3A-4 All-District
Here’s the District 3A-4 All-District selections. Know of another district’s selections? E-mail them to raber@opubco.com.
Awards
Coach of the Year: Lloyd Wertman, Perkins
Co-Player of the Year: Lexus Jackson, Bethel
Co-Player of the Year: Shane Taff, Perkins
Offensive Player of the Year: Travis Battles, Perkins
Defensive Player of the Year: Kris Kelly, Prague
Co-Quarterback of the Year: Gage Auld, Prague
Co-Quarterback of the Year: Austin Hodge, Little Axe
Offensive Back of the Year: Justin Vermillion, Bethel
Co-Receiver of the Year: Sam Kinzie, Perkins
Co-Receiver of the Year: Charlie Lynn, Little Axe
Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year: Dale Burch, Star Spencer
Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year: Austin Maly, Prague
Co-Defensive Back of the Year: Justus Edwards, Perkins
Co-Defensive Back of the Year: Jay Woodberry, Bristow
Co-Inside Linebacker of the Year: Walter Lynn, Little Axe
Co-Inside Linebacker of the Year: James Russell, Prague
Co-Outside Linebacker of the Year: Bubba Grotheer, Perkins
Co-Outside Linebacker of the Year: Baruck Strickland, Prague
Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year: Cody Krug, Perkins
Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year: Gant Palmer, Prague
Co-Defensive End of the Year: Chance Bunch, Perkins
Co-Defensive End of the Year: George Chacon, Bristow
Specialty Player of the Year: Quincy Riedau, Star Spencer
Fastpitch softball state tournament pairings
Fastpitch softball state tournaments
At ASA Hall of Fame Stadium
Class 3A
Thursday
Field 3
Little Axe vs. Davis, 11 a.m.
Washington vs. Verdigris, 1 p.m.
Henryetta vs. Morris, 3 p.m.
Sequoyah-Tahlequah vs. Plainview, 5 p.m.
Friday
Field 4
Washington/Verdigris winner vs. Little Axe/Davis winner, 10 a.m.
Sequoyah-Tahlequah/Plainview winner vs. Henryetta/Morris winner, 4 p.m.
Saturday
Field 1
Championship game, 6:30 p.m.
Class 2A
Thursday
Field 2
Savanna vs. Cordell, 11 a.m.
Stroud vs. Hobart, 1 p.m.
Drumright vs. Oktaha, 3 p.m.
Colbert vs. Panama, 5 p.m.
Friday
Field 4
Savanna/Cordell winner vs. Drumright/Oktaha winner, noon
Stroud/Hobart winner vs. Colbert/Panama winner, 2 p.m.
Saturday
Field 1
Championship game, 1:30 p.m.
Class A
Field 1
Thursday
Roff vs. Davenport, 11 a.m.
Binger-Oney vs. Fletcher, 1 p.m.
Welch vs. Sterling, 3 p.m.
Cyril vs. Rattan, 5 p.m.
Friday
Roff/Davenport winner vs. Cyril/Rattan winner, 10 a.m.
Binger-Oney/Fletcher winner vs. Welch/Sterling winner, noon
Saturday
Championship game, 4 p.m.
Class B
Thursday
Field 4
Leedey vs. Sentinel, 11 a.m.
Sasakwa vs. Frontier, 1 p.m.
Hammon vs. Caney, 3 p.m.
Fort Cobb-Broxton vs. Red Oak, 5 p.m.
Friday
Field 1
Leedey/Sentinel winner vs. Fort Cobb-Broxton/Red Oak winner, 2 p.m.
Sasakwa/Frontier winner vs. Hammon/Caney winner, 4 p.m.
Saturday
Field 1
Championship game, 11 a.m.
Day 2: Stillwater, Deer Creek defenses rise to occasion
As big of an offensive nut as I am, it pains me (sort of) to admit that what stood out on Day 2 of the 15-team camp at Edmond North was the defense.
A couple in particular, Stillwater and Deer Creek, made goalline, last-second stands to preserve scrimmage victories. I guess if you wanna call them victories.
Stillwater vs. Edmond Santa Fe
Never had I anticipated a 20-minute scrimmage between two 1-9 teams more than what I did as the final scrimmage of the day. Santa Fe looked great against Bixby and Pioneers showed a lot against Midwest City.
This one was as good as I hoped. Midwest City and Edmond North was going on at the same time, but the intensity and battle was just a little bit better with the Wolves and Pioneers so that’s who I stuck with.
Big heart showed by Stillwater QB Jerame Littell. He took a nasty shot that led to an interception. On the next drive, aired it out to Jesse Vester for the touchdown.
Wolves bounced back. With big brother Reggie Smith watching, Trevan Smith showed his speed. Trevan is small, but he’s got a lot of wiggle to him and scored.
Littell led another touchdown drive to set the stage for the final minutes. Justice Hansen threw it in the end zone as time expired, and it was picked off. Big thing that Littell and coach Tucker Barnard stressed was the ability to finish.
When you’re 1-9, at least a few of those games are decided in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. You have to learn how to finish. That’s what the Pioneers are doing so far at Edmond North. Great physical battle.
Deer Creek vs. Bixby
The Antlers had already wrapped up the ‘scrimmage victory.’ Based on rules, Bixby shouldn’t have been allowed one more play. But Deer Creek coach Grant Gower told Bixby to go one more play. He wanted his kids to experience a fourth down-like atmosphere.
Deer Creek stopped the Spartans short of the end zone in a 7-0 victory.
Antlers defense was the star in this one. To go with the last-second stop, Deer Creek stopped Bixby on a fourth-and-one earlier in the scrimmage.
Deer Creek scored on its second play from scrimmage as QB Joel Blumenthal found RB Brennan Miyake cutting across the middle and Miyake did the rest.
Miyake said it was a big boost to be going against Edmond North and Midwest City earlier in the day. It made the Antlers ready for a team like Bixby.
Midwest City vs. Edmond North
Caught glimpses of this. After Christian Peterson picked off a MWC pass, it seemed like the Bombers settled down after that. A lot of stops for losses for Midwest City against Edmond North. Bombers also found the end zone a couple of times. Wish that hadn’t gone head-to-head with Stillwater and Santa Fe.
Norman North vs. Shawnee
Another one that I didn’t get to fully see. A lot of woofin’ in this one. Teams had to separated a couple of times. T’Wolves’ fans, who is No. 3? I’m enjoying watching him work, that’s for sure. I didn’t see either team score in the 10-12 minutes I was able to watch.
Bishop McGuinness vs. Altus
I tried to watch, but what I was really thinking was why was Altus in full pads? Every other team was wearing shorts, but the Bulldogs were padded up. It makes a big difference. The Irish were still able to win, but that was a strange sight to see.
- Got a chance to briefly talk with Little Axe coach Ted Dorrell. I told him I can’t keep track of all 15 teams. He told me ‘try learning your players’ names in an environment like this.’ Dorrell was an assistant at Jones last season.
- Interesting talking with Santa Fe defensive coordinator Kenny Young when Irish were playing. He admits he’s still cheering for McGuinness and always will be. Ten years doesn’t just disappear with a change in jobs.
- Windy as heck out there. Don’t know if videos with Littell and Miyake will be deemed salvageable. If not, just look for some isolated plays from the scrimmages.
- Format change for Friday. Teams will start at 8:30 instead of 8 a.m. Also, more scrimmages. 10-minute scrimmages will begin at 9:40 and go to about 11:30-11:45. Either way, I’ll be out there. My format changes, too. I try to talk with players Wednesday and Thursday. Friday, I’ll be asking coaches what they learned in the three days so probably won’t be any videos.
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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Little Axe vs. Heritage Hall Capsule…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Little Axe (5-5) at Heritage Hall (10-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Pop Murray Memorial Field, HH
Little Axe
Why the Indians can win: Because if there is a mentally tougher team in the state, I’d sure like to meet them. Tony Smith’s guys have battled through a lot more than just the stadium problems and manage to punch their playoff ticket again.
Quote:
One word to describe this team — perseverance. I don’t know how they did it. But we can’t be content to just get here.” – Smith
Heritage (W – Casady; W – Clinton; W – Davis; W – Centennial; W – Tulsa NOAH; W – Newcastle; W – John Marshall; W – SeeWorth; W – Bethany; W – Kingfisher)
Why the Chargers can win: Junior running back Barry J. Sanders is once again out, but this team has learned how to play without him. You don’t want to, but it has had to, and it’s done alright. The offensive line has been stellar.
Key matchup: Little Axe offense vs. Heritage defense. It’s going to be a task to stop the Heritage offense, but the real problem is trying to score on this group. You get behind early, you panic, and the defense is right in its comfort zone.
The pick: Heritage Hall 49, Little Axe 17. Big plays early by Cooper Cloud and Sterling Shepard early lead to a comfortable first-round victory.
Boneman’s Heritage prediction record: 10-0.
Little Axe: Stadium is COMPLETE…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Little Axe has never had homecoming this late into the season, but it also might be the best homecoming the team has experienced.
The Indians will play at their new stadium for the first time Friday against Prague.
“It’s definitely exciting for the kids,” coach Tony Smith said. “They’ve been through a lot this season.”
Little Axe has put itself right back in the playoff hunt, winning three consecutive games. Smith said the team has played better and that putting Robby Dryden in the quarterback spot of the Wildcat formation has led to success.
The Little Axe stadium was destroyed by the tornado that hit the Little Axe community in May. The Indians had played all their scheduled home games at Noble.
***
Should be a great scene Friday. We will have a photographer there, and then I’ll be following with coach Smith and his players about what it was like to finally be playing at home in a future article.
Best of the Rest honor: Little Axe softball team…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Little Axe softball won its first title Saturday night.
This could have gone to any number of the Little Axe girls on the softball team. I remember meeting with coach Mike Bread in August talking about his team. You could tell he was excited, but he didn’t want to seem too overconfident.
Well, turns out he was right. Led by an incredible group of seniors, the Indians won their first state softball championship Saturday night.
The Player of the Week honor could have gone to Bread, for sticking it out with Little Axe the last six years. To Lacey Williams for battling back from two torn ACLs. To Peyton Watson for setting the tone with HRs in the quarters and semis. To Amanda Edmundson for driving in three runs in the championship. To Andee Frazier for being a sophomore who didn’t crack under pressure.
So instead, it goes to the team and its 35-2 record.
Other contenders
Tanner Koons, Tuttle: Wow,what a Friday for Koons. Three passing TDs, three rushing scores, and all were needed in a double overtime win against Blanchard.
Haskell Browning, Luther: In a huge win against Lexington, Browning accounted for three touchdowns to give the Lions the upset victory.
Kentrell Brothers, Guthrie: His time to shine could be this week, but he added another three touchdowns in the rout of Noble.
Little Axe: Seven seniors make good, win championship…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Hope you stayed at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium for the Class 4A championship. It was a long day/night but well worth it for those little moments.
And the big ones, too.
All year kinda had a hunch that 4A was going to be won by Tuttle or Little Axe. I was very disappointed the teams had to play in the semifinals because I thought it would have made for a terrific championship.
As it was, it made for great semifinal battle, won by the Indians 3-2.
I asked coach Mike Bread after that game about the emotional toll that contest might take out of the team. He admitted he was a little worried, but he would just let his seven seniors do what they do.
Little Axe coach Mike Bread and his wife, Dina, have stuck it out with the Indians.
And what they did in 2010 was win games. The team finishes the season on a 22-game winning streak and 35-2. And more importantly, closed it out with the first state championship.
Couldn’t ask for a better script if you follow the Indians team. A star (Lacey Williams) who has torn both her ACLs. A coach (Mike Bread) who has had other offers in his six years but hasn’t left. And by his side, his wife, Dina, the entire time.
But down 3-0 to Cache, maybe the dream run was coming to a close. However, Amanda Edmundson hit a two-run homer and we were back in business.
Tied 3-3 heading into the seventh, both teams had the same three hitters up in their order – 9, 1, 2. Cache was able to get runners on first and third with Evie Mithlo up to bat.
Cache fans thought maybe Mithlo had gotten all of Andee Frazier’s pitch, but it fell harmlessly in Cheyanne Terry’s glove and to the bottom of the seventh we went.
Peyton Watson was walked for the third time in the game. Terry added a double and Lacey Williams was intentionally walked.
Bases loaded, one out, Edmundson up. 3-2 count…ball four, and the celebration was on.
Great weekend of softball, excited to see what 5A-6A has in store for us this week. I’ll be camped out at ASA all next weeek, too.
Little Axe: Indians movin’ forward…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
The No. 1 thing I gather from talking to anybody at Little Axe: the tornado that ripped through the community is not going to define them.
There’s a real fighter’s attitude with the group, and for the football team, that starts with coach Tony Smith.
Smith was in charge last year, leading the team to its best record and its first playoff berth.
This season will be a challenge, but Smith said the team has responded well.
“The first week of practice went real well. We’re trying to move on and get past everything that’s happened,” Smith said.
Little Axe will play at least its first couple of home games at Noble. The bleachers for the new stadium are supposed to come in next week, Smith said.
Noble and Little Axe have reached an agreement for the Indians to play all their home games at Noble, if necessary.
Robby Dryden and Dustin Hawkins get a lot of attention, but Smith said wide receiver Jacob Bookout has been impressive as has the offensive line.
Softball: Yukon looks like team to beat…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Tuesday is shaping up to be a pretty big day. On one hand, it’s the start of two-a-day football practices. But it’s pretty big elsewhere as the softball season gets officially underway.
Got ya covered with a softball guide in Tuesday’s paper, but here are some more thoughts I have going into this season:
- I don’t know how a team can beat Yukon this year. The loss of Dani Fox was killer last year, but the Millerettes return so many top stars.
Don’t believe me? You could easily argue that Amanda Madden, Kylie Lang, Madi Ellis and Caitlyn Halbert are four of the best players in the state. Madden and Lang are seniors and Madden was already good enough to make my first team All-City last year. Ellis and Mustang’s Kierra Miles might be the two best sophomores.
- Will this be a year of redemption for Purcell? Dragons were so close but got nipped in the championship. Still absolutely loaded with talent like Kayla Wyatt (my Little All-City Player of the Year), Bailey Goldsby, Logan Huey, etc. Nobody is going to be feeling sorry for coach Jamie Roberts anytime soon.
- Are Moore and Broken Arrow still the queens of the circle? I admit I don’t know much about BA but based on what they always do on a yearly basis, gotta think these two teams will be among the eight in October at ASA.
- Tuttle and Blanchard should be a great battle. Lions took out the Tigers in the championship last year. Leslie Miller and Liz Broyles (among others) return for Blanchard. Tuttle still has Caitlin Sill and if healthy, Nicole Workman is incredible. Amazingly, Miller and Sill are just juniors.
- Edmond North is so young, but I don’t think that’s going to matter. With girls like Kady Self and Jordan Dixon leading the charge, Huskies should be knocking on the door again.
- Caught up with Washington coach Bryan Howard at the coaches clinic. He is excited (rightfully so) about this year. Now that he’s in his second year, he’s a whole lot more comfortable. And if you had a pitcher like Lacey Paulk or a senior star like Jill Clemence, you’d want to get out there, too.
- Little Axe will intriguing to watch in all sports. How will the school respond after the devastating tornado in May? Indians got a couple of stars in senior Peyton Watson, a great leadoff hitter, and slugger Lacey Williams.
- And it will be good to see Chelsea Jones back pitching for El Reno. Family issues had her at Putnam City North last season, but she has returned to the Indians.
Got softball news and notes? Send ‘em this way.
Little Axe: Tony Smith back in, home games TBA…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
When will it stop for the Little Axe athletic program? The Indians have been through so much in the last couple of months and really have a heckuva lot more to still overcome.
The last time I checked in with Little Axe, the future was still up in the air and Jason Wheeler was excited about the future of the team.
Well, checked in with athletic director Paul Elkouri, and Wheeler is out and former coach Tony Smith is back in the saddle.
Wheeler has taken a job in DeSoto, Texas, and Elkouri said there are no hard/bitter feelings about it. Wheeler’s wife is from around that area, and it made all the sense in the world for him to accept the spot.
Can’t see it being too hard of an adjustment since Smith has been the leader of the resurgence of the program, but the Indians still have more issues to deal with.
The stadium.
Elkouri said at this point, it’s all about insurance money. Oy, everybody knows how that goes and you have no idea when that will get all settled.
He said, obviously, the bleachers, scoreboard and lights need to be replaced after all were destroyed in the tornado May 10.
The playing field is actually pretty good, but the bleachers will be an issue as Elkouri said it could take as long as two months for that project to be complete.
So where will the Indians play? It’s not set in stone yet, but Elkouri said he’s made good progress with Noble. He said Noble has been extremely cooperative and helpful during this time, but there are still a lot of details to iron out and things of that nature.
He hopes the team can be back home midway through the season, but he realizes the first part of the season is going to have to be at another site.
The fieldhouse took a huge hit, too, in the tornado. Right now, the coaches office and players locker room is back at the middle school gym. It’s not ideal by any means, but it’s the best they can do right now. ‘As soon as we can, we’re moving back in.’
Elkouri is in high spirits, and I think the way the LA administration has handled this has said a lot about the character of the community. In turn, that should help all the athletic teams as the kids have a great example to look up to with how to deal with the adversity.
The worst (we hope) is over, but it’s far from settled. Keep ya posted.
