides of the ball really. Made a couple of nice runs and deflected a few passes. Real strong night for him.
Defensive end Hunter Davis commanded a lot of attention from the opposing sides tonight and didn’t get a chance to really do what he can do. Not too worried about that.
Quarterback Tanner Hessman had his moments as did running back Corey Bennett.
Noble: The Bears had some success in the early portions of things, but it’s tough to go up against a 6A team after sitting around for a good two hours like that.
Senior running back Dylan King caught my eye the most. Thought he had a banner night, making plays, making people miss, etc.
Senior Tyler Teague was a busy man all night, too, playing fullback and linebacker and still looking fresh when the clock ran out.
Great stuff from a unique scrimmage with the opportunity to see some teams I normally don’t.
Friday: Mt. St. Mary’s at Christian Heritage.
Top of the World Challenge storylines…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
It’s not quite opening night. OK, it’s not really even close to opening night, but all the scrimmages Thursday are going to bring the intensity.
And while fellow chums Scott Wright will be at the Pigskin Preview at Mustang and Ryan Aber will help us out for one night with Carl Albert and Midwest City, I’ma be livin’ it up at the Top of the World Challenge at Norman.
This not only has a little bit for everybody, but it gives me a chance to see some teams that I’m not really going to get the opportunity to see.
Teams: Norman, Stillwater, Choctaw, Shawnee, Noble, Deer Creek, McAlester and McLoud.
- I cannot wait to watch McAlester’s Tony Kiefer. I’ve heard so much about him and he put up some crazy-good numbers last year.
The Buffs will definitely be in the hunt for the 5A title, very intrigued to see Bryan Pratt’s team and learn just what it is that makes Kifer, only a junior, one of the top all-around talents.
- Stillwater’s Jerame Littell has come a long way since being a starter as a freshman. Now a junior and a three-year starter, interested to see where his confidence level is.
- Pumped to get a chance to see Norman’s Donovan Roberts. Between Roberts and Norman North’s Emilio Gatewood, it’s going to be one heckuva battle for who is the best RB in Norman?
- At Deer Creek, I’m wondering if coach Grant Gower is going to get closer to finalizing things at quarterback with Alex Christensen and Joel Blumenthal. My gut tells me no official decision will be made for at least a couple of games with both getting good play.
- Choctaw and Shawnee both have some top recruits in Tulsa commit Hunter Davis for the Yellowjackets and Brayle Brown for the Wolves. But who else do the teams have? Wanna see what Shawnee’s Jeremy Barrientos can do now that he’s the starter at running back.
- And with the format of the night, definitely be watching to see if anybody from Noble or McLoud stands out. Expect both teams to be much better than what they were last year.
- Teams will take to the field at 4, varsity won’t start until about 6:30 or so. And now I’ll have to cross off Harve Collins Field on my list of places I haven’t been. Amazing that I’ve never been to Norman, but it’s true. Looking forward to what Greg Nation and the boys have worked up.
Big Team Camp at Edmond North: Day 2…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
The rain delayed things a tad for Day 2 of the 13-team extravaganza at Edmond North so we also ended a little bit later than anticipated.
And once the rain was officially out of the way, wow, did it heat up in a hurry.
I felt today would be the best day of three-day camp because you get your feet wet that first day, and you’re dog-tired during that final day. But Day 2? Yeah, you bring the lumber.
In case you missed it, there are videos with Midwest City’s James Flanders, OCS’ Jack Warren and Bishop McGuinness’ LaRone Richardson on NewsOK and here on the blog.
Thoughts and Observations
- Gotta tell ya that right now drinking the Norman North Kool-Aid. Quarterback Brad Valentino really threaded the needle on a couple of the balls today. Raymond Demby looks fantastic, and what more can you say about Daniel Davis? Solid effort from Lance Manning’s kids, punctuated by a great effort by Davis to score on McGuinness during the final play of their scrimmage.
- Interesting year for the Spartans of Bixby. Moving up to 6A is one thing, introducing Loren Montgomery as the new coach is another. Montgomery has a great football mind, really happy to see him land on his feet with a great opportunity. The loss of Kevin Lamb and DeWitt Jennings is definitely being felt, but I think the more explosive offense might work for Bixby. QB T.J. Eckert seemed more poised today in the limited time I got to see them.
- Another solid day for the Antlers, said coach Grant Gower. Deer Creek is the lone 5A school in the camp, but Gower said playing the 6A big boys has helped immensely. Deer Creek closed out today with a scrimmage against Midwest City. TE Kyle Kanady is growing into a security blanket for Alex Christensen and Joel Blumenthal.
- Gotta hand it to the boys at Cashion. The Wildcats were here last year and are only a couple of years removed from playing eight-man. Lynn Shackelford does a phenomenal job of getting that team fired up, and Cashion has fought hard the first two days. QB Jeremy Seaton said there were no wide-eyed looks today, down to business.
- Hennessey is in that same mold as Shannon Watford continues to have that program in contention on a yearly basis here lately. I hope to watch more of the Eagles (among others) on Friday for the final day. Especially would like to see star recruit Derrick Luetjen more.
- Weirdest sight of the day goes to Flanders. Not sure why seeing a talented kid like him with an umbrella to block out the sun was so funny, but I sure thought it was.
- Lovin’ the intensity these teams are bringing. It dies down a little during the 7-on-7 portion but picks right back up in that final half hour.
- Just like Wednesday, look for more videos on NewsOK. Another sights and sounds from the day to accompany vids with Norman North QB Brad Valentino, Hennessey’s Derrick Luetjen and Cashion’s Jeremy Seaton.
- Back tomorrow as we wrap up the camp. Word on the street is Friday will be the hottest day of the three days…oy.
OCA All-State baseball rosters announced
The Oklahoma Coaches Association announced its All-State baseball teams Friday. The OCA All-State baseball game will be played July 26 at Oral Roberts in Tulsa. The small school game will begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by the large school game at 7 p.m.
Large East
Pitchers: Jonathon Gray, Chandler; Dillion Endecott, McLoud; Billy Waltrip, Fort Gibson
First baseman: Dusty Harper, Berryhill
Infielders: Jose Olazagasti, Collinsville; Colby Mitchell, Valliant; Griffith Roark, Stillwater; Joe McGee, Tulsa Washington
Outfielders: Ryan Wilson, Owasso; Cayle Shambaugh, Jay; Wade Ambrose, Tulsa Union; Saulyer Salxon, Shawnee
Catchers: Tyler Crabtree, McAlester; Mitchell Osburn, Broken Arrow
Coach: Shannon Dobson, Broken Arrow
Large West
Pitchers: Cale Russell, Norman North; Dillon Overton, Weatherford; Cale Coshow, Deer Creek
First baseman: Jaden Chappell, Guthrie
Infielders: J.T. Realmuto, Carl Albert; Jake Barrios, Weatherford; Dylan Morales, Plainview; Dillon Bryant, Cache
Outfielders: Alec Stand, Norman North; Jordan Lopez, Edmond Santa Fe; John Cotton, Guthrie; Tanner Rainey, Lawton MacArthur
Catchers: Caleb Hillman, Edmond Santa Fe; Tyler Palmer, El Reno
Coach: Ron Moore, Deer Creek
Small East
Pitchers: Cale Elam, Oktaha; Logan Oller, Silo; Tyler Reeves, Latta
First baseman: Wacey Henderson, Latta
Infielders: Dayne Parker, Roff; Brendan McCurry, Roff; Kaleb Hoffman, Ripley; Turner Coon, Dale
Outfielders: Aaron Chalk, Caney; Shane Leach, Oktaha; Dalton Streber, Dale; Zane Nelms, Soper
Catchers: Trevor Bowen, Silo; Dakota Knight, Red Oak
Coach: Chris Burt, Oktaha
Small West
Pitchers: Anthony Bo Hopkins, Granite; Brycen Shoaf, Arnett; Taylor Smith, Fletcher
First baseman: Jerico Rogers, Davis
Infielders: Kas Sandeers, Fletcher; Mason Toole, Mangum; William Caid, Granite; Corbin Nelson, Watonga
Outfielders: Marc White, Arnett; Trey Waldrop, Cordell; Mitchell Gardner, Dover; Jarred Stockton, Mangum
Catchers: Mitchell Brittain, Sterling; Zach Warner, Amber-Pocasset
Coach: Mike Wendt, Mangum
Signing List 2010
It’s still a work in progress. Know a signing we missed? E-mail me at raber@opubco.com and we’ll get it added. We’ll run the signing list several times over the next few weeks:
4A HS Basketball Area Matchups
Here’s the Class 4A basketball playoff pairings:
Seems like the biggest thing from an OKC boys standpoint is McGuinness, Douglass and Heritage Hall all being in separate areas. John Marshall and McGuinness figure to be the favorites in Area I, Douglass and Blanchard in Area II, Fort Gibson and Tulsa McLain in Area III and Star Spencer and Madill in Area IV (Although Roland and Stilwell will be dangerous as well)
Note: Districts 3, 4, 7 and 8 play Friday, Feb. 19. Districts 1, 2, 5 and 6 play Saturday, Feb. 20. Girls play at 6:30 p.m., boys play at 8 p.m.
Class 4A
AREA I
Dist. 1: Guymon at Woodward
Dist. 2: Harding Prep at Anadarko
Dist. 3: Santa Fe South at John Marshall
Dist. 4: Clinton at Elk City
Dist. 5: Blackwell at Cleveland
Dist. 6: Classen at McGuinness
Dist. 7: Heritage Hall at Piedmont
Dist. 8: Cushing at Perkins
AREA II
Dist. 1: Cache at Lone Grove
Dist. 2: Dickson at Byng
Dist. 3: Little Axe at Douglass
Dist. 4: Elgin at Bethany
Dist. 5: Weatherford at Tuttle
Dist. 6: Pauls Valley at Newcastle
Dist. 7: Seminole at Tecumseh
Dist. 8: Blanchard at McLoud
AREA III
Dist. 1: Vinita at Miami
Dist. 2: Tulsa McLain at Tulsa Webster
Dist. 3: Oologah at Jay
Dist. 4: Dewey at Locust Grove
Dist. 5: Metro Christian at Seq. Claremore
Dist. 6: Catoosa at Berryhill
Dist. 7: Inola at Fort Gibson
Dist. 8: Glenpool at Wagoner
AREA IV
Dist. 1: Harrah at Mannford
Dist. 2: Okmulgee at Hilldale
Dist. 3: Checotah at Stilwell
Dist. 4: Bristow at Star Spencer
Dist. 5: Atoka at Madill
Dist. 6: Sallisaw at Roland
Dist. 7: Poteau at Muldrow
Dist. 8: Idabel at Broken Bow
All-District 4A-2
Here’s the All-District team for District 4A-2. This team is picked by the coaches in that district:
MVP: Darwin Rideau, Star Spencer
Offensive MVP: Marco Nelson, Glenpool
Co-Defensive MVP: Garrett Evans, Cushing, Joseph Christian, Star Spencer
Co- Outstanding Lineman: Emmitt Jones, Star Spencer, Jake Watkins, Tecumseh
Outstanding Tight End: Marcus Alexander
Outstanding Receivers: Von Kendrick, McLoud, Anthony Haley, Glenpool, Chris Nunnally, Tecumseh
Outstanding Running Backs: Terence Olds, Star Spencer
Co- Outstanding Quarterback: Dillon Endecott, McLoud, Franky Jamison, Star Spencer
Outstanding Kicker: Garrett Hobbs, Glenpool, Zach Megee, Seminole
Outstanding Defensive Lineman: Johnny Pack, Seminole, Tanner Meister, Cleveland
Outstanding Inside Linebackers: Antoine Watson, Star Spencer
Outstanding Outside Linebackers: Mat Thomas, Glenpool, Dylan Brady, Tecumseh
Outstanding Cornerbacks: Keon Johnson, Star Spencer, Ryan Morrison, Tecumseh
Outstanding Safeties: Charles Mitchell, Star Spencer
Special Recognition Award: Clay Coy, McLoud, Conner Williams, Mannford
4A-2 Coach Of The Year: Darrell Hall, Star Spencer
All-District Players
Cleveland: Colton McEntire, CB, JC Luman, DE, Caleb Sparks, LB
Cushing: Tyler Farley, WR, Brett Aicher, WR, Paul Carpenter, TE
Glenpool: Derek Allen, QB, Bryan Alerson, CB, Marcus Sears, CB Aaron Espinoza, RB, Drew Molencupp, LB, Ethan Williams, DL, Jon Adams, DE, Shelby Rider, DL, Ben Atkinson, OL, Jason Shrinski, OL, Trevor Frank, OL
Mannford: Billy Broom, OL, Josh Caudle, OL, Jeremy Wright, OL, Dalton Tallent, DL
McLoud: Chris Guinn, DL, Charles Mills, OL, Dillon Shattuck, LB, John Dockery, S, Jake Rowland WR
Seminole: Josh Cramer, WR, Austen Harvey, WR, Nolan Davenport, TE, Keith Johnson, LB, Caleb Sullivan, OL, Clayton Yancey, OL, Seth Hallum, DB
Star Spencer: Helven Christian, OL, Irvin Caldwell, DL, Cody Endecott, OL
Tecumseh: Garrett Matlock, OL, Colten Williams, OL, Jeff Henderson, OL, Andrew Phillips, DL, Alex Hickman, DL
Honorable Mention
Cleveland: Tim Hodson, OL
Seminole: Shea Knighton, WR, Blake Lozano, DB, Kalone Blackwell, TE
Star Spencer: Isaiah Williams
