Midwest City hires Darrell Hall
Midwest City has hired Tulsa Washington’s Darrell Hall as its football coach, The Oklahoman has learned.
Hall will replace Steve Huff, who left Midwest City in January to take a job at College Station (Texas) High School. Hall’s hiring still needs to be approved by the school board later this month. Hall was 17-7 in two seasons with the Hornets, winning a state championship in his first season in 2010. Prior to that, Hall spent seven seasons at Star Spencer, going 57-28 and winning the 2009 Class 4A title.
Under Huff, the Bombers were 60-12, making the playoffs in each of his six seasons. Four times, Midwest City was undefeated during the regular season.
Football coach Shannon Watford leaving Hennessey for Purcell
Hennessey coach Shannon Watford hugs running back Ivan Moreno after the Eagles won their second straight Class 2A state championship in December. Watford is leaving Hennessey to become Purcell's coach. PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN
Shannon Watford didn’t have a great day Wednesday, when he told his Hennessey players he was leaving to become Purcell’s football coach.
“It’s been the toughest decision of my career,” Watford said. “Not because I didn’t want to go to Purcell, but because of not wanting to leave Hennessey because of what we’ve been able to do here.
“I’ve had a lot of players hugging and crying in my office today.”
Watford, who led Hennessey to back-to-back Class 2A state championships in 2010 and 2011, will replace Mike Wilson, who retired after 12 seasons as the Dragons’ coach. Wilson was 98-43 during his time at Purcell.
While the decision was tough, Watford knows it was the right one. He is from Tuttle, still lives there and has made the 1 hour, 15-minute drive to Hennessey every day for the past five years.
“It was time to get close to home,” Watford said. “Purcell is a wonderful town in a great location. The program is one that has been successful and will continue to be successful.”
The job also will allow Watford to reunite with Don Schneberger, Purcell High School’s principal and an assistant coach at Tuttle when Watford played there.
Purcell has been to the playoffs the last 11 years, and is coming off a 9-2 season in 2011.
Video: Kelly Gregg talks about his NFL career, overcoming doubters
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.
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Justice Hansen wants to enjoy the ride of recruiting; Despite family history, Sooners aren’t favored
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.”
Jason Kerseyjkersey@opubco.com
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Edmond Santa Fe’s Justice Hansen picks up first offer
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.
Kooper Ruminer is the Super Bowl picks winner
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.
High school football players pick Super Bowl XLVI
Tom Brady, right, and Eli Manning will face off in the Super Bowl on Sunday night. AP PHOTO
It’s Super Bowl Sunday which, in my opinion, is the greatest day of the year.
Since I’ve got Super Bowl Fever, I decided to contact some Oklahoma high school football players and get their predictions for the big game.
I got several responses, so I’ll add new responses to this post as I get them up until gametime. Some gave reasons for their picks and others just gave scores.
As it stands, the Patriots lead the picks 16-12 among the high school players.
And for the record, I’m taking the Giants 27-17.
Blake Belcher, Guthrie: Patriots 34-31
Graham Bennett, Casady: Patriots 24-17
“I love the Giants … but once (Tom) Brady gets going there’s nothing you can do.”
Jared Benway, Edmond North: Patriots 28-21
“Tom Brady is too good.”
Joel Blumenthal, Deer Creek: Giants 28-17
“(The Giants) have a better D and I don’t really like Tom Brady too much.”
Austin Brooks, Oklahoma Christian School: Patriots 21-17
“Tom Brady will have a big game and the defense will step up. Also, being a Cowboys fan, I just can’t stand to see the Giants win.”
Kai Callins, Guthrie: Patriots 35-24
“Tom Brady has too many options.”
Landry Chappell, Guthrie: Giants 28-24
Casey Curtis, Putnam City: Giants 31-27
Joel Davis, Midwest City: Patriots 35-24
“The Giants haven’t really seen a big powered offense with tons of formations. That’ll keep them off balance. The only way the Giants will have a shot is if their front four can get consistent pressure to keep Brady moving.”
Luke Davis, Guthrie: Patriots 27-21
“Brady is too wise for the Giants D.”
Hunter Dinkines, Deer Creek: Patriots 38-27
“I think it’s gonna be a good game for New England. The game is in the hands of the Giants D line. But I think Victor Cruz and Welker/Gronkowski should be fun to watch.”
James Flanders, Midwest City: Giants 31-24
“(The Giants) have a great quarterback and a wonderful defense.”
Justice Hansen, Edmond Santa Fe: Giants 27-20
“If Hernandez and the Gronk are going out for passes, I think Justin Tuck and the boys up front will cause problems. And if they stay in, that will kill the Patriots’ offense. Hakeem Nicks and Ahmad Bradshaw will have a big game!”
Ry Huff, Edmond Memorial: Giants 27-24
Blake Jarwin, Tuttle: Giants 34-27
“I don’t think the Patriots O Line can handle the Giants for four quarters. And I think that Eli Manning plays just as well in this game as he does in any other game and will lead them to their second Super Bowl win against the Patriots!”
Jared McElhany, Blanchard: Giants 23-20
“It will be an exciting and close game. I just wanna see Eli (Manning) pass his brother with Super Bowl rings! I’m a Steelers fan.”
Tyler Melton, Anadarko: Giants 31-27
“The Giants got hot at the right time and are rolling. I think a big key will be that D line of theirs disrupting New England’s offense. … Also, my dad and their D-line coach, Robert Nunn, are good friends.”
Brandon Nguyen, Bishop McGuinness: Patriots 28-17
“Defense wins championships and New York just doesn’t have it.”
Marc Robinson, Millwood: Patriots 24-21
“Tom Brady is raw and unstoppable in the air.”
Kooper Ruminer, Deer Creek: Giants 21-17
“(The Giants’) D is getting better every game and I think it’s a little to much for Tom Brady to handle.”
Magnus Scott, Coyle: Patriots 27-24
“Sounds crazy, but I would like to see (Chad) Ocho Cinco get a ring even though he’s been quiet this year. … I feel the Giants have been on lucky status so far. (New England) took my Ravens so they better come with it.”
Tylor Seabolt, Jones: Patriots 31-17
“(The Patriots’) passing attack is nearly unstoppable with Gronkowski and (Wes) Welker. They also have a very underrated defense that always seems to come through for them in key situations.”
Quinn Shanbour, Heritage Hall: Patriots 30-17
“I’ve studied a lot of film over the last two years, and Tom Brady is bar none the best quarterback in the league. I figure New York will try to run it with (Ahmad) Bradshaw and (Brandon) Jacobs, but a good lead for New England will spoil that plan and make Eli (Manning) win it himself. I don’t think that’ll happen.”
Quintaz Struble, Heritage Hall: Patriots 35-28
“That boy Brady is a beast.”
Camden Tharp, Bishop McGuinness: Patriots 27-24
“The Giants have a great defense, but the NFL is a quarterbacks’ league and I take Brady any day of the week. Plus, he has redemption on his mind. Patriots all the way.”
Zac Veatch, Broken Arrow: Patriots 24-20
“The reason can be summed up in three words: Gronkowski and Hernandez!”
(It should be noted that Veatch plays tight end).
Jesse Vester, Stillwater: Giants 38-35
“New York’s defense will come through and force a turnover late to seal the victory.”
Josh Way, Wayne: Giants 24-20
Bethany’s Garrett McGrady commits to Arkansas State
Bethany's Garrett McGrady (82) has accepted an offer to grayshirt at Arkansas State.
The recruiting process got a little hectic at the end, but Bethany tight end/defensive end Garrett McGrady ultimately landed a Division I opportunity.
McGrady accepted an offer to join the Arkansas State football program as a grayshirt, he told The Oklahoman on Friday night. That means he will enroll as a full-time student at the school in January 2013.
Sidelined much of the 2011 season because of injury, McGrady caught three touchdown passes and had three quarterback sacks, despite playing in only four games.
He visited the Arkansas State campus in late January, but didn’t receive an offer as the coaching staff waited to see what transpired with some of their prospects on signing day. The grayshirt offer came and McGrady committed on Thursday morning.
The 6-foot-7, 220-pound McGrady is a three-sport star at Bethany, also excelling in basketball and as a thrower on the track team.
He was recruited to Arkansas State by defensive coordinator Keith Patterson, and is being projected as a defensive end when he gets on campus next year. However, first-year coach Gus Malzahn has told him he could end up in a variety of spots, either on the defensive line, at tight end or offensive tackle.
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK
Sheldon Wilson headlines impressive Northeastern Oklahoma A&M class
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.”
Jason Kersey
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Luther’s Justin Wilson signing with Emporia State
BY RYAN ABER
raber@opubco.com
Luther defensive lineman Justin Wilson, The Oklahoman’s Little All-City Defensive Player of the Year, will sign with Emporia State today.
Wilson (6-foot-1, 315 pounds) had 65 tackles and six sacks as a senior after moving back to the area from Georgia.
Here’s our Little All-City story on Wilson: Luther’s Justin Wilson is linemen king
